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

Oetje · Jul 3, 2017

[fieldbox=A Uchiha Treasure hunt! - Part 1, burlywood]

Meilin Cho
Genin of Konoha Team 7,
Konohagakure, in the Uchiha Compound.

It was nice to walk to the particular compound where the lesson of Jin would take place. Walking next to the old man with his cane Jin had pulled up her hood. It had been some time since she and Jin had been here for a lesson. Today they would conclude it somewhat and Meilin wasn't sure how she felt about that. Somehow she felt slightly intimidated and then out of place within or near the Uchiha compound. While Meilin was aware that the Hon and Uchiha didn't align well together and she wasn't a Hon, it sometimes felt as if she couldn't better say she was a Cho. Then again, she had seen more often non-Uchiha make fun or call her clan or the culture group things that Meilin found offensive. It just made her more confident that it was better that not everything of their culture, beliefs and clan was being shared. With a soft sigh, Meilin continued to enter the compound with Jin.

"What do you see?"

The question was met with an almost instantly with a witty remark from Meilin, that she saw buildings and people. Uchiha, if she had to make a guess. But she would take it seriously. If it not for the fact the old man was helping her more than she liked, he was the old fart that made anybody in the Cho Guard literally faint of disbelief, judging by how he was praised.
"A centre of one of the most influential and powerful clans in the realm, I guess."
"Almost, try again," Jin said, not hiding his amusement.
Meilin felt the need to tell him to try it again but she would do as he asked of her.
"I see, a compound of the Uchiha clan?"

It remained silent between the two Cho as they kept walking. Even with the dark grey blanket, giving the ominous threat of a possible rain pour, there were still plenty of people out on the streets. Either working or heading somewhere. Or even meeting up with neighbours. From what Meilin could eye, not a particularly bad place to be or live in. If you are not a Chonobi, she thought to herself.
"Correct. A place where people live. Families flourish and a certain people have their own traditions, norms and values. They might differ from our own but they are still citizens and subjects of the Empire. Now," Jin raised his left hand and wiggled his index finger at Meilin.
"Now, you might wonder why I am taking you here, again. And let me tell you that I met an old friend of mine yesterday and he showed me the place for the best dangoes in this part of town. I am serious, it is worth double this walk we are taking, mmmm!"

Meilin couldn't help but shoot an amused look at the old man.
"I assume you're treating then, right?"
"Yes and no. In order to get your share, you need to get me something. I gave my friend this small brown wooden box. It has the word of 'Peace' engraved on it. You will need to find it."
Frowning at the answer of Jin, Meilin slightly raised her hands as she released an annoyed sigh.
"You're impossible, old man. Do you expect me to find a box in a compound? Why not make it a senbon and let me go through the entire inner section of the city?"
"I might do that next time. Now, chop chop. Else I might decide to eat the dangoes that you could be eating soon."

This was just impossible. Meilin walked around the streets. She felt the need to be wary for any interaction but it was getting rather difficult. Nobody treating her really bad.
"Really odd. I thought that the Uchiha were major dicks to outsiders like I heard that was one of the reasons the Kusanagi was in a clinch with them. Guess that it is true you're mind goes bad when you drink too much crap and try to live off other's land."
With that thought, Meilin decided to pull her hood down. She did notice that a lot of people had black hair, which was fine. Less chance that she would be recognised as an outsider. Luckily she wasn't also wearing her Cho guard atire, so perhaps that also helped. Pondering for a moment about it, Meilin quickly forced herself to think back to the objective.
Walking past a corner Meilin could notice the main hall. The building that she had entered to have that meeting with Lord Uchiha. One that gave her the creeps as she rather kept herself away from the Lord of the Uchiha. Wondering about something Meilin would walk towards a nearby establishment. It was a barbershop.

Entering the barbershop she was almost overwhelmed by a man that seemed super glad that she had entered his establishment. Yet Meilin could already notice various people that were being treated by a few barbers.
"Welcome, welcome! How can I help you?" The man inquired in a friendly fashion, gesturing Meilin to enter further.
"Hi," she started, a bit cautious, "I am just new around here. Was wondering if I could get the dead ends of my hair cut," Meilin asked as she pointed at her hair.
The man eyed her hair for a moment and then ushered her to a seat. He started talking about how he could give her a new and refreshing haircut. Barely had Meilin given much consent on what she wanted and the man already began treating her hair with shampoo. Wanting to object and refuse Meilin couldn't say no to the soothing sensation.

"Where are you from, Miss?" The man asked as he would continue treating her hair.
The question was rather innocent and Meilin guessed that it wouldn't hurt to answer it honestly.
"I am from the Cho compound. But I came to visit a friend of mine and do some sightseeing in this part of town."
"Oh, that is interesting. A Cho as a customer! Know what? Next time, I will give you some discount, how is that?"
The response surprised - no, amazed her. She hadn't expected the man to boot her out or treat as some uncivilised person in all of a sudden but the promise of a discount was pretty surprising.
"Thanks, Mister... euhm?"
"Akebono. Mister Uchiha is my old man, hahaha."
Flashing a smile Meilin would close her eyes.
"Will do, mister Akebono."

Walking out of the barbershop Meilin wondered how much time had passed. If anything, she had to say that her hair looked better than ever. And she had learned some things about the Uchiha clan. About their initiation, on how once every the children of the Uchiha had a chance to be able to prove themselves no longer to be children in combat and thus able to fend for themselves. Meilin hadn't asked much about it but it seemed like a solid place where Jin had placed the objective.
She did consider what she had learned. There was some doubt that every Uchiha child was trained to fight. That was a terrifying thought if every kid she saw right now was already being instructed how to break somebody's arm or how to throw a punch. Probably it was just for those who were interested or chosen to pick up a military career. Pushing the thought aside Meilin walked around, trying to search what could be the spot for where the Uchiha clan could hold the initiation of theirs.

Deciding eventually to just inquire some directions Meilin would be direct towards the building where the initiations were being held. Obviously, from the information, there wouldn't be much going on. The initiations were held on the 3rd of August if she remembered correctly what had been told.
Yet she would approach the site. Spotting a large shinto gate Meilin came to a brief halt. The gate was both impressive and daunting, in its own way. Meilin wasn't sure how to explain it but it really made her pause and just take it in before she continued.
Walking into what was a large courtyard Meilin threw looks around. She had expected to spot the brown box right away but instead, she saw places where charms were hanging. Curious she approached a spot and inspected it. Lucky charms perhaps? She wasn't entirely sure. Spotting an old man she wanted to approach him and inquire about it all. Seeing how he was kneeling and almost with a ceremonial approach attended to a charm, Meilin opted to leave him alone.
Scratching her neck for a moment Meilin glanced around, again. Then she saw it!

Walking at a fast pace, as running would be something she considered out of place, Meilin would kneel down next to the brown box. Ignoring the nearby lucky charms, she opened the box and saw a small medallion in it. It was made of silver with an engraving of two ravens with a certain symbol. Eyeing the medallion Meilin decided to stuff it away. She would question Jin later about it, she decided. Closing the brown box she would pick it up and put it underneath her right arm. Throwing a look at the 'u' shaped building, she wondered how many Uchiha had been excited and or anxious to attempt their initiation. Turning around Meilin realised it was now just a matter of finding Jin.

In a compound, she wasn't familiar with. With as the only clue that he was gone to eat the best dangoes in the compound. Sighing as she realised that it was quite a vague she decided to just get going.
[/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Jul 4, 2017

[fieldbox=A Noticeable Shift? , teal]
Royal Palace,
Konohagakure, Empire of Akino.

A collab between Alice and Gerontis.

Summary:
Kiyomi and Zakito have a meeting as the latter explains that he has a meeting to attend in the capital of the Hon clan lands, Magnhild. Explaining that he is going to make decisions that will cause a shift, the two voice some concern regarding various matters that might decide the future of the empire.

[spoili]
"And I am not invited?" Kiyomi's voice rang with some amusement as she knew better. Taking a sip of her tea, the young ruler would take a second before continuing. "Shame. I would love to be both on the road as paying a visit to Magnhild. Will Kuni stay here or?"

"I am sorry, but you're needed to stay here. I won't be too long gone. If anything, my way of travelling will cost anything but a few moments." Zakito answered. "Once the meeting and arrangements have been dealt with then I will make haste to return. Without the governor of the Fire province or Meisa, I rather not stay too long away from the capital. Even though, you will be just managing fine." The question regarding Kuni made Zakito think. "I was considering to make her be brought towards Ecla. There she can remain safe and with some assigned ANBU, she won't be a threat to anybody. I suspect that people will think that if she isn't here that she will be brought towards Magnhild. Then again, I am not certain how many are known who her biological father is, so I decided to step from that idea." He explained, "I think it is better to keep her in Konohagakure for some time. With the presence of the Sworn Swords and Ghost ANBU, there is little that can reach her. The seal that Meisa placed on top of the existing on will mean that only somebody of Meisa's calibre with sealing ninjutsu can actually pose a threat to release the Four Tails."

She nodded. Content that Zakito wouldn't stay too long away and yet also grateful that he trusted her to keep things running smoothly. The statement that Zakito wasn't sure if many people were aware of who Kuni's father was made Kiyomi shrug lightly. She had her own idea on how Kuni was handling it. And how her father was. Besides, wasn't really her issue to attend, she thought to herself. "Keep her here? I am not going to babysit or help her though," Kiyomi frowned as she slightly leant back, holding the cup with tea with both hands. "Besides, from what I can gather she and the Four Tails aren't really getting along together."

He simply nodded slowly. "That is all good to know. But I wouldn't implore you to train her. That is up to you," Zakito said, "As for her bond, that matters little to me. It is of paramount importance right now that we hold the Yonbi in a place or person that we can exert influence on." He didn't wish such a fate on Kuni but it was too late to do anything to help her with it. The choice had been made and she was too long a vessel for the Yonbi to have the beast removed without killing her in the process. But the fact that he found Kuni a good person didn't take away that he had a duty to uphold. A duty that was bigger than Kuni. "Anyways, unless you have any questions, I need to get going," Zakito told her as he would get up.

"When do you expect Hisoka and Meisa back?" Kiyomi asked, without letting a second pass after Zakito bringing up if she had questions for him. Her eyebrows slightly perked up on her brow. "It is only for such long that we can manage to tell everybody that Hisoka is on a diplomatic errand for the empire. If it becomes aware that he is missing, we will be dealing with a problem. Let alone when it is clear that he has potentially murdered somebody." Kiyomi's eyes slightly narrowed. "I know you don't want to but if he stays too long off the radar, I will issue a Ghost ANBU cell after them."

Zakito remained silent. He knew that Kiyomi was both right and in her right to issue a Ghost ANBU cell. If anything, he wanted to say that he would gladly lead a squad of anything to bring back his two youth friends. To make certain that they were fine and wouldn't bring both problems on themselves or to the nation. But he remained silent for a moment. "I will be soon back."

Kiyomi nodded as she would take a sip of her tea. Watching Zakito taking his leave out of the room, Kiyomi considered something. Hisoka and Meisa were both lethal shinobi. Not many could match one of them in a fight without being outmatched somehow, let alone when they were together. But they had to come back, not being forced or killed off. Biting her lower lip she felt some frustration boiling up as she realised that right now she had to wait. Which sucked. Whoever had made the saying that waiting made the reward sweeter clearly hadn't been tasked with running an empire.
[/spoili]

A day or two later.
Magnhild - Hon clan lands, Empire of Akino.

A collab between Zane and Gerontis.

Summary:
After his short meeting with Kiyomi, Zakito travelled towards Magnhild for a meeting with Leo Tokugawa. There the two clan leaders would hold a meeting with the prominent members of the Hon nobility for a few decisions that had been spoken and decided among the Hon nobility.

[spoili]

The city was bustling with activity. Not just like any other city or as it usually did but those living within the stout and tall walls of Magnhild were aware that this was a special day. Not much was given but the arrival of their jarl and the lord of the Hon clan wasn't a common practice. The clan was usually ruled from Konohagakure, the Hon compound. Much easier to have the Hon be heard, being much closer to the royal palace and her empress than they could be heard from Magnhild. Then the arrival of various retinue, led by their respective jarls from the various Hon houses caused only more surprise. More guards were patrolling the street as the civilians attempted to make the front of their homes, and even together, the streets clean and tidier than normal. A certain tension and anxiety was in the air.

The inner circle, in which the the stronghold of Magnhild was located and where the majority of the nobility of the Magnhild House resided, was also in a certain uproar. The main hall was being prepared for what almost seemed as a ceremony as the meeting hall. Some didn't seem knowledgeable on what was going on but those who knew, were people who made certain that there wouldn't be any room for mistakes this day. Then a messenger came from the outer wall, bringing word that a retinue of the Tokugawa clan had arrived. As if expected, a large group of heavily armoured and armed Hons of the Wolf Guard were dispatched. Clad in the best armour that the Hon clan could provide and being gifted with the best weaponry, nobody in the city dared to halt or stand in their way. The Tokugawa envoy would be greeted by the dispatched Wolf guard and more as a ceremonial guard escort the envoy through the streets into the inner circle of the fortress city where Kenta Hon would await in the spacious courtyard. There were more members of various noble Hon lineages present but it would be Kenta who would welcome the Tokugawa personally and first.

"Ah, our honoured guests! Lord Tokugawa!" Kenta spread his arms as a smile crossed his lips. A certain glint was evident in the old man's eyes but there was no sight of malice or sarcasm present. "Welcome to Magnhild. I assume it has been a long journey but you're expected. The jarls and the clan leader are quite eager to start the meeting. If you would honour me, then please," clapping his hands, a few of the servants would rush forward to take care of the mounts of the Tokugawa envoy. The dispatched Wolf guard group would still follow the Tokugawa. And while they remained silent and showing a clear, stern discipline, some curious glances were thrown from the Wolf guard to the present Agnarr guards of the Tokugawa. Leo Tokugawa would be guided through the halls as Kenta spoke of some of its history on the way. His voice was full of pride while he guided the clan leader to the hall where the meeting would be held.

Once arriving at the door, Kenta would offer a small bow to Leo Tokugawa as the Wolf Guard in front of the closed door would open it for Leo. The room in which the meeting was held was quite spacious. Various paintings and tapestries, on which historical events were displayed, were used to decorate the large hall. A large 'U' shaped table was present in the middle of the room as various Wolf Guard were present, holding strategic placed positions near the wall and behind the chair on which Zakito Hon sat. Various other spots were taken by the jarls of the Hon Houses, who seemed either calm or curious for the meeting. The moment Leo would step into the room, Zakito would rise up and incline his head towards Leo.

"Lord Tokugawa, I am glad you could come. Please take a seat. I am aware that the travel from Vindex to Magnhild can be quite tiring, so I hope you can forgive that we would like to begin the meeting now. If there is anything as for refreshments, you just have to ask and it will be brought." The man stated as he gestured for the man to take a seat. "Allow me to introduce you to the present jarls of my clan." Proceeding to introduce the leaders of the Hon Houses, who would rise up when being mentioned, each of them would offer a small sign of respect by either a salute or inclining their head towards Leo.

It was quite the different take seeing this city once again, last time he was here was when he came to its defense. Now you wouldn't be able to tell that such a place was once beset by Shoji's men, the Hon were truly people to respect for their ability to survive. While his Agnarr guards wouldn't say it, he could tell they were rather happy to be able to see some of their homeland once again. Then again the city acted different on a whole as if today was a special day to them, was it the meeting that was being held? Yet before long his envoy would be meet with the Wolf Guard and lead further in to the city where a smile would adorn Leo's face at seeing Kenta Hon greeting them.

Getting off the horse Leo would give the man a respectful bow. "Ahh I thank you for your greeting! Yet of course the meeting can start right away. After all your clan did the same when arriving at Vindex. It's only fair I showed the same respect." Leo spoke to the old man as he would follow him and the Wolf Guard inside, while the horses were well taken care of. Despite bringing some of his guard with him one could tell that they honestly thought no danger would come to Leo in such a place. Being more at ease but still leaving enough time to react to anything that might be a threat. Along the way Leo listened to everything Kenta would say about the history, not daring to stop him when he seemed so happy to speak of it. Before entering the room, Leo would motion for one of his guards to step forward, as he did he pulled out two purple bottles where a red liquid was splashing around inside. "A gift for you, as I saw at Vindex how much you seemed to like the drink." he stated as the male guard held the drinks out for Kenta who had a sign of respect in his eyes for the older man.

Arriving at the room as the Wolf Guard opened it he saw firstly a room more so made for large meetings as the table accommodated more people. Which already sat quite the few people. Lord Hon would greet him and ask for him to take a seat, apologizing before hand about the long travel yet would like to get the meeting started. Leo gave the man a polite bow as he would indeed take a seat as Zakito would introduce his jarls, where Leo would give each of them a respectful incline of his own head. "I thank you for allowing me in your city Lord Hon, and for allowing me to bring some of my guard. It's been a while since they have seen their homeland. I thought they would like the opportunity too."

The gift of Leo towards Kenta was met with surprise. The old man seemed genuinely impressed and taken in by the gift. Accepting it, the man's smile grew as he would mumble a soft thanks. When Leo disappeared into the room where the meeting would be held, the old man would walk away to his own room, chuckling as he threw a look at the bottles. Once Leo had taken a seat and spoken, Zakito nodded. "Of course, Lord Tokugawa. I am glad that the Agnarr in your service are still glad to see their homeland. Think I can speak for most when I say that it is good to see that the Agnarr haven't changed much under your service. Something that does only strengthen the fact you and your clan have proven to be a tolerant and respectful ally. Something that will impact today's meeting, I am sure."

A pauze followed Zakito's words as he would shot a look towards the jarl of Ecla. The old man held his arms crossed out front of his chest and his gaze settled on Leo. "I am not sure if you have heard it from other sources but due to recent increase in population, some tensions have rising within the clan. Nothing major at the moment but if left unchecked, it could be problematic if left unchecked. In the days of old, many of our young folk would band together and venture out. Either on a peaceful expedition and adventure or the more infamous raiding parties that some might remember." A very soft and amused scoff would come from the youngest jarl, who smiled a bit. "However, the age of strife between clans is over and we abide by the rules and laws of her grace and the empire. Yet it doesn't solve that we have large groups of people that are starting to overpopulate various areas in our lands. While I am somewhat trusting in the capability of my jarls to reign and decide, I have been wanting to talk with you about the possibility to allow groups of Hon to settle on your land. They will abide by your regional laws and rule but I doubt I will need to worry, considering how well you and those before have treated the Agnarr."

A look of surprise grew on Leo's face as they got right to the heart of the problem. They were facing over population which happens from time to time, which left a lot of restless young ones. Something hes learned first hand at some of his younger Agnarr guard, in fact hearing it made him chuckle a bit as he knew how much damages he had to get fixed when the Agnarr got too restless. Yet what surprised him was Lord Hon asking him to have some groups of Hon to settle on his land. Yet it didn't take him long to consider this request. "Of course some groups of Hon can settle on my land, does it matter where this place is settled? A good portion west of my land is open for them, to choose. They will find more rivers in the northern part but you would be more close to the Uchiha borders then."

Some of the jarls seemed surprised with the quick reply of Leo. A woman present at the table frowned but after gazing for a moment at Leo, she seemed content about something. "I am glad to hear your answer, Lord Tokugawa. I will organise the migration and allow them to choose a representative to coordinate with you where they will settle. With this development, it will lead to more cooperation between our clans and people. Which brings the problem of communication. I am aware that you're a literate man. One that studies and has researched various culture and clans. Which isn't a surprise due to the central location of the Tokugawa lands. As such, I would like to offer a certain... reward, for the fact of allowing a part of my people to settle in your lands." Leaning forward, Zakito placed his hands on the table, folding them together. "I have already discussed this with my advisers and jarls. And while there is still some doubt and fear if this will be wise, it is clear that you have nothing but respect for the Hon clan. As such, I would like to bestow the title of Gestir upon you. Let it be known that from this day that you're one of my honoured guests. Welcome in both times of trouble as prosperity. Furthermore, I would like to allow one of your kin or family to spend some time here in Magnhild to be taught Chonobi. I must admit that none of us here present are entirely comfortable with sharing the language we try to keep for ourselves. With some clans and people having mocked and shown clear disdain, coupled with experiences from the Warring Clans era, it has become a stuck habit of not sharing some of the essence that shape and form our culture with... outsiders. Then again, from today, I would like to welcome you and your family as gestir. What say you?"

He seemed to have taken them by surprise for a split second with his answer, yet for him it was an easy one. he had no grudge against the Hons, and if he could aid them and remain on their good side. Then unless it was absurd he would most likely accept such a request. It would once again be him being surprised though as he would be given a reward for allowing this to happen. It was apparently such a reward that he had to discuss it with the other Jarls and advisers. So when he was given the title of Gestir he was quite shocked that not just him but multiple people in the Chonobi culture agreed upon this. Even going as far as to allow one of his kin or family to learn the language of Chonobi. He would state why they usually kept to themselves and he understood this as he saw first hand the disrespect some showed their culture. "You show me great honor in bestowing Gestir on me, and I will accept it with honor Lord Hon. Yet I can understand your choice to keep your language a secret from outsiders as I have seen first hand how many of you have been treated. Yet I promise you I will not be like those people. The Agnarr Hons that reside currently in my land are very much still Hons through and through. I allow them to speak Chonobi around me and encourage it. I won't stop what is normal for them so it's easier for me. Yet if you would have my family and myself as your gestir and allow one of my family to learn your language, then all I can say is thank you for willing to trust my clan Lord Hon. I would also extend my hand out to you, should you ever need my assistance, you but need ask and I will see to it."

The oldest jarl grumbled something softly, frowning after hearing the words of Leo. It wasn't really audible for many but it resulted that the woman to his right would shoot the old jarl a sideways frown. Zakito nodded slowly as he would reply to Leo Tokugawa. "I am glad with your offered assistance, Lord Tokugawa. I will, of course, need to make certain that the teacher for the assigned person to be taught Chonobi will be capable to tutor our language with the best quality possible. Furthermore, I think that jarl Ihor of Ecla has something to say," Zakito would lean slightly backwards as the old man of before rose up from his seat. He had a stern expression plastered on his features, not showing if he either approved or disapproved of Leo's presence.

"My name is Ihor Hon of Ecla, son of Leif, would like to extend a gesture of friendship and good will. One of my grand daughters has come of age and I haven't considered many to be eligible suitors. If it would honour you, I would very much like to plan further meetings to see if we can arrange a joining between our people through the bonds of a marriage with one of your kin."

"Well when you have it thought out, send me a letter and we can go from there." he would state before his interest was piqued when he mentioned Ihor Hon had something to discuss with him as well. A marriage? Well it was one shocker after another today. Leo would give the man a smile. "I thank you for your gesture, I would to like to hold another meeting with you to discuss such a thing. Although I only have a younger brother of age, and a few cousins. Yet we can talk about that later some other time, say at Vindex so you can meet them yourself?"

Ihor weighted his options before just nodding, signalling that he found the term reasonable, before taking a seat. Zakito took a second before he would speak up again. "Unless anybody else has something to bring up, I like to think that we are done with the points we have wanted to bring up." Waiting for another second, none of the jarls would speak up. Concluding that the jarls had nothing left to bring up or say, Zakito would turn his attention back at Leo, waiting to see if the lord of the Tokugawa clan had anything else he would like to bring up. With the silence reigning for a few more seconds, Zakito would rise up from his seat. It was clear that the meeting had brought him in a great mood, thanks to the results achieved. "Very well! Lord Tokugawa will allowed to rest as we will hold a feast this evening to celebrate the agreements that were made today!"

[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

timv999 · Jul 5, 2017

[fieldbox=Don't Beat Yourself Up! , red]
One of the Barracks,
Amegakure - Capital of the Rain Province,
Empire of Akino.
A collab between Lesli and Tim.
Summary:
With the hassle of the last strike against the zealots and insurgents, Neji gets a visit from Aiko. The two talk about what is troubling Neji ever since he had left the Academy, the loss of his brother and what he considers his mistakes ever since they entered Amegakure. Aiko tells him her thoughts and opinion.
[spoili]
A light patting would be the attempt of Aiko to wake up Neji. The woman was slightly leaning forward as she frowned. "Time to wake up, Neji." The jounin instructed on a soft tone as she would straightening her back. Still having her raincoat on her, it would be clear that she had just arrived back. "I was informed at the hospital that you wanted to talk with me? Sorry that it took a bit longer. I had some errand to arrange for the next operation," she explained before unzipping the raincoat and putting it over a nearby chair. Taking a seat on the chair, she would have to lean a bit forward in order to avoid having her back being soaked.

Neji was sound asleep, so he was a little confused when he felt some light patting. He heard the voice of a woman who he assumed to be Aiko sense telling him to wake up. Neji opened his eyes and raised up from the bed. He groggily wiped the sleep away from his eyes as he sit on the edge of the bed both feet on the ground. His eyes still a little bit red from his crying, " Oh hello Aiko sensei" Neji looked to the ground as he rubbed his eyes again trying to clear any sign of the tears he shed earlier. He looked back up at her as he tried to figure out how he should say this. " Oh its not problem at all, thank you for coming I know you're busy especially after a mission like that.". Neji rubbed the back of his neck as he looked away again. The mission running through his mind as he thought about every mistake he made and what he could have done differently. " Well anyway um I wanted to apologize to you. Since we have gotten to the hidden rain I have been nothing but a burden to you and the rest of the squad and for that I am truly sorry."

There was a brief shift at Aiko's facial expression, going from calm to surprised. It lasted for a second. Running a hand through her hair, she would remain silent to listen to Neji's apology, considering what she would say in return. "I accept your apology. Though, I disagree you're a burden. Sure," flashing a small smile she continued, "You could have been a bit more careful or not disregard orders because you followed your morals, but you're a genin. Which is," she quickly added with a stern tone, "Not a bad thing or something that makes you less capable. It means that you're still trying to learn. Believe me, you have no clue how bad I am longing to be a genin," the jounin would release a soft laugh.
"Anyways, this entire mission has been a drag for everybody. I usually don't see anybody die or become really wounded under my leadership and care. Yet, we already lost a person for sure. Then there are two mission. We can't count Koike and Katsu going away. I already knew that they were on borrowed time to assist us. And luckily Koike passed on the information that they had on the enemy before leaving. Besides," Aiko tilted her head slightly to the left. "You did manage to hold of some of those thugs during the few clashes. I wasn't able to aid you at several moments but you made it out alive. And so did Tomiko and Kazumo. Don't sell yourself out too short, Neji."

Neji listened to what Aiko Sensei had to say. What she said made sense, but still Neji couldn't shake the feeling that he had still caused way more problems than he solved. Thank you Aiko Sensei. I really appreciate it." Neji was a bit shocked when he heard Aiko sensei mention that she wished to be a genin again. It was odd, usually everyone only talked about moving up the ranks to Chunin and then to Jonin. No one ever said they wished to go back, but thinking about it, it made some sense. Neji couldn't imagine the pressure and stress that Aiko was under. She had to make sure that everyone stayed safe and that they completed the mission. All Neji had to do was listen to orders which he so far had messed up on pretty bad. Hopefully he could turn that back around though. " Is Kazumo okay?'

The last question made Aiko ponder for a quick second. "He will be up and ready soon. Just likely a bit bitter about how things went. If I were you, don't try to beat yourself up on it all. You tried to help and it didn't work. Next time, try to be a bit more cautious. In combat, all kind of things are happening and it won't be the last time that you might hurt a team member. Most people make that mistake. Just learn from it and it will eventually be fine." Aiko answered. "Now, why are your eyes red? Allergy?" The jounin asked, frowning slightly.

Neji took a sigh of relief that Kazumo seemed to be okay. He was trying to help him and he messed up. Neji shouldn't had rushed in like that and tried to be the hero. He should have come up with a plan of attack with Tomiko before recklessly taking off like that. Luckily though Kazumo will recover just fine from it. Neji smirked a little as he heard Aiko give him a small lecture on mistakes, it reminded him of Nadaki. " You know my brother used to say something like that to me all the time when I was a little kid." More fond memories of his brother came coming into his memory, he just wished that his brother would be home when he got back from this mission so he could tell him everything about it. The brother always talked about their days at the academies or missions they went on when thet got home. Though When Nadaki made Anbu to became harder for him to talk about his missions. Neji's eyes widened as he looked back towards Aiko, he slightly chuckled as she had noticed his eyes. He should have figured that she would notice them. " Um well its um nothing really." Neji tried to put on a smile. This was nothing for Aiko sensei to worry about, she had enough on her plate.

"If you want to talk about it, I am all ears. It isn't just my job, you know," Aiko replied as she would lean a bit forward, placing her left elbow on her knee. Supporting her head with her left hand, she would flash another smile. "I have heard quite a lot of stories and most of the time it is good to get what might trouble you off your chest. Unless," she feigned a stern look, "It was because you were beating yourself up too bad. Then I really need you to ask to stop it. I rather have you and the others in a good shape for what will come next."

Neji was a little shocked, he hadn't expected her to be so understanding. " It's funny, I have been so busy with missions and such things that I haven't gotten to think about my brother. I realized this today when I was walking back from the hospital. My brother Nadaki Uchiha was in the Anbu black ops. He died during a mission a few months ago, and well he meant a lot to me. He was someone I could always count on and go too when things got bad or really for anything." He started to tear up a little as he did his best to hold them back. " And so today I was just thinking about everything. Things I have done wrong since coming out of the academy and the pressure I have of being apart of the upper branch of my clan and well I dont know I realized that I don't have Nadaki to talk to about these things anymore. He had all of these pressures before I did and he was always there to help me. Now he's gone and I just don't know. Nadaki was the strongest person I know if he couldn't make it, then how can I?" Some more tears rolled down Neji's face as he thought about his brother, and thought about his own future as a shinobi. " I'm sorry you don't have to listen to this. You have so much more to worry about than I do. I'm sorry to say all of this to you sensei."

Listening Aiko remained silent. A calm expression remained plastered on her face as Neji kept talking, explaining what was troubling him. She considered it a good step that he was willing to say what was on his chest to her. Even though she wasn't sure if she could make the burden light of a loss. She had her own burdens due to various losses she had suffered, so she could relate. But fix or help it? That was something she couldn't do for Neji. Briefly wondering in what the Uchiha believed, she doubted that he had the same belief as she had. And talking about her belief wouldn't really help a lot. Probably would just make it seem as she considered that her belief was the way to go. "Okay," Aiko released a mentally a sigh. "I have to say that I can't replace somebody like that. Nor should I desire something like that. But I will be honest. You're Neji Uchiha. Your brother, Nadaki Uchiha, was a Black Ops ANBU. They are not the most meekest or unskilled people around, that is certainly true. But I have seen a group of genin taking down a S-ranked missing nin that would grind many ANBU ops to pulp given the chance. Don't just compare yourself to somebody. You are you. It is both bad and good."
Letting that sink in for a moment Aiko continued. "If you allow yourself to be weighted down by the fact that you can't live up to the high and somewhat unfair standards to somebody who was trained and working in the ANBU, then I suggest you consider carefully if you want to be a shinobi or not. The thing is that your achievements, flaws, talents and abilities are yours. Man, I don't want to start to compare myself to my mother," Aiko flashed a smile to clarrify how silly it could be to compare oneself to another, "She was the most kind, restrained and wisest person that you can imagine. I wonder often what she would do when my children do something I told them not to. The thing is, she is dead. And comparing myself with her won't get me any further. Won't allow me to combat my flaws and problems. You," nodding towards Neji, Aiko would continue.
"Should not compare yourself to your brother. I don't know him, so it might be a bit easy to talk about him in such a way but think about it. You're what? A genin and around fourteen years old. Already comparing yourself to an ANBU is pretty insanely harsh, Neji. If I had to do the same, imagine how stressful my life would be as a kunoichi! I would have to compare myself as a jounin to the likes of... what? Five or eight kages? That is just bollocks!"

Neji silently listened to Aiko sensei talk, she made a lot of good points that Neji hadn't much considered. He looked down as he thought on what she said. Nadaki was Nadaki and Neji was Neji. They were brothers but not the same person. " I know that you're right sensei. I shouldn't compare myself to anyone. It's just I want to make him and the rest of my family and clan and everyone in the empire proud. I want to be someone who can be counted on and so far I haven't been. We Uchiha look to our ancestors a lot. Bringing shame on them and the clan is not something that goes over very well in out clan. I feel as if since i have left the academy that is all I have done. I graduated number one in my class and since then I feel that I have just been left behind by everyone. So trying to compare my self to my brother I thought that maybe it would push me to do and be better, but maybe it has had the opposite affect"

Aiko released a soft chuckle. "Our clans, traditions and manners differ on a lot of fields. But much like the Uchiha, my people look up to our ancestors a lot. The truth is," Aiko's voice became softer as her eyes half closed, "They are already dead." Letting a small pause follow, she would shrug lightly. "Might be disrespectful. Might not be feeling right. But it is easy for the death to judge the living, I think. You're doing your best. No need to question or wonder that. What more could be demanded from you? If anything, it is up to me to try to educate you to make certain that you learn from mistakes and either won't repeat them or help others to avoid them. Making people proud is perhaps something that is something else different, but it is what I said before. Neji Uchiha is Neji Uchiha. You got to do what you got to do. It is pretty much how you thought that it was good to save that particular woman. Back then you weren't aware of her intentions, affiliations or nature. And the order was to ignore everything on your path but to group up as quick as possible. Does that mean that you were completely in the wrong?"
"No."
She let five seconds pass before she would continue. "First, the world isn't black and white. Would have made things much less complicated, I wager. But so is the same as making your parents, comrades and the entire empire proud. You just got to do what you can do. At the end, when you can state you did your best, what more can be asked of you? I am not entirely certain how your clan ancestors are but I am willing to bet that if mine will ask for more that I am going to punch them right in their guts."

Neji chuckled and smiled for the first time during this conversation. Hearing Aiko sensei say she would punch her ancestors in the guts would be a funny sight to see indeed, and knowing her she would definitely do it. Her words did seem to calm him down a bit as he wiped away the last tear that rolled down his cheek. He had a lot to think about, but what she said to him made a lot of sense. He was a bit shocked when she said he wasn't completely in the wrong for helping that woman, even though she turned out to be the enemy. " Well I hope I run into that woman again. I think I have some paying back to do for her making me look like a fool" Again Neji slightly chuckled as he looked back at Aiko sensei. " Thank you sensei you have given me a lot to think about and I appreciate it."

"If it comes to that, I might let you do that. Might help Kazumo cool a bit down. And who knows? A good way to earn his trust," she replied. Though she doubted that Kazumo would be so quick to give his trust. Then again, that wasn't going to be her call. "And no problem, Neji. I am first and foremost to aid you into maturing into a shinobi. I have seen some incredible shinobi at where you at now. And I mean it," trying to think of a similar ex-student, she didn't need much time to come up with a good example. "I had a student who went through the chuunin exam three times. First two times he barely made his opponent sweat. By the third time he had grown so well in skill and maturity that he only did one.... I believe it was a D rank technique, to defeat his opponent. Who had more advantages in term of natural abilities than he had. If you do wish to compare yourself with somebody, just know that there are and have been others who struggled. And they made it quite far. Or I actually have to say that they are working to outdo me."

Neji slightly bowed his head to her " Well it might take a lot for me to earn his trust back, but I'm going to do what I can to earn it back. I know he won't just give it to me which is fine." He smiled at her " And well actually we can take that woman and the zealots down as a squad. I can't think I can do it all by myself. I have gotten myself in some trouble by thinking like that already". Neji looked around the room and then back to Aiko sensei " Well I am ready for our next move whenever that may come. I will be ready."

This time the smile that dawned on Aiko's lips was bigger than the previous ones. "See? You're already learning from your previous mistakes!" Hearing the declaration that he was ready for the next move Aiko just nodded. Getting up she would pick up her raincoat. It was still a bit wet but nothing that irritated Aiko. "Good. I suggest to then take some rest. Soon enough we will do one more training before I want to execute the next and hopefully, final step to drive the zealots to a corner. But that can wait. In the meanwhile, just don't beat yourself up. That is what my trainings are for, okay?"

Neji smirked "I am looking forward to the training." Neji nodded his head at her as he understood what she told him. Neji then got up himself and stretched out as he watched Aiko leave the room. He decided he should rest some more but not until he ate something.
[/spoili]
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Fieryfly · Jul 5, 2017

A Trick of Water
A Collab between Lesli and Fieryfly

Summary:
Aiko searches for Sho to get some answers about the post office incident. She finds the boy after he has just finished his 'talk' with Ryu. The two move to a rooftop where Aiko persuades Sho to help her out in finding Soru's henchmen among which Liaru. In return, Aiko teaches Sho an interesting new Water Release Technique.

[spoili]
The rain wasn't so bad. In fact, it provided respite from attention. The trick was just to know how to use the rain to your own advantage. Able to do so, Aiko would move unhindered through the city with the technique that allow her to 'blend' in with the rain. Becoming invisible for the naked eye and thus avoiding those who perhaps would find it interesting. Such as the zealots and the insurgents. While she hadn't told it to her team, the ANBU had managed to gain critical success with their attacks on a few places where the zealots and insurgents had been hiding. While they had managed to recover Tatsuya Hon, there was still no trace from Sayuri Uchiha. Considering the fact that Tatsuya had been found in some comatose state, Aiko had feared the worst. Yet, no physical harm had come to the boy. So there was some hope that they would be able to trace and rescue Sayuri. Wherever she would be.

But first things first. Her squad would need time to recover. It would cost valuable time but pressing them on would lead to more casualties and risking the mission. And worse: innocent lives of the locals. Instead, Aiko decided to do something on her own. After her talk with Neji, she would begin a search through the city, hoping to find the 'infamous' son of Soru Deshuga. The boy who she had helped without him knowing it. Going first around the center, Aiko cursed herself for not being able to use any sensory ninjutsu. Then again, it wouldn't have come in handy anyways as she wasn't familiar with Sho's chakra signature and in such a large place as Amegakure - a place where there thousands of people, and thus chakra signatures- it would have not been much easier. After not able to find the boy in or near the center of the city, Aiko wondered where she could find Sho. Remembering some details that she had studied from his profile, she could already rule out certain parts and places. Such as the calmer and more prosperous areas of town where there wouldn't be much excitement or activity for the boy to indulge in. Deciding to try out the training fields, Aiko wondered when she would be able to get some rest. Pushing the thought away, she would continue her search.

Arriving at the first training field, she did notice a team but nobody that confirmed the image of Soru's son. About to give up, it was as if she had some spur of luck, noticing the red-haired boy alone on a trainingsfield. About to approach Sho, still cloaked by the rain technique, Aiko would come to a halt. Another person arrived and made the jounin fall back, just observing the meeting from her own self created cover. Spotting that the other person was that girl, that lived at Eiji's, Aiko opted to just try to learn how Sho was with other people. She didn't have much memories or experiences with Soru but the little dealings she had with Soru weren't really to write home about.

As the meeting between Sho and the girl continued, Aiko wondered if it was going to be of any good to approach the boy. She managed to catch on what was being said and clearly, the topic of father and Sho weren't a dream match. Thinking about it as she noticed that Sho started to walk away, Aiko decided to gamble on it. While the chuunin would walk away, clearly anything but happy, Aiko would shed off her rain technique. "Sho," the woman called out, "You owe me." Placing her hands on her hips, Aiko waited to see if it would provoke any reaction, and hopefully some curiousity, from the chuunin. "Or, a talk since I bailed you out of jail."

His head still full of the words he had just uttered to Ryu, Sho nearly jumped when a voice suddenly called out to him. Nearly of course, because he wasn't going to show anybody that he had actually been startled. He turned around and stared to a woman with red hair. For a moment he wondered why the hell this woman knew his name, but then he remembered. She got him out of jail, something she stated almost immediately. Did he owe her for that? Probably. Did he care? Not really. It was nice that this woman had gotten him a free ticket out of jail - and more importantly away from Jugo, who was just really annoying all the time - but he never asked for it. He didn't know this woman and she didn't know him even though their hair had a matching colour.

Sho stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Why'd you do that?" he asked, trying very much to keep his voice something akin to calm which fairly impossible at the moment. He felt like kicking something, someone, whatever, just to make sure he would not spill any tears. This all wasn't worth spilling tears over after all. Ryu was just an annoying Uchiha brat and this woman was just an annoying woman who for some reason chose to show up now and demand a talk. "I'm not in a very talkative mood at the moment." He added as a weird afterthought. "So you can make it quick."
Yeah, this was Soru's kid alright, Aiko thought to herself. She would flash a polite smile towards Sho as she slightly spread her arms. Luckily, there wasn't anybody around, so far Aiko could notice, so that left a bit of freedom to speak freely. "I notice. But it is okay. I will make it quick but that will mean I can't help you to master water release a bit better. You know, this is what? The fourth time that I have seen you fight. You're making progress but I can't say that I am much impressed. How about I sweeten the deal? We will have a talk. I need some answers and in exchange I will explain why I bailed you out. As a water technique. Will even surprise the likes of an Uchiha, promised."

Sho narrowed his eyes at this proposal that came literally out of nowhere. She had seen him fight four times and felt the need to tell him that clearly he wasn't very good. Who the hell was this woman? He was about to interject to ask what that knowledge would cost him when she said she needed answers. Well there it was. Of course this wasn't free. Nothing ever was. Somehow that made him feel slightly better about this sudden suggestion. People who offered things for free were generally not to be trusted. "... I have no intention of surprising the Uchiha with anything. They can all piss off," he sneered as the woman finished talking. "But all right. I give you answers, you give me answers. Let's start with who the hell are you?"

"Yeah, you made that clear. Kicking one in the face. Then fighting the same twice. Or has it now been three times?" Aiko said, in an almost amused fashion, And no problem. I am Aiko Cho-Hon. But come, shall we go somewhere a bit more secluded? How about the rooftop of that building?" Pointing at the nearby tall building, behind Sho, Aiko would slowly start to vanish from sight. "See you there.~" The jounin would say, almost playfully challenging the chuunin. Once she was out of sight, Aiko would make way to head towards the rooftop. She wasn't sure how this talk would go. The idea was to get some insight on Soru from Sho. But after the talk with Ryu, it was clear that it was a most sensitive topic. Confident that she could her own against an angry boy, that wasn't going to matter or help her to gain more information. Shedding the hiding in the rain technique off once she had reached the top of the building, Aiko would wait for Sho to appear.

Sho watched the woman - Aiko Cho-Hon, that name rang a bell somewhere in the back of his mind, but who really cared - disappear. He had heard of such techniques, but had never actually seen them before. It looked kinda cool, he had to admit. Sho waited a good few seconds after the woman had disappeared just to see if someone or something would not just magically jump after her or him. Didn't seem to be the case and so he started moving. Getting on the roof of the building wasn't such a big deal, he used to be up there all the time, hiding from the streets below. It didn't take long for him to stand before Aiko again.

"All right," he said, stuffing his hands back in his pockets. "What'd you want to know?"
"I want to know what happened at the office that had been under attack," Aiko said, deciding to not beat around the bush, "I heard some conflicting rumours and reports. But I haven't yet been able to speak with somebody who stepped into that building before fighting erupted. More so," the tone of the woman had lost the previous playful undertone, clearly becoming sterner. "I have heard something about a beast. Or that you claimed that there was a beast but the police not finding anything. Now," her eyebrows slightly rose, "Before you will think I don't believe you, I have seen weird creatures while working in this city. That and if I am right, you encountered the same shit that others met in the city of Keishi weeks ago."

This was about the post office again. Of course it fucking was. That whole deal never seemed to end. Aiko might say that she would believe him, but Sho didn't. No one had really believed him so far despite the wounds on his back. But hey, he didn't have anything to loose by telling the truth so he might as well do it. "Right, sure, whatever," he mumbled before speaking up. "I was walking on the street, heard ruckus coming from the post office so I decided to be 'responsible' for once," he rolled his eyes at the word, "and go and see what was up. So I barged in their demanding to know and got jumped immediately. But the guy who was holding me on the ground was fucking stupid because for some reason he didn't think I could do anything so I shocked him with a lightning jutsu. There were hostages being held at the other side of the room. By then lots of things happened. Smoke bombs entered the room, making it really hard to see and then..." he paused for a second. "Then the man before me was not a man anymore. That guy was a monster with claws." Sho pulled his shirt out of his pants and pulled it up. Half hesitating he turned his back to Aiko and showed her the scars on his back, three claw marks.

"So I fought with that thing," he continued as he turned back to her, tugging his shirt back into his pants. "and it was fucking strong, but I managed to trick it and trap it... trap it in a water prison. But then the cops showed up and told me to stop. And I tried to fucking explain that that guy was a monster, but apparently they thought it was just a man."

Hearing Sho out, she acknowledged that it was probably a nuisance for him to repeat it. The more she listened and watched Sho, the more she wondered how alike he was to his father. Wasn't Soru able to use lightning release ninjutsu as well? Not bringing that up as she figured that this was good as it could get, for now, Aiko would frown as she pondered on what he had told her. " I believe you. Won't really mean or change a thing, I guess. I doubt that I can help with making people look at you in a more favourable light... though, actually," the jounin considered something. Flashing a smile, she would continue. "I will then explain why I decided to bail you out. On the promise that we keep this as they are right now. I, for one, don't desire to be punched in the face. Nor kicked. Deal?"

She believed him, just like that. Sho didn't buy it. She was probably just saying that to not piss him off, which honestly worked fine for him right now, because if she were to call him a liar he was pretty sure he would not be able to hold himself back. He already knew people didn't like him, already knew they thought he was a good for nothing human being. Sho didn't smile back. Would he promise not to kick in her face? Sounded like a dangerous promise to make, but then again, this woman was not Ryu. She was clearly higher ranked and would clearly have the upperhand if he would attempt anything right now. So he shrugged. "Alright, sure. Deal. Why'd you bail me out?"

"Cause I have worked with your father. And when I say worked, don't please assume that it was of free will. I rather have myself being given D ranked missions for the rest of my life than to need to spend a hour with that man, without being allowed to break his nose." Aiko replied, "Doesn't surprise me to hear that there are now insurgents working with a group of people that are nicked as 'Zealots'. Probably the small force that your father once had gathered is missing him more than they want to let on. As you might have guessed, I am here to prevent that from happening. However, I could use some help. And that is why I need you out of jail and consider a proposal." Pausing for five seconds, Aiko would half turn around, gesturing to the city with her right hand.

"I have some trouble finding the people that worked with him. I was hoping that you could try to aid my search. Maybe remembering some familiar faces of the people that your father had gathered once as his own small force? Or able to tell me some info about Liaru. Cause that guy is still around somewhere. Of course," Aiko slightly tilted her head to the side, "If you desire something in return, I can see what I can do. I can't promise a lot, though. Until I have my hands on the people that want to set your father free."

His father, it was always his father. The idea that this woman bailed him out because he was the son of Soru Deshuga did not improve his mood. At all. That she had some hateful things to say about him made it slightly better though. At least they both had the desire to break his nose and possibly the rest of his face as well while they were at it. And suddenly this proposal became somewhat more attractive. She wanted him to help bring down the goons that Soru always hid behind? His personal army or whatever they were? He gladly did that. Liaru was an asshole and the rest of his followers were too, no doubt. As he thought about her offer, he wondered what he could ask in return. He wanted something in return just because that meant he would get two things. One, the satisfaction of beating up Liaru, and two, whatever the woman could give him.

"I'm not opposed to kick Liaru in the face, but that might be bothersome seeing as he has this nasty ability that allows him to make his skin as hard as iron. I am pretty sure I can recognize some other faces for you if that is what you want. In return..." he paused for a moment as he thought about his options. "In return you teach me. I remember you. Somewhat. You are a pretty big deal in the world. And I saw your little water technique just now which is just my luck because I have water release too, which you know. So teach me some things to make me stronger and I will hunt Liaru or whoever you want from Soru's goons."

Oh yeah, she had forgotten about that kekkei genkai. Chewing on the inside of her right cheek for a second, Aiko wondered if she could bring in the likes of Hiron or somebody else that had lightning release to a high calibre. That was, if she remembered it correctly, the element that could counter the iron kekkei genkei. "Somewhat? What is next, Sho? Buying me a drink?" Aiko joked, shooting him an amused look. "But fair enough. Though only one the condition that you will use it on Neji Uchiha. You see," she made a casual gesture as she continued, "That Uchiha you fought with last time is now under my care. And I am well aware that you two aren't really buddies. Yet, that isn't of my concern. What might be my concern is that when I train him to be stronger that he might go and try to settle the score. While I wouldn't mind to see you being kicked down, as it stands now, it is clear that won't happen. See it as..."

Thinking about how to put it, Aiko would flash a sly smile. "A way to make sure that Neji stays with both feet at the ground. How does that sound? I am certain that if everything works out that we both will be most happy with the outcome, no?~"

Sho decided that this woman was fucking weird. She wanted him to beat up her student? What kind of fucked up demand was that? Also why was this little Uchiha dweeb her student? Of all the people he had to meet, he had chosen to beat up the student of Aiko Cho-Hon, twice. That at least explained why she had seen him fight. "Maybe you should buy the drink," he retorted. "You're the one stalking me." He scoffed. "But sure, I can beat up your student if that is what you want. Don't come whining back to me when there is nothing left of his face. Or his eyes." He shot the woman a look.

"Wow, don't get the wrong idea now, Sho. I sadly have the vocation of stalking others. It might flatter you that I have seen you fighting but I am certain that you could do better than what I have seen." She replied, finding some amusement. How long had it been since she could have spoken without much restraint as they did now? It reminded her of the earlier days when she had entered service. "I am okay with that. I don't think he will be an easy match the next time you will fight him. Or, so I hope. Anyhow," she decided to become more serious, "Let us talk a bit about our mutal friend, Liaru. From what I understand is that he served as Soru's second in command, right?" She almost had said 'his father' but decided that wasn't going to keep this going smooth.

"Yeah, that's right." Sho shot a look over the surrounding rooftops as if he half expected Liaru to show up now that they were talking about him. "He follows Soru's orders without question. Or well, that is how I remember it. Dragged me off once and put me in a room, locked the door and lost the key. Was during that Shoji thing. Apparently 'dad' wanted to keep me safe." Sho rolled his eyes again. "Didn't see him again after that."

"Sounds like him. Odd fellow from what I can gather. Luckily, you know how to do lightning release. Might prove useful in facing Liaru, I reckon. Seeing the odds of me having to deal with him, I will probably request the Amekage assistant to allow you to join my attempts against Liaru and his club." Making a few mental notes Aiko decided that would suffice for now. The base to work with Sho had been formed. Or so, she hoped. Time would tell if this would provide a good start to have the boy cooperating with her to combat the threats present in the city. "Now, I suppose I owe you a lesson. Unless you want to conduct what I can teach you about water release on this rooftop, we can search for a training field. Though," Aiko's tone as expression shifted to display a more jesting expression. "Your friend might be keen to approach you again."
"We can find another field," was Sho's instant reaction. He had no intention of speaking to Ryu, preferably, ever again. The information about Liaru was interesting. He had no idea that his newly acquired lightning release could do anything against the man. But now he did and that gave him a distinct advantage. That was, if he ever learned more than one lightning jutsu. "I'll show you the way," he said already turning around. He was pretty sure Aiko could follow him easily so he wouldn't bother to look back as he took off.

Not much later they would arrive at an empty field. Most of the people nowadays used the trainingsfacility because it could simulate so many foreign situations. Trainingsfield B now lay empty before them. Sho turned to Aiko with a raised eyebrow. "So, show me."

She wondered if he was excited to learn something. Wondering who this boy's sensei was, Aiko would just nod. Arriving at the field that was empty, Aiko would release a heavy sigh. "You know, if you would ask nicely then I could show you something very, very cool. Anyways, let start with the first step. You know Water Release but can you do this?" Weaving a few hands signals Aiko would mould chakra to form a water clone with the rain. Letting the water clone take a small distance from them, she would wait for Sho's reply.

Sho scoffed and formed some seals himself. Within seconds a water clone Sho had formed next to him. "Of course I can do that. That is like the second thing anyone learns to do." He ignored the comment about asking nicely. They already made a deal, she said she would teach him. And if she didn't then there would be no help from his side. So he didn't have to be nice about it at all.

"Good. Now, the next step then hot shot," Pulling out a shuriken from her pouch Aiko would have little trouble to throw the weapon. In a slight arc it would pierce her water clone's neck and cause the clone to burst in water. For a split second it didn't seem much different than an usual water clone being destroyed but without any warning the water would rapidly form a sphere of water around the shuriken. Large enough, however, to trap a person in it. "Go ahead."

Sho stared. He had never seen a water clone used like that before. It was like Water Prison and Water Clone combined. He observed the shuriken which was now floating in mid-air. Any attacker who would have destroyed that clone would have been surprised and caught. That sounded incredibly useful. There was no doubt however that he couldn't do that with his own clone right now. Surely she must have made it different somehow. Sho pondered and then threw one of his own shuriken at his clone. The thing fell apart instantly, but Sho wasn't looking. He was trying to see if he could some how combine the two techniques.

"Okay, the trick seems somewhat complex." Aiko began as the sphere of water would burst and the shuriken of hers would fall on the soaken ground. Pointing at where her water clone had been destroyed, she would explain the phenomenon that had occurred. "The idea is quite easy as you saw. A water clone that has a Water Prison trap. To form a Water clone, you just need to form the Tiger handseal and let the moulded chakra form some source of water to become the water clone. This kind of trap clone, requires more handsignals. In a way, you don't just stop at making the clone, but you continue to weave the signs for the water prison to implement it in the water clone. It is a bit tricky at the start but I doubt you will have any troubles with it, " Aiko explained. The last comment was a genuine one even as she would let him try it out.

Okay so he had been right. At least this were two techniques he was familiar with. He wondered if that was why she had chosen to teach him this... It seemed oddly convenient and she said she had seen him fight before. He wondered what other fights she had seen. "Right," he mumbled. Water release had always been easy to him, much more so than lightning which had been so hard to grasp. He formed the seals of the water clone and then the endless string of seals that was required for the water prison. The clone poofed into existance. It didn't look any different and when Sho threw a shuriken at it to test it, he found out that it indeed wasn't very different because it just fell apart like normal. He tried again, not even stealing a glance at Aiko. She had explained it. Now he just needed practice and he didn't need her for that. He was fine by himself. He tried again a couple of times until finally the shuriken stuck. For a brief moment before it fell apart again. Sho sighed in annoyance and started to form the seals again.

"Try to slow a bit down. If you try to just rush it, the two techniques won't hold together." Aiko suggested. It was clear that the boy had some skill with water release. She remembered the Ironblood tournament when he had fought against her team. The boy had been able to bombard her team with a few volleys of water bullets and still been able to continue on. Then again, such a technique barely costed any chakra or effort for somebody who was remotely good with water release and chakra control. "Try to else hold the Tiger hand signal a second longer before you continue with the streak."

Even though he didn't want the tips, it was frustrating that it wasn't working. And then maybe the tips could be helpful, he guessed. So he did as she suggested. Slow down, be careful with each seal. Allow himself to breath calmly as he formed Tiger and held it for a second before starting on the long string that would lead to the Water Prison. He needed two tries, but then a satisfying smirk appeared on his face as the shuriken that he had just thrown was now held aloft in the air. Sho stared at it for awhile, half proud of his technique though very much aware that the red haired woman was still standing next to him.

Watching how Sho continued, Aiko couldn't help but nod and smile when Sho managed to get the 'trick' done. "Very well. Now, I consider that is all for now." Aiko waited for a second before she continued. "You're not half as bad as I thought or had seen with water release. Took me a lot more time and tries before I manage to nail it down that well. Now, I suppose that does seal the deal then? I will contact you when I am going to make a next move against Liaru and his friends. I am certain that if we encounter Liaru that some blissful memories can be brought up."

"Deal is sealed," Sho said still looking at the trapped weapon floating in the air. Then suddenly he looked up when Aiko said she would contact him. Behind him the prison fell apart. "How?" he asked suspiciously. "How will you contact me? I don't want you showing up on my doorstep. A letter will do or something."

"And just as I imagined that we could hang out," was the cheerful sarcastic reply of Aiko, "I will simply have a note or somebody inform you where to meet up. Don't fret too much over it," Aiko would move her hands underneath the cover of the raincoat she wore. Slowly the woman started to vanish in the rain as she would continue replying back to Sho. "Until then, stay out of trouble, Sho."

Sho didn't grace her with a reply. He simply watched her disappear. It was good that she wasn't coming to his house. He didn't want anyone there certainly not some highly trained shinobi who was looking into his dad. She might get the weird idea to ask his mother and then everything would go wrong even more. When Aiko was completely gone, Sho would leave the trainingsfield as well. Walking, not disappearing in the rain, as cool as it might be. Maybe that was something for the future.
[/spoili]

FrostedCaramel · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox="Like Waves, #ff4d4d"]Harada Toshi | Team 3 Genin | Sky-Wolf Country - Front Lines

A collab between @zane620 and @FrostedCaramel
Miu and Toshi find themselves working together to take down a seemingly invincible enemy.

[spoili]
So far into the battle everything seemed to be going as well as many were hoping it would. From what she knew their side was taking minimal losses, while the enemy were dropping like flies it was almost too easy. In fact when she heard a grand shout she thought the enemy was finally attempting something or that they broke into one of their formations somewhere. What she didn't expect were the Agnarr Hons to suddenly do a charge of their own at the enemy, the number of lives which were being claimed now was a terrifying sight to behold. It was like slaughtering these enemies were nothing but a bore to these Hons. Seeing it unfold must have awoken something in their force as her fellow clan members started pushing their way to the front and started their own charge. "H-hey guys! Are you.... oh fuck it, charge!!!!" Miu would state joining her clan in hacking away at the enemy, feeling her stomach turning ever so at watching axe after axe implant itself into people and rip them apart. The charge only stopped until Satoshi finally got through to everyone, allowing them to hold their position once more.

Readying herself for the next wave of attacks, her grip suddenly tightened around her axe and shield when that same feeling from before at the ambush took place. The feeling of defeat, of hopelessness. It was all she could do as time seemed to slow to bring her shield up and black an incoming attack, before time seemed to return to a normal rate. Yet at this point it seemed like several spots had been broken into by just a few attackers. Slamming her axe down into the skull of one charger, she pushed him off with her boot, and swung again only for her axe to stop dead at the man's side. "What?" she muttered blinking a few times in confusion, watching the man swing a sword at her head, causing her to dunk under it. which meant the blade went through her allies instead, only it took a couple more than just one. That was one hell of a swing, yet left him open so she swung her axe again at his neck this time, with the same result however. It stopped once it got contact, causing her to grit her teeth as her arms began shaking. In a fit of rage she slammed the shield into the man's body only for her to feel it more than he seemed to. Like nothing but a fly he grabbed her shield and pushed her which felt like she just got rammed into as she toppled over on the ground. Rolling to then avoid the stab from the man, which managed to graze her arm ever so slightly. Yet now she had a problem, one of them wasn't dying, and the ranks were starting to panic. "Defend against the ones that don't seem to die and attack the ones that do! Do not take risks! Defense is your top priority!" Was the only order she could deal out at a time like this, hopefully a solution presented itself to take this guy out.

Toshi hadn't really known what to do once the charge started. He had a weapon, but it wasn't one he was very good with, he had even weighed the option of joining the charge as Miu ran off ahead of him but decided against it as he imagined if it was hard enough to block attacks while standing mostly stationary, he'd probably end up a head shorter if he tried to do so running. As the charge went on, Toshi remained back where he had been when the line was truly a line and not the blob that extended out in front of him. He had lost sight of Miu rather quickly, which worried him, but she was a stubborn girl, 'She probably won't even think about dying, it;s just not on her list of shit that needs to get done right now...' he thought as the men around him started moving up at a more controlled rate, keeping their formations mostly intact as they did. He began to move with them.
He looked forward to the group of Sanosuke that had been hacking away at the enemy, felling men left and right with seemingly little effort before it struck him. His stomach churned and his head spun, the men around him seemed to suddenly be still as they too felt it. The deep uneasiness. The bone chilling silence that filled their minds. For a moment Toshi was almost taken over by the feeling, "This is..." he said to himself before he shook himself free of it's ice cold grip.

"Not again." he said aloud as he noticed the men that seemed to be slowly punching their way through the Sanosuke's at the front. That's when he spotted the blue hair that could only belong to Miu peeking out from beneath a helm. She was right in front of one of them, seemingly trying to fight it with an axe. He watched, unable to move as the same sort of beast as before swung his weapon to be rid of Miu, but instead rid himself of the Sanosuke and other soldiers to her side as she dodged it. It was then that he began to move, his feet carried him forward as fast as he could.

In between small one on one duels and groups of men savaging one another, over the intermingled bodies of enemy and ally alike. Less than ten meters from Miu and the beast Toshi found himself on the receiving end of a sword from ahead of him, managing to bring the sword that Satoshi had given him up just in time to glance the blow in the opposite direction, Toshi was hard pressed to attack as the wild man brought blow after blow at him.

He stumbled over a body, the man charging forward as he did, "Fuck!" Toshi screamed as he panicked. With an unfamiliar weapon, and facing what was probably his death, Toshi threw the sword at the man. He watched as it spun across the few meters of space between them and struck him with the handle before clattering harmlessly into the snow. The enemy looked at Toshi, screamed something that he could only imagine was a curse of some sort and charged again, his weapon held high to bring down on him.
Scrambling frantically on the ground, Toshi unfurled a scroll and turned it up on his chest, angling it slightly at the charging enemy. With a small amount of chakra the scroll unsealed its contents. Three spears grew forth from the paper, and the man had no time to react as his own momentum sent him to his end as he impaled himself on one of the spears and fell on top of Toshi.

Pushing the body off the top of him, Toshi did his best to ignore the warm sensation of the mans blood that was all over his front as he stood. In front of him, just about where he'd last seen her was Miu. He grabbed the sword that the man had dropped and sprinted for his teammate, "Explosives!" he yelled as he got close enough to her, "They definitely don't like explosives!" he said as he pressed himself next to her.

Dodging another swing from the man, she stumbled ever so slightly to avoid its powerful swings. Swings that could break through even the strongest defense which made her wonder if using her shield against it was even a wise idea. Swinging her axe this time into a different man, it went into his chest easy enough. So she decided to use that man as a ram and swung him into the one that seemingly couldn't die. Only for him to not budge and the man to toss his own ally a good bit away as he started moving in towards Miu. Raising her leg she kicked him in the groin hoping it would have an effect to no avail. "Well... fighting dirty doesn't work." she chuckled a bit, not knowing if she was laughing out of fear. Then she heard Toshi speak up about it not liking explosives to which she kept her attention on him still in the same predicament even with his advise.

"Baker boy hate to be the bearer of bad news..." she started having to move back to avoid another deadly swing from the man, who caught someones arm and lopped it off easily enough. "I don't have any explosions on me! It also might not work out that well this close to our own allies! Wait you fought one of them before?! You killed one?!?!" Miu said trying to now spot Toshi as she continued to put some distance between her and the man, taking a swing at his face only for it to skid off. "... What kind of explosions do you have!?" she asked slightly hoping they were small enough to only effect this man and not their own comrades.

Toshi moved himself back, trying to keep himself as out of the way of Miu as he could while the beast made its best effort to end her life. He watched, even slighlty impressed as she used the body of a fallen enemy against it, just to be shocked as the beast sent the corpse careening away and came back just as annoyed as before.

Then Miu answered, going on about how she didn't have any explosives, and how it would harm enemies. He looked around him, more than a bit surprised that none of the enemies had yet to attack him after he had gotten so close to one of their stronger warriors. 'It's just like before.'[/i] he thought before answering Miu, "Of course I fought one! Did you think the Slayer moniker was just a neat nickname?!" he called as he grabbed a scroll off his belt, "They explode that's all that matters! They're not so large that they're going to send us all to kingdom come but they're big enough to put us in the dirt if we're a bit too close. Just don't be on top of it when it goes off and you'll be okay... Mostly!" he called as he waved to Miu when she looked in his direction as she seemed to search for him in the chaos.

He unfurled part of the scroll and unsealed four kunai, each with an explosive tag wrapped around the handle. Setting his sword down he grabbed two in each hand and stood up,"Any sort of plan on how to do this?!" he asked Miu as the beast lumbered toward her.

Seeing him wave his hand she slowly made her way to him as the guy kept cleaving through men after men. "Well to be fair.... I kind of did. Wasn't informed you killed one of these!" yet hearing what he said on the explosions caused her to shrug and give him a nod. "Then operation blow him up it is." Miu said before he asked if she had any plans, most likely on how to get the explosions off. "Just one, better be quick Baker Boy." she mumbled as then launched forward swinging her axe twice at the guy both times they bounced off him, yet she got the desired result when he stopped and took a massive swing at her, barely missing her as some strands of her hair got cut off from the swing. Moving back towards Toshi, in a clear way of saying this was your time to throw the damn things.

Giving Miu a nod he watched as she charged the beast, his knuckles turning white as he held onto the kunai he watched as Miu struck the enemy twice with no effect, 'It's just like when Yumeji and I hit it.' he thought as he watched it simply shrug off the hits before lashing out at Miu again. She dashed back to him, clearly giving him an opening to attack."Right!" he called out.
With his chance at hand he tossed two of the kunai at the enemy. They struck it center mass, detonating on the things chest with two almost synchronous explosions that sent snow from the ground and filled the space in front of it with black smoke. Sprinting forward, Toshi had the spot where it stood before the smoke had obscured its front burned into his mind. He charged for the smoke, the thought of not knowing if the enemys weapon would come surging through it flashed across his mind, but he pushed it back as he jumped through the black cloud. He smashed into the enemy in the smoke, nearly glancing off it he was moving so fast, but he managed to get a solid grip on the rough fur clothing around the beast keeping himself anchored on it. With a quick motion he plunged one of the kunai into the beasts shoulder, lodging it beneath the cloth and above the seemingly impenetrable darkness beneath and another into the cloth at the elbow. It howled at him, grabbing him by the throat with its other arm and hefting him up.

In the smoke he barely noticed as the second kunai placed at the elbow joint fell out as it moved its right arm to swing its weapon to easily cut him in half. Toshi struggled in the smoke from the first explosions, clawing at its left arm around his throat as he desperately tried to breath, then the first kunai detonated. Sending him careening through the smoke. He was vaguely aware of watching the battle fly past him before he smacked into the ground near where he had first started his sprint for the beast, the damage to the foe unknown.

Turning around in time to see the detonations engulfing the creature in black smoke from the explosion, Miu was startled a bit as she jumped back a bit before Toshi took off running into the smoke. Before she could tell him to wait he was already gone in the smoke causing her to strangle him in her mind as she went towards the smoke as well. Only for another explosion to go off with Toshi following suit. She glared at him as she quickly picked him up off the ground. "Did you not just say ten seconds ago to not be on the explosion you idiot!!" Miu said growling a bit although during the growling she was checking to make sure he was safe. yet as the smoke cleared a bit and the man was still standing. You could tell an explosion hit him with burned fur and a clearly pissed off look on his face. Miu looked a bit disheartened seeing what should normally leave a man without a chest still standing. "How many of those explosions do you got exactly?" Miu asked before cracking her neck, shaking her leg a bit before doing another charge at the man.

As she got close he swung his weapon causing her to raise her shield and move to the side feeling it skid off the shield while pushing her down a bit with it's weight. Her first move was slamming the shield multiple times against the face of the man, her arm vibrating more with each punch and then a swipe with her axe which still didn't do much in terms of damage, but did wonders in terms of annoyance as a through back hand sent her down to the ground, a loud ringing in her head as she attempted to crawl away, while the man positioned himself to stab his weapon through her.

Shaking his head as his senses roared back to him, Toshi found his hearing assaulted on all side by the battle. The loud ringing, likely a leftover of the explosion tearing his concentration away from just about everything around him. He felt himself being lifted up and recognized the face of Miu doing it, she seemed to scold him, which he briefly thought was unfair before realizing he had gone against his own advise and had one of the kunai detonate rather close to himself. He patted his belt, feeling that all of his scrolls were still there before looking back up at Miu, "A fucking lot." he said as she got up and seemed to ready herself to charge the beast.

With a flick of his wrist he unfurled another scroll, in a flash he had unsealed its full contents, some one hundred and twenty explosive tags filling the air in front of him and drifting to the ground. In a flurry of movements Toshi was grabbing as many tags from the snow as he could while he shoved handfuls into his pockets, the thin papers sticking out when they were full. Looking up he noticed as Miu was struck down, the hulking enemy readying to finish her off as she tried to move away. Grabbing a handful of tags from his pocket he dash for the beast.

Time moved slowly as he ran, the battle around him raged on as if in a whole separate dimension. This battle in front of him was what mattered, and he wasn't about to let Miu die because he got caught up in fighting around him. He felt his feet crunching against the snow, and watched as the beasts weapon began its descent to Miu's back. He ran full sprint into broad side of the weapon as it plunged downward, his full body weight throwing the weapon off just enough to miss Miu. As the weapon met the ground Toshi came to a rather sudden halt and was thrown down to the ground once his energy had no where else to go. He spun over, expecting the weapon to now be bearing down on him but was relieved to see that the beast was now struggling to remove it from the dirt. Hopping to his feet he charged their enemy, slapping its face with his hand full of explosive tags before pushing off its chest and toward the still crawling away Miu. He reached down, managing to catch the girls chain mail in his fist and dragged her through the snow a few short meters before letting go and throwing himself over her.

Still crawling a bit she saw the man's weapon miss her unknown why as she was still a bit dazed. All she knew was she was dragged a bit saw Toshi, then saw the amount of tags he placed on the man's face. her eyes widened and as Toshi shielded her she got one order out. "Frontline, Shield wall now!" while the order seemed a bit confusing they did as told and after they did was followed was a loud explosion that blew snow and dirt in all directions along with some weapons that were lying on the ground, which if not for the shield wall would have most likely impaled some allies. As they both got to their feet, still a bit dazed along with a ringing sound in her ear, she saw the man they had been assaulting falling to the ground but still moving. As the smoke cleared one could see by looking at his face with the burn marks that he one hundred percent felt that. It didn't kill him but it was a great start. "Holy fuck it hurt him." she muttered grabbing an axe off the ground after she lost her when she was dazed from the hit earlier.

Charging once again at the downed man, as he sat up she swung her foot and kicked him in the face this time however seeing a reaction to the kick, and trying to swat her away. She was now confused as to why it was taking damage all of a sudden. Was explosions its weakness that allowed you to kill it? Well she was certainly going to take advantage of this and would swing her axe embedding it about a couple of inches into the man's arm before pulling away as he reached out to grab her. Moving back further the man was now back on his feet burnt face and a new gash found in its arm. "Baker boy... Whatever you want after today is yours now.... Hit it again!" She shouted at him.

With a tremendous explosion Toshi rolled off of Miu and stood as she did. He stared for a moment before cursing to himself as the beast emerged from the smoke, almost entirely unscathed. "Are you kidding me?! Why the fuck do you still have a head!" he yelled at their foe in frustration. Rolling his neck out to try and ease some of the tension that crept up his body he pulled a few more tags from his pockets and arranged them to each other. He watched as Miu attacked it while it was down before she told him to give it another hit, "It's not a hit more of a killing blow for a normal human!" he yelled as he ran forward. The enemy turned its attention to him as he did, bringing its weapon back to its side and readying it to cleave Toshi in half.

The enemy swung his weapon, watching the expression of shock grow across the boys face as the brute force of the attack hit Toshi dead in his side. It split skin and bone, sending his lower body toppling to the ground and his upper-body spinning wildly as it sprayed crimson blood across the small area of the larger battle.

Agreeing that killing him was rather difficult she gave a smile as he said the next attack would be a killing blow and watched him take off, expecting him to do what his nickname suggested and slay this creature that wouldn't die. Then as he got closer the man set his sights on Toshi and swung his weapon. Only problem was Toshi wasn't dodging. "Toshi! Get out of the way now!" she shouted but to no avail as a sharp gasp followed as she watched the sword strike him in the side and cleave him in two. His upper body flying and landing a little ways away from her, her left hand reached out a bit before it fell to her side as the enemy got to standing back up. No real words escaped her mouth but as she looked at the man that just killed Toshi, her vision turned red a bit.

From behind the Vrykryl Toshi slowed his run as he watched himself being brutally dissected by the enemies strike. It was one thing to watch a water clone splash into water from a strike that could kill but it was entirely another to watch a corpse be split in two. It was far more visceral than he had expected, far more gut wrenching to watch his face twirl lifelessly through the air as it caked the snow around it in red. Then in a blink his body turned back into the corpse of the fallen enemy it had been when he substituted it for himself.
Steeling himself and using the enemies apparent victory against it, Toshi ran up to its back before smacking his hands with the arranged explosive tags on either side of the beasts neck. He lit the tags and gained some distance while the enemy began a slow turn to figure out what was going on. A sufficient space between them, Toshi began to circle around to the enemies front and back toward Miu. As he cleared the enemy he spotted Miu, "Miu! Get back!" he shouted as he peered back at the tags. In the breath of a second the tags exploded. It was far more tame than the first explosion, but it was much more direct as well. Toshi had organized the tags so that each group would direct their power in like the edge of a knife, and placed them so that each side cut toward the other.

As the blast blew snow up and caused Toshi to shield his eyes he still attempted to stare through it, "No way can it still be alive." he said under his breath as he waited for the smoke to clear. A few moments passed, and aided by a strong wind moving across the battlefield, the smoke from the balst dissipated revealing the body of the enemy kneeling with its hands at its sides. But there was no head atop its shoulders, just an empty space where one should have been.

"Fuck yeah!" he yelled as he threw a fist into the air, "Take that you retched piece of shit!" he called out to the dead enemy as he began running toward Miu. He slid to a stop at the girls side, "Miu you alright?" he asked expecting an ear full for what he had just pulled in the name of victory.

As she gripped her axe, her eyes went wide at seeing the corpse of Toshi switch to a different corpse? Her rage filled eyes turned to pure confusement as the enemy would suddenly explode again, causing their allies who were gaurding them to get a bit startled. She then saw Toshi running at her which her gaze followed before looking at the smoke dissipate and reveal the enemy's head to be missing from it's body. Toshi seemed very thrilled about this cheering even, then he would ask if she was alright. Looking at him she would give him a smile and a quick hug before pulling back with the rage filled look back on her face. "If you ever do that to me again. I swear Toshi! I will shove my axe so far up your ass that you will blink and see the weapon every single time! We clear?" she said giving him a smile again before readying her axe again as she looked at the dead body. "I hope that was the last of them..." Miu mumbled before rejoining the front line.

Caught a bit off guard by Miu's sudden show of concern, Toshi nearly apologized before she threatened to shove her axe up his, 'That's more like Miu.' he thought as he simply laughed, "Crystal clear squad leader." he said mockingly. Throwing a glance back at the defeated enemy Toshi shook his head in agreement to Miu's comment, "Me too. I haven't got many explosive tags left to use on that thing anymore." he said before following the girl back into the main ranks for the front line.[/spoili][/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox=GM Post]
On the Eastern Continent,
In the Wolf Country - the first large clash!

It didn't seem that it would end anytime soon. The waves of enemies kept colliding against the Allied front line. Determined at the start, their morale would start to waver and plummet by seeing how futile their attack proved to be against the more disciplined, trained and better equipped allied forces. With various strange brutes also taken out, the morale would shatter. The majority would try to retreat. Only for some of their brethren to start murdering those who either seemed to get in their way or not willing to throw themselves at the Allied front line. As the last remains of the enemy force clashed against the defences of the allied force, there wouldn't be much remaining of the sounds of battle. At first, many burst out in shouts and cheering, seeing that they had driven back the enemy with minimal losses. Smoke from the north together with the sound of horns being blown attracted the attention. Reinforcements would be sent to secure the northern crossing

After the battle work would be given to those who had remained on the reserve. Bodies of the slain and fallen would be divided. Friends, comrades, siblings and parents would be taken from the site of where the battles had taken place. The corpses of the enemies would be thrown on heaps. Slowly the dead would start to form small hills and the cheerful attitude was lost to many. Patrols were quickly established and organised to maintain control of the three nearby crossings.

As a few hours passed, reports would come in of the enemy being sighted. Not in large numbers but much like the Allied forces, the enemy seemed to realise that it would be productive to get some watch posts. Probably watching for any openings in the defence of the allied force, preying on any exploits.

On the Western Continent,
Near Amegakure, the Housha Compound!

Peace had returned after the riots. Days passed slowly and gently. While tension still remained with many of the locals in and around Amegakure, wary for another dreadful event it seemed that peace was starting to make a return. Unaware of most, however, the capital city of the Rain province wasn't enjoying true peace. An uneasy and informal truce seemed to exist. Various raids were executed by the ANBU, rooting out some hiding places of the zealots and insurgents that desired to see Soru Deshuga back in a ruling position.

While there was no hint of any attack impending in Amegakure, the situation would quickly shift into another disaster. Not too far from the city, an attack would occur on the Housha compound in full force. Smoke would fill the air and become noticeable from Amegakure as the situation in the Housha compound would escalate to what one could describe as a maddening chaos and violence between the inhabitants of the compound and an unknown force.

[/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox=A Drink!, green]
Wolf Country,
Aftermath of the battle.

A collab between Sketcher and Gerontis.

Summary:
After the battle, the 13th brigade helps cleaning some of the battle as a small group returns to their camp. Captain Skuli takes Katsu with him, to officially introduce the Uchiha into the 'brotherhood'. Back at the camp, Katsu gets to interact and know both Skuli Hon and Torrad Sarutobi a bit better.

[spoili]
It was over. Gazing over the scene Koike wasn't sure what to think. He saw members of the 13th carrying some bodies. He wasn't certain if those were fallen members of the brigade or some other people. Sighing he lowered his head and rubbed his forehead. He had dropped his helmet on his shield, that laid on the ground. They had won though. Yet Koike didn't feel much like celebrating it just yet. A large portion of the enemy remained and he just had heard about the clash of the Tiger Claws with some red cloaked enemies. Slowly sitting down, Koike didn't need to look at what just came to sit next to him. The large black dire wolf had various wet spots on him. Most likely a mixture of blood and snow, Koike wagered.

Sitting on a rock by the flowing river, Katsu slid a ripped piece of cloth across one of his swords, with another sword and three throwing knives, all covered in blood, properly laid out in front of him. The blood grew fainter and fainter with each stroke the young nin made, contrasting the red snow and dried blood stains on his face and armor with it's silver shine. Katsu inspected the blade before laying it down beside himself. Upon taking the second sword, he remained still with the blade in his lap, taking a moment to let the reality of the situation sink in. After all of his training, his senses had grown sharp, his hearing keener, his sight clearer, and his sense of smell more distinct. Perhaps a year earlier if he were in the same situation, he wouldn't be able to feel the same way, but with that stench of death all around him, he could feel the horror of the battle so much clearer. The young nin shook himself, hearing the snow slowly get crushed nearby, seeing Koike sitting down. He seemed to open his mouth to speak but turned his attention to cleaning his blade with a sigh.

"Ah, there you are!" The sound of Skuli's voice carried over towards Katsu as the large man approached the other with a large smile. "Must say, surprised that you survived that scrap. No wounds? Or any bruises?" The large man looked down on Katsu, his eyebrows raised on his brow. There was enough blood to clarrify that Skuli had remained at the front line after Katsu and Koike had went to the search for more of those unusual foes. "Anyways, come. You need to get prepared for the introduction, lad!"

"Glad to see you too, captain," Katsu said with a lackluster smile. "I'm aching everywhere but no. I managed to stay in one piece." He looked at the man skeptically for a second before getting up with a light sigh, leaving his clean sword and dirty knives on the ground. "Alright. Lead the way, captain."

"Good! Cause I might not be able to promise you that you're going to feel a bit worse. Or better," Skuli said, shrugging after his rather cryptic comment. He glanced at Koike but the latter waved and shook his head. "Come, much to be done! I will try to explain it but you just got to experience it." The captain explained, a large grin displayed on his features. Walking towards the camp he snickered for a brief moment. "I remember my time when I was introduced to the 13th Brigade. Though, I guess that I wasn't needed to survive a big battle. My initiation was more to just drink and make as much merry as the others. Compared to what happened today, I call my initiation much easier. And slightly more fun, I guess." Skuli paused his rant for a moment, shooting a sideways look at Katsu, "I got to ask, though, is it true that you're adopted? Heard some talk but I am a bad gossiper. Certainly when I have my fill with some good old Bloody Victory. Or better, Pinedale Ale. You're going to love that, I am sure."

Katsu listened to the man go on, understanding little of what he said. His face froze when he heard the man's question. "Wha- Who could even...?" He looked at the man in surprise before regaining his composure. "Um, well, yeah. I live in the Cho compound these days." He brushed his hair behind his ear, glancing around. "So, an... introduction? What do you mean by that, exactly?"

Skuli frowned upon hearing that. "Way I hear it is that you're quite the odd egg. You're a descendant of that... Uchiha ancestor," Skuli shrugged as he didn't know the name nor really did care that much to pronounce it correctly, "You got a direwolf with the consent of two prominent Hons. Then you're also adopted in the lineage of the Jin. At this point, I am starting to even doubt if I should address you with lad, lad." The man joked as he would pat Katsu's shoulder, chuckling. "As for the introduction, you will see. Just know that after it, you're one of the 13th. And so far I remember, that is something you're for the rest of your life."

"Nothing wrong with being odd. Then maybe I shouldn't talk about you as old man, old man," Katsu retorted with a grin. He wondered what kind of rite of passage there could be. He hoped it wouldn't be something like oil wrestling, because he didn't have enough energy to be a ragdoll. "So this is something everyone here has done?"

"Oooh, would be careful lad. In this line of work, meeting old men means that they are either clever enough to pick their battles or know how to keep winning." Was Skuli's reply, shaking his head as he grew more amused. Entering the camp with Katsu, Skuli shook his head once more. "Not really. I have taken it upon myself to introduce and make sure that you know what it all means. The colonel and most other captains will have it busy. Some boys of the brigade did... not make it. At least, their deaths were good ones." His tone did grow softer at the end of his second comment.

A good death? Katsu looked back at the riverbank where the corpses had been mostly cleared out, but the marks of battle were still clear in the snow and earth. "Day one, I suppose. Koike told me this war would probably be a short one but it feels like he was just trying to give me hope. It feels like this is going to drag on for a while."

Hearing what Katsu said made Skuli visibly ponder on it. "I actually hope it does. Might sound strange to you but I would love to see more battles as these. It is better than some uneasy peace where we aren't certain which of our neighbours will attack." The captain stated. As they entered the camp part of the 13th brigade, there was quite a joyful atmosphere present. "Besides, hope is a good thing in times of war. Got to keep something in mind while you're fighting. Actually," he shot another look at the young man, "What are you fighting for?"

"That's a bit personal," Katsu responded quickly, glaring at the captain. "Rest assured, I'm not here for the thrill of the battle." He averted his eyes, gathering his hands behind his back, seemingly with no intention to elaborate.

"Heh, if it is a girl, I hope she will be waiting. Ahahaaa! Those are the best, I tell you." Skuli replied, apparently not noticing the glare. Hearing that Katsu wasn't here for the thrill of battle, the man frowned once more. "Why not though? You and I, we are warriors, aren't we? I guess we can place labels as Uchiha, Hon or shinobi or soldier on us. But what does it matter in the end? Without battles. Without war, what would become of us? Is there not even a part of you that becomes excited when in the thick of battle, nothing that longs to make your ancestors proud?"

"I'm not sure I can qualify as a warrior," the boy muttered, looking down at his hands. "Of course it's exciting; we're fighting for our lives. That doesn't mean I have to like the fact that so many people on either side have to die. I hate that I've become so desensitized, but at least it'll get me through whatever battle may lie ahead. And I will make it through. No matter how many corpses I have to add to that disgusting pile."

"You took lives today. Stood at the front row and kept up with some of us. I am not completely aware of how the Uchiha warriors are but if I were in your spot, I would take it as a grave insult to not be considered a warrior." Skuli said in a calmer fashion than before. "Besides, those who perished probably are in a better place than us right now. I rather be in a hall with my ancestors, loved ones and in a large world where," realising something Skuli shook his head, "You get the gist. Besides, that is the attitude! Ahaaa! Just make sure you don't take more than me with you. Would make me look pretty bad if some Uchiha would be able to kill more than the Great Skuli, ahahaa!"

"If that's what it takes to make it through and achieve my goal, I'll gladly surpass whatever bar you may put," Katsu said with a serious tone. He looked around at the 13th who were mourning and celebrating the passage of their friends into the next world.

Skuli was slightly surprised by the reaction, only to burst in a jovial laughing. Patting Katsu's shoulder the man would reply back. "I am starting to like you more, lad! Anyways, come, come!" Leading Katsu to a group of Hon and Sarutobi, Skuli would motion them to become silent. Most of the present men seemed to have experience a fair amount of battles, if one had to go by the visible scars. "Ah, you all gathered! As you might have known, I had my doubts about a particular greenhorn. Apparently, I was wrong!" One of the present men snickered and mumbled something. "Yeah yeah, I know. You earned your money. Annoying brat. But as we know, Katsu hasn't been properly introduced to the 13th Brigade. As such," Skuli nodded, on which one of the present men would grin and turn around. Picking up a barrel and putting in the middle of the assembled men, Skuli would continue. "I say it fall to us good gentlemen to make him a true member of the 13th! Come on, don't just stand there. Thirst need to be quenched, lads!"

Spurred by Skuli, mugs would be filled and given to those who were present. Torrad, the Sarutobi captain, was the one who gave Katsu his mug filled with some light liquid. "Heh, you earned your share, kid." Before more could be said, Skuli spoke up, raising his mug. "Here is to cheating, stealing, fighting and drinking lads!" Laughter erupted from most members as they would raise their mugs, repeating Skuli's words before downing the drink.

Katsu looked down at his drink as the merry band of warriors cheered and drank. He sniffed the drink cautiously, remembering the last time he had drunk alcohol, but the smell was nothing like before. He took a swig, but ended up coughing again. After catching his breath, he turned to Skuli. "Wait, did you bet that I'd die today?" he asked, his voice showing a hint of shock.

"I lost that bet too. Fifty coins." Torrad said in a rather casual manner. Skuli just grinned. "I might have, ahaahaa! But you prove me and most of us here wrong. At least, you made some people a bit richer. Not sure if that is a consolation for you, but come, come!" Gesturing that Katsu should get his drink refilled Skuli continued, "You got to drink more lad. You earned you fair share after today. Though you costed me eighty coins, ahahahaaa!"

"Eighty!?" Katsu looked at what remained in his mug and poured it down his throat. As he brought the mug down, his face showed that he wasn't used to drinking like that. "Another it is," he mumbled to himself as he refilled it. "I'm not feeling too well... I can feel it swirling in my stomach!"

"Just getting used to it. Be glad it is Pinedale Ale. Not easy to get by but I managed to secure a few barrels before leaving home. It is much sweeter and softer than other drinks. Think if you would have downed Bloody Victory like this that I would need to explain the colonel why his aide got knocked out." Skuli half-joked, "Best, take it a bit easier. Let the flavour get you and then drink a bit more," Skuli mumbled on a softer tone. Most of the present men started to laugh and speak of the battle today and what they were expecting the next battle to go down.

"Don't worry," Torrad said with his grin growing, "Skuli is used to losing larger amounts of wealth. Luckily he is as good with fighting as he is bad with gambling." The comment of the Sarutobi captain provoked a soft grumbling from the large man, who took a large sip of his drink. "Anyhow, I was wondering. What did you think of today's battle?"

"What did I think?" Katsu's head bobbed lightly back and forth as he pondered. "It was strange, to say the least. They were so unrefined and unskilled," he said. "They might've been relying on those monsters with impenetrable skin to break our line and swarm in with their numbers, but they probably weren't counting on many to be able to dispatch them. It's poor tactics if you ask me. They just relied on brute force and were unprepared to face anything not going their way." He took a large sip from his mug before continuing. "Now they're on the back foot. I think the hardest part is probably over."

"Which is a shame! I like opponents who come at you without any concern! Seems much better than just scheming and playing around. Though they might not have encountered a disciplined force capable of holding up against them indeed. Perhaps we just scraped the surface. To which I hope that they got better warriors for us to face!" Skuli grinned as Torrad shook his head. "I think the hardest part is about to come. If their entire force is made up from untrained and such ill-equipped troops then we should get over with it and just take them all out. Their tactic was so stupid that I feel like those Kusanagi could have been more of a challenge, if you ask me."

"Kusanagi? More like Kusadummy," Katsu said spitefully as he remembered his encounter with one of that clan's members at the tournament. He took another swig from the mug. "Bleh! It hurts my throat when I drink it," he muttered to himself. "Maybe, but we'll at least have a better chance to prepare and see what they are. They don't hold the dice anymore now that they've failed this first time."

Skuli would erupt into laughter upon hearing Katsu's words. Torrad would show the hint of a smile but would take a sip of his drink. "Drink it slowly, kid. It shouldn't burn if you take it easy. It is not water that you're downing through your throat. As for the enemy, I don't know," the Sarutobi would frown as he considered something, "They already got to learn what we can do. Besides, they still have a bigger army, I bet. Numbers don't win everything but they certainly help. I hope that the commander will come with a plan to silent a large portion of them before we will have another clash."

"Oh... I thought drinking would be like ripping off a bandaid: as if the quicker you do it, the less pain you'll feel." He took a small sip before putting the mug down. "Ugh... I can't ever see myself going out with the sole purpose of drinking this stuff." He looked at Torrad approvingly. "That kind of op, I can get behind," he said with a flimsy smile.

"Psh! You both need to get used to the taste of true glory! Nothing better than to face your adversaries in open battle with sword and shield in hand! To then take them down in front of their comrades, what more do you wish from a fight?" Skuli would raise his mug as some of the present men cheered, clearly agreeing with the captain. Torrad sighed but seemed slightly amused. "Not really. Besides, going out is going to be a thing of the past kid. Unless that entire force is responsible for causing so much unrest that we got to deal with it, then I don't think it will be any time soon that we will go back home." Taking a sip, Torrad decided to ask a question afterwards. "Where you're from actually?"

Katsu looked at Skuli disapprovingly as the men cheered. He turned to Torrad. "Oh, I'm from Konoha. Born and raised," he responded. "My dad's from Konoha as well but I don't know where mom and grandpa are from, so it's safe to say my family home is Konoha too."

Some of the men started to sing, with Skuli joining them. Torrad would remain with Katsu, eyeing the scene in front of them. "Nice city. Went there twice in my life," Torrad said, the hint of a smile growing on his lips, "I myself come from Ardara. Probably not that known with you but it is in the eastern part of the Empire. If I have to be honest, it is kind of odd to see an Uchiha among us. Then again," Torrad shot Katsu a look, "Your kin and clan are known to rival us in martial prowess. I have heard that you were able to keep up with the colonel or is what I have heard extravagant?"

"That's... I'm just used to fighting beside him. It wouldn't be any good if I slowed him down," Katsu said scratching his cheek. "I suppose I'm just capable of the bare minimum required to watch his back." He looked over at Skuli and the jovial men singing festively. "If you don't mind me asking," Katsu said with a melancholic smile, "what's it like in your hometown? Is it calm and peaceful?"

The reply of Katsu seemed to make Torrad anything but impressed, though that wasn't really the purpose of the Uchiha's reply anyways. "I suppose it is good to have a sword brother. Even if it is from another clan and people," Torrad said in a polite tone. The question was answered right after the comment. "Ardara has... its charms. It is calm and peaceful but when the representatives of the councils and few leaders meet up for their meeting, it can get a bit more," A split second passed as Torrad searched for the right word, "Exciting. Certainly when you see Blackroots and Gwades being near each other while bearing arms."

"I see. I suppose even families can be hostile towards each other, huh?" Katsu said. He paused for a long moment before continuing. "We weren't so close at the beginning you know. Koike and me," he said. "Our relationship had a bit of a rocky start. But with time, we were more like brothers than teammates. He even let me stay with him when I had nowhere to turn." His eyes locked on the burning campfire as a weak smile crept up his lips. "I don't have many people I'm been close with, and half of them are here, somewhere a continent away from home. It might be bizarre for you that I'm an Uchiha so close to a Hon, but..." He turned his head to look Torrad straight in the eyes. "No matter what our names are, he's my brother, and I won't let anything come between us." He let out a soft chuckle after a moment's silence. "I suppose you could say that's why I'm here."

A smile dawned on Torrad's lips. He wouldn't correct Katsu that calling the Gwade and Blackroot families wasn't entirely correct but it was an amusing thought to the captain. Listening to what Katsu said about his bond with their colonel, Torrad remained silent. He took slowly a small sip of his drink to let the flavour roll on his tongue. Savouring the sooth sweetness of the Pinedale ale, Torrad would shift his gaze from the campfire, Skuli and the others making merry towards Katsu once more. "I will be honest. It is a bit bizare. Then again, you're one of us now. A member of the 13th. Usually that means you're a Hon or Sarutobi but things are changing, I suppose." Falling silent for a moment, Torrad gazed into the nearby campfire. "Then again, it is true I suppose what they claim. That in the heat of battle you forge bonds that are stronger than blood. And judging from what I can collect and gauge, you had your fair share with the colonel. Huh," Torrad chuckled, "I guess that does weigh more than your origin."

"You could say that," Katsu said, thinking back to all they'd been through together. He probably wasn't even allowed to recount half of those events. "If battles forge bonds, then I feel like I'm going to have quite a few chances to become best buddies with everyone here."

The Sarutobi let out a soft laughter, which went mixed with the present people around them singing. "With such an attitude you will have little trouble to get buddies. Maybe it is wise, though, to take some advice from various people with a grain of salt," Torrad shot a meaningful look in the direction of Skuli, who began talking about his 'conquests' with a few pelvic movements that provoked laughter from the present men. "Just know that you drank with us to cheat, stealing, fighting and drinking. Though, I suppose that you're not entirely familiar what that entitles?"

Katsu followed Torrad's eyes to look at Skuli. He turned back to the captain and shook his head. "Ah... Not quite," he said with a timid demeanor. "I'm guessing I'll get to find out before long, hm?"

The captain shook his head lightly. "It is simple. If you cheat, may it be death. If you steal, may it be a woman's heart. Not literally, of course," Torrad quickly added with a hint of amusement present in his voice, "If you fight, may you fight for or with a brother. And if you drink? May you drink with us. It is a simple kind of code that we follow in this brigade, more or less." He explained to Katsu. "You will get used to it in time. No doubt about that."

"Then..." Katsu picked up his half filled mug and held it up. "To cheating, stealing, fighting and drinking!" He took a large sip before coughing. "Too fast... Agh..."

The coughing of Katsu provoked Torrad to snicker as he shook his head. Before he could say anything, Skuli approached the two and would almost pick up Katsu with both of his large hands. "Come lad! We're going to play some Hnefatafl! I will teach you about it. Which is a good thing," Skuli stated with his usual jovial mannerism as he placed Katsu in front of him, patting him on his shoulder and guiding him to a few of the present men that had gathered around an improvised spot on which they had placed a board with pieces on. "Wait, your mug is empty?! Refill! Refill!"

"No, I've had plenty already!" the boy protested, placing the mug on the ground. "Hnefatafl? That's kinda like chess, isn't it?" he asked, looking at the board the men were playing on.

"Bah! No you haven't! Refill! Refill! Aahahaaaa!" Some of the men joined in with Skuli's laughter as Katsu's mug would be refilled. "Bah! Chess! That is what the meek play. This, my boy, is a real game of strategy and tactics! You see the pieces in the middle?" Skuli gestured to the figures as he would start to explain the game while growing more excited about to teach the newest member of the brigade on how it worked.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox=Planning Operation Payback, grey]
Wolf Country,
Aftermath of the battle.

A collab between Chromehound and Gerontis.

Summary:
Hayate and Koike have a meeting after the battle in Hayate's tent. There they plot together about how to make the enemy waver as to assert some advantage over the numerical strong adversary.

[spoili]

Returning to the camp, there were still people at the bank of the river. He rather had remained there to watch and help perhaps but he couldn't forsake his duties. Before he would go to meet Hayate, Koike would make sure to refresh himself. At least, that was his intention. Instead he would put most of his armour off and go towards the commanders tent of Hayate with the comfortable gambeson. On his way he nodded to various people who recognised him, either saluting or complimenting him and the 13th on holding the line. Nearing the tent Koike would report himself to the present guard. After he was checked and his identity was verified he was allowed to enter.

"Colonel Koike of the 13th reporting back, commander sir," Koike said as he would salute.

Turning from the papers he was studying, Hayate glanced at Koike for a moment before returning the salute. "Good to see you Koike, but you know you don't have to announce yourself as such, yes?" A slight hint of amusement in his tone, Hayate was glad for the distraction. Tilting his head to the side, Hayate folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against the desk. "How are you holding up?"

Lowering his fist, Koike nodded. He dropped the whole facade of being calm, allowing his shoulders to hang and his head to lower a bit. "I know. As for me? I guess I am okay. Tired." He took a second before continuing. "Decided to bring you report of the casualties of the 13th brigade. We have around five hundred wounded and just eighty deads. Seeing the skill and talent of the present medical personel, I doubt that the dead count will increase. From what I can tell, the small lose didn't cause a dent in the brigade's morale. Might have even made the majority eager to have another chance to prove themselves." He could understand where it was coming from but Koike felt something else with the fact so many of his clan and brigade had been wounded or worse. "I also wished to discuss something that I want to do. If you got the time to lay out a strategy with me."

As Koike reported the casualties of the 13th brigade, Hayate felt himself tense up. Well it may not have been a huge amount in the grand scheme of things, any loss of life felt personal to him. Nodding his head slowly, his expression shifted into a more serious one. It brought only the smallest measure of relief hearing that the 13th's morale was still strong. A part of that was likely due to their beliefs. Dying in battle was considered honourable to them, something that would help ease their passing somewhat. Glancing back at his friend, Hayate took a moment before speaking. "Thank the Dragon that our medics are so skilled... I fear they will only grow busier as this conflict goes on." Reaching up with one hand to scratch his chin, Hayate continued. "Discussing strategy with you sounds like a nice break from going through some of these reports." Gesturing towards the table, Hayate walked around to the side, clearing some of the papers away. "Come in though, have a seat if you'd like, or feel free to stand. Personally I find it easier to think while standing sometimes but I imagine you've probably been stuck on your feet for long enough lately..."

"I would say that I would be happy to kill to sit down," Koike began as he would grab a stool nearby and place it near Hayate, "But I think I had my fair share of killing today. Anyways," he began on a more serious tone, "I am not certain how many of the enemy got killed in today's battle. But I would wager everything I have that was barely half of their forces. With Saki and her Tiger Claws managing to stop an attack from the north, I reckon that they are testing us out." The expression on Koike's face said enough on what he thought about it. "I think it would be best to perhaps try to be the aggressors next time. Do the unexpected."

Pondering for a moment, Hayate was perturbed to hear that the enemy forces were still so large. It was not entirely surprising, however, as the reports kept coming in about just how massive they truly were. As Koike suggested a new strategy, Hayate found himself nodding. "It could not, I imagine, hurt to try. If they truly are testing us as you say, then perhaps we should show them exactly what we are made of." Glancing at the map that lay on the table, with figures representing the opposing forces, he remained quiet for a long moment, thinking. "What did you have in mind?" He asked finally, glancing up to look at Koike.

"I suggest a night raid." He let his answer sink in before gesturing to the map with the figures. "We got enough and the certain troops to pull it off. Various detachments have experience, training and the discipline to pull of a large night raid to diminish the enemy numbers. They probably will estabilish a watch on their side of the river but given enough skilled troops and we can take those out. Then we will hit hard and fast. Before they then can form up to strike back we will slip away in the dark of the night." He began, "To conduct fighting and keep command of troops in the dark of the night is quite harder than it already is during day. I dont think we can do a critical enough amount of damage but we can certainly fight and take down a lot of them instead of just waiting like sheep for slaughter for them to attack. We can even deploy your dragon and other manners to aid our attack."

Listening carefully to Koike as he explained his idea, Hayate found himself growing more and more intrigued. A night raid could certainly be effective. Difficult to pull off, but effective. There were several concerns that he had, but Hayate kept them to the back of his mind for now. When Koike mentioned deploying Hayate's dragon, the Hyuzu's eyes lit up. He was excited at the prospect of getting back in the fight. Staying back was not really his thing... "How many troops would you need for this?" He asked, still considering things.

"Depends on how hard you want to hit them. I can think of various units but I don't think we want to risk everything we got. So, we could invite the Lightning and Republic forces to participate. They probably have shinobi and soldiers who can come of use to execute a night raid," Koike answered. He did think of something quickly. "Though, if you are planning to be part of this raid then I want to be in lead of the vanguard. If I get killed, then that is just that. But you in peril is something we can't really risk."

Biting his tongue, Hayate resisted the urge to snap a response back telling Koike he did not need the protection. It was a futile point. Something he had learned last time he tried to go out on his own. Turning away he paused before speaking. "I want to hit them in a way that won't be easy to counter." Hayate said, his tone serious. "I want to make it difficult for them to recover. So yes, it may be best for us to include the other forces. If we can make a push with a decent sized force, we can keep the main forces at the ready in case things go awry." Thinking for a moment, Hayate looked back at the map. "If we plan this properly, we can perhaps find a way to force their next moves. That would gain us a significant advantage, even if it is only momentary." Gesturing towards the map, he pointed towards several areas. "If we drive them towards some of these points and choke off the other areas, we can force their next attacks to go through a funnel, allowing us to maximize our own defense. What do you think?" Hayate glanced towards Koike, purposefully ignoring the Hon's last statement. It was an issue they could discuss after everything was organized.

Koike looked at the points that Hayate had pointed out, pondering on the words of his friend and leader. He had taken note that Hayate had ignored the last point but wouldn't press it on. "It will be tricky to force a large force such as them to move in a way we want by fierce attacks. We could, however, try to draw them out. Give them what seems to be some bait and see how it goes. If they would be given a target that is too good to resist we could lure a part of their forces straight into an ambush while keeping the forces that won't partake in the ambush at the ready. Perhaps they will be prone to such rash decisions and manouvres once being humilated by the night raid?" The last was a mere thought that Koike voiced out loud as he considered it himself.

Nodding again, Hayate thought about Koike's words. Luring them would, in essence, have the same effect as pushing them to one point or another. The only thing he was uncertain about was how the enemy would react. They had already been proven to be rather unpredictable and the last thing Hayate wanted to do was put his people at risk without making sure they were covered. "That could work, we would need to make preparations of course... but that could work." Glancing back down at the map, he furrowed his brow for a moment. "The reason I picked out these points is not because I wanted to push them here by force, but rather direct them by blocking their ability to go other ways. We would not, of course, have time to erect permanent barricades or anything that fancy, but if we could somehow plant some traps, or even temporary barricades to force them to move where we want, that may help with the rest of our plan."

That could work too, Koike thought to himself. Observing the points, he would like to see them with his own eyes in real life to be certain how much material they would need to use to create an useful barricade to hamper the flexibility or exits for their opponents. The only problem was that the other side of the river was being occupied by the enemy. If anything reminded Koike of a hnefatafl then it was their current situation. The fact that they were with less troops and had to be more cunning made it clear that they couldn't make one wrong move. "I want Saki and her Tiger Claws with me," Koike began as he gestured to the points that Hayate had pointed out, "If anybody, they know how to move fast and can take out most people without breaking a sweat. Only problem is that..." He knew that right now Saki wasn't in the best mental state with how Hideki got wounded. "I will likely task one of my captains, a Sarutobi who is crafty and capable of aiding the night raid and enabling to learn more about those points. I will also take the task to approach the Lightning forces to see if they have units or people able to help. You might need to approach the Republican commander and forces, though, if you wish to split the work up between us," Koike suggested. "Perhaps your dragon can help to survey the area from above before nightfall, so that we have an idea where their troops are stationed outside their camp?"

Glancing towards Koike as he made his requests, Hayate considered them carefully. He did not like the idea of putting Saki in a high pressure situation at the moment, but they did not have many other options. "If she is ready for it, take the Tiger Claws. They would be a significant asset in this fight." Pausing as another thought filled his mind, Hayate glanced away. "I will speak with the Republican commander to see if they wish to join this effort. However..." Turning to face Koike, his eyes stern, Hayate continued. "Do not think I will be missing out on this attack Koike. Kuromu can certainly be useful for surveying the area, however, you will need me to relay the information back to the troops. I cannot do that effectively if I am hiding back here." His tone made it clear that he did not want this to become a discussion. Even so, he doubted that would discourage Koike from speaking his mind. "Besides, there is a unit of my own that I would like to deploy in this plan."

There were, at least, six different arguments instantly at the ready on Koike's tongue when he heard what Hayate wanted. Crossing his arms he remained silent for a second. "I suppose that this is one of those pesky situations where ranks do matter," He said, though not sounding or feeling bitter. "Just in any case, allow me to lead the vanguard. I will select those capable of taking out any possible watchposts and lookouts at their side of the river. Once I am done, I will signal for you and the others to cross the river. I do recommend that we have troops on standby to cover us, once we move back to the camp. As much as the river has granted us an advantage at today's clash, it will be hampering our movement back to the camp. If the enemy has a sizeable detachment and they catch us on the route back, well, yeah," He doubted he would need to finish that sentence to explain what he meant. "I suppose that it will take some time and in case that the enemy isn't pulling any attacks tomorrow, I have another suggestion."

Making a line with his indexfinger at the map, he would explain his suggestion. "Right now we have to feign them that we are looking for weaknesses. It might take them some time to recover from the damage they suffered today. If we have various units and detachments making manouvres, it will catch their attention without a doubt. They will most likely mirror us, using the river against us like we did today to them. Won't fool them forever but might win us a day or even two. Enough to prepare a massive night attack on their camp."

Relieved that Koike did not attempt to argue, Hayate was also surprised. Though it was true in this case that he outranked Koike, it was never something he really considered. Hayate valued that he could trust Koike's honest opinion regardless of rank, and he never had the desire to have to pull rank. It would feel like a betrayal to his friend. "You may lead the vanguard. My part does not exactly involve a frontal assault, which means I do not need to be with the main forces until after the fighting has started. WIth any luck, me and my team will already have pulled out and rounded back to cover your withdrawal." Glancing at the map, he chewed his lip thoughtfully. "If we would like to have our own troops at the ready to cover us, it would certainly be advised to include the Lightning and the Republic... While I am confident in our own troops abilities, I do not want to risk their lives in some prideful display. Having the Lightning and Republic to support us may give us the extra edge we need."

Listening as Koike explained his second suggestion, Hayate nodded. "How many troops do we need to make it seem like we are testing them? I don't want to commit too many of them to an action that may backfire on us, but I do believe your plan is a smart one. If it works, this could help us turn the tide against these zealots."

"Might also help to preserve our numbers by letting them take the brunt the next time," Koike said, scoffing lightly. "As for how many? I can request one or two of the Brigade Generals to assist with the plan. If you can make the commander of the Republican forces help with it, I will see what I can do with that of the Lightning. Though," frowning lightly Koike's tone became less excited and more stern, "I don't particulary like the fact we have to ask for assistance. We have the largest force present and kept the center intact. If anything, we have proven ourselves somewhat the better. I will not put my ill opinion and distrust on to you but I will prefer that the other two forces would acknowledge us as the leading party." Having said that Koike would glance once more at the map as another thought came up.

"And what is your plan, with this team of yours?" Koike asked, shooting a meaningful look at Hayate but not voicing more than that question.

While he could understand Koike's hesitance regarding the other allied forces, along with his distaste in asking them for help, Hayate did not have the luxury of letting his own personal feelings influence his decisions. Especially not when it could mean the lives of those under his command. Taking a moment to allow Koike to finish, Hayate nodded slowly, glancing aside before turning back to his friend. "We cannot let pride get in the way Koike." he began, his tone quiet. "While I... share... many of your viewpoints, we cannot forget that we are already outnumbered here." Raising an eyebrow, Hayate folded his arms across his chest. "We need them almost as much as they need us. If we continue to operate from a point of strength, they won't really have another choice but to acknowledge our position as the leading party."

Taking a moment to allow his words to sink in, Hayate's tone softened slightly. "Don't forget that it might take a little longer for them to be willing to accept someone as young as myself as the person they follow in this conflict. So let's not get too far ahead of ourselves just yet. Okay?" Tilting his head to glance at the map as Koike asked what his plan was, a slight hint of a smile grew on Hayate's face. "I haven't worked out all the details yet, so I'd rather not say anything until it is finalized. I just ask that you trust me until the time comes. I will fill you in as soon as we are ready to go."

color=wheat]"Just know that it is how I feel about it. You're the one in command and you got my support. Just know that I doubt that we would have gone off easy without hearing people like the Kusanagi whining and trying to boss us around if they had more troops under their command,"[/color] Koike said, not hiding his slight frustration. But he would let it rest. Repeating it over and beating it like a dead horse would be a waste of time. A luxury that they didn't really have with a large hostile force nearby. Did they ever enjoy the luxury of time before? "You got my trust. Just don't pull anything hectic off. I don't want to have to come over to get you out of trouble. Though," chuckling for a second Koike shook his head lightly, "I guess it would be time then for me to prepare to meet up with the Lightning country forces. Unless you need something from me?"

"Please know that I always appreciate your honesty Koike. While we won't always agree. It is important to me that you don't feel like you need to keep anything from me." Hayate told his friend, meaning every word. Koike's joke about having to come rescue him, caused the Hyuzu to smile, shaking his head. "I'd be careful if I were you. Who's to say I won't end up having to get your sorry ass out of trouble?" Chuckling, he turned from the desk and leaned backwards, resting on his hands. "That is everything for now. I will speak with the Republic Commander and we can meet once you've finalized things with the Lightning Commander." Raising his hand in a salute, Hayate lowered his head ever so slightly in a show of respect. "Take care of yourself out there Koike."

Koike just nodded. There wasn't any need to confirm that he believed Hayate or already was aware of that, though it was always nice to hear it. "Good. I will get to work right away then." Nodding towards Koike thought of something. "If you will by any case save my hide then I will perhaps stop talking about the weather, heh," That having said, Koike would salute towards his friend and commander before taking his leave. There were matters that needed to be arranged and dealt with as soon as possible.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox=Future White Gold?, white]
Wolf Country,
Aftermath of the battle.

A collab between Icy/Morning and Gerontis.

Summary:
In the medical tent, Hideki Hyuuga is receiving treatment from the wounds he sustained during the skirmish against what the allied force has started to nick 'red cloaks'. After arranging a meeting, with also getting confirmation that the Lightning country will aid with a night attack on the enemy, Koike heads to the medical tents. There, the two meet and have some interaction going on.

[spoili]
"Ah, good lord," Hideki exclaimed, wheezing slightly from the wincing pain as he rose from the foldable hospital cot, finally able to stand on his patched-up leg. "How is it feeling?" the medic-nin asked, removing his gloves and breathing out from the chakra exertion. "Good. It's good. I just need to get used to the initial feel — there's still a bit of pain left." "It won't leave you that quickly," the man replied, preparing to head over to another patient. "In the future I suggest you avoid being injured at all — then there'll be no accustoming to pain." Well... that's easier said than done, Hideki thought, easing his back with a stretch. He slumped down in the cot again, puffing out and closing his eye for a dozen heartbeats. But I'm alive, ain't I? That's a good thing, no? One year closer to retirement. And married now... The ghost of a smile lingered on his lips as he recalled the blatant absurdity of the proposal. Was it tulips she desired? Hideki barely had any idea how they even looked.

Heading to the medic tents, Koike had managed to find some time to clean his gear. Not that he saw the need to walk all armed and armoured in the camp. But after hearing that there had been a skirmish north of the main clash, where a part of the Guardians as Tiger claws had engaged enemies that were able of ninjutsu, he was worried. He hadn't been able to find Saki and by the report of wounded - and even casualties- he hoped to not find any familiar faces. Managing to reach the respective part of the camp, Koike began his search. His stomach didn't turn easily by the sight of dead, violence and wounds. But there was something to see people being treated, suffering and unable to do something about their pain. Together with his concern he saw a few familiar faces among the wounded. People that he had promised to try to bring him, alive. He remembered his own speech that held the promise. A mixture of anger and guilt caused his stomach to turn ever more. Wanting to go away, he decided to walk through the medical department. Making a few talks with wounded Guardians, trying to uplift some spirits, Koike would eventually notice a familiar Hyuuga. Approaching Hideki, Koike cleared his throat. "Hideki? Still alive?" Koike tried to sound a bit cheerful, "Heard you guys managed to repel a northern incurssion. Wish I... well," stating that he wanted to help out would make it seem as if the frontline fighting hadn't been rough or demanding. Rubbing his neck with his left hand, he flashed a smile. "What happened to you?" Not masking his concern, Koike decided that he could see where and how Saki was doing after talking with Hideki.

Blinking from his reverie, Hideki looked up into the eyes of Koike, then smiled ruefully. Alive and kicking — well, somewhat," Hideki replied to his first question, then chuckled. "A slight wound to my leg and arm. Nothing to worry about. The medics took care of it." Pausing, he studied the fellow Guardian, taking in his own posture and garments to see if any wounds had been inflicted. "Are you fine then? I heard you were fighting on the frontlines. Bloody stuff, I imagine."

Glad to hear that he was still alive, as that was evident, Koike wanted to pat the other on the shoulder. Deciding that it was best to not show that Hideki's initial answer made him a bit relieved, Koike nodded upon the question of Hideki. "Bloody stuff, yeah. We can nick it that," Koike replied, "I managed to be somewhat lucky. Unlike," his voice trailed off as his eyes briefly moved his gaze to the side. Deciding to not bring the mood down, he decided to move to different point. "I was wondering if you had seen Saki. I heard that there were some Tiger claws and Guardians who got wounded but I haven't seen her yet." He tried to voice his question in a cautious manner, hoping that he wouldn't bring Hideki down. He was hoping that he was just being a bit too worried as he couldn't notice anything from Hideki that something bad had happened to Saki - though he had read and assumed the body language of people wrong before.

At the allusion to the casualties, Hideki sobered some, his thoughts drifting away to Kaito and the Guardians he'd witnessed either slain by the blades of the foes or horrifically contorted by fire. At the mentioned of Saki, however, he allowed himself a sigh of relief. "Saki's fine. She's a tenfold more competent than I, so she'll make it out of this unscatched." You hope, a voice whispered in the back of his mind — before being forcefully driven away.

Koike's shoulders would lower as he mentally released a big sigh. "Tenfold? Man, don't get me started. She is probably a kage compared to me." He half-joked, actually certain that if Saki desired that she could make him go faster down than a brick being dropped from a building's rooftop. "Though, mind telling me a bit about the enemy you encountered? We basically encountered thugs. Their soldiers don't have gear or weapons that we would even consider worth to be used for training. Together with some weird creatures that absorb chakra, though we managed to dispatch those." He asked and told Hideki.

Absorb chakra, eh? Hideki would have no qualms laying his hands on one of those again — under other conditions this time around. "Certainly. Do you mind if we go for a walk? I need to exercise my leg some, and besides... I would rather not linger for too long in this atmosphere. It does some bad things to a man's spirit. The shorter your visit, the better." Grabbing his canteen from the stand next to his cot, he took a sip and returned to his feet, grimacing slightly at the smarting of the mended tissue.

"I wouldn't mind, lead the way," Koike said as he would adjust his pace to that of Hideki's. "Are you certain that you won't need some more rest, soon? I rather have you capable to cut those bastards down a size as I have heard you did." He added, trying not to sound too concerned. He then chuckled, remembering something. "Cause right now, you seem like you just went to that obscure pub. Remember that place? With those drinks with those horrid names?"

Waving dismissively at his concerns, Hideki pushed aside the tent flap and went outside, the chill air of evening filtering down his lungs. "If I vegetate for too long, I'll just get antsy. That more than anything else will diminish my field value." Upon the mention of the bar they'd visited some months past in Konohagakure, Hideki couldn't resist a smile. "Remember? How could I possibly forget... I'm still having difficulties sleeping at night." Thinking of that strange painting he'd seen — depicting a creature with a large cyclopean eye instead of an anus — he chuckled some. "Obscure, indeed... What about that lady you were seeing — if you were, correct me if I'm wrong or prying. Is everything well with her?"

"Makes two of us, I suppose," was Koike's initial reply on Hideki's comment on resting for too long. Stepping aside, Koike briefly glanced back. If he had only more time, he would have spend it with some of the others that were less lucky than him and Hideki. Already he felt the bitter gall of guilt boiling up in his mouth as their families would have to be informed at one point that they had lost a child and possible sibling. "You mean Korina? It is okay. It didn't really work out the way that we both wanted. She..." Koike considered his next words a bit more with caution. Only to smile towards Hideki. "I guess that I wasn't really meant to be with her. I tried to understand the Kusanagi and their nomadic ways. They proved to be quite interesting. And drinking some beverages that I never imagined to gulp down my throat. Did you know that you can actually milk a horse? Or so, at least, I think they did. Wasn't really my favorite drink, I got to tell you that. I prefer milk from a cow. Anyways," a sigh followed the last word, "I decided to write her a letter. I had it really busy with mission after mission with my team. And she as her clansmen made it clear that I wasn't... well, they gave me the idea that I wasn't good enough for her."

A bit of frustration surfaced. "They kept repeating that she wouldn't stand her title or name down. And I never asked for that. Damn Ancestors, I didn't even ask more than to know what her plans were the next day when we would part. Then I met her before she went back with her clan to the north. I can already hint that it was anything but pleasant. She..." Remembering how it had went, Koike hadn't been able to laugh about it. Hadn't been able to find any joy or amusement in it. But now he couldn't help but snicker. "She told me that my jacket was at her place. I decided that it wasn't a clever idea to walk alone into the lion's den for just a jacket. I have heard how they basically have some traditions that enforce some people to become part of their clan. So I might have decided to skip that pleasantry."

"Oh," Hideki said, slightly taken aback by just how convoluted that break-up seemed. "I'm sorry — and without having tasted it, I think I will have to agree with you. Cow milk seems... preferable." He smiled, ambling among the tents and resting soldiers — some recouperating before the inevtiable clashes to come, others honing their weapons and armor. All seeming to find a moment's respite in the darkening sky, stars blossoming like so many petals therein. "I guess everyone has their own problems," he said, nibbling on his lower lip. "As for the ones we fought — those capable of using Ninjutsu — do you remember the straw-hatted red cloaks at that strange ritual before the battle took place, flanking those white-capped ones as they strode among the chanters? Those were they."

"Don't be sorry, pal," Koike said. He briefly wondered if it was okay to call Hideki his pal. In a way he wasn't really close to the Hyuuga. But seeing they both had survived the horrors of that 'pub' and serving together, he wagered on it that it was more than okay. "I might or might not have somebody waiting at home for me. Or not really at home. It is, euhm," How far was the capital of the River province from Konohagakure? "I managed after the break up with Korina. It might sound a bit harsh, but it is probably the better for her and me." Hearing the answer on his question Koike thought about those figures. So those guys were the ninjutsu users of the enemy? He wondered if there were any ninjutsu users among the other military units of the enemy. And how much their techniques could differ from theirs. "Odd bunch. I am, at least, glad that we have a better taste of fashion. Those straw hats don't really appeal to me, what about you?"

Hideki nodded, digesting Koike's words. Something arranged, then? Or even more complicated than the first? Shouldn't snoop into other people's private lives, the voice from before reminded him, seeming to chuckle. "Well, on a summery day maybe — in some rustic environs," he replied, half-grinning. "But in this weather," — he gestured to the light drifting of snowflakes, swirling around the camp — "I would rather abstain from sporting one."

"Okay, yeah, perhaps then. I prefer no hat, though. I wear a helmet when going to such large fights, cause I prefer people from stopping to scar me further. Already lost count how many have tried to make the collection bigger." Koike shook his head lightly. He briefly thought about those red cloaked ninjutsu users. If they were a competent force to trouble Saki's Tiger Claws as their Guardians, then it was clear that they had to be careful around those guys. "By the way, I know that it isn't the right time to ask you," Koike began, "But there will be a meeting between some of us with a few others of the Lightning country force. A meeting to exchange some information as to get some of them a bit better for the plotted counter-attack."

"Well, they suit you," Hideki replied, referring to the scars. Unlike mine, I feel... he silently added. Slowing his pace, Hideki turned to glance at Koike. "I see. I'll be there then. I do admit to some curiosity about them — the Lightning shinobi. Have you had dealings with them before?"

Other than Korina? Koike thought about it. "Not really, no. Nothing that really comes to mind, at least." He thought a few seconds more about it but couldn't remember anything about ever dealing in any way or form with shinobi from the north. "I have heard like most some rumours but never been on a mission towards their country. What about you? Other than, Korina, of course."

Hideki frowned, dredging his memory. "Not that I'm aware of. Admittedly, I don't know much about their customs and traditions — and much less so about the capability of their shinobi, although rumours carry far. Farthest in the world I've travelled was to Snow Country — if you're aware of its existence?"

"Damn, that is quite north. And if I don't fail to remember, a vassal state of the Lightning." The question was at the ready to ask why he had went so far north. But would he answer what he had done in places that were foreign to Konohagakure? No. So why should Hideki be questioned about it? "Yeah. I heard about this Saviour. Interestingly a nomad, though uncertain how alike she is to the Kusanagi. Tamed the Eight Tails. And if that wasn't enough," Koike shot a sideways glance at Hideki, "Being the half-sibling of the Empress. It must run in the family, to subdue dangerous creatures."

Hideki arched an eyebrow. "Half-sibling, eh? Is that so..." He thought about Kiyomi, and with the recent mention of Snow Country, the turmoil unleashed there — and how it had shaped him. "It's a scary world to live in," he continued, his breath pluming away into the gloom. "Now with the war, and then with those tailed beasts, capable of razing entire cities with what feels like just an aside thought." He shivered some, recalling Lilia's transformation during the Hon Siege, the purple tail lashing out and catching him in the chest, sending him flying into that brick wall. "Scary world, indeed."

"Yeah," Koike mumbled. A scary and sometimes somewhat confusing world. One that didn't seem to care. Simply shrugging at anything that happened. Or perhaps that was just his experience morphing his point of view regarding the world. "If the rumours are correct, she did tame it. I hope that does imply that we won't be subject to any rampaging beast any time soon. Cause between you and me, I rather pick a fight with those ugly morons on the other side of the river." And even that, Koike admitted to himself, was something he wasn't looking forward to. "Though, with some luck, this is the entire hostile presence that has been making a mess here. Perhaps we can go back home once we have dealt with them?" Koike thought out loud, trying to sound positive about it.

And with our minds intact? Hideki smiled wryly, flexing his fingers. "I would certainly hope so. Being this far away from home is rather taxing on your mind — and in hostile enviroments as well." After walking a few steps with his head down, mulling over things, a faint spark came into his eye, burning softly. "I do have something to live for now, though. Something worthy of protecting — of preserving. And for that I will try to survive."

He could fully agree with that. He wasn't against killing and trying to survive in a hostile area. They both had done that, he was certain of that. The only problem was that the idea of not being able to go back home was a bit foreign. There was now an entire sea blockading their passage home. Even while he had a summoning technique that could attempt to bring him back to Kiyomi, Koike was hesistant to believe it would work on such an immense distance. A bit surprised by the shift in Hideki's attitude, Koike nodded. "Good! When we survive this, we both will drink a bottle of horse milk?" Koike asked, half-joking if that was what Hideki had meant.

Hideki laughed. "Right, horse milk. I'm already dying to get my hands on some," he jested, pulling up at the edges of the camp. The hills rolled far and wide in the distance, the soft covering of snow lighting up the deepening gloom. After a few moments of silence, observing the scenery, he turned to Koike, stretching out his hand. "Let's both pull through this ordeal, then. For the sake of appraising that milk — unsavoury though it sounds."

There was no helping to it. Chuckling when he heard what Hideki said about horse milk, Koike nodded. "My treat. Though, I do want to pick the horse before we will get some weird drink that is closer to the truth than what we ordered at that obscure establishment." He actually could cherish that thought. Surviving a conflict just to try out horse milk, again. Suddenly, Koike wondered where they could get it in Akino. "Perhaps we can get it on a route back home, going from the Lightning country when heading home."

"That'd be something. But then we'll have to survive all the bandit raids as well — I would think horse milk is rather coveted, almost on the same level as gold," Hideki said, quietly chuckling. The idea of surviving a war to drink horse milk had the surprising effect of mitigating some of the pre-battle anxiety. It was just that absurb.

Now he couldn't hold or snort back a laughter. "We could perhaps even consider to resign from military service, get ourselves some land near the imperial capital and start a booming business. Calling it 'White Gold', perhaps?" He joked, enjoying the innocent comedic relief in a grim situation. "Though we will have to compete with the likes of the Kusanagi and who know what else? Oh well, food for thought for later, I guess." Koike said, shaking his head as he couldn't whip the smile of his face now.

"'White Gold', huh? I can already see it making the newspaper headlines." Hideki smiled, grateful at having spoken with Koike. Sometimes he forgot just how important human relationships actually were to a person's well-being. Solitude was nice and tranquil — but one could not remain in that murky hermitage for too long, lest one spirals deeper into the abyss waiting below. "I should think of getting back to my tent," he said after a pause, stifling a yawn. "A short nap before the meeting would be welcome."

"Let us hope that it will catch on then." Koike chuckled. And, hopefully, not read in a 'wrong' manner,' He thought to himself. As Hideki stated he would go back to his tent, Koike nodded. "Yeah, sounds as a solid idea. I will get to some work and will see you at the meeting. Oh, Hideki," Koike would halt as he seemed to remember something, "In case this meeting goes well, I will make sure that there will be some good drink once we all get back." Nodding towards the Hyuuga, Koike would make his to gather some of the others for the impending meeting.

"Sounds like a plan," Hideki called back with a muted grin, bidding farewell to Koike as he headed for his tent.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

RoranHawkins · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox="Kensuke Nimatsu - Konohagakure Team 7 Jounin, green"]
Takumi Village

The door opened with a creaking sound that amused Kensuke beyond what words could explain. The woman in the doorway was frail, thin and barely reached up to his collarbone and smiled gently at him. "Ah, Kensuke-san! It's been a while! Please, come in!" She said. "Good morning Chiye." Kensuke answered and complied. As the door closed behind them its hinges once again let loose a scream of agony not unlike a great beast's, eager for blood. Or for some oil in this case. It was the purest irony that the reason he'd come here was because he needed a smith.

He was led into a small living room where the older woman sat him down. "Some tea?" She asked. "I' had some water boiling since it's about time my husband comes back for lunch."

"I'd love some tea."

While Chiye disappeared into the kitchen Kensuke looked around the interior. It was small and cozy, the walls decorated with things found left and right. Yet it was clear that a smith lived here. An axe lay sheathed on the table next to a small pile of packages, partly opened, revealing precut sheets and staves of metal. The knee-height table in front of him was beautifully carved and lacquered. Its age was visible in the countless scratches on its otherwise pristine surface, although Kensuke was certain he saw at least two stain marks from spilled liquids. There was a large pad upon which Chiye placed a porcelin jug. She put down two cups on two smaller pads, and handed him a third cup after placing a new pad on the table. She flashed a smile at him as she got up. "Let me get Yuudai." She said and disappeared behind a door.

While she was gone a second time he noticed a rough, brass-coloured plate on the wall. It was adorned with several feathers, one of which was cracked. He felt his stomach turn upside down as his eyes followed the lines of the rudimentary tool. Tsubasa Kokoro. The feeling on his guts thightened. Good. Say her name, a voice from deep within him said. The plate on its own didn't have enough shaping to betray what it was, and Kensuke only knew because he'd seen it so many times before. He even knew why it carried a dent about a third of the way down. It had been one of her first armours. Even back then it'd been a shoddy-looking piece, but to their unaccustomed eyes it had been a shining, shimmering piece of an impossibly cool armour. He cherished the memory. The shapelessness of the plate only further accentuated who Tsubasa had been. It'd taken upwards of a year for them all to realise he was a girl. Including himself. herself.

The thought made him smile, and that caught him off guard. He was smiling about a memory of a member of Konohagakure Team 4. It'd been a year and a half since he'd said them goodbye with a big smile and some stupid jokes. Thinking of them had always come with thoughts a helpless feeling of loss. That feeling was still there, he could feel it, lurking at the edges of his awareness, but for once it wasn't what determined his feelings. He caught himself staring at it when the door slid open again revealing Chiye, just finishing a sentence and Yuudai. It had always appeared comical to Kensuke how Tsubasa'd been so androgynous of appearance where Yuudai was a towering, bulky man that could look over Kensuke's head, while Chiye was a small, frail but shapely.

"Ah, Kensuke-san! Good to see you!" The tall man said while he cleaned his soot-stained hands on his equally soot-stained apron. He approached with a big grin and offered one of his hands to shake while Kensuke stood up to greet him. "Likewise Yuudai-san." Kensuke said and placed his hand inside Yuudai's, where it disappeared almost entirely. Yuudai was a smith, and had forearms to match. Even for Kensuke his handshake was something you suffered through. They all sat down as Chiye poured them tea in companionable silence.

"So, what brings you to Takumi Village?" Yuudai finally asked, nipping from his tea and finding it far too hot to drink, earning him a scornful glance from his wife. "Well. I'm here to do business with you." He said, and removed his scabbarded sword from his belt and put it down on the table. He unsheathed the katana, revealing the fractured blade.

Yuudai immediately leaned closer to inspect it and outstretched his hands to take a closer look, but paused. "May I?" Kensuke nodded. It was endearing to see how deliately the giant of a man handled the broken blade, inspecting the grain, testing the edge,observing the pattern left by the original smith. The waving weld between the harder edge and the softer spine of the blade earned another inspection until he suddenly paused at a long, white scar down the length of the blade. "Your sword's been broken before, but either I'm seeing this badly, or whoever fixed it is some kind of God." He threw a glance at Kensuke as he said this.

"Damage like this should be impossible to fix." Kensuke nodded.

"You are right. It is. But the man who reforged it was some kind of magician. I don't know how he did it, but he did it. Even now I find it hard to believe it was repaired, all the more because I don't remember anything but waking up with the fixed blade presented to me after losing a fight."

Yuudai took this in and nodded, observing the blade for another full minute, checking it from different angles, bending it to test its flexibility and hitting it to finds the points of percussion. Eventually he put it down. "It's ancient, and I cannot repair it into a state where it is anything like what it once was. A functional blade." He said with grudging resignation. Kensuke inclined his head. Some things were simply not possible.

"But that's not why I'm here. I need a replacement that's at least as good." He said, and watched Yuudai's expression go from surprise to consideration and then enthusiasm. "Maybe even better than this one."

"That sounds like something I'll regret, but I like a challenge." Yuudai said.

They shook hands once again.
[/fieldbox]

Aliceee · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox=A surprise - Part 2, plum]

Asami Sanosuke
Raikage Assistant |Arriving in the Lightning country, in the city of Reistara.

Part 1.

"May I introduce you to Keitaro Ranzaki? The oldest son and heir of the late Yasuhide Ranzaki, the previous Daimyo of the Lightning Country."

Asami kept staring at the person who entered the room. She remained silent as her mind tried to process the sudden development as what she should do. She hadn't forgotten that it was the banner of the Ranzaki dynasty that had been flying at the ships that had attacked the squadron of small ships that were meant to sail her towards Akino from the Sky country. If she had to go by that then she was either in problems and in enemy territory but that didn't make much sense. The Sanosuke wasn't per say not loyal to the Lightning country and the ruling dynasty. It was complicated but Asami never heard or read that anybody of the Ranzaki went as far up north as Reistara. In fact, most of the Sanosuke had a bigger love and loyalty for the Raikages, simply due to the influence and bond that the Hojo held with the Ranzaki dynasty. What was further making this a confusing mess was that Morimoto had stated: "late Yasuhide Ranzaki, the previous daimyo,". Which meant that the old feudal lord had crooked? Didn't that mean that Keitaro as the oldest son was the successor? Asami's eyes narrowed slightly. She hadn't forgotten about the guard at the door. Almost as if the man had caught the subtle change in Asami's posture, his right hand shot to the handle of his katana.

"Great. A trained and disciplined puppy. My favourites," Asami thought, sarcastically, to herself as she leant slightly back in her seat. "Okay, if this is a prank, I am not in the mood. What is going on?" She asked, her tone clarifying that she found it anything but amusing.

Morimoto was quick to explain the situation. Of how the news had reached that Yasuhide Ranzaki had perished, likely assassinated. While this was troublesome news, most so far up north didn't consider it much for them to worry about. That was until the rumours spread that Keitaro had murdered his father together with a few of the personal guard. Before anybody could doubt this news, Keitaro had reached Reistara in secret with only a single man. Morimoto pointed into the direction of the man near the door, who held still a watchful eye on all of Sanosuke. Explaining that Keitaro had come with the true story that he had been almost assassinated and had been hunted by odd creatures, Morimoto could testify this. Now the situation was that they were attempting to shelter and protect Keitaro and hoping that they could find a way to alert the Raikage without leaking information about Keitaro's presence, even going as far to spread rumours that Keitaro was running south, towards the Akinian Empire.

Asami took a sip of her drink. She wasn't sure what to do or believe but if they were plotting to murder her, there wasn't much she could do. Even if she wanted to kill Morimoto and Keitaro, she could do so. It would take a moment to just commit the action. But the entire place was manned by grizzled warriors and fighters. And there were bound to be some Sanosuke that could also hold their own against a kunoichi. If their numbers wouldn't overwhelm her first. "Great home welcoming, I guess." Considering her options, Asami threw a look at Keitaro. The young man flashed a smile but seemed anxious.

"What kind of creatures are hunting for you?" Asami asked, clearly not yet entirely buying the story. "I-I don't know what they are called, Lady Asami. But we have dealt with people who could... morph into beasts. They tried to attack us on the road, certainly during the later hours." The young man lowered his head as his hands clenched into fists. "I-I... I lost five good men to those beasts on my route to Reistara. I was hoping that I could find some refuge here while trying to think of how to settle things."

Settle things? Hah, probably claiming his 'birthright', Asami thought to herself. Yet, she thought a bit further. "And now you guys want me to travel towards Kumogakure, warn the Raikage and then stabilise the country?" She saw Morimoto pondering over her words and Keitaro nodding, beating the Sanosuke chief in answering. "Yes, Lady Asami! You would find the crown forever in your debt! If you would help me to drive way those responsible for my father's demise, I promise you that I won't forget you---"

He was cut off as Asami raised a hand and released a heavy sigh. "Calm down, pretty face. I have dealt with men that made me a promise, so I am less willing to buy into words. Not to mention that I am here to see how I can reach Kumogakure. I have some trouble too as on my way towards the Akinian Empire, I got ambushed by ships and people flying the banner of your dynasty." The answer caused Keitaro to grow pale as he wanted to say something. He was certainly growing angry, probably over the fact that this was a setback that would only make things more difficult for him. Before anybody could say anything, Keitaro would get up and kneel in front of Asami. His forehead touching the floor as both Sanosuke were a bit surprised by the sudden action.

"Lady Asami, by my family's name and honor, I promise you that I had nothing to do with that. May the Gods strike me down if I lie but I don't. I beg of you, please," He kept himself knelt in front of Asami, who frowned at the young man, "My baby brother is still in the capital. I fear what kind of horrid things might happen to him if I don't manage to reclaim my birthright and stabilise the country! Please! I beg of you, aid me and I will reward you as good as I can!"

Asami remained silent. She shot a look at Morimoto, who crossed his arms and kept a neutral appearance. The man at the door seemed almost neutral, but it was clear that he was touched by the behaviour of the 'exiled son'. She wondered if it was because Keitaro now showed himself as this troubled but yet noble son that could bring his country to new heights. "Fine, fine. No need to beg me," Asami waved him off as she shook her head, "I first need to get to Kumogakure. And I will need some protection. Morimoto, can you provide me with some of your troops?"

"I will have some prepared right away, Lady Asami." The large man said, a smile crossing his lips. Keitaro got up and took a few steps away before making a deep bow, thanking Asami.

"Great. Now I got to deal with somebody's else his shit. I should have just retired from duty a long time ago and become some administrative worker..."

[/fieldbox]

Aliceee · Jul 6, 2017

[fieldbox=Lightning Clash!, maroon]

A Fierce Clash!
Somewhere in the Akinian Empire.

A collab between Gerontis and Aliceee.

Summary:
A fierce spar between Hiron and Kiyomi, who used the Void Rose technique to teleport themselves to one of the old hideouts of the Dragon Lotus. There they hold a spar and afterwards speak together for a bit.

[spoili]
The dark sphere would slowly break apart as Kiyomi looked around. The message through the Dragon Seal had been a surprise. It had been some time since somebody had contacted her and for a moment, she almost had forgotten all about it. When Hiron explained that he wanted to do a spar and spend some time with her, Kiyomi didn't need much time to consider the suggestion. Accepting it, Hiron had explained where they would meet and that she better should bring her A game. Excited for it, she hadn't forgotten the last time she had a spar against Hiron. She had managed to beat him but it was certainly not an easy task. Arriving in a dusty and dark hall, Kiyomi wondered if there were any nice meeting of the Dragon Lotus. Or if there had been any pleasant places. The sight that she was greeted with did make her believe that whoever had started the organisation had a wicked taste for atmosphere. Noticing movement up ahead, she saw a black sphere forming from the ground up.

Stepping out of the dark sphere as soon as it started to crack Hiron noticed that Kiyomi was already present. "Nice change. Me being later than the other." Hiron stated out loud as he seized up Kiyomi. There was a twinge of pain but more pride. "They should stop feeding you so much. Won't be long before you're all round, pup." Hiron said, unable to resist the smile that dawned on his lips.

Grinning a bit as she heard what he first said, Kiyomi wanted to run over and embrace him in a tight hug. But she remembered what they were about to do. Placing her fists against her hips, raising her chin and half closing her eyes, Kiyomi replied back. "Don't worry. I will still kick your ass, old man! How about we skip the small talk and save it for later? Know what? The loser is going to treat the other for lunch!" Confident Kiyomi would form the seal of confrontation, wondering if she could still keep up with Hiron.

"As you wish, pup," Hiron would also form the seal of confrontation. Lowering his hand he would take some steps backwards while spreading his arms once he had increased the distance by a bit. "Well, ladies and pups first!"

She wouldn't allow him to say that twice! In a fast movement, Kiyomi's hands would move together, flashing through the hand seals as she took in a deep breath. The chakra that she moulded would move towards her mouth, a sensation that gave Kiyomi the idea that it was anxious to erupt into the technique she would deploy first. Taking a step forward, Kiyomi would slightly lean forward as she spat out a large column of blue fire towards Hiron.

He saw her not hesitating one second to make use of his suggestion to try to move in with the first attack. His eyes widened when the raging blue flames spurred towards him, a largely destructive force. Standing still, Hiron would flash through hand seals on his turn. Spitting out a large volume of water, that rushed towards Kiyomi, the two opposite natures would collide. Steam hissed as the flames seemed to push the water backwards. Only for the water to pour over to the sides of the column, pushing the blue flames back as well starting to flood the area.

"Tch," Kiyomi would cancel to fuel her technique, readying herself for the rushing water. Applying chakra already to her feet, she would jump up before the water wall would slam against her. The rush of adrenaline would mix together with the push of the water, that would cause her to tumble backwards as it flooded the area. Now caught underwater, Kiyomi would quickly swim up to the surface. Gasping for air, she would quickly try to catch sight of Hiron. "And this is why I dislike water techniques. Getting soaked is so frustrating," Kiyomi grumbled as she tried to gauge where he could have gone off to.

Suddenly something would shoot out of the water without warning. A shark made of water would slam against Kiyomi, pushing her underwater, trying to get a good bite into the girl.

Narrowing her eyes as she attempted to get the shark from her, Kiyomi could barely see anything in the dark water. Frustrated that she had let her guard down, she would slam a fist against the nose of the water shark, causing it to slow down for a second. Using that opening, her right hand would shot to her weapon belt. Grasping for the fan that once belonged to Tsubasa, Kiyomi would run chakra through it before lashing out, destroying the shark.

As the shark got destroyed by the fierce counter-attack, dark figures would start to surround Kiyomi in the water. They would start to attack but wouldn't wait in turns. A pair of water sharks would continue the assault of their lost kin while Hiron had surfaced. Standing on the dark water he would wait for a moment. He was certain that this tactic wouldn't be enough to beat Kiyomi. Yet it would give him some time and attempt to exhaust her. Not that a war of attrition would really make him able to beat her. She would get the upper hand in a prolonged fight without a doubt.

Noticing the dark figures, Kiyomi wavered for a moment. She needed to get up for fresh air but that would leave her open to be attacked. "I guess that he is skipping the warming up, this time," Kiyomi thought to herself. Spotting movement, she would turn around, the fan lighting a blue chakra through the water, just in time to reveal the water chakra shark's jaw opening. Slicing through the chakra creature, Kiyomi felt how another slammed against her back. Grunting in pain, she tried to make a roll while readying for another attack. Instead, she felt how another shark grabbed her by her right ankle, a sharp pain moving through her body. "Little shit!" She felt how the shark bolted upwards, which would have been great if another wasn't about to smash against the two. Waiting for a moment, Kiyomi would lash out. The bright blue chakra would slice through the water shark with ease, cutting it in half as the remaining water shark slammed into the halves, thus missing her. Swimming upwards, Kiyomi would gasp for a second time for air. Climbing out of the water she wouldn't take a second to fully recover, attempting to defend herself against what would follow next.

Water splashed as he crossed the distance and moved in with a few punches. Aiming for her shoulders and upper arms, Hiron wouldn't allow her much space to launch a counter attack.

Noticing that Hiron came in for close quarters, Kiyomi wouldn't grin. If anything, she rather had a ninjutsu fight at mid-range. Fighting Hiron close quarters wasn't much of a fight as a real punishment. Attempting to defend herself and hold her ground, Kiyomi had to endure a few hard punches that caused her to hiss as the jounin started to make her lose ground. Or water?

"Stop slacking!" Hiron grumbled as he would grab her right wrist, pulling the armed hand with the fan aside as he would deliver a knee into the stomach of the girl. Not allowing her to recover, the jounin would follow up with a punch against Kiyomi's left cheek.

Stumbling backwards Kiyomi was certain that for a moment she was seeing the way to the afterlife. Growing angry, lightning surged between her fingers as she would brace herself. The lightning would start to surge all over her body for a moment, visible blue lightning flickering. Moving back, Kiyomi would start her own barrage of fierce attacks.

"Now we're talking!" Hiron grinned as he would also let his chakra mould lightning. It sounded less menacing than Kiyomi, almost as if it represented that he was mostly calm about this spar. Blocking a few strikes, he felt a stinging pain in his stomach as Kiyomi landed a hard right punch. Managing to recover, he would hold his own ground. Lightning dancing as the two kept throwing punches and kicks as blocking that of the other. Managing to catch her right fist, Hiron would attempt to slam a hard punch with his own right fist.

Her sharp eyes allowed her to read some of Hiron's moves. But as she had expected, he hadn't gone rusty and wasn't certainly holding back. The fact he had caught a fist and was about to slam a fist full in her face didn't seem to concern Kiyomi. The impact would cause the girl to reel backwards but Hiron wouldn't notice the vibration of a hit connecting. The afterimage would quickly make way for Kiyomi that kicked against Hiron's left leg while grabbing the man's left arm. With pushing her own side against his stomach, she would grunt while attempting to throw him over her shoulder into the water.

Seeing how Kiyomi reeled back but not feeling any vibration made Hiron wary. But before he could react, the girl was already making her move. Her agility together with her speed amazed him, not allowing him to do much in his own defence. Being slung over her shoulder, he felt how he was slammed into the water. Now on his back, Hiron's other hand wouls shot forward and pull one of Kiyomi's ankles, hoping to topple her.

Lightning crackled through the air as it gathered around Kiyomi's fist. Unleashing a battle cry, Kiyomi's eyes widened as Hiron pulled one of her legs hard and suddenly. "Spark---aaah!" Toppled, Kiyomi would also fall on her back in the water as the sudden unbalance would erupt her focus and thus the lightning would vanish around her fist. It would create an awkward moment with them both at the surface, on their backs. Attempting quickly to get back on her feet, Kiyomi wanted to surge back to have another attempt to close in with Hiron.

Getting back on his feet Hiron noticed that Kiyomi was more than eager to have another try in hand to hand combat. But instead, the remaining water shark would move from below Kiyomi, attempting to swallow the girl with its large jaw as Hiron would dash backwards. Skidding to a halt over the water surface, he would `mould chakra at his right hand. Lightning would surge around his hand, creating an intimidating sound as it would flow and grow in volume as intensity in the man's hand.

Surprised, Kiyomi grew angry. Her left eye's colour would shift to yellow as the slight Bijuu chakra flowed into her system. Lightning burst out in a lethal surge, ripping through the water shark and allowing Kiyomi to land on the water surface. Spotting what Hiron was doing, Kiyomi would take a second to recover her breath. Straightening her back, she would start to gather lightning in her right hand as well. "Seems you still got some moves, good! How about we try to finish this up?"

"I was certain that you weren't a Yamanaka," Hiron answered, slightly amused as he would flick his right hand. The lightning expanded forward, a concentrated mass of the violent chakra nature. "Let's go!" Hiron said as he would dash forward, using the chakra at his boots to skate forwards over the water at a high speed.

Allowing her chakra to shift in form, into a slender blade like shape, Kiyomi would also repeat the same. The sharp eyes of Kiyomi managed to catch the details of the impending clash. The fact that the bright blaze of their techniques making it appear as if the place had gotten darker. The water splashing as they moved towards one another. A large shattering sound would go along with big rimples and small waves of water being forced away as the blades of lightning would clash against each other.

A fierce dance would follow, each dash and evasion quickly done as the blades of lightning slashed through the air and water or occasionally collide or slash against each other. Hiron would do his best to not fully enjoy the current combat phase. One mistake and he would be zapped. Allowing Kiyomi to end the spar.

A smile was portrayed on her lips as she evaded and blocked the attempted strikes, able to also launch a few strikes of her own back. There was something oddly satisfying about hearing how the deadly force soars quickly through the air, whipping up small waves and ripples across the water surface. Knowing fully well that she could last longer in a prolonged fight, Kiyomi wouldn't go on the offensive. She doubted that Hiron was yet done with his tricks.

"There!" Managing to block a strike, Hiron would slide the lightning blade of Kiyomi away. Lightning flickered and would burst into his left hand. Moving it forwards, lightning would shot forwards into a straight blade shape towards Kiyomi.

Her eyes widened as she saw the lightning moving towards her. Suddenly the whole prospect of the lightning sabre duel seemed less attractive! Raising her own left hand in defence, she felt a sharp pain moving through her arm. Grunting Kiyomi would burst out lightning in her left hand, trying to push the new lightning blade of Hiron away.

"Huh, impressive," Hiron grumbled as he would attempt to drive the lightning blade further, through Kiyomi's lightning to zap her. He would attempt to slam his right-hand lightning blade into Kiyomi's side.

Gritting her teeth she would attempt to raise her right hand to block the new attack. The impact sends a painful vibration through her right arm, causing Kiyomi to flinch. Realising something Kiyomi would hold her defence up for a moment. Pushing Hiron's lightning aside with her own, she would bolt forwards. Headfirst, she would literally fling herself full force and weight into Hiron.

Surprised Hiron wanted to move his lightning in the way for what he expected. Only to feel how Kiyomi slammed into his chest, the air forcefully pushed out as he would stumble backwards into the water. Laying on his back, he would sink a bit into the water while trying to breathe back some oxygen. Just as his sight started to stabilise from being blurry, Hiron noticed that Kiyomi was literally laying on top of him, locking him into a tight embrace. "Ugh, you will cause me to drown," Hiron tried to grumble at the girl, trying to keep his head above the water surface.

"That wasn't bad at all, pup," Hiron said. The water had vanished and they were sitting on a rock together. He had brought some cookies with him in his pouch but he hadn't taken the fact that they would become soaked within his new pouch. Clearly, he shouldn't have 'betrayed' the usual place where he bought his equipment. "Could be better but that was something."

Leaning with her head against his shoulder, Kiyomi had her eyes half closed and her arms wrapped around Hiron's right arm. "I actually won, so you're right. You could use more training and better yourself." Closing her eyes, Kiyomi couldn't help but smile. "But it is okay, I will train you and together we will become the best, heh."

Scoffing Hiron shook his head. "You are still as crazy as ever." He became silent for a moment. "How is it in the palace? You are not getting homesick, are you?" Hiron asked, trying to keep his worries from being voiced too clearly.

Remaining silent for a second Kiyomi would reply back with a calm voice. "It is great, in its own way. I enjoy being there and there are a lot of interesting people. Katashi and the Sworn Swords are certainly fun to have and be around with. But no matter how big my quarters are, it doesn't compare to my old room. You," she looked up, suddenly close to panicking, "You didn't change my old room, did you?"

He wanted to say yes. That he had made a study out of it. Or use it to make the master bedroom larger. A smile dawned on his lips as he would answer back. "Not yet. Your stuff is still there. So I suppose if you want to, you can always come over. I..." Falling silent Hiron would look away. "I guess I could use some sounds other than my own grumbling."

"I will certainly try." Squeezing his right arm gently, Kiyomi felt a bit ashamed. She knew that Hiron had it tough with Keiko and Aimi missing. There was enough that kept her distracted but he was constantly alone. She wanted to ask something, trying to shift the topic away from the current one. But instead, she remained silent.

"Do you..." She started before biting her lip and halting her sentence.

"Don't worry, pup. Everything will be alright one day." Hiron replied, planting a kiss on Kiyomi's forehead. "Don't worry."

[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Icy · Jul 7, 2017

Yukio Nishi
Genin
Amegakure

Ogres on the Horizon

Gazing into the distance, where black clouds rose skywards through the heavy veil of rain, Yukio Nishi, Genin of Amegakure, folded the missive in his hands and returned it to his pouch. From where he stood, high up on the rain-soaked awning of a commercial building, he could see all too clearly that something was wrong. Smog like that couldn't possibly be natural — not so soon after the turmoil of last week. Had the riots resurfaced, then? The insurgents still at large opting for another strategy? And was that why his new sensei had summoned him now?

Swallowing, he felt knots form in his stomach. It was too convenient not to be true. And so it begins, he heard his father's voice say in the back of his head, and Yukio found himself making a tiny nod despite himself. He took a deep breath and — checking to see that his sword was still at his back — began his descent to ground level, leaping from roof tile to roof tile until his feet connected with the streets. Be brave now, Yukio. And remember what I taught you.

---

Slightly winded from the speedy journey, Yukio approached the door to Eiji's office, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. He hesitated, then knocked twice, the echo seeming to hang in the air for just a split-second longer than usual. Finally, he slid the door open and admitted himself. The first thing he did upon seeing the man behind the desk — surprisingly young-looking and handsome — was bow and introduce himself with his head still down: "Yukio Nishi, sir," he said, careful not for his voice to break and sully his first impression.

"I recieved your summons this morning. I hope I'm not late in arriving." He then righted himself, glancing at Eiji, and tried to supply some well-needed moisture to his throat. Maybe he should have saluted instead of bowing? What had the Academy taught him about that?

Jessie Targaryen · Jul 7, 2017

[fieldbox="Something's Brewing, #99ffff, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

Sairento Shi | ANBU | Amegakure

Whatever was happening outside the city had to be pretty severe. He'd heard about there being... something, and almost immediately received a summons to the Amekage Assistant's office. Wasting no time, Sairento had already gathered his tools and had the mask on standby. He wasn't a betting man, but he was willing to wager that his summons would likely end with him being deployed. Making his way quickly through the streets, the man kept a neutral expression. He had to admit, with recent events in mind; he was a bit worried about what was happening in his city. Hopefully whatever he was being called in for would eventually shed some light on that.

Letting out a small sigh as he arrived at the building, Sairento made his way up to the Amekage Assistant's office. Last time he had been up here, was during those riots, when he met those two Hyuuga. Man did their eyes bother him, like they were blind but still could see him. Unnerving. Knocking on the door as he entered the room, Sairento spotted a young boy nearby, a genin he would wager. "You requested to see me, sir?" The man asked, all business. He waited a few moments for Eiji to respond, only to hear the door behind him slam open.

"Sensei! Sorry! Late!"

Turning to briefly look at the newcomer, Sairento's eyebrow rose slightly as he recognized the girl.[/hr][/fieldbox]

[fieldbox="I'm Late!, skyblue, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

Ryu Uchiha| Team 11 Genin | Amegakure

She'd been working with Doctor Tsubaki when the summons came. Today, he was supervising as he let her assist some of the nurses. Only minor cases, as the girl was nowhere near experienced enough to where he would let her near anything major. However, nobody had come by the hospital in a while, so the Uchiha was once more working on her healing technique. Her eye closed, Ryu had finally managed to to alter her chakra. In the palms of her hands, a small glow began to manifest. At first, there was simply no shape to the chaotic mess. Sputtering out before coming back to life as if made of flame. Slowly, it began to stabilize, but would once again begin to sputter not long after. During what felt like her millionth attempt at the technique, the door quickly opened as one of the assistants entered Tsubaki's office. Ryu yelped in surprise and nearly fell backwards out of the chair. The chakra she'd been attempting to mould for so long, dissipated in chaos. She wore a slight pout as she stared at her hands, now empty with no sign of the previous moment's technique. "It was starting to stabilize…" She mumbled, as the assistant explained her purpose for being there.

Not even a minute later, Ryu was barreling through the streets of Amegakure. First heading towards Eiji's home to collect her tools, and pick up Naomi. After having scrambled through and gotten everything, the two were quickly making their way to Eiji's office. Fortunately enough, Ryu had been there a couple of times and knew the way. With Naomi in full sprint at her side, she soon enough arrived at the office. Opening the door quickly, and probably bit roughly, Ryu looked at those gathered. "Sensei! Sorry! Late!" She exclaimed, breathing heavily from her run to the office. Taking a few moments to catch her breath, she looked at the other two in the room. The ANBU who had escorted her and Sachi during the riots, and some boy she didn't recognize. She gave them both a nervous smile and shy wave, trying to play off her rather… embarrassing entrance. Deciding it best to remain quiet and wait for Eiji to speak, she would wonder what exactly was going on.[/hr][/fieldbox]

[/hr]

Gerontis · Jul 9, 2017

[fieldbox=Flashback: Not Dead?!, maroon]

In the Wolf Country,
During Team 13's objective to secure a corpse with a message, literally written on it's chest, from the coast - thus a flashback of a few days ago.

A collab between Fieryfly and Gerontis.

Summary:
After coming to the aid of Team 13 against the red cloaks, Ryo is on the run as Midori gives chase. The meeting doesn't seem to bode well for either of them until it becomes clear for Midori who she is dealing with. The interaction shifts as a promise is being made before the two depart.

[spoili]
The shinobi who had helped her team out did not stop. He charged through the foliage as if he was afraid that she might kill him, which to be fair was a good assesment of the situation. The knowledge that Reyna was a Jinchuuriki was limited to her team and the overseeing commanders. No one from the outside world could know, not even people who might just have saved the lives of the team she had sworn to protect. Midori didn't stop running, but leaped after the guy who was trying to get away. He had had a headstart but Midori was fast and running was something she liked. She had kept him in her vision through the trees and bushes until suddenly he halted and turned. But she had had seals ready. She didn't know who this guy was or what he thought he was going to achieve, but she would not have him surprise her. She slowed as if she considered his sudden peaceful approach only to stomp her foot down as she got close to him, releasing the motormouth jutsu in the hopes of disorienting him. The words 'stop' and 'who are you' would echo through the shinobi's head if the jutsu would connect. Over and over and over again.

"Ok--"

Barely had the first word left Ryo's lips as his eyes widened. Yes, diplomacy wasnt going to be the deal breaker. This thought would be drowned, however, by the overwhelming words. There was some vague question in it but it was near impossible for Ryo to try to make some sense out of it. Stumbling a bit back, he tried to remain focused while holding his hands a bit up as a weak defense and gesture that there wouldn't be any need for violence. The only problem that made it hard to try to say something sane was being washed away by the chaos that had sprouted in his mind.

Midori's narrowed when she saw the gesture. She should attack and just end it, make sure Reyna was safe and the secret wasn't revealed, but maybe there was something he had to say for himself. Maybe there were things he knew. There were things she wanted to know after all. Like, who was he? Why was he here? Was he the one who put the body on the beach, if so why? As such it might be better to indulge in his supposed demand for a truce than to beat him. With a quick move she dismissed the technique. "Okay so, couple questions. Please answer. One, your name and the name of the country you serve. Two, why were you at the beach? Three, why did you decide to help out my team. There are probably more, but I'll figure them out later. You can start with these."

There was a faint aching in his head, even after the technique was dismissed. Shaking his head, Ryo would then proceed to rub the back of his head as he heard what she asked of him. Thinking about an answer for a moment, he would weight the words carefully. "Introductions is a station we already passed. How about we cut to the question about I just go back on my own merry way? You see, even I have a busy agenda." Ryo said, literally figuring that he couldn't just go with acting mute. Besides, how much worse could this get?

"When?" Midori threw back immediately. "When did we pass that? I have no clue who or what you are. For all I know you are just as much an enemy to me, my team and my country as those redcloaked figured. So I think not. You have a busy agenda, so do I. So it might be better if you just speak really fast and then you can go back to that agenda and I can go to mine. You don't wanna give your name, fine. Give me something else to convince me that I shouldn't take you out right now, mystery person. Did you put that body on the beach?"

She didn't recognise his voice? He was a bit surprised by it but it made sense. How long had it been? Deciding to not lose focus on such trivial thoughts, Ryo would answer back to Midori. "When I saved your team? I would serve my country poorly if I allowed the real enemy to take down the Saviour and her team. Need more hints than that? Unless you want to smite down an operative from the Empire, then by all means?" Scoffing lightly, Ryo felt his confidence returning a bit, "It did not work out before. Not sure if you heard or learned but last time that a nin from your country struck one of ours, they had to pay a hefty price. As for the body, yes. My doing but I suppose that the message is kind of redundant now."

Operative from the Empire. What was an operative from the Empire doing in this country on this particular beach? Not to mention alone, dropping off a body. Midori didn't understand. There was something strange about this figure. Of course his face was hidden and his clothes didn't give anything away, but there was something... She couldn't place it. Was it his voice? The way he talked? The way he moved? She didn't know. Confused, Midori shook her head. "That was an entirely different situation," she stated, knowing which incident the shinobi was refering to. "And why would that message be redundant? My team is taking the body back, which I suppose is what you wanted. Why? And why step out to help the team anyway. That enemy could not have taken down my team or me. Your inteference merely sped up the destruction of the enemy. You chose to act and possibly jeopardize your own mission. I do not think myself particulary smart, but you could have ran away and not looked back. No one would have known and no one would have put any blame on you."

Perhaps this wasn't a great idea, after all? Ryo bit his lower lip, only being reminded of the mud smeared on his face. Turning his head to spit on the ground, he considered what he should say in return. "Different or not, I think it is a clear warning that your people will suffer again. As for the message, you will figure out soon enough. I am not responsible to answer to you." Ryo answered, frowning, though he imagined that it wouldn't give a confident message with the mud on his face. "And you see, I would have if it weren't for the fact that I wouldn't like to see you hurt and then have to save you... wait," he frowned as he realised that he had phrased it wrong, "As a jinchuriki of an allied nation, it is far more beneficial to keep you out of their hands. Now, this is all fun and great Midori, but I need to get going before my team will wonder what is taking me so long."

He wouldn't like to see her hurt? He didn't want to have to save her? Midori narrowed her eyes. What? Also the way he said her name as if it was the most casual thing to do, it seemed so natural to him. And suddenly his voice seemed even more familiar. But that wasn't possible because that person was gone. That person had left her a long time ago and had only given her his sword, which she still wore on her back. She didn't actually use it much, her skills in Kenjutsu were very limited. It was mostly there as a reminder, a good luck charm of its own. Midori knew that there was no life essence in swords. Ryo's energy had long since merged with that of many others, but the sword had still been his. There was something about it that made it feel special, worthy enough to carry around always. Without realising her hand had moved to the lower end of the blade, clutching it. "Should I feel flattered that a shinobi from the Empire cares so much for my wellbeing? Not wanting me to get hurt. Where did you pick that up? I'm sure they don't specifically teach you that in your country." She took a step closer to him, indicating that she would follow if he would run. "Who are you?"

And there was his confidence once more shrinking. The moment she took a step closer, Ryo took a step backwards. "I suppose that I got a habit of picking up things," He tried to sound smart as he tried to gauge his chance of catching her off guard. Perhaps he could spit an ash cloud at her? But at this distance and considering her speed, he would be halfway of weaving handseals before a fist would connect to his face. "I warn you again. The moment that you will do anything against me to prohibit my mission, your country is going to take the hit. I doubt..."

He became silent as a racoon shot out of the bushes and would climb from his leg to his shoulders. "I need to get going now, soooo how about we call it the end, heh?"

Midori shook her head. And shook it again. "What is this?" she asked, her hand clutching the blade even harder. "Who is setting this up and why? Cause it is not funny. Or working." The voice had to be faked, everything had to be. She knew that Ryo had had a racoon summon that looked exactly like this one, so someone must have gone out of their way to create this set up for some weird freaky reason. Was this a ploy to get her away from her team? But how could anyone know? Ryo had died over a year ago. Why would the enemy know that she had cared for this random guy from Konoha who just had happened to cross her path during the Chuunin Exams that were held in that city hidden in leaves. Why would anyone care about that? Why use it to throw her off?

Suddenly, out of nowhere, she lurged forward and lashed out with her left hand, attempting to place it on the shinobi's throat in a somewhat improvised choke hold. "Who are you?" she hissed again, her other hand flaring up with lightning chakra. "I'll take the hit for my country. I'll fight whatever they'll throw at me." She realised, as she said it, that they might not have her take the fall for this if it went wrong, but one of her friends. The realisation shocked her, but it was too late anyway.

His eyes widened and it was a mere reflex of all his training and experience. The moment her hand shot forward, so did his right to try to stop her attempt. Only forgetting that she was awfully fast as well. Feeling how she was choking him, Ryo wanted to kick her backwards, trying to release himself. Instead, he would opt to keep going with the bluff. "Do it!" He managed to sqeeuze out, feeling his head becoming light. The racoon would quickly climb down and make a bit of distance, yet still observing the ongoing interaction. While Ryo was hoping for his bluff to work and to intimidate Midori in standing back, the racoon would panick and release a name that collapsed Ryo's entire confidence, but yet remain at a safe distance. "He did not just say my name. I misheard that, must be. Have to be... crap."

Midori's head whiped around to the racoon who stood a few feet away from her. That creature had just uttered Ryo's name. For sure. She had never really heard Misobi talk, but knew that the creature used to whisper things in Ryo's ears all the time. This was all too confusing. Midori's breath quickened. A mindtrick of some sort? She released the hold on fake Ryo's throat ever so slightly so that he could breath somewhat better and she looked him in his eyes. They were the same colour. "Say my name," she said, lightning still flickering around her other hand that was positioned near fake Ryo's abdomen. One wrong move and she would punch him square in the stomach.

Coughing Ryo tried to fight back against the panic and light in the head. The idea of being dead didn't help much when you were being threatened by somebody who had apparently tamed a damn bijuu. "Go. Ahead." Ryo would reply, becoming angry at this entire development. What did he have to lose? His confidence grew a bit back as he would lock his eyes on hers.

"Say my name."

"Do it!"

The fact that he didn't want to say it made it only more confusing. Her hand was shaking. She turned to Misobi. "Repeat what you just said, or he will die," she said. It was a bluff. Regardless of who this person was there was no way she could kill him now. Too much confusion, too much... she didn't even have the words for it. She would not be able to place that punch where it would hurt the most. She would not have the strength to actually choke him to death. Not when he wasn't even properly resisting.

Ryo started to panic, again. "Don't! It is a bluff!" He sneered at the critter. The animal froze, clearly understanding what was being demanded and said by both. "Just run! Go!" Ryo sneered again, though not willing to bet that Midori would lower her guard to allow him to get away with a move or attack. The racoon would take a few steps back, but clearly wasn't willing to go without his companion. It was a soft sound but it clearly repeated a name. Hearing his own name, Ryo felt his stomach turning. "Dear heavens, I am going there now for real..."

"Ryo. You are telling me that this is Ryo." Midori's hands were shaking badly now, but she kept the grip. She looked back to the shinobi before her and placed her left leg behind his. With a quick move she tripped him off his feet and slammed him into the ground. The lightning on her right hand disappeared and she brought it up to the shinobi's face. "Ryo Katsu is dead," she said, staring at him as she started to clean the mud from his face. "Ryo Katsu died doing his duty for his country. Ryo Katsu left and never came back. Ryo Katsu only send a letter with a sword. Ryo Katsu does not exist anymore."

The racoon froze again, before it clearly nodded, visibly hoping that it would get itself and his companion out of trouble. It was that moment that Ryo considered it lost. None of his techniques would allow him to escape. Falling hard on his back, he was ready to embrace death. Perhaps he would be reunited with some of his friends. Perhaps he would find some damn peace. And what was it again? Dying to serve your country was a noble death, wasn't it? How noble was it then to die with mud on your face and knowing you had made the wrong decision? As he felt something on his face, he tried to shake the feeling away. Was the sensation of death this annoying?

"Stop that!" He tried to slap and hold her hands away. "Is this is how you show gratitude to your saviour!?"

"People show gratitude to their saviours in many different ways. Trust me I know, it's my title after all," Midori mumbled as she placed on of her knees on one of Ryo's flailing arms. She didn't stop until his face was somewhat clean and she had shoved his hood over his hair. And there was Ryo's face staring back at her. How had she not seen it during the fight? Probably because she was dealing with a raging Tailed Beast, but still. It should have been evident. Something was troubling her vision and tiny drops fell on Ryo's chest. "How...?" There was sadness in that voice, confusion, but also anger. "If this is a trap, then you all spend way too much effort on it. Apparently I am really easy to capture, it happened before. No need to go through this. How is this a thing? This cannot be a thing."

Staring at Midori, Ryo wanted to remain angry. To stay defiant and make the truth harder to be dug up. But it was starting to fall apart and he knew that it was a losing fight. "Just get off me, Midori." Ryo instructed her, slightly surprised by the sharp tone of his own voice. "Even if this was a trap then I wouldn't be able to set it up to this level. I am not that smart either," He further told her, resisting to sigh and just explain the entire situation. Would she understand it? Would she accept it? Somehow, he was really doubtful of it all. "I promise I won't run away. I got nowhere to go, anyways. Just, get off me and stay calm. There isn't much time," Ryo would conclude as he reminded himself of the approaching danger.

"Calm?!" Midori cried. Her grip on Ryo had slackened as soon as he had said her name. She had let go of his throat, but was still half way sitting on him though nothing that a strong push couldn't fix. There was no strength in her position anymore. She didn't necessarily buy his promise, but what did it matter? This was way too much, way too weird. This should not exist and this should not be happening. She hoped in a wierd way that he would just run and that this was all a fake dream made by someone, while at the same time she wished desperately that this was real. All these things confused her. "Calm. That is what you expect me to be now? How is it in any way possible to be calm for me right now?!" she yelled at his face. "What do you mean there isn't much time? You don't have a team waiting for you, you have nowhere to go anyway is what you said. So why do you have little time?"

"Because I saw what is coming!" He didn't want to yell. Never found it a great thing to do but now it just happened. "Why do you think I tried to leave a message? Who do think you fought on the beach? Think for once and listen!" He tried to push her off, backwards as he wanted to scramble up. "You think this is weird? I am an ANBU! Yes, also possible, I might have been abandonded, but that is... well.. shit," Ryo looked away for a moment, trying to follow what he had instructed Midori to be, calm. "Just listen, okay? Can you do that?"

She let him push her off and got up as well. "I don't know why you tried to leave a message 'cause you refuse to tell me! And I don't know who I fought on the beach because I was never told!" she yelled back at him. It felt good, yelling. It allowed her to be angry and confused at the same time. "Why would I not think this is weird? You. Are. Dead! I got that letter. I broke my mom's favorite teapot over that letter. I kept your sword with me. Always. Everywhere. And now suddenly you are here, alive, and I am just supposed to be calm and believe your words? Excuse me? You left me! I can listen, sure. I have learned that over the years you know. But you might not know, because you weren't around to see it happen. So sure, I'll listen, but do not expect me to be calm, you have no rights, zero rights to demand anything of me."

"Shut! Up!"

He yelled it straight into her face, his features growing with a faint red, hinting of frustration and anger. "Just think. I am here. As an ANBU. Yes, I can understand you're upset and no," he gave a her a meaningful glare, "Don't even think on starting all over again! We can talk about what happened another time and preferably, another space. But right now, you don't have the time and neither do I have that luxury. So listen before that enemy horde is close and will just start to wipe out you, your team and everybody else. Unless you decide it is more meaningful to yell and argue about the fact that I am dead! What is it going to be Midori?"

Midori clamped her mouth shut so hard that it hurt as Ryo finished speaking. While her tears burned in her eyes - she tried to stop them from going down her cheeks which seemed to work for the most part - she kept her chin high and looked straight at him. She didn't utter a word.

Waiting for a few seconds, he felt pretty bad. Seeing her torn up and crying, it was the last thing he wanted to see. Angry on the whole situation, he wagered during those moments if he had done the right thing. To aid her against those red cloaks, helping her team to get through that fight. Only thing he was certain off was that he would do it again. "Good. I really need this information to reach the allied force. I know that we got things to talk out and I promise you, I will try but not now. There is an enemy army on the way towards this area. I have already seen the allied force and they are outnumbered. Not just by a slight margin but a lot. I have tried do a counting but the enemy has easily more than one hundred thousand, if not more. Those guys who you encountered at the beach? They have been tailing and hunting me down for weeks. No, wait, months perhaps. Fuck, I don't know," He wanted to laugh. How silly was it that you couldn't remember when you hadn't been in danger? But neither was he able or was this a really fitting scenario to burst in laughter. "I have more information but I need you to do something. Not for me or just for yourself but in order to know a bit more of the storm that is coming." Pausing for a moment, he wanted to keep on talking. It allowed him to keep his nerves and guilt under what he considered 'control', instead of going rampant. "Are you willing to help?"

She supposed that it might be really awful to be hunted for weeks or months. She supposed that it was great that he had information about the enemy that he wished to share with her though it was weird how he couldn't go and deliver that information by himself. What was stopping him from walking into their camp? They had an alliance with the Empire, people wouldn't kill him for showing up at their camp. She supposed that it could be horrible to have been alone like that for a long time. But honestly, Midori couldn't find herself caring. What she cared about was the fact that Ryo was somehow alive and that he didn't find that important enough to discuss. That was selfish and she knew it, but so what? She had been devastated when she had heard that he had died, but she had lived with it. She had carried that along with all the other shit that had come her way during that time. But here he was, just waving it away like it was nothing when it was not. It was not nothing. It was something very big, bigger than Ryo could understand, because he had not been in her life. He had not done the things she had done and he had not had her experiences.

Instead of voicing all of this, Midori just shrugged and nodded to Ryo's question, still not saying anything.

Relieved that she remained silent he also wondered if that was entirely a positive thing. But right now, he had little other choice. "I need you to make it clear that the enemy is larger, if the allied force hasn't yet realised that. Then there is also another piece of information that I discovered. About their force." Crouching down, he would start to make two circles. A small one inside a larger one. "I have seen their camps and it isn't pretty. Here, is where their elite force remain. Those red cloaks? Those are what you can consider their shinobi. Scary fellows as they might not be tougher than the average chuunin but they got a lot of them. Much more than I reckon you and the allied force have. Not to mention that they seem to not give up. Negotation or any form of diplomacy has been futile, in my experience. Then come the out layer." He pointed at the larger part of the circle. "I have managed to sneak in several times. It is easy but getting out, however, is a total different difficulty. It is occupied by what I consider their fodder. Ill-equipped, trained and ... basically, thugs," he said, finding the silence of Midori to become unsettling.

"I don't know much more. They speak a different language. One that I haven't heard before. I was in the middle of trying to figure more information out but then I managed to learn of that there is an entire allied force and I don't know what you guys are aiming but I would reckon that you're going to need a lot more troops." Getting up, he would throw a look at the racoon. Misobi seemed still close to panicking but Ryo didn't considered that an issue to deal with now. "I need you to report this without mentioning me to the allied army. I can't tell you how or what, but I reckon that you understand that an ANBU wants to keep his real name away from any report or paper. If you do that, next time we meet, I will see to it that we can talk. Promised, okay?"

It was important information, Midori knew that and therefore she took five minutes to suspend her judgement and such to actually carefully remember what Ryo was telling her about the camp and the people. She would have to relay that to a commander as soon as possible. She hoped that by now her team was half way on the way back, with Reyna in tow. She would follow and if she was fast it wouldn't take her long. The commander could know before the day was over. Unless something else happened of course, but that were all matters for later.

"You're promises don't mean anything," she said slowly when he was finished. "Or do they? I'll relay your information, I promise, but it can wait five more minutes. And if it can't then the world will die and that will be on me. And I will live with that. Like I live with all those other things that I carry. You can't just go. You can't just leave with this. Without saying anything. Or I guess you can probably and that will I guess confirm for me that you moved on, stopped caring. Is that what it is? You decided that breaking up was weird so you just faked your own death? Excuse me for not understanding here, but I guess I'm not so easily downed by duty." Her voice was surprisingly even. "I'm not a damsel in distress. I can handle myself. I have done so for a very long time now, times in which I needed you so badly, but you were gone. But I loved you, and I still love that memory of you. Do you?"

Silence would follow Midori's questions. Not because Ryo didn't want to answer them or not sure what to answer but being confused and surprised. He wanted to say that he cared, that he had thought of her. But that would be just hollow when the facts were laid out on the table. The amount of guilt made it almost hard to breathe, let alone speak or think. "I can't live with that. I know that this is all confusing but I can't answer everything. My death and everything else is something I won't be able to explain. Have you ever dealt with ANBU before? It isn't like a cosy group of peers, you know?" He said, trying to delay to answer the questions, avoiding to confront his own emotions. A few seconds passed and he could feel a mixed sensation of marvel and disgust of how he wasn't crying yet by himself. Was that the product of what he was or the time he had been spend on this blasted continent? "I am really sorry, Midori. I am." Ryo said, wanting to reach for a hand but stopping himself.

"And don't ask me questions you know the answer of. Of course, I hold those memories dear. I still feel the same. Though, genuinely a bit less after being choked and hunted down," He tried to flash a grin but just found himself looking down, shaking his head before continuing. "I miss you. I miss... Point of all is that things aren't working out but I am doing what is right. Even though it isn't right for me, it is right." Perhaps that wasn't phrased in a political correct manner but he hoped that she would get that. "Please, allow me to prepare a meeting. You need to get going back and I... well," He doubted he could bluff further about having a team waiting for him. Hell, the last guy on 'his team' was a captive red cloak who he had 'sacrificed' to pass on some information. In a perhaps somewhat ominous and morbid fashion. "I need to get going as well."

"I'm asking because I didn't know the answer," Midori said. "And you brough that choke on yourself. Who hides their face with mud anyway...?" She bit on her lip. It was nice and weird to hear him talk like that. She wanted to believe it and wanted to understand that it was maybe not his choice to fake his death, but it was a bit too much to just believe on good faith alone. And yet... She stepped forwards again, not threatening this time, until she stood right before him. Slowly and very carefully she leaned forward and hugged him, hoping he would allow her too. "If you do not prepare that meeting, and if you do not have a damn good explanation, I am going to hunt you down to the end of the earth, " she said, meaning every single word of it. "And I will kick you and throw melons at you."

"To be fair, I heard it is good for the skin. I--" Surprised as she hugged him, Ryo became silent. When was the last time that he had a hug? Pushing that trivial thought away, he hugged her back. It reminded him of a simpler and better time. Relishing the moment that he could lower his guard and not be paranoid about every moving blade of grass, Ryo would hear what she had as threat. Snickering he would eye her with an almost familiar challenging look on his dirty face. "Melons? I will try to acquire some for the next meeting. Just have patience and don't let anybody know of me. Oh, also, don't get yourself into trouble. They say being dead is dull but so far I wish I could experience some dullness." Whistling for Misobi to rejoin him, Ryo would already turn half around. Just nodding towards Midori, he wanted to get away. There were more words that he wanted to say. More matters he wanted to discuss but this wasn't what he considered either the time or the place.

Midori took a deep breath as she heard his laugh. There was probably literally no one in the world who would get that reference and laugh about it like Ryo just did. No trap could be this elaborate. She took another breath and pulled back. As Ryo turned around, Midori would place her hand on his should and pulled him back for a moment. Without a moment hesitation she clocked him full in his face with her other hand while keeping him steady. "That is for being an awful jerk," she said before leaning over and pecking him quickly on the now red cheek. "And that is for at least not being dead." Without another word she let go and turned around.

He didn't want to turn around. "A kis--" The word could never be finished as Ryo saw the fist literally slamming against his face before he had the time to react. Grunting in pain, his hands shot up towards cheek. That was so not what he had expected. "Thanks," he muttered trying to rub the aching pain at his cheek. Watching her turn around, he would do the same. Walking away, he briefly tried to move his jaw, feeling a sting of pain shooting through his face. "That is going to be a bruise." Frowning, he yet didn't mind it.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Oetje · Jul 10, 2017

[fieldbox=A Uchiha Treasure hunt! - Part 2, burlywood]

Meilin Cho
Genin of Konoha Team 7,
Konohagakure.

Walking out of the compound Meilin threw a look at Jin. The old man seemed most content with the fact he could have enjoyed some of those 'renowned' dangoes and other treats as she had been racing around over the Uchiha compound.
"And how will this help me in the long run, again?"
The question of Meilin earned her an amused look from Jin.
"A lot. You have learned a bit more about the Uchiha, which can be handy when dealing in the future with them. It might seem trivial but trying to learn about other cultures and clans can be beneficial. In your occupation as a kunoichi, you will be sent over to other areas and regions. As such, knowing what is appreciated and what not can help you to be more effective in the long run on missions."

Meilin bites the inside of her right cheek as she stared in front of them. She knew that there was some truth to that. The previous mission had proven how crucial it could be to try to have some understanding of another culture and clan's manners, traditions and values. But still, it didn't feel like she was becoming much more effective as a kunoichi under Jin's 'tutelage'.
"Though, you did find the objective fast enough. Seeing that we got a few hours left, how about I will learn you something in terms of a technique?"
"What kind of technique?"
"A useful one, just follow me."

Following Jin to a training field, it was only to be expected that it was empty. With the sun settling down and making the temperature drop only further Jin would gesture Meilin to stand still as he would distance from her.
"I will show how effective deception can be. Your objective is to land one good hit with taijutsu."
"That is it? One hit?" Meilin would start to undo her jacket, dropping it on the ground. A shiver ran down her spine but she couldn't help but imagine how much satisfaction she would garnish from punching Jin. Sure, the old man had helped her but his way wasn't the most gentle. Motivating? Certainly but that didn't mean she likes it.
"Fine with me!"
"You got much to learn, Meilin."

Picking up his cane Jin would nod towards Meilin that she could come at him as he would wave the cane back and forth, in such a gentle and slow manner that Meilin considered it almost irritating. Closing in distance with the old man, she would attempt to deliver a quick punch towards Jin's shoulder. Only to stumble slightly forwards as the man vanished.
"Wait, what?"
Confused Meilin would turn around as she heard Jin chuckling, not too far from her. How did he get there?
Rolling her left shoulder she gave it another try. Closing in, Meilin would feint a right hook. Twisting her body she would move in with a high kick and follow directly, lowering her body in the process, with a lower sweep. Jin seemed to evade the punch and try to side step for the kick, only to slowly vanish as Meilin attempted the sweep.

"Getting outclassed by me is no shame, girl," Jin calmly said as he was standing a few meters behind Meilin, resting his hands on the cane.
Her cheeks flustered as she tried to think of what was happening. Realising that there was no point to break out in sweat Meilin would sigh and halt her attempts.
"Okay, so what is this trick?"

Jin scoffed as he started to wave his cane towards Meilin.
"It is genjutsu but I reckon that you're assuming that already. The technique isn't hard to grasp but once you make good use of it, it is quite useful. A true master can fool one with an afterimage but I suppose we will just start with the basics for you. Here," Jin explained as he would afterwards throw his cane towards Meilin.
Catching the cane Meilin frowned. The object was made of wood but she had expected it to be slightly lighter.

"What you need to understand is that you're going to deploy genjutsu. That means that you're not moulding your chakra to outright harm your target. What you need to try is to focus the flow better."
Listening to the advice of Meilin would attempt to do the same that the old man by first mimicking the movements with the cane. It felt silly but she didn't think of the possibility of somebody noticing them. Jin would perform the technique's movement, explaining that the moulding of chakra should be done with the movement. With moulding one's chakra and the movement of the object, it would start to create a hallucinating effect on the foe.

Finding it quite odd Meilin wouldn't complain. Her arm started to ache as she kept waving the cane back and forth, giving cause for her irritation to grow as well.
"Ah, it is working a bit. Try to keep control of your chakra. What you need to do is to try to keep a tighter hold on it."
That was it. Stopping with the movement Meilin shoot an annoyed look at the cane.
"My chakra control sucks! How do you expect me to learn and master the basics of a technique that will require better chakra control?"
"Cause you can train your chakra control. Come on, we aren't going to leave until I am convinced you got it right."
Meilin was at the ready to shot a retort back, somewhere that she would whack the old man with his own cane but she would grit her teeth and continue.

She dropped on her own bed. It had turned dark when she had finally convinced Jin that she had managed the basics. And even then, he didn't hold back to state that it was still sloppy.
Closing her eyes, Meilin didn't want to think about the training. Somewhere she felt that her entire life was going to be about training and nothing else. Which was perhaps a bit unfair to grumble about as she did appreciate Jin's help but currently it was getting a bit too much. Grabbing her pillow Meilin would place it on her face, releasing a soft grunt.

Wondering for a moment what she would do with her evening as it was what? Around 8 PM? Hardly the time to get to sleep already. Moving the pillow she stared at the ceiling for a moment. There was a closed envelope for her and she hadn't taken a look yet. It could either be Rabbit, who wanted to conduct the next step of the investigation. Or it could be Kensuke or team 7 for a training. She doubted the later, though for the sole reason that she didn't think that Kensuke would forget that she wasn't on standby but 'active' in an investigation. Thinking back to their last talk, she was still confused. What did she have in common with Kensuke? What did he try to say with destroying herself? Wasn't it worth or good to pursue those who had harmed or held her family from her? Narrowing her eyes and balling her hands into fists, she wanted to shake the doubt off. What did he know of what she was going through? Sure, he had probably suffered when his relatives, youth friends and co had been slain by Katsuro and those who had joined the raid on his clan's home. But she still had a shot to get back some relatives. To prevent them from being more harmed. What was so self-destructive about that?

And why was this all bothering her?!

"Because despite everything you've said to me and done to me and I've said to you and done to you, I still care."

Growing frustrated Meilin would sit right up. Was she supposed to see something between those words? What made a highborn person, who likely had gotten everything on a silver plate, whenever he demanded it to care about her? The idea of Kensuke taking a certain fancy to her didn't do much else than Meilin feel a bit odd. And not in a positive manner. Dismissing such a possibility, Meilin would throw a look at the closed envelope on her nightstand. Grabbing the envelope, it was a note for a meeting up. Furthermore, it told her to be ready for another fun catch up and more fluff, that was likely meant to drive anybody that was reading into the note to be drifted off. Folding the envelope she sighed.
Hopefully, she could try to help the investigation a bit better. Not that she had the idea she had failed last time but it was just so surreal how much of a difference existed between her and Rabbit. It made Meilin feel anything but confident around the woman. Was her help actually really being beneficial or was it holding back Rabbit?

Deciding to bother herself another time with insecurities Meilin decided to spend the rest of the time to indulge once more in the book she wanted to keep for herself.
Continuing from where she last left, Meilin would soon stumble on what she thought was a problem. The content would shift from the previous topic of hunting 'those who had been there before' in the Catacombs to some content that was written more in an instructive manner. Reading it further Meilin frowned. She wasn't certain what it was but she supposed that it wouldn't be bad to continue to read further.

[/fieldbox]

RoranHawkins · Jul 10, 2017

[fieldbox="Kensuke Nimatsu - Konohagakure Team 7 Jounin, green"]
Konohagakure

"Dear sister,
I have a confession to make. On my last mission my katana was broken. As you know it was the last remaining of Shigeru's two blades, the symbolic heritage of our clan since its foundation. Ironically, the mission most likely brought with it some consequences that will stain our clan's name even further. I take full blame for that, as usual. I have recovered the remnants of Shigeru's blade however, and shall send them back to you to be enshrined and protected as the artifact it is, and as it should have been for years. However, I must first acquire a replacement. Since Rikuto-san has died last year and Kenta is still in his apprentice years I must first find a proper smith here in Konohagakure to forge a replacement blade 'befitting a clan leader', for which I intend to use Shigeru's blade as a point of reference.

Thinking about this the thougth struck me that we lost a significant part of our trade since Shojo's Repression, even though our heartlands were saved from any sort of massacre. I have had brief contacts with the Hyuzu clan in the past through one of their members, and I have come to the realisation that all our past trade with the Cho clan often travelled towards the Hyuzu anyways. I considered their prowess and renown as smiths when thinking of a potential craftsman for a new blade, and that is when the thought struck me. If you could send me a sizeable shipment of our stockpiled ore, some of the very best, I may be able to achieve a new trade lane between our clans and beneficial relations. We may even benefit by acquiring some high-quality weaponry. And I would get my sword.

How is Hochi doing nowadays? Does she still curse my name around the day? Forget it, you know I don't really care for that women. Give her my regards anyways. I'm letting you know through this letter that I have been arrested and interrogated by the intelligence division a week ago and have awaited further developments before writing this to try and figure out what it entailed. I strongly suspect it has to do with your business and that they have had a brief window of access to all our conversations and all my memories. I doubt they dug that deep, but you should keep this into account. It seems distrusting me and keeping me out of all plans as an empty figurehead wasn't such a bad stratagem as I originally thought.

Put a flower on our parents' graves for me, if you would. They mightn't have been the best parents, but they were ours after all.

I will see you soon.
Love, your brother Kensuke.

At first it'd seemed like a good idea to send that letter, but by now he'd changed his mind. Easily. He'd received another letter back a few days later in which Masami scolded him for being a fool, no good for anything but killing things. A shame to the clan's honour and name and more of the same kind. It'd also contained word that she agreed with the idea of a trade agreement with the Hyuzu and that a shipment was on its way. Most importantly, she'd written that Hochi was doing well, and that she missed Takeshi and Miwa as well. He'd answered with a short letter describing his attempts so far to find a smith, and that he'd visited Tsubasa's parents in Takumi Village. Masami's next response came along with a large cart. It said he was an idiot and that she didn't care about his dead teammates. And it said that it was always good to honour the fallen and that she loved him.

But now he was stuck with three tonnes of valuable iron ore, and nowhere to store it. His tiny appartment home in Konoha was cheap and a result of his Spartan way of life. With no other solution than to store it in his home the already cramped flat was now a veritable hell to live in. His living table and couch had been moved into what little storage he had, as the crates of ore wouldn't fit. Hell, there were even two crates in his bathroom. He doubted it was good or hygiene to have the dusty crates where he showered and brushed his teeth. Then again, there was also one he now used as chair in his kitchen. As he finished the last bite of his lunch he suddenly sneezed, sending dust flying from the crate.

It was about time he visited the Hyuzu. He clothed himself somewhere between casual, like any shinobi off-duty, and respectful, and headed outside.
[/fieldbox]

Fieryfly · Jul 12, 2017

A Meeting in a Teahouse

A Collab between Gerontis and Fieryfly

Summary:

Hiron Hon meets his newest addition to the team, Tentou Aburame, in a teahouse to see who she is and what she is like. The two talk about their respective skills and end up having tea and dumplings together.

[spoili]

A meeting. One that seemed normal but wasn't really normal. The file and information he had received two days ago had perked his interest and yet, it wasn't really what he could call 'comfortable'. Everybody had their lesser side and quirks. Something that made another go from dislike to pure disgust or hatred. The problem that Hiron was facing was just that. The record of the new member was good. She seemed to be aware of what would be demanded from her vocation and how to reach her objectives, without becoming a hinderance. Just the kind of people he wanted on his team. The more uncomfortable side made him waver and he was well aware that it would be expected of him. The Aburame weren't the most popular but Hiron reminded himself that he had always stated that he didn't care much for one's origin or clan. Thus the meeting would be held as per usual in a cosy and peaceful tea house. There was some thought and doubt with the decision as Hiron had figured it could give a wide array of impressions on the Aburame that would perhaps reinforce the idea that he was uncomfortable, or worse, with her being an Aburame.

Deciding to not bother himself with it too much, together with the fact that he wasn't the one who needed to impress her. It was a meeting to gauge if the profile was correct in some aspects. Nothing that should become a problem for either him or the Aburame that would join him today. Taking a seat at a table, a waitress already came to eagerly pick up Hiron's order. Deciding to not order anything until the newest addition would arrive, Hiron would just wait for Tentou.

Hiron Hon, Tentou had heard of the name of course. It could be considered an honor to be placed in his team. As she walked to the streets of Konoha towards the teahouse that was set as the designated meeting place between her and Mister Hon, the young Aburame wondered who had chosen her for this particulary teacher. Surely there must be many people who could serve as good teammembers. Maybe he was in need of a more... specific set of skills?

She spotted the sign of the teahouse with her eyes hidden behind tinted glass and quickened her pace. Her pale green coat fluttered around her, a clear sign of her heritage which she did not always enjoy. But it, as well as the glasses, were necessary and Tentou could accept that. She wiggled her hand out of her long sleeve and placed it on the doorhandle. For a second she took a deep breath, steadied herself and then she entered. She was greeted by the host of the teahouse and Tentou informed the lady she was here to see Hiron Hon. By the time she said that, however, she had already spotted the man. With a polite smile towards the hostess, Tentou walked towards the table. When she arrived before him she would bow politely and say: "My name is Tentou Aburame, sir. You requested my presence."

This was the Aburame? Hiron nodded as he would gesture with his right hand that she could sit down. "I indeed did. Good of you to come so on time," Nodding subtly again, a clear indication that he could appreciate the chuunin's timing. "As I am leading team 9, I already was enabled to study your profile. I must say state that I haven't much experience working with your clan. Let alone, to try to lead one, so I do have to require you later on to be somewhat transparant with your abilities and techniques, as the use of bugs are somewhat alien to me." The man said, not dancing around the bush. "That having said, I would find it nothing but fair that if you have questions that you should ask them. As the purpose of this meeting is to get a good idea of each other, after all." Catching himself for sighting any bugs, Hiron would lean slightly backwards and focused his gaze on the tinted glasses, though not entirely comfortable that he couldn't see her eyes.

Tentou took the seat, folded her hands (still in the sleeves) over each other on her lap, and listened to Hiron Hon's words. She smiled slightly when he finished. "That is quite alright, sir," she said. "My clan is not very big and we have a very specialised area. Not many people actually know what we do or how it works. Any questions regarding my abilities I will answer to the best of my capabilities. It might be best to not do this in a teahouse as people are generally spooked when they see bugs flying around." She shot him another happy smile. She had told this before to other teamleaders with the same inexperience and no doubt she would have to tell it again and again in the future. She could live with that. "In the same vein I am as much unaware of your abilities as you are of mine. Perhaps it would be useful for me to know what your combat strengths are."

"Good. Glad that we can establish some sense of cooperation already at the start," Hiron replied at first. He was certain that she was right that people would be spooked with seeing bugs flying around. The question if they were more afraid when they knew it was from an Aburame or not surfaced in Hiron's mind. Some philosphical thought for later. "What kind of orientation could you place yourself in, such as direct combat, stealth or anything else." Hiron decided to ask but would add more to his question, "Cause my team is focused largely on direct confrontations. My own fighting capabilities and tactics have little to do with subterfuge."

"My skillset is not well suited for direct combat as pertains to things as Taijutsu. I have only basic skill in hand to hand combat or things like Kenjutsu. However, since my bugs are not useless in a frontal assault. They are very capable of protecting me and still dishing out damage especially since their basic skill involves the draining of chakra. I was there at the battle of Magnhild where you lead the charge." It was said in a somewhat proud, but at the same time in a matter of fact way. There was nothing fun about that battle. Tentou also wondered if Mister Hon was even aware that the bugs could do something like that. Chakra draining or leeching was a strange phenomenon that wasn't seen much in the world. She had always had the skill, or well the bugs had always had that skill, so it felt normal for her to disclose, but she had had some weird reactions to that in the past. "I would say however, that subterfuge would be more my forte. Bugs are small, they can get places humans can't so easily go. They can scout, they can track, they can make it problematic for sensors to find me. If you have a team that is mostly focused on direct confrontation then what I can offer is to be the support so to say."

"Hm, good." The answer was short and Hiron didn't show much what he was thinking, but her reply did score already some points with him. He hadn't been aware that she had been present at the battle of Magnhild. Then again, that wasn't something to trouble himself now with. There were many people that commanders never met. Thinking about what she told him of her bugs, capable to leech chakra was both a reason for Hiron to be surprised and wary. Creatures that were able to drain chakra from other beings was frowned and feared, for good reasons. The idea of a big bug swarm capable of such an ability was dreadful. Listening further to what she had to say, Hiron nodded. "As a chuunin, you're already somewhat experienced with field work and fighting. Together with your bugs, I foresee some possible tactics that I wouldn't able to apply, if I understand the basic principle of what they can do. I only wonder, how much are you affected by people who shun you and your bugs?"

Tentou's smile dimmed ever so slightly, not because of sadness, but because of a seriousness that now appeared on her face. "I am used to it," she said. "And I am not saying that to gain pity or make you feel like you should suddenly change your opinion about me or my family and clan, but I grew up with the understanding that there is no one in the world except the people of my clan and perhaps the distant Kamizuru clan somewhere in the Land of Stone who can understand my life. And that is okay. I'm not here to change anyone's ideals. I'm not interested in making someone understand if they don't want to. That said, of course it affects me. Who can say that they won't be affected by actively being shunned." She shrugged, a sudden childish gesture that clashed with her serious tone. "But it is quite alright. I can deal with it."

Her answer cleared some of his answers and thoughts out. Not all but it was helpful that she was willing to give a detailed answer on his question. There wasn't any pity though. Not because she accepted the fact of what she was or carried with her, but because there wouldn't be much pity anyways. If he had learned anything, it was that the world didn't pity you, in the slightest. "Glad to hear that. Means that it won't become a problem during missions. Which is to my preference." He replied back, pondering briefly about the next question. "Other than your clan's techniques and your bugs, are you capable of performing other techniques at the moment?"

No, it would not become a problem. She had done missions before where people had taken little liking to her, but it had always been fine. She would hear her grandmother's words everytime someone disliked her for what she just happened to carry under her skin, and every time those words would make everything okay. "I am not, sir," she replied to his question if she was capable of any other jutsu. "These bugs inside me eat my chakra, making it difficult to work with it outside from bug based skills. I do not have an affinity for a nature nor the capability to perform any other non nature based jutsu besides those taught in the Academy."

The idea was really off putting. Bugs were eating her chakra. It wasn't that it was some sort of secret but to hear confirmation that it was actually true didn't reduce the fact it sounded weird and creepy. Even infected wounds from battles or missions didn't ever made his stomach turn but the idea of what he just realised was the cause of his stomach to slightly turn for a second. "That is fine. If your bugs are competent then there won't be any need for other kind of techniques. I will likely desire you to pick up close ranged combat skills. Not just cause I am an expert on it but more for your own protection. In my line of experience, there will be several times and opponents where the lack of close ranged skills can be fatal. But we can gradually work on that, I wager." He thought for another second before speaking up again. "I believe it would be polite if I allow you a question in return, now."

"I would appreciate the added skill in close ranged combat," Tentou said, her small smile returning as she nodded to him. So far this conversation was strangely comforting. She was sure that Mister Hon might be weirded out by some of her statements, but at least he was mostly upfront about it. She appreciated that more than he probably knew. "If we are to work together, can I ask your specific chakra natures and perhaps an idea of how you use them? Would just be good information to have before hand. Also I was wondering if you could tell me anything about my teammembers?"

"My affinity is Lightning. I am also experienced and capable to use Water nature techniques. My fighting style," he had to think about that for a second. "I try to make use of my surroundings. Where most of my techniques are aimed for a direct confrontation, I often try to get a good idea of the terrain and how it can either be an advantage or disadvantage for me. If there is the option, I might turn to use water release to shift the surrounding into my own advantage, in conjunction with Lightning release." Concluding the answer of the first question, the second one would be much easier. "Right now the team is a bit split in half, I have to state that. One of the members is a Hyuuga, going by the name Masami. As much as you might expect, her orientation lies around the Gentle Fist fighting style. As a member of the Guardian Unit, she had been deployed in the eastern continent, however, so there won't be much for interaction until she returns. The other member is a Nara, going by the name of Shikaroku. He is a genin and as much as his surname details, his fighting style is centered around his clan's Hidden. Though, he has also taken up several trainings and an orientation on genjutsu."

A Hyuuga and a Nara, that was certainly an interesting combination especially when adding her Aburame skills with it. Tentou nodded a couple of times. "Sounds like we could be very effective. Lots of specific abilities in this team," she said more to herself than to Hiron. "I will look forward to working with them," she continued, now speaking directly to the Hon. She paused for a moment. "I do not have any other particular questions. Things like your favorite color and food seem a bit weird and redundant," she said in a joking manner.

"That and I am fear that I can't really entertain anybody with my favorite food or colour, anyways," Hiron said, joining Tentou as his tone made it clear he was joking as well. "I do think that I know enough for now. I have to arrange some matters before we will go on a mission. But I am certain that I can rely on you to be a valuable asset of the team." The man said, just as the previous waitress came to pick up an order. "Now, anything you would like to drink or eat? This time, my treat."

"Thank you for your confidence," Tentou replied. As the waitress came back Tentou made a grab for one of the menu's that stood on the table, scanned the content quickly, and with an apologetic smile ordered some green tea and sweet dumplings. She was not going to say no some great free food after all. As Hiron ordered and the waitress left again, Tentou found herself happy with her new sensei. He seemed like a good man.
[/spoili]

Gerontis · Jul 12, 2017

[fieldbox=Wolf Country Gathering! - Part 1]
Wolf country,
Between the Allied camps of the Imperial and Lightning country forces.

A large collab done by the Lightning country writers:
Oetje, Fieryfly, Melanchy Boi, FrostedCamel, Zane, Jason, Glitchybugger, Chromehound and Lesli.
A large collab done by the Imperial Akinian writers:
Sketching, Lesli, Icy, RedFox and Gerontis.

Summary:
This meeting takes places several hours after the first clash. The battle was considered a victory for the allied forces as the enemy force halted their attempt to breach through the allied front at the largest crossing and the enemy detachment up north being repelled by the Tiger Claws and Hideki leading a platoon of Guardians. This meeting has been orchestrated by exchanged communication between the Imperial and Lightning country forces. The meeting is to be held between the two camps, which between two hills. There isn't vegetation like trees and the grass is covered by snow as a dark grey blanket is covering the sky. Here, in this meeting, the next move is being shared with some of the Lightning country nin as some introductions will be made towards one and another.

[spoili]
The weather looked dreadful. While there wasn't any sign that it was going to snow, it was clear that there wouldn't be much respite from the cold temperature, breezes and snow from the sun. The dark grey blanket covered every bit of the heavens, almost in sync with how the atmosphere was with many in the allied army camps. Even if they had scored a victory in the morning, there were still people busy with 'cleaning' up the mess at the crossing. Dead enemies were being dragged and thrown on heaps, forming small hills of corpses. Carrion birds were attracted to the site, creating an almost surreal scenery that one could imagine in the likes of nightmares. Apart from that location, however, there would be a meeting between the Akinians and the Lightning country forces.

Walking in front of the others, the large man hummed softly. His good mood was probably still from the last victory and the blood hadn't been removed from his garb and armour. His thumbs were tugged behind his belt. Noticing that nobody of the Lightning country had arrived yet provoked a soft grumble. "I hope we won't have to wait for too long. I am certain that there is a mug with some good drink waiting for me to go back! Ahahaa!" The captain chuckled as he would notice a large and flat rock to sit upon. Koike threw a look at the captain but wouldn't say anything of it. Skuli had insisted to come with them when he had heard what kind of meeting would be hosted. Even though Koike was certain that Skuli couldn't really identify himself as a shinobi, the young man was comforted with Skuli's presence. The jovial mood of the large Hon had something charming, he supposed. "A bit of patience won't kill anybody, I reckon." Was Koike's reply, to which Skuli nodded and simply smiled.

Katsu followed the two, lagging behind enough to arrive as they started talking. He looked across the small snowy valley before turning to Skuli and Koike. "I'm sure they'll be around soon. We just got here now, too," he said. He kicked the snow impatiently before he went on with a smile. "I wonder what kinds of people they'll be."

She had remained quiet during the walk towards the meeting. Wearing most of her gear, the helmet and breastplate were only missing together with her weapons. The soft jingeling of her chainmail would go mixed with the crunching sound of snow underneath Saki's boots. Arriving at the place that was designated as the scene for the meeting, Saki would cross her arms out front of her chest. Glancing over her shoulder towards their own camp, she wondered about something. Turning her gaze to the talking Hons, she would remain silent, as well standing on the background. Noticing Katsu kicking the snow and wondering what kind of people they would be meeting, she realised that she the opposite of him. Yet, it was better than just sulking in or near her tent, she figured.

Sleepless, the mended tissue of his calf and forearm throbbing dully, Hideki arrived at the rendezvous, slightly winded from the climb. Nodding toward Koike and Katsu, he sidled up to Saki for a moment, saying in a low voice, "Let's agree not to get wounded again. That healing session was living hell. Once the adrenaline wore off, heavens above..." He then sat down on a nearby rock, breathing out heavily and massaging his right leg. Of the ones present, only the sturdy man with the blood-clad armour was unfamiliar to Hideki. A soldier, by the looks of it. Hopefully their shinobi antics wouldn't upset his nerves.

Though being in a bad mood with the recent skirmish against those damned red cloaks, Saki's expression shifted into a surprised one. Unable to hide the hint of a smile, she wanted to nudge Hideki. "Sounds like a deal. " She replied back in a low voice. "I still am waiting for the tulips, though. Hope you didn't already forget what kind of colour I want them to be," The Yamanaka continued, the faint smile on her lips briefly growing.

While she had walked with courage along the path to the meeting, she couldn't help but feel knots inside. She had never been to a meeting before and where a lot of highly ranked people could be present at. Well it was a little nerve racking to say the least, yet she would keep the confident look on her face as she would arrive at the place. She would gaze at the others present realizing that she was the first from the Lighting to have arrived on the scene. Keeping her look of confidence hoping her voice wouldn't betray herself she would speak. "Miu Sanosuke currently a sergeant for the Lightning Country. The others are on their way." Miu would state as she would move further in wondering which of her allies would be the next to join her though.

While she had rather desired to recover from the whole 'ordeal' that they had experienced this morning Yumeji had decided to be part of the meeting. The Imperials had shown that they had more than enough skill to be capable fighters. To get a chance to observe how they were outside of battles could provide perhaps a nice and refreshing experience. Hanging a bit more in the back Yumeji only desired that she had a bit of more experience and knowledge on the Imperials. Somewhat wary that it could rain Yumeji was actually happy with the snow and cold. It kept her sharp. Or so she thought it did. Eyeing the Sanosuke at the front, Yumeji wondered if this Miu would take charge. Deciding to not fret about it, Yumeji would just enjoy the brisk walk to the meeting point.
Arriving at the scene Yumeji would eye the present people of the Imperial force. Her attention lingered with the one-eyed man, covered in bandages, and the one with a lot of scars. The first thought that moved through Yumeji's mind was to wonder if it were 'trophies' of success or failures. But they seemed more or less capable people. Then her gaze moved to the smallest of the Imperial pack. Was he perhaps a genin of some sort?
Remaining silent, Yumeji would flash a polite smile and bow in a respectful fashion towards the Imperials.

Mizuchi would arrive not long after Yumeji. As she did, the Chuunin gave a polite nod to both her sister and the Sanosuke. Choosing to stand more towards the front of their group than Yumeji, Mizuchi also gave a polite smile and bow towards the imperials. She briefly looked at each of the imperials present. One seemed to have seen plenty of combat, given his burns and lack of an eye. Still, they likely wouldn't be here if they weren't capable. Although the smallest one, who Mizuchi would guess to be a genin would worry her somewhat. Though for now, she would have to trust the judgement of the imperials. She shot a brief glance towards the Sanosuke, wondering if the imperials would see a more pleasant side of her than she had.

The Hojo's all seemed to be arriving one after the other as the next after Mizuchi would be Genji with his arms at his side as he watched the Hot Head speak up for them which caused him to smirk a bit. Opting to let her handle this for the time being he would study some of the Imperials getting that some were warriors through and through. Giving a smirk to the other man there that had an eye patch as well. He was sure they also had a rather young one with them, but in times like these that was almost common sight. Although he was curious as to why such a young one was here, then again they had a sergeant that was also rather young so he couldn't really judge. Besides he knew why he was here.

Midori realised too late that all these people that were gathered here, or at least most of them, had been in that battle that had just taken place and she, well, she had not. She wondered if these people cared that she hadn't shown her face on that field. Was that something that was expected from a Savior? She had a job, gotten it from Satoshi himself. She had to keep Reyna safe and away from the fighting. The Sanbi was unstable, their previous mission had shown that. But as she stepped into the crowd, Midori remembered that these people didn't know that at all. Reyna's beast was a secret. It should stay that way. She would have to stress that to Yumeji and Kaya the next time they were together. No one was to know. But there were other things... other things more important. Her head was so jumbled that it seemed impossible to focus on anything else than him.

Like a good deal of the shinobi who had been part of the unit Miu was in charge of Niji was attending the meeting as well, giving a small bow of greeting to the Akino group that was present, to be polite. She'd step off somewhat to the side after arriving, having spotted the familiar face that was Midori, someone she hadn't actually seen in a long while now. Once she'd managed to move over enough she gave the girl a light nudge to get her attention. "It's been quite a while, have you got time to talk and catch up later?" Was all she said, giving a tired, but friendly smile.

Midori's eyes shot to the person who had suddenly come up next to her and started talking, recognizing Niji who she had not seen for so long. She tried a smile and managed somewhat succesfully. "Depends on the commander really, but I'd love to," she murmered in return. Though honestly, what was she going to say to Niji? What was she going to say during the meeting? She had information that needed to be shared, but thinking of that information was so confusing because Ryo was gone again and she was here. And that was not how it should be. But he had trusted her - at least in this - with this and it was important. Midori took a deep breath, looked around and locked eyes with Yumeji for a second, before waiting for anyone to speak up first.

A sharp breeze caressed his cheeks as Kenshin made his way to the meeting point. His gloves were grimy and stained with the blood of his comrades, ignoring the temptation to scratch his head, he would try and memorize each face at this meeting, some he had already met during this campaign, and he felt some sort of relief that, they weren't dead. He wondered if Niji or Yumeji had fought what he had to have fought on the battlefield, the spine-numbing not completely gone. He looked at Akinian's a quick glance, the lady with the blonde hair, he found prettier than gold, he quickly threw his eyes off her as he didn't want to get distracted. He looked at the next two, "Katsu." the only Akanian name he knew in the room, he looked his age, maybe a little older, the Shinobi lifestyle does that to people, it makes them seem older, a quick look at the owner of the dire wolf was enough to put Kenshin's appetite to rest, "All those scars, how many more lives does he have." As soon as he saw his Seargent, the woman that lacked manners who actually seemed too genuine, his mouth would form words. "I apologize, if I came too late."

The large man on the rock eyed the group that appeared. Rising up, he stroke his beard while observing the shinobi originating from the Lightning country. His jovial mood seemed to increase as a few of them bowed. "Ahahaa! They seem respectful," he just voiced out loud. He wouldn't return a bow, instead just eye each one of them that was present. His gaze then remained on Genji for a moment. There was a visible shift in Skuli's smile, turning more into a grin. Noticing the change, Koike would shoot the large Hon a meaningful look. One that seemed to halt Skuli from what he wanted to say or do.

"So, shall we get started?"

The familiar voice came from Korina, who had walked with the group towards the meeting and stood with her arms crossed. She had a boring expression plastered on her face, frowning at the sight of the present Hons, only to scoff. "What do you guys got for us?" Was what the Kusanagi would voice, sounding more like a wary demand than a genuine curiousity why this meeting had been requested. "Doubt it will be something fun, unless one of you is willing to entertain me with a spar?" A wicked grin would spread over Korina's lips, her eyes shooting her gaze towards the members of Team 6. Likely haven't forgotten the match of the Ironblood tournament.

She came somewhat half-running and jogging from the direction of the camp. Was she late? Kaya had kept herself mostly aside from interacting with her team. She wasn't sure what to say to Reyna after the last mission. It was clear that nobody should learn of what happened. But then again, perhaps the commander had already been informed and Kaya was caught between the desire to figure it out in order to see what would happen to Kaya. The other side was that she didn't want to know. Not knowing seemed more blissful than knowing lately. Arriving at the place where the others gathered, Kaya's nose wrinkled slightly as she shot a frowned look at Korina. Perhaps she should have stayed back? Possibly for the better. Noticing Midori and Yumeji, Kaya would shuffle as silent as she could towards her two team members. Eyeing the present members of the Imperial force, Kaya wondered on what had already been exchanged. Other than the Kusanagi 'bold' challenge.

Watching the shinobi of the Lightning country arriving, Saki would slightly tilt her head to the right. It was a child's play to start to read their mind. Then again, she wondered if it would bring up anything productive. Her gaze would settle on Midori Sato, the Saviour of Kumogakure and Tamer of the Eight Tails. The half-sister of Kiyomi. In some way, Saki could see a slight resemblance between the two. Certainly if Kiyomi would hold the same colour for her hair as Saki could remember her, before they had ventured to this hostile land. The cheerful comment of Skuli earned him a slight amused look of Saki. She was happy that somebody seemed to be in a great mood regarding this meeting. The first person to introduce herself was a sergeant. Did they use the same rankings for their military? Saki doubted it but wouldn't voice the question either. All with all, Saki considered that this could be a fruitful meeting. Then that 'person' spoke up. The pale blue eyes of Saki moved with her head to gaze at Korina, who seemed to beg for a royal beating. Taking a step forward, the right hand of Saki would ball to a fist. It was insanely difficult but the Yamanaka would instead opt to place her hands on her back and leave the reply she wanted to rub in Korina's face aside. "Glad to meet you all," flashing a most friendly smile, she would clench both hands into fists behind her back.

The moment she heard the voice, Mizuchi turned towards the newcomer. Hearing her outburst, Mizuchi felt a hand tighten into a fist. She was very, very close to taking Korina up on the spar, but decided it would be unprofessional to completely humiliate Korina at this moment. Forcing herself to remain calm and neutral, she looked over as the blonde one would mention something about being glad to meet them. Mizuchi simply gave a polite smile in return, believing it to not be her place to speak up at the moment. Hopefully they could get this going before the Kusanagi managed to screw it all up.

Katsu watched with a smile as the shinobi of the Lightning Country started arriving, making up each of their the stories in his head. That was until the last one, a familiar face, came along. As the young woman brashly made an unwelcome challenge, Katsu glared, his smile fading for a few seconds. "That didn't work out too well for you last time, did it?" he snarled before his tone took a 180 turn as he smirked and spoke to the people across him. "I'm looking forward to working with you all tonight!"

Yumeji glanced at the side, towards Midori. She wasn't sure what to think of Midori locking eyes with her. Subtly nodding towards her team leader, Yumeji would place her hands behind her back. She hadn't garbed herself in her combat gear or had any weapons on her. When Korina spoke up and clearly made a lot of people already somewhat on edge, Yumeji didn't pay much attention to the Kusanagi. Her attention was briefly caught by the Akinian who made a fitting reply, causing Yumeji to faintly grin, as she would observe the others.
"My name is Yumeji Hojo," she started on a polite tone but still addressing the Akinians in a more business-like manner, "I am most interested to hear what the plans are and how we can provide aid."
Nodding to the Akinians, she wondered who of them was their appointed or designated leader. The big man seemed quite strong but she wasn't certain if they could make assumptions on just appearances.
"Perhaps we should see if we can arrange a meeting at our own camp with a few of them. Would perhaps reduce the chance for a diplomatic blunder. First," Yumeji threw a sideways glance at Midori, "I will have to suggest that idea to Midori before voicing it."

Saying nothing, Hideki watched as the Lightning shinobi arrived one by one, then recieved a mild surprise upon seeing Korina — and sensing the contortion of the atmosphere coinciding with her appearance. Speak of the devil... he thought, shooting a sideways glance at Koike. The fellow Guardian had mentioned earlier that they would share a drink only if the meeting went well. This seemed to throw that possibility into the abyss. Turning his attention to Saki, he imagined he noted a slight strain in her voice — and perhaps her posture as well. Was Korina that loathed nowadays? What could she possibly have done beyond what Koike had told him?

Toshi had managed to clean himself up quite well. He had gotten most of the blood out of his hair and face as well as the stuff that had gotten stuck under his finger nails, but his jacket was another story. 'A total loss when I get out of this place.' he thought to himself as he scratched at the blood that had stained his tan jacket from top top to bottom in two large swathes that spoke of the battle they had all just experienced.

Turning his attention to the short trek up the hill, Toshi was surprised to find himself to be likely one of the last people to arrive. On top of it all he seemed to have walked in on some sort of unspoken dispute between the Imperials and Korina, although what it was about he had no real idea. He walked a bit further into the group, giving Kenshin a pat on the shoulder and a smile as he passed, happy that the young genin had survived. Stopping a little behind Miu, he gave her a nudge on the arm, "What exactly did I miss...?" he asked confused at the odd situation in front of him.

A look of confusion had painted the Genin's face when the Kunasagi spoke as he thought the Seargent was meant to speak for them, either way, he tuned in. Her blunt expression, looking like she had been just woken up from her catnap, even her words matched her facial expression."Small lady, talking to men like that. She's got a pair." She had all three of them in her gaze, from Kenshin's view, it looked like she loathed the big one, he seemed to have a chip on his shoulder. He felt the tension in the air at her last comment, or maybe it was just his armor. Katsu's smug comment drew a smirk on the Genin.

It seemed Yumeji was the only one dealing with this professionally, and of course with Kaya's introduction, things seemed to simmer down. He felt a tap on his shoulder from the Albino's spar victim. " uh, um," he had made a sound, he had nothing to say, but didn't want to feel stupid so, with shallow, quiet sigh, he mustered up the courage to say it, besides the pat on the shoulder made him feel like "one of the boys". " So I'm guessing you didn't do much on the battlefield, seeing as you're calling out challenges." The Genin should have phrased it better, if she's got the gall to talk to someone like that then she must be important " Either that or you recuperate pretty quick," he said, with no strength in his voice, while keeping his gaze on the Kunasagi.

He could see the look of a fellow warrior in the simple grin from Skuli, prompting Genji to also give a grin which faded upon hearing a voice tell them that they should get started. His gaze fell towards the Kusangi as did Miu's whos look didn't betray her mood at the hostile attitude the woman was giving off. It seemed to get some reactions most opting to be silent, yet the voiced ones besides one came from her side, causing her to rub her forehead. Normally this would be where Genji would step in but deep inside he felt he didn't need to yet. As Toshi would arrive asking what he missed, she would cast her gaze to him and shake her head before mumbling to him. "Just idiots getting all hot and bothered..." yet as she finished saying this Kenshin wouldn't help diffuse the situation at all, in fact, he went as far as to add fuel to the fire Korina tried starting. At least Yumeji wasn't eating away at the obvious bait.
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Gerontis · Jul 12, 2017

[fieldbox=Wolf Country Gathering! - Part 2]
Wolf country,
Between the Allied camps of the Imperial and Lightning country forces.

A large collab done by the Lightning country writers:
Oetje, Fieryfly, Melanchy Boi, FrostedCamel, Zane, Jason, Glitchybugger, Chromehound and Lesli.
A large collab done by the Imperial Akinian writers:
Sketching, Lesli, Icy, RedFox and Gerontis.

Summary:
This meeting takes places several hours after the first clash. The battle was considered a victory for the allied forces as the enemy force halted their attempt to breach through the allied front at the largest crossing and the enemy detachment up north being repelled by the Tiger Claws and Hideki leading a platoon of Guardians. This meeting has been orchestrated by exchanged communication between the Imperial and Lightning country forces. The meeting is to be held between the two camps, which between two hills. There isn't vegetation like trees and the grass is covered by snow as a dark grey blanket is covering the sky. Here, in this meeting, the next move is being shared with some of the Lightning country nin as some introductions will be made towards one and another.

Part 1
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[spoili]
"Enough guys!" Miu spoke out looking back at her own side giving a glare to them. "If you are only going to be here to cause problems and not be of help. Then please go back to camp. Korina same goes to you, spar in your free time, right now they invited us here and I rather not have us acting like children. Am I clear?" Miu spoke out not really wanting a retort from anyone, which caused Genji to smirk and give a thumbs up as he decided his descion to hold back was wise after all. Turning back she would resist the urge to frown, returning her look back to a neutral expression"Apologies for that. As I said earlier my name is Miu Sanosuke. I appreciate you inviting us over here to discuss upcoming plans." Miu would state hoping no more issues would arrive or else she may actually have to kick someones ass all the way back to their camp.

As she made her way towards the meeting place, Reyna wondered, yet again, whether she was making the right decision or not. Truth be told, she almost hadn't come at all. She was terrified of what her teammates would think of her after the last mission. Not to mention what anyone else might have heard about her. Biting her lip, Reyna pushed onwards. She already felt bad enough that she had not been able to join the fighting and she was determined not to hide anymore. It was clear that the monster inside her was unstable. That alone would prevent anyone who knew from allowing her into the battlefield. But if she couldn't fight, she would find another way to help. There had to be something she could do...

Reyna made out the sounds of people talking before she even registered that she had arrived. Pulling herself from her thoughts, she stayed away from the center of the people who had gathered. Scanning the crowd for familiar faces, Reyna could make out a few that she had seen before, around the camp. It took her awhile to make out the faces of her teammates and Reyna felt a mixture of relief and shame. Moving closer to the people she recognized from her own camp, she took the time to study the faces of the people from the Akinian forces. There were two, she made out, that seemed to be quite horribly scarred. Reyna could not help but wonder if the Akinian's did not have any decent medics to help their troops avoid such nasty scars. Shaking the thought from her mind, Reyna shuffled slowly towards Midori, greatly relieved that most people's attention seemed to be on a strange girl who stood near the center. As she approached Midori, Reyna remained quiet at first, seeing that her friend was speaking with another Kumo shinobi that she vaguely recognized. Stepping up behind Midori, she bit her lip once more, and looked down. "I am here, Midori-sama." she said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. Continuing to look down at her hands, Reyna let a few tiny sparks ark between her fingers, finding comfort in the blue glow.

It was clear that the responses that Korina received made her anything but happy. Her glare was fixated on a few people but before her lips could part to sneer something back, Miu's command would settle down the peace, somewhat. Observing the bunch, Koike had opt to remain silent. He had made various mental notes about those who had spoken up and arrived from the Lightning country camp. For a moment he wished that he and Hayate had shifted places. Even with the bad historical events happened between the people of the Empire and the recent Republic, Koike wagered that such a talk could be not harder than what he was facing now. Apparently, this Miu seemed to be the appointed leader of the bunch. Which was more than whatever he was facing now. "Okay then," Koike spoke up, taking a second of pause to see if he could garnish their attention. "I am glad that so many of you could come to this meeting. I know that the setting is a bit informal and your commander already gave word that he will support what will be conducted soon. However, with the complexity and nature of the plan, it seemed best if a few of us would meet up with a few of you." Briefly Koike glanced at Midori. Out of the entire bunch, he wasn't sure who he considered more dangerous. Too bad that he hadn't requested Saki to be extra watchful of the jinchuriki. "I will try to keep it short but the plan that is being formed is that we will conduct a night attack on the enemy's camp. They hold the other side of the river and it is clear that we can't establish some a sense of order and peace in the region as long as we will be opposed by this enemy. Already the Republican commander and that of our own will discuss this plan as various troops and units will be deployed to keep the attention of our enemy on hold. The phase you all come in, I wager, is when we will attempt to cross the river and try to attack the enemy at their camp."

He spoke in a calm and casual pace, not doubting that this was yet complex enough that it would confuse any of them. What was something confusing was that he couldn't detect any way to spot what ranks the people of the Lightning country were. Then again, he doubted that they could do the same. Perhaps they should do something later about that. "I would like to make use of this meeting to discuss a few things with you all. First, I will explain the plan a bit more and what your role in that might be. Then I would like everyone to state what they are capable off. Now, before you think this is a circlejerk," Koike's right eyebrow perked up slightly, "It is to get to know what we are dealing with. If we don't trust each other enough to state what our expertises are then I don't want you present at the operation. In the dark of the night, it is easy to get lost or mistake an ally for an enemy. Best is if we can try to build up some trust in being honest now." Letting a few second pause follow, Koike would let his gaze wander of the group of Miu.

"The plan is divided in phases. First, we got to make it to the other side of the river. There are three crossings that we can take. Obviously, we can send shinobi to cross the waters but we won't be able to deliver a huge impact with just shinobi alone. What will thus happen is that a detachment will take care of the watchposts and guards of the enemy. No doubt they will be trying to keep control of their side and it is vital that every crossing is cleared out. It will be a pretty bad situation if we attempt to fall back and we get closed in from two sides. I can't really state how important it is that we are able to wipe out any enemy presence first before moving on to the second stage. Which is to move in various postions and groups to attack the enemy camp from various angles. But also to scout and evaluate the terrain as we can attempt to attack them later again, if the night raid is a big enough success. After we are in position, we will move in. Various selected units and groups will take out enemies on the perimeter before we all go in and hit them hard. It will be a somewhat tricky situation to pull off but the idea is that we wreak as much damage and havoc upon the enemy as possible. Once the horn signal is given, we all fall back to our own camp. We will need various groups of volunteers to cover those who fall back, so regardless of where you're stationed, it is going to be a hell of a night."

A scoff was heard from the group of the Lightning country and Koike was already certain who it was. His gaze would linger between Miu and Midori, considering those two more or less with the most authority of the other group. Skuli remained silent as well, only scratching his full beard while throwing a glance at Katsu. "Kid, can you make one of those shadow clones?" The large man asked in a low voice.

If there was one thing Niji would make note of during this meeting, it was the fact that almost all of those present had some form of problem with the obnoxious girl who was scoffing and talking as if she was important, not that she would know if the girl was important or not, nor did she really have the motivation in her to care at this time. But she sent a wary look Kenshin's way when he back-chatted the girl, not really wanting to deal with the hassle of Miu giving her lip for talking after she'd already tried and succeeded to get everyone to be quiet and get on with the meeting.

Kenshin kept himself silent, the last thing he wanted was to get sent back to camp alone with his thoughts, he had no hard feelings towards his Sergeant either, after all she had to show face, he understood that completely. Listening closely to the owner of the Direwolf, the Genin would give a slight nod in agreement to honesty. While he tried to stay in tune, the boy would feel a powerful, stern gaze, from the corner of his eyes he saw who it belonged to, he lightly bit his lip, trying to get rid of the embarrassment as he listened more to the plan.

During Koike's explanation of the plan and their phases she remained quiet, waiting for him to finish before she considered voicing an opinion on the plan itself. "May I speak?" She'd start with her manners, whether it was a meeting to solidify the plan or to just tell them what was going to happen, she wanted to make sure she could make input on the matter first. After receiving a nod from the man seemingly being in charge, she began to talk. "I know you said we can send shinobi across the water but they wouldn't make an impact, and it being a night operation there should be minimal troops at each of the crossings, would it be a good idea to send some shinobi across anyway just to ensure that no one can get back to the camp to warn them of our approach? Judging by the emphasis on it's importance we want to deliver as much of a surprise to their camp as possible, correct? It may also be a good idea to set up units there dressed in their colours in case they are rotating watchmen in and out during the night. I also reckon, if we get to the assault phase of the plan, that we take out as much of their resources as we can, as well as trying to identify and eliminate their local commanders, if not the head of the metaphorical snake whilst we're at it if their entire force is present." She gave a pause simply to let everyone present think about her own input on the matter before another thought came to mind. "I think we should also consider whether they'll have those weird brutes in the camp as well, I don't know about everyone else here but it was a lot of trouble trying to even injure it until it suddenly started taking damage. Regardless of it all I would like to volunteer for covering the retreat once we're done... That is all I can think of in terms of the current plan."

Yumeji stayed silent. Watching how the meeting further unfolds, she would seem a bit surprised by Miu reacting, ordering them to stay silent or go back to the camp. Most doubts if the girl had what it took to be a leader, or in this case a sergeant, was flushed away that moment. Or in any case, enough that Yumeji wouldn't be bothered to consider the genin to be a superior. For now, Yumeji decided to just keep further watch of what would happen, though Toshi's arrival hadn't gone unnoticed. She only doubted that it would not really be proper for her to suddenly seem to just only pay attention to Toshi while the plan for the night operation would be shared and explained.
With a young woman, who Yumeji wasn't acquainted with, started to speak up, Yumeji briefly threw a look in Mizuchi's direction. They were given a choice if they could stay back to cover the retreat or attack the camp? Deciding to see what answer Niji's question and opinion would gain, Yumeji would wait before speaking up.

It was somewhat amusing for Kaya to see how the reactions went to the Kusanagi. She held no ill towards Korina but it was pretty much what she was asking for. Wanting to ask Midori what she would be doing, Kaya figured that she would have to wait and just hear what her team leader was going to say. One of the Imperials would, however, decide to answer to Niji. "That is actually what the first phase will be." Saki said, nodding towards Niji, "For example, me and my unit will take care of a crossing with some help. We will send a few that are capable to cross in stealth across the river to then take out some of the watchposts. Before we will further, another part will be sent and any remaining enemies will be taken care off, while the first group ensures that no stragglers will be able to alert the bulk of the horde. Problem about trying to disguise ourselves as them is that they are speaking a language that is quite foreign to our own," the Yamanaka further would explain, "The thing about the night raid is that we won't have sufficient enough time to figure out details on where their supply depots, local commanders or even central command is located." Hoping that it would give a better insight on the plan, Saki would flash an apologizing smile towards the people of the Lightning. "As for those weird brutes, I would like to know a bit better on what you meant with that. I, myself, haven't faced anything that I would consider odd except for some weird canine mounts that they deploy now and then."

Niji quietly nodded as one of the other Akinians answered her questions. "Understandable, I didn't consider a language barrier, as for the assault I more meant if we happen to spot anyone taking charge in particular, but it makes sense. The brutes on the other hand I know even less about, they seem to look like normal soldiers, maybe a bit taller. From the fight I had between myself, Mizuchi Hojo and one of their brutes the only things I can gather is that they've got something protecting them that can put up with a lot of damage, they're extremely strong, yet sluggish and laboured in their movements, chakra-based attacks did very little, if nothing to them as it seemed to basically fizzle away and that whilst we were fighting it amidst the wave of enemy soldiers, the regular soldiers left all three of us well alone until I tangled it's legs with a net, only then did they come in to stop us attacking it whilst others untangled it. All in all, a very disturbing thing to fight, really. I wish I could tell you more but that's all I know." There was a hint of resignation in her voice after detailing the brute they fought, mostly because she didn't really know that much about it.

As he was listening to Koike, Katsu's attention turned to the large, burly captain next to him. He gave Skuli a befuddled look, trying to understand why he had asked if he could make a clone before snapping back to reality. "Um. Yeah, I can. Why do you ask?" he whispered, not wanting to interrupt the ongoing discussions and explanations.

"To get me some Pinedale ale," The Hon captain answered softly in return, "Perhaps even try to get something like flask, in case those lot want try it as well," Skuli added, nodding towards the people from the Lightning country camp. "We met those brutes as well in the center," Koike spoke up, deciding to not indulge into the whispering of Katsu and Skuli. From what he could conclude was that they had fought against 'those creatures' that he and Katsu had dispatched before. "They are a troublesome lot and we don't have much information on them. What does seems quite effective against them are weapons of dragonsteel. Not sure how it is called in the north, but it is the kind of forged weapons and armour that repulse chakra," he wondered if any of them would have such a weapon aside from himself and Saki. It would certainly be a boon in order to fight back against those nasty creatures. What only made him waver if they were talking about the same thing was that the young woman had stated them to be sluggish. The one that he and Katsu had encountered in Amegakure was anything but sluggish. Quite the opposite. Deciding to enlist some pause, Koike would remain silent to see if anybody would speak up up further. Katsu glared at the captain before whispering, a hint of anger present in his voice. "What? No! Go get your own drinks!" He quickly turned to listen to Koike before muttering under his breath about missing the beginning of the conversation.

Toshi simply listened as Niji seemed to suggest a few plans on how they could go about the night raid and the Imperials replied. The female Imperial had a good point too, Toshi had wondered how they would find anything in the enemy camp. It was hard enough to find something he needed in their own camp, and this would be an unfamiliar one. At night. While fighting. The chances of finding such a place were completely reliant on luck, although luck may be in their favor if todays battle was any indication.

He listened as Niji spoke again about the brutes they had fought. Sluggish and labored.' he hung on Niji's words as he willed himself to pull up the thought knocking at the back of his head ' That's it... It was far less difficult than when Yumeji and I fought one of those beasts...' he thought as his eyes grew wider.

Gingerly he rose his hand as if in a school class, "I uh... I've got something to add, about the brutes," he stepped forward as to not be in Miu's shadow as he put his hand down, "Harada Toshi, Genin of Kumo Team 3." he introduced himself as he cleared her shadow. "Sanosuke and myself fought one of them on our line as well, they were definitely a bit taller than average. Soaked up damage like they thrived on it, but it wasn't the first time I've fought one." he paused as he remembered the battle Yumeji and him had fought.

"The first one that I fought was with Yumeji," he pointed a thumb back toward the Chuunin as he spoke, "She and I took one on during an ambush sometime ago. It was far different from the ones we found here. For starters it was heavily armored from head to toe in black plate armor unlike the ones we fought today in their furs and lighter armor. It was far faster, quicker to the strikes and even able to dodge attacks that the one today lumbered into. It was taller too, probably somewhere around the height of 2.1 meters. On top of all of that... it also seemed intelligent." he shivered as he remembered it, "When I made water clones out of its sight, it immediately picked me out of the three of us and never took it's eyes off me until it absolutely had to. The one today was fooled by a substitution jutsu, if anything the ones we fought today were almost of a lower quality than from that night." he waved a hand as if to say he was out of things to say but continued despite it, "Why, I can't say, I don't think anyone can. But if we meet one of the same kind from the ambush in the enemy camp, I fear that who ever stays to occupy it may not escape the camp with their life. It was much harder to take it down than those today and that time consumption would give the enemy ample opportunity to surround you with far superior numbers."

"If we come across any in that camp tonight, I suggest we simply ignore them and continue on, causing as much damage as we can. Stick to the normal soldiers, steer clear of the brutes unless there is no other option." with that he gave a small nod and slid back behind Miu.

Listening intently to Toshi's words, Hideki rotated his jaw slightly, ruminating on something. Finally, after some reluctance, he spoke up. "I would be reluctant to call them all brutes," he said, thinking of the creature encountered in Keishi. "Both of your descriptions" — he gestured to Niji and Toshi — "of these... 'creatures' seem to align with what I encountered a few months past. Only, this one was indubitably intelligent, and moreover, capable not only of resisting point-blank chakra attacks, but also to enter their opponent's pathway system through physical contact and forage among their memories. And perhaps more — likely more, I should say." He paused, licked his lips, and glanced over at Toshi.

"I do agree with your advice of caution, but there is also little room for hesitation here — given the sheer number advantage of the enemy... If we can get our hands on one — and I promise you, these are among the enemies most valuable soldiers — I think we should definitely strike where it hurts. But that's beside the point; what I wanted to get to..." He looked over at Saki, trying to read her expression in the dark. "I'm sure most if you have been informed of this, but after encountering and mostly dispatching a group of them in the Northern Crossing, I should warn you of the red-cloaked ones — those seen during the ritual proceedings ahead of the first battle. Not only are they skilled Ninjutsu users, but they also seem to boast techniques that are completely alien to most of us. Luckily, we were able to prevent one of those techniques from bearing fruit, but as a caveat, please do keep it in mind." Aware and slightly uncomfortable at being the center of attention, Hideki introduced himself: "I'm Hideki Hyuuga, Chuunin of the Guardians."

Toshi listened for a moment before speaking up, "I didn't mean to imply that these enemies are in anyway not worth our effort or dumb, I just don't know what to call them other than 'brutes' due to their size and nature. If you have a better word, please by all means Hyuuga."

"Leeching chakra?" She had asked that softly, frowning as she tried to process what she just heard. Kaya threw a glance at both Midori and Yumeji, hoping that one of the two would elaborate if that was seriously a thing. If they were tough and could absorb chakra, then they would need dragonsteel weapons? The thought of facing such a foe didn't do much else but bring her motivation lower than it already was. Saki remained quiet as she listened to the ongoing conversation. There was a hint of surprise when Hideki spoke for longer than she had expected. The mentioning of the red cloaked enemies caused the corners of Saki's lips to lower, giving away her opinion on those people. "My name is Saki Yamanaka, current captain of the present Tiger Claws of this campaign," She started, placing a clenched hand in a fist at her chest as a form of a salute, "While I am certain that these opponents, are most dangerous, I do remember that they have people that can..." She briefly frowned, trying to find the correct word, "Morph themselves into other and more beastlike entities. I and Hideki came across a few in a previous mission, dealing with what we call Zealots. A group that seems to have their origins east. I am not certain if this also was encountered by the Lightning forces but the enemy also deploys a certain canine mount. They reek and are at the size of ponies, basically. I and my unit managed to dispatch a larger group as their riders weren't the problem. If you do come across their mounts, my advice is to try to agitate them. They seem to be anything but dormant and I have seen them attacking their own handlers when agitated enough," Saki decided to add.

"As for what those, dreadnaughts," the Yamanaka shrugged at the poorly improvised nickname for the deadly foes they were discussing, "Are worth? I would most certainly like to have a chance to interrograte one. We already have some prisoners that me and my unit are questioning. If we do get our hands on such a dreadnaught, there is no telling how much information I could pull out of it. Thus," she decided to take a step forward, hoping to pull some attention to herself - thus also from Hideki - Saki continued, "My skills are slightly varied. I am capable to fight both in close and long ranged with a few weapons. As much as my surname states, I am capable of mind-techniques as I suppose I know a thing or two about how stealth operations can be conducted." Rounding up her reply, Saki would cross her arms out front of her chest, before taking a step backwards.

"Kaya Irozaki," the respective girl said as she would step forwards. She tried to keep a confident posture, which was barely working so far as she knew. "I am a genin of Team 13. My expertise are close quarters and I am able to perform some lightning based techniques," the Irozaki said. She wasn't sure what more she should add. She wasn't somebody that could consider herself either vastly experienced, skilled or high ranked. Realising that she would quickly step back in order to not keep the attention for too long on herself.

Considering Toshi's words for a dozen heartbeats — trying to come up with a suitable term — when Kaya and Saki presented their skillsets, Hideki was reminded that he should as well. "I also specialize in close-quarters," he said, in a lower voice this time around. "Aside from that, I'm good on the wing and, if it proves necessary, can operate in stealth as well."
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Naruto Fantasy (AU) : The Rise of the New Generation

Stormraven

"Teddy Bears never forget."

Edgesquire

Fieryfly

Guest

God's in His Heaven, All's Right With the World.

"Teddy Bears never forget."

"Teddy Bears never forget."

"Teddy Bears never forget."

"Teddy Bears never forget."

RoranHawkins

Guest

Fierce Rebel

Fierce Rebel

Icy

Guest

Jessie Targaryen

Guest

"Teddy Bears never forget."

Stormraven

RoranHawkins

Guest

Fieryfly

Guest

"Teddy Bears never forget."

"Teddy Bears never forget."