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

Oetje · Aug 3, 2017

[fieldbox=Team 4 together?, #007dba]
Konohagakure,
Meeting of Team 4!

A collab between FrostedCamel, Inzane and Oetje.

Summary:
The members of Team 4 come together. In this collab, Aoi is introduced to both Meilin and Madoc as they also learn from Meilin that they will be going on a mission. Furthermore, Meilin explains what the team leader of Team 7/Nimatsu expects of them. There is some talk about the leadership of mission but soon they decide that they will travel by the tomorrow's morning.

[spoili]
Sitting on the bench in a park, Meilin could appreciate the tranquillity that merely seemed to exist with the absence of children playing or adults walking and talking. There was even not the sound of critters being around. The thing was that it wasn't even that early but if the sky wasn't covered in dark grey clouds then Meilin would have been able to see the sun at its highest point. But it was okay, she kept telling herself as she waited for the other members of the meeting. The idea was to meet up together and then have a small talk in a neutral area. Then once a foundation was set perhaps engage into a discussion about various aspects Meilin wanted to bring up. The only issue was that she had no idea how it would play out and while she knew she was fretting more than she should, Meilin couldn't just shove it aside. Rubbing with both her hands her face, the Cho decided that she should try to relax more.

Content with the small apartment she had found, Aoi had spent most of the next fews days furnishing the place. Adding a few small plants, dusting the hard to reach places that hadn't seen a wet rag since the last tennant lived there, and even going as far as to introduce herself to her new neighbors. Although none were home when she tried. She had been lounging around in her new home, wrapped in a blanket as she sipped on a comfortably warm cup of tea. She had been watching the dark clouds roll by high above through her window that overlooked a small square that was mostly empty likely due to the looming threat of rain from above, when the clock in her room chimed on the hour pulling her attention away from the calm view, staring at the clock on the wall Aoi gasped as she realized her mistake, "Oh shit, the meeting!" she yelled aloud as she tore the blanket from her shoulders, it fell to the floor with a soft sound as Aoi ripped through her closet, pulling out a set of clothes and a dark blue jacket incase it began to rain. Grabbing her head protector she began to tie it to her waist as she left he apartment before throwing her jacket over it, covering the only distinguishing mark that spoke of her being a Shinobi. She left her apartment at a dead sprint with about ten minutes to spare. As she ran through Konoha, she was a bit surprised at just how empty the streets were, she had figured the sqaure was empt because no one really wants to hang out in a nice square on a gloomy day but even the streets themselves were rather desolate with just a few people around at any given time.

Sliding past the corner of a road and using a lamp post to swing herself around toward the set meeting place, Aoi found herself staring down a park that was just as empty as the streets she had just ran through. 'Is this really the place...?'[/color] she thought as she began to walk through the park. Ahead of her she noticed a young woman occupying a bench all by her lonesome. Curious as to what the girl was here for Aoi made her way over to her and waved, "Hi! You mind if I sit with you? I'm waiting for someone." she said as she looked around the park trying to spot the flak jackets or headbands that she figured would herald her shinobi teammates. Not waiting for the girl to answer she took a seat close to her and offered a warm smile as she took in the girls looks. Warm brown eyes and pretty black hair cut short at the girls shoulders framed her face nicely as well as a spackling a freckles giving the girls face a rustic charm, "You'd make a great Shrine priestess," Aoi said to the girl as she leaned in close, "and if you don't want to do that you can just be cute doing something else." she grinned at the still unknown girl. Leaning back out she shot a hand forward, "My name is Miyazato Aoi, it's a pleasure to meet you...." she said, leaving the end open for the girl to respond.

Storm clouds again? That woman sure liked scheduling meetings so far when it could possibly turn to bad weather. Brushing his hand through his hair he would increase his pace a bit towards the park she described, which he would arrive at within a few minutes of fast walking. Now it was just to find Meilin, she could be anyw- and there she was. Well with hardly anyone around, it would be easy to find her. Although this time she seemed to be speaking to someone, was this the new team member? If it was she either didn't know who she was talking too, or just really like bad weather like Meilin did. Yet he would walk over and proceed to sit on the arm rest of the bench, catching just the last bit of the blue haired girl's sentence. Shooting his hand out towards Meilin he would smile but a more devious one. "My name is Madoc Yamanaka. Nice to meet you.... sensei." he said and now thinking about it, if she decided to murder him. Their was only one witness around, probably bad choice of words on his end.

Meilin looked at the person who joined her. Before she could reply to the blue haired teen, that had to be Aoi Miyazato, Meilin couldn't help but just gaze at Aoi. The latter's comment made Meilin just blink her eyes twice, rapidly. Would she make a great shrine priestess? Meilin couldn't help but smile a bit at the 'compliment' as she would shake the hand of Aoi back.
"Welcome to team 4 then, Aoi. Though it was a bit too soon with the compliments. Meilin Cho." Meilin replied with an amused tone in her voice as she would pull her hand back.
Turning her head, Meilin glared at the Yamanaka for a moment.
"Stick that hand up where the sun doesn't shine. Anyways, Madoc," Meilin gestured to Aoi as she would drop the hostile tone and phrasing.
"This is Aoi Miyazato. Aoi, this is Madoc. Also part of Team 4."

Aoi let out a small laugh as the girl in front of her introduced herself as a member of Team 4, "I'd have never known Meilin... Thanks." she said blankly as she shook the girls hand before turning to the new arrival, 'He called her Sensei... Is she a Jounin?" she thought a bit concerned at how she had introduced herself earlier. Pushing that aside Aoi stood from the bench and offered the blonde Yamanaka her hand, "Miyazato Aoi, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said with a warm and inviting smile, "It's a pleasure to meet both of you in fact." she added on to the end of her words.

Well he expected that comment from her but if he didn't have fun with this then who would? Lowering his hand he gave the new girl called Aoi a nod of his head thinking that would be enough. Yet she went far enough to stand up and offered her hand stating it was a pleasure to meet him, then changed that to both of them. Madoc looked at her for a second or two before he shook her hand. "Madoc Yamanaka. Yet a pleasure to meet us huh? Well that's kind of you to say." Madoc would state pulling his hand back and looking at Meilin, resting an arm on her shoulder. "So what are we talking about today? I know the whole descion making is one topic but what else?"

"It is fine," Meilin simply replied. Seeing that the introductions between Aoi and Madoc went without any problem, Meilin would wait for a moment.
"Well, first I think it is fair to state that we," Meilin gestured to herself and Madoc, "Are chuunin as well. Team 4 is going to be a support team. We are basically reinforcing other teams that are sent to aid other teams on tough missions. Other than that, all our mistakes are our own and so the same with successes. That is roughly it, I guess. The thing is that none of us is the formal leader unless we decide on that. I, personally, don't really care or mind who wants to be it. I got some information for the next mission and such but I doubt that makes me the leader. Also," Meilin paused as she pointed to herself with her right thumb, "I am specialised in particular in close combat and some subterfuge. I know Fire release and a bit of medical ninjutsu. Nothing really major, though. Seeing I did read that you got Magnet Release, I figured it would be fair to state what I am somewhat capable off."
Turning silent Meilin would wait to see if Aoi had any questions or Madoc was going to state his capabilities as well.

"Short way of saying it is that we need to decide how we are going to decide. If we pick a leader or go down to a vote, or simply agree with each other. We need to figure out how we are going to deal with that in the future. Cause I'm not going to point fingers, but take Meilin for example. How she may want to do something may differ from how I or you want to do something. So a way to come to a descion would be best figured out now." Madoc started with brushing his hand through his hair wondering if he should state every skill he knew, but decided a basic rundown would be fine. "I do better when its stealth oriented. I'm a Yamanaka so I have techniques that are quite handy when it comes to me being quiet. So I specalize in stealth and all the fun that comes with that, picking locks, getting information, finding out those juicy bits basically. I'm a sensor, able to pick up more than a Hyuugas eye's. I also know Wind release along with the obvious, Yamanaka techniques. Thats about it for my skills."

Aoi would nod along as the two seemed to be solving their problems without any real need for input from her, she added in her thoughts on the matter more as a formality then and actual suggestion as she mostly agreed with the way the two seemed to be handling it, "I'm definitely not willing to lead a team, it's been over three years since I've been in the Shinobi Corps so I'm not a choice in any way shape or form for a leader. But I agree with what you both seem to be leaning toward, the vote based system could be best for figuring out the harder decisions as we can weigh in everyones opinion, although we'll have to keep bickering to a minimum if someone doesn't get their way." she finished with a smirk. She had taken note of how Meilin was a close combat specialist as well as having some sort of knowledge in the stealthier side of being a Shinobi while the Yamanaka was almost entirely based around remaining undectected, she knew of the Yamanaka and their mind abilities although her knowledge was limited to "They do spooky mind things", she resigned to not ask any questions on that one. "As far as my fighting style goes I specialize in a combination of Taijutsu and Ninjutsu's based around Magnet Release which I guess technically would be called Nintaijutsu. But that's a bit to long for me to say regularly. she waved a hand in the air for a moment, "For any other formalities we can just say Taijutsu and keep my release a hidden fact. Even to other Konoha Teams if we could swing that... I'd be surprised if anyone that doesn't seek out Magnet Release users would know a lick about the Miyazato family in all honesty." she said, a bit embarassed at the fact that Meilin already knew of her abilities.

Meilin would remain silent for a moment as Madoc explained the situation. Meanwhile, Meilin remained seated on the bench, watching to see how Aoi would take the news. Hearing that Madoc was stating his skills made Meilin throw him a subtle glance but the Cho wouldn't say anything.
When Aoi stated she didn't want to lead a team, it caused Meilin to rub her neck and smile a bit. They all three seem to be anything but fond of the idea and the responsibilities that it took with it. The idea of Magnet Release made Meilin curious as she had little idea how it actually worked. She assumed that it was probably something that was some obscure kekkei genkei or Hidden.
"The thing is that we will need to elect from time to time somebody that will stand up as representative of the team. We will be helping other teams and in order to do so, one of us has to meet and discuss what the other team leader wants and desires of us. From what I understand, we don't always have to agree but it is important that we do select a person when we are sent on a mission with or for another team."
Pausing for a moment, Meilin would get up and place her hands on her hips.
"We also have a mission at our hands, already. Seeing that I know the team and jounin we are going to support, I already took the privilege to contact and hear what he want. In short, we have to travel towards the capital of the River province, Hanaguro. There we have to seek out activities of any threat while the other team has guard and escort duty. I haven't yet further planned or made any decisions but seeing that we have to remain underneath the radar, I suggest that we pack lightly and avoid anything that can confirm us as Imperial shinobi."
Meilin would halt speaking to see if they agreed, disagreed or had a suggestion of their own.

Seemed like so far as far as being silent went, that would be his area of expertise, granted Meilin could do it as well. Yet it wasn't a bad set up, a close quarters fighter, one that could do that or be silent, and then him focused on it seemed like a balanced team so far. "Well when it comes time for that, we can elect one of us for the time being." Madoc put his input in a bit, as he heard her mention that they already had a mission on their hands. What made his look dissolve into a frown was when she said she knew the team and jounin they were going to support. Seemed like they had the tougher part seeking out the threat while they got to guard and escort where ever their contract went. So when she finished he would speak up. "I elect Aoi to talk with them then. If it's who I think it is, then we won't be doing much aid in chatting with him. Yet nothing to confirm us as shinobi, so you want us to pack like we are tourist? Fine with me, I can still hide a knife on my person."

Aoi listened, slightly surprised that they already had a mission lined up, and it seemed to be protectinga VIP of sorts, 'Interesting... she thought as Meilin went on to explain, 'Hanaguro... Hanaguro!' she thought as she rememberd how some of the travelers at the Shrine came from there and never seemed to miss a chance to remind anyone around them of just how beautiful and amazing the city was. A bit giddy at the prospect of finally getting to see the Capital of the River Province, Aoi didn't really care if she had to be the mediator between Team 4 and the other Team they would be supporting. "I'll talk to them that's fine with me." she said, a hint of excitement evident in her voice. She took a moment to think about how she could look like a tourist before realizing that that wouldn't be very hard as all she would need to do is remove her ninja tools and forehead protector then just walk around the city taking it all in while the Yamanaka did all the tough sensor work, "It should be easy enough to look like tourists, considering I can't do any of the sensory techniques that you can do Madoc, I figure I'll just uh... Do some recon on the ground while looking like a typical tourist. Shouldn't be too hard." she said.

Raising her right hand to scratch her left cheek, a smile would dawn on Meilin's lips.
"Nimatsu will be expecting me. But I can else try to arrange later talks to go through Aoi. Besides, I think that we will be able to operate on our own if we just need to scan the city."
Spotting the excitement in Aoi's voice, Meilin wondered if it was because she could mediate between the teams or the prospect of going to another city for a mission.
"Okay, when I mentioned to not look like shinobi, I meant that we shouldn't wear headbands out in the open. I am certain that we could hide our weapons and else look like travellers. My initial idea was that we could even try to join some merchant caravan that heads that way so that we perhaps even look like juvenile mercenaries. Once inside, I am pretty certain that we can vanish in the crowd and see how we will explore the city."
Meilin couldn't help but find it becoming more attractive to head out already to this 'Hanaguro' and the River province. Wondering how much different it was, she decided to bring up another question.
"How fast are you both able to make ready to head out, by the way? I should be able to travel tomorrow. Only perhaps need to see if I-- we," she corrected herself, a smile following her correction, "Can arrange some deal with a trader heading that way."

Aoi nodded along, before being slightly surprised by the fact that they were going to try and disguise as mercenaries, "Wait a second, wouldn't carrying around weapons pretending to be mercenaries be just as suspicious as if we were carrying around weapons while also wearing our headbands?" she asked a bit confused as to how it would make it any easier to blend into a crowd if they still had weapons visible on them. "If anything we should just hide our weapons completely and pretend to be travelers, pretending to be mercenaries just adds a whole new level of complexity that we wouldn't have to deal with if we hid our weapons all together." she said before raising her hands in a shrug, "But if that's what you think would work I'll play along... And I can be ready by tonight, most of my stuff isn't even unpacked yet so it won't be hard to pack some stuff to travel." with that she placed her arms across her chest waiting for a reply.

Playing mercenary? Well that wouldnt be a good match with him, mostly if these were traders that could potienally remember him from his early days. "I have to kind of agree with Aoi, While I dont think it will make us suspicious if we sign on as mercenaries to defend a caravan, as most do tend to hire them for that reason. I do think it will add some complexity. An example being if the caravan actually does get attacked. Sure we could leave them if such an event arises but then we basically just left innocent people to die. Although it would be nice to recieve extra pay for simply escorting.... Know whay extra pay sounds nice. After all if we do hire people to teach us, we will need the money. I approve of being a temporary mercenary." Madoc stated a bit of greed making him approve of the choice and the fact that he can also use it as an opputunity to get some goods out of the deal. He would need to think about how he would go about that with the other two, they might not approve of.... his thievary. "I can be ready by tomorrow."

Realising that Aoi had some good points, Meilin nodded slowly as she pondered. "Perhaps we could just see if we can arrange to travel with a caravan. I will see what I can do for the travel. I already might be able to arrange something but don't bank on it. For the moment, let us hide most of our weapons away. But clear signs such as headbands? Lets keep those hidden or keep packed. No need for anybody to figure out that we work for the state, seeing that Team 7 wants us to move underneath the radar." Meilin said, as she glanced at the two.
The fact that they both could be ready within such short made Meilin more eager to get to work.
"Let us meet tomorrow at 10 AM at the main gate. I will get to work and shall be able. Quick question," Meilin threw a look at the other two, "Do you both drink or have something against it? Just wanting to be certain."

"Works for me, caravan, mercenary, or by ourselves. I'm fine with either choice, and I can also ditch the headband. As for weapons well all I have to say to that.... what weapons?" Madoc said with a smile standing up as she stated to meet at the main gate at ten tomorrow, stopping only when she had a question. Drinking? "I don't drink often, but I have before. I more so drink after a special occassion happened though. I guess the forming of this team is a special one, maybe we can all drink later to that. Anyway see you two ladies tomorrow." Madoc said with a wave of his hand as he would be the first to walk off.

Aoi would smile as Meilin seemed to take her words, even if she didn't quite decide off her input it was obvious she had at least chewed on them a bit first. "I'm okay with the whole mercenary deal, although I don't have much in the way of weapons except for the standard kunai..." she said as she shot a look at Madoc, almost as if to say she had caught on to his small joke, "I don't have anything against drinking, it's quite at my families hot springs that we have to watch over those who have drank a bit too much, and I have indulged in the stuff on more than a few occasions with travelers and family alike. I'd have nothing against getting a few drinks with you both." Aoi smiled at Madoc and then to Meilin, "I'll see you both tomorrow then as well." she would say before turning for the direction she had come from.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Aug 6, 2017

[fieldbox=Let's head out, maroon]
Hiron Hon
Jounin of Team 9 | Major General of the Third Division | Empire of Akino, Konohagakure - Near the main gates - around noon.

It had been a short while since the meeting with the newest member of the team. Hiron had considered since then to do a team training. It would be most beneficial if he could gain an idea how well Shikaroku and Tentou were able to work together. But there was administrative work that demanded most of Hiron's time. Reports and letters from the Third Division recruitment and training centres that detailed that work was good in progress. While it did brighten some of Hiron's mood, there was a decision that he had to consider. As leader of a team, he couldn't always be capable to do his task as a major general. For that purpose, he would delegate some of his administrative tasks to those of high rank within the Third Division. Or at least, those who hadn't been sent on the campaign towards the eastern continent.

When the moment came that Hiron finally considered himself free and able to piece a training together, the message was sent that Team 9 was to be deployed to the border of the Fire and Grass province. Some trouble had arisen and there was a strong hint that the zealots were amassing some forces. Though not considering himself the vengeful type, Hiron decided that it would provide a good chance to get even with those despicable bastards. Requesting information on what local teams he could rely on and what more he could rally, Hiron would also send a message to Shikaroku Nara and Tentou Aburame to rally within two days at the main gate of the city. They should pack for a light and fast travel but be aware that they would likely come to clash with enemies in the imminent mission.

Readying himself, Hiron would find himself somewhat anxious as he checked and readied his equipment. The thought if he shouldn't be requesting more aid didn't come to mind. While Shikaroku was a genin, Hiron had confidence that the boy would prove his worth. If anything, the boy wasn't a meek genin without any skill or experience for battle. Tentou, however, was a chuunin but Hiron doubted she had earned that with sitting pretty. The thought of the Aburame made Hiron frown. He didn't fancy the use of insects but if the girl could prove her worth with them, then his preference had to suck it up.

Once ready, the jounin would make way towards the meeting spot. It would be near one of the inns that were near the main gate. The establishment went by the name of the Pouncing Cat. Something that had to do with the odd pet the owner had but Hiron didn't consider that really interesting. Once he was at the spot, he briefly wondered if it would start to rain as he could spot dark clouds on the horizon.
[/fieldbox]

Fieryfly · Aug 6, 2017

[fieldbox="Tentou Aburame, lightgreen"]

Team 9 Chuunin | Konohagakure

"It says 'pack for light and fast travel' but also that we should be aware that we could come to clash with the enemy." Tentou read the letter again as she was standing in the middle of the living room, a backpack at her feet and the bug jar behind it.

"You said that." Saburo was lounching on the sofa, flipping absentmindedly through the pages of a book.

"So do I take it or not?" Saburo didn't reply, but Tentou kept talking anyway. "It helps in combat…"

"Then take it," came the half interested answer.

"But it is pretty heavy, so it probably wouldn't count as light travel wear."

"Then don't take it."

Tentou gave an exasperated sigh and shot Saburo a death stare, which the older man ignored, but did not fail to notice as the corners of his mouth indicated. The slight curve in the corners showed his amusement. "You are literally the most unhelpful person in the history of unhelpful persons."

"Glad to be of service." He flipped a page.

Tentou was silent for a moment and stared to the bug jar on the ground. She had traveled with it before. Quite a lot. It was useful and nice to have with you when going far away because it meant that she had a bigger safety net to fall back on in case the enemies were stronger than expected. And with these Zealots around… Yeah, it would probably be better. "Okay, I'm taking it. Or… Saburo, serious for a moment. Do I take it or not?"

"Yes."

"Are you…?! Ugh!" Tentou grabbed one of the pencils that lay on the table and chucked it at Saburo's head. Before it could ever reach him, his bugs plucked it out of the air and held the thing aloft. Saburo turned his head to her.

"What?" He said, now clearly failing to hide his amusement. He held out his hand and the pencil landed on his palm. He flipped it back and forth between his fingers. "I honestly don't know, Tentou," he said then. "You are not running low on Kikaichu generally. Do you feel like you will be in more danger? Then you take it." With a swift move, he flicked the pencil back at her. Once again it didn't hit the target as now Tentou's own bugs were hovering before her as a shield.

"I don't know if I want to take any chances considering we are going pretty far out. Border of the Grass country isn't exactly nearby and as per usual no one will have an idea of how I tick on the inside. If I run out, I will have no defense."

"Then that is your answer."

"I guess." She sighed, resigned this time, and checked the clock. There was ample time. So carefully she strapped both the backpack and the bug jar on her back, the bug jar hanging below the backpack. It was somewhat heavy, but doable. She had done it many times. She checked the straps once again. Saburo had gotten up after dumping his book on one of the little tables in the room. He walked over to the kitchen past the door to the hallway as he watched her get ready.

"You look ridiculous like that," he said.

Without looking Tentou shot the pencil back at him, only to have Saburo actually dodge out of the way this time to reveal Hachiro's half asleep looking face. Tentou's oldest brother blinked a few times as the bugs snatched the thing out of the air in a reflex. "Is there a reason we are throwing pencils at each other?" he asked yawning.

"To get you out of bed on time for a change and also because Saburo is a dick."

"Ah." And with that Hachiro disappeared further into the hallway, no doubt trying to find the bathroom. The pencil fell on the ground. A few of Tentou's bugs picked it up and placed it back on the table as she walked to the door and put on her shoes. As she opened the door and stepped outside. "I'm off!" she called to the empty hallway.

Saburo's voice came from the kitchen. "Come back safely." His voice did not sound mocking. There was a muffle from the bathroom, but whatever Hachiro said was lost to the wooden door.

Tentou arrived at the designated meeting spot exactly on the right time. Actually she was two minutes earlier. She found Hiron Hon already there, waiting for her and, probably, her other teammember to show up. Shikaroku Nara. Nara were interesting. They had their own Hiden and although it wasn't as known for creeping people out as much as Tentou's own Hiden, it was still rather intimidating in its own way. And interesting. Tentou halted before the man and bowed politely. "Reporting for duty, sir," she said, raising her face again. For a moment her eyes darted to the Pouncing Cat sign, but then turned back to the Jounin. Silently she waited with him for their teamember.

[/fieldbox]

ChromeHound · Aug 8, 2017

[fieldbox='Shikaroku Nara | Konoha Genin | Team 9, Purple']

A Shadow on the Horizon...

The nightmare had been the same... Every day for the past week, he had awoken sweating, fighting back a scream, before the migraine would set in. For the past few nights, he had tried taking his medicine before sleep, but it had not helped stave off the vivid dreams, nor the ensuing migraines. The dark figure, the glowing red eyes... he could see it so clearly. Even while he was awake, he could swear he caught glimpses of it everywhere he went. Every time he would look back, but there was nothing, just his mind playing tricks...

A single thought began gnawing its way at the back of his mind. "Am I going insane?"

Hauling himself up to a sitting position, Shikaroku leaned out over the side of his bed. Resting his head in his hands, he waited for the pain to subside. He had been laying in bed, awake, for over an hour, letting the medicine take hold. Long enough to have heard his mother knock on the door to let him know a letter had arrived for him. As the pain began to clear, leaving his mind foggy, Shikaroku began to wonder what the letter might be. With any luck, it would be something from Hiron-Sensei. Something to get his mind off the nightmare.

Pulling himself up from the bed, Shikaroku made his way out of the room, still wiping the sleep from his eyes. He passed his mother, making breakfast in the kitchen, and caught the look that she gave him. Tilting his head to the side, Shikaroku yawned. "You mentioned something about a letter?"

"Are you feeling well, sweetheart? You look like a wreck."

Waving her off half-heartedly, Shikaroku simply grunted his acknowledgement. Shaking her head, his mother sighed. "A letter did come in, yes. It looks like it is from your sensei. If you're not feeling well though..." Cutting her off, Shikaroku walked into the kitchen with his hand outstretched. "I'll be fine. Can I see it please?"

Firenze stared at her son for a moment longer before nodding slowly and turning around to fetch it from the counter. "If you're going out anywhere, make sure you clean yourself up." She called out to him as he mumbled his thanks and turned, heading back to his room. Closing the door behind him, Shikaroku opened the letter and began to read. A smile formed on the teen's face as he realized that this request was for a mission. Finally, he thought. Tossing the letter on his bed, he wandered over to the bathroom. It was dim inside the small bathroom, but enough light filtered in through the window that Shikaroku did not bother turning on the lights.

Stopping in front of the mirror, he took a long look at himself. I really do look like shit...

Shaking his head, Shikaroku turned on the faucet and placed his hand under to check the temperature. The water was refreshingly cool to the touch and Shikaroku bent forward. Closing his eyes and cupping the water in his hands, he splashed his face, letting the water run through his hair as it began to shake the grogginess out of him. Lifting his head, Shikaroku let out a satisfied sigh. He wiped the water from his face and opened his eyes. What he saw in the mirror stopped his heart mid beat.

In the shadows behind him, a hellish form began to grow, straight from his nightmares... Two glowing red eyes stared directly at him, piercing through him. The chill of the water had nothing on the ice that now shot through Shikaroku's veins. Turning slowly from the mirror, the form did not disappear this time. Instead, it almost seemed to smile, a horrifying, bone chilling smile. This was no dream. Shikaroku stumbled backwards, throwing his hands out and managing to catch himself on the sink. He felt his body begin to freeze up, all his muscles clenching as the panic overtook him.

He had no weapons, no way of fighting whatever this thing was. Even if he had a weapon, Shikaroku wasn't sure he'd be able to lift it to do a damned thing. The fear crippled him, causing his knees to shake and tears to fill his eyes. He was going to die here, he could feel it. The figure reached out, its grin widening. Tendrils of darkness formed together to shape a large, clawed hand. Unable to move, Shikaroku could only watch as the hand touched his skin, just underneath his collarbone. The shadowy hand seemed to disappear beneath his flesh and Shikaroku felt a searing pain shoot through him. Opening his mouth to scream, nothing came out. He could hear faint laughter, seeming to come from all around. Closing his eyes, Shikaroku waited for the end.

A voice rang out in his head, seeming to come from up close and far away at the same time... "You are mine now boy." It said, echoing through Shikaroku's mind. The words stabbed at him almost as painfully as the feeling in his chest.

Suddenly, the laughter stopped and the pain vanished, replaced by an eerie calm. Shikaroku's eyes shot open. He was alone in the bathroom once more.

Collapsing to his knees, Shikaroku began to vomit. After several minutes, the fit passed and Shikaroku remained laying on the floor, still shaking. When his nerves had calmed enough for the smell to begin bothering him, Shikaroku rolled to the side and slowly got to his feet. He braced himself against the sink, reaching over to turn the light on before he dared look into the mirror again. When he finally did look into the mirror, he was startled at the panic still clear in his eyes. Wiping his mouth with a cloth, Shikaroku tried to calm his breathing.

Something caught his eye and the Nara looked down. There was a mark on his chest, right where the figure had touched him. It was a symbol of some sort. Slowly reaching out, Shikaroku placed the tips of his fingers against the mark, recoiling instantly as it was ice cold to the touch.

What is happening to me...?

It took a long time for Shikaroku to regain his composure and begin cleaning up. After he had cleaned up the vomit, he had taken a shower and tried to force the events of the morning out of his mind. His bag was packed quickly, making sure that he had enough medicine to last at least a week, and Shikaroku prepared to head out to meet with the rest of his team.

Taking a moment before he left the room, Shikaroku let out a weary sigh. Perhaps he should talk to Hiron about this... It was something he could decide on later, and Shikaroku shoved the thought aside for the moment. Heading out of his house, he said goodbye to his mother and father, trying to leave as quickly as possible to avoid them asking any questions. As he made his way towards the meeting place, he found his thoughts drifting back to the mark and the figure. It had felt so real, but Shikaroku had a hard time believing it could have been so. He tried to rationalize it in his mind, trying to find any way to explain what had happened. The only thing that kept stopping him was the mark...

Spotting Hiron and a kunoichi with which he was unfamiliar, Shikaroku approached and bowed his head. Glancing at the girl for a moment, he tried to gather information about her from her appearance. Hiron had not mentioned anything about a new teammate, but that was the most likely reason for her to be here. Shikaroku caught sight of the jar on her back and tilted his head. Curious.

"Ready to go, Hiron-Sensei." He said, looking back from the girl to his mentor. Hopefully he would find out more about her soon enough. If she was to be a new teammember, it would be important for them to know as much about each other as possible before they encountered any conflict. Well, anything important to their skills and abilities anyways...

Without realizing, Shikaroku reached out with one of his hands, placing it over where the mark was on his chest. He could still feel the cold through the fabric of his clothes and it frightened him a little. Withdrawing his hand as he realized what he was doing, Shikaroku felt a familiar chill run up his spine as a whisper echoed through his mind.

"Come find me"

[/fieldbox]

Aliceee · Aug 9, 2017

[fieldbox=Operation Red Harvest, green]
Harumi Uchiha,

| ANBU | Akinian Empire | Nondong, capital of the Jarldom of Dagny- Cho Clan Heartlands |

Arriving at the meeting spot, Harumi didn't look around as some anxious genin that had to meet her team for the first time. She hadn't heard or learned much of the Cho Guard but was aware that she was on their turf. The bustling city of Nondong had impressed the Uchiha ANBU operative but she wasn't here for sightseeing. Deciding to lean against a nearby wall, she briefly threw a look at the nearby market. If anything she was wondering how it was that the Cho had never any conflict with other clans like their Chonobi brethren. There was a good reason why Hon and Uchiha relationship was strained. The Sarutobi was known to have fought at the side of the Hons as mercenaries or allies in various large conflicts. But never had Harumi learned or heard anything of the Cho conducting conflicts. It didn't make the ANBU operative breathe any easier. The solemn fact that she wasn't aware of any military conflicts or operations run by the Cho didn't mean that they didn't recently or ever indulge in them. If that had to say something, it could mean literally anything. Before Harumi could decide to push her back from the wall, she froze.

"Damn, I did not even notice him."

In the midst of the crowd was a hooded man. Dressed in black and with his hoodie covering some of his features in the shadow, he did fit the description of her would be the contact person. Just as Harumi wanted to make a step the person was gone with the next blink of an eye. It caused the Uchiha to instantly feel wary and threatened.

"You are on time." A masculine voice resonated next to Harumi. "Please, do follow me." The hooded man had appeared next to her as he inclined his head towards Harumi before turning around and walking in a calm pace. For a moment Harumi felt her gut screaming to not do such a thing. Ignoring her instincts, she would follow the hooded man but not yet utter any word. Her mission was just to collect the information that the Cho operatives had for them about the enemy's trafficking people through their land towards the Noodle Province. Nothing more.

"You must forgive an old man like me to not meet you in a more refined setting. One more fitting for somebody of your stature," the man said, a polite tone ringing in his voice, as he and Harumi walked next to each other. Harumi noticed something odd. Nobody seemed to even gaze or noticed the obvious hooded man. Nobody was dressed in black and Harumi could see the various sheathed weapons that he carried with him. But nobody seemed to spot or notice him.

"I would have loved to meet the wife of the governor of the Fire province in person, truly. But more pressing matters have taken my attention. I assume that you're a most capable ANBU operative. It took my people a bit longer than I expected them to locate you as to be certain it was you." The words of the hooded man caused Harumi to half close her eyes. She didn't think that the man brings up that information to pester her. But it was slightly concerning how well informed or capable he or his companions were. How did they figure out so much if she was travelling incognito?

"The information you desire is sadly not something we can just give you. Some complications have arisen," the man calmly continued as if Harumi's silence wasn't of any bother, at all. He turned his head slightly towards the woman, allowing Harumi to spot the dark brown goatee and stern lines in his face. The dark brown eyes had something to them that caused Harumi's neck hair to rise. "I must suggest you head to the southern districts of the city. There you will find a novice of my order. He will be waiting at the largest smithy you can find in the southern districts. We will speak soon, again."

Harumi wanted to say something but as her lips parted the man had vanished by the blink of an eye. Slowing her pace she felt briefly outclassed. It had to be a most refined genjutsu that he had performed. Or was it perhaps some sublime skill of stealth and disguise? Uncertain, she decided to not linger around but make way to the south. Perhaps she could ponder and gain an answer later on her questions.

The city was huge. It took Harumi a few hours to reach the southern districts. Then she asked in a most subtle manner to her location of desire. Which would be the smithy of the Fargrim family. Nearing the workshop, the sounds one would expect weren't present. Most likely because the day was starting to end, the blue sky shifting gradually in a mixture of red, orange and other colours as the sun was sinking down. Arriving at the smithy, she was soon approached by a young man. He had an attractive face but there was a certain way how he walked that alerted Harumi.

"Lady," he inclined his head towards Harumi, a gesture that the Uchiha returned in silence, "Good of you that you came. I was waiting for reinforcements to take out the nearby den. I--" He wanted to continue on a soft but polite fashion but Harumi frowned as she cut him short. "Easy now. Nearby den? Care to elaborate?"

The young man blinked rapidly for a second or two with his eyes. "Yes. The den in which the sámr are hiding. I was informed that you would take out the small den while this evening, various other dens would finally be cleaned up." He spoke at first in a slow pace, as if Harumi was slow of understanding. He further continued to give Harumi information how she could access the den of these 'sámr' and that she should try to keep their leader alive. Which was a senior man, that she could identify more or less as a frail man. Harumi remained silent during the entire explanation of what was expected of her. She had quite a few questions but in her experience, it would lead to no answers by asking this young man. He was much like her, without a doubt, just knowing what he needed to know. Perhaps if she worked with these orders she could see if she could gain what she needed from the hooded man of before? It was worth a shot, now that she was in Nondong anyways.

"Of course," she thought to herself as some water splashed against her boots as she landed on the ground. The horrible scent filled her nose the moment she had lowered herself into the darkness. The only light coming from the small opening above her. "I am being sent into the sewers. Now I really wonder if the Cho don't share the same opinion of the Hon," Harumi thought to herself as she moved in silence further. Her eyes were starting to use to the darkness and up ahead she could detect some faint light.

"Perhaps they can give me some answers.~"

[/fieldbox]

Sketching101 · Aug 12, 2017

[fieldbox=Cleaning Day, gold]

Hikyo | Kumogakure Guard Commander

At the break of dawn, the city saw a new day coming. As the sun peaked over the walls, the roosters in the outer circles of the city started to cry out. In the obscure sunlight, the men and women of the Kumogakure Guard roamed the empty streets. A young man with a trenchcoat and a smoke keeping himself warm in the brisk wind of the coming winter. He took a whiff at the smoke before pulling it out, locked between his fingers. He let out the air in his lungs before speaking up with a mischievous grin. "We've done well today, haven't we?"

"Perhaps even some good, commander." An old, overweight man with the badge of a detective walked up next to Hikyo. The young commander dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out a half empty pack of smokes, offering it to the man next to him. The man nodded and stuck his fat fingers into the box to drag out a cigarette. "Got a lighter?" Hikyo had already held it up for the man to take. As he lit the smoke between his teeth, the man went on. "What's next, then?"

"I would've liked nothing more than to say some rest, but..." Hikyo glanced at the man before sighing and continuing. "I've just received word from the Raikage. It doesn't look like our work is going to end soon. We are to tighten our grasp, it would seem." He leaned forward, looking down at the entry of the building where many of the officers were bringing in crates full of papers and books. "It is rather curious, though, isn't it?"

"What is?"

"This... whole thing," Hikyo responded, gesturing randomly downwards. "The foreigners, this cult... I suspect we'll get some answers soon, however." He took a deep puff of smoke as the old man spoke. "That'd be a relief." A few seconds of silence followed before Hikyo whistled out the smoke in his lungs. He threw the cigar on the ground and crushed it with his foot before turning around.

"Those are bad for you, y'know," Hikyo said jokingly before walking back inside.

~The night before~

A collab between Sketcher and Chrome

[spoili]
Hikyo slid on his trenchcoat, said goodbye to the owner of the shop. He put on his hat and stepped out of the building. The young man stood there for a few moments. It didn't feel like it had gotten any later than when he'd arrived. He wasn't sure if he'd been in there for thirty minutes or hours. He looked down at his briefcase before walking off.

Leaning heavily on his cane, an old man made his way down the street, shuffling past the civilians that hurried to and fro. One hand clutched his back as a sharp pain caused him to stop. Grimacing, the old man took a breath and tried to ease his weary muscles. Continuing along his way, he remained hunched, his eyes staring at the ground.

His inability to look up caused him not to notice the man who had just stepped outside of the building. Tripping over his own feet, the old man stumbled and fell hard, right into the man with the briefcase. Throwing out a hand to stabilize himself, the old man pushed against Hikyo and landed on the ground with a loud "oof!"

Hikyo only noticed the old man once they bumped into each other. He recoiled as the man fell to the ground. He stared blankly at the man for a moment before snapping back to reality. "Oh! I'm sorry, sir," he said hurriedly, and walked behind the man. "Hup we go," he said quietly to himself as he reached under the man's free arm to try and help him to his feet.

Grumbling more to himself than anything, the man got to his feet shakily, picking up his cane and brushing himself off. Pulling his arm back from Hikyo with a speed that was surprising for such an old man, he glared. "Watch where you're going! Knocking down an old man like that. What is this, your first day with the new feet?" Shaking Hikyo's helping hand away, the old man rapped him on the arm with the end of his cane.

Pushing past him brusquely, the old man continued on his way, muttering under his breath and cursing Hikyo. "Damned foolish youngsters these days. No respect for their elders! That's the problem with society..." His voice trailing off as he continued walking, the man remained oblivious to the small piece of paper that had fallen from his pocket and landed on the ground in front of Hikyo.

Staring at the old man as he walked away, Hikyo let out a sigh. As he was about to move on, an irreguliarity in the color scheme of the street caught his eye. He took off his glasses to rub his eyes before putting them back on and kneeling. He picked up a piece of paper lying on the ground and looked up. "Sir!" he simply yelled out. He noticed that the old man made a gesture, but he couldn't see quite what it was. After a moment's hesitation, he unfolded the piece of paper and read it.

Sitting alone at his table in the back, Kaizen took a sip of his tea. Leaning back in his seat, the man folded his hands in front of him, waiting patiently.

Hikyo walked into the restaurant, looking around. He took off his hat and took a step forward.

Spotting the new entrant to his restaurant, the host stepped forwards, offering a polite bow. "Welcome sir. May I please get your name?"

Hikyo turned to the man and gave a friendly smile. "I don't have a reservation but I'm supposed to meet someone here," he said.

Nodding politely, the host smiled. "Follow me please." Holding out a hand, the man continued to smile. "Would you like me to take your coat?"

"Yes, thank you," Hikyo said, taking off the coat and handing it along with the hat to the waiter.

Taking both items from Hikyo, the host turned on his heel and began leading him into a back room. Opening the door, the host gestured for Hikyo to enter. He would wait politely before closing the door after him.

As Hikyo walked in, he felt a small shift of chakra. He stopped in his tracks for a moment, unsure of what happened. He looked forward and saw a table with one empty seat and a small chair sitting in the corner.

"Please, have a seat." Said a voice from the corner. "Thank you for coming on such... short notice."

Hikyo looked over at the corner to the voice and stared for a few moments. Right after, he gave a smile and set down on the chair. "The timing couldn't have been better," he said. "I hope you've been well."

Leaning forwards, Kaizen came into the light, smiling. "I have been doing as well as one can, considering the current... situation." Taking a sip from his tea, the spymaster set it down before speaking again. "May I get you something to eat or drink?"

"I actually just came from dinner, so I'm fine, but thank you," Hikyo responded. "Speaking of our predicament, have you gotten anything from the prisoners?"

Smiling, Kaizen nodded. His people had told him as much, but it never hurt to be polite. Folding his hands together, the spymaster raised an eyebrow. "Straight to the point, part of what makes you a good detective I'm sure." Taking a moment to study Hikyo, Kaizen nodded. "I have indeed. And what about you, detective?"

"Same on my side," Hikyo responded. "We might actually clean the city of these people before the Kage returns." He brought his hand up to his chin. "So, how should we go about it?"

"That would be an ideal scenario," Kaizen began, "ridding the city of vermin is proving to be more... tedious, than I had originally hoped." Scratching his chin, the spymaster shrugged. "But, as to how we go about this, I propose an exchange of information. You supply a piece of knowledge that you have gained and then I, in turn, will share something that I have learned. Sound fair?"

"Right," Hikyo said before putting the suitcase on the table, flicking the locks open. He pulled out a file and put it beside the case before pushing the case to the edge of the table. "First off, during the raid that led to the captures, we found a bunch of maps. There are some illegible writing on it, but what's most bothersome is that they're not of here, but of Ranzaki. None of them seem to know much about them, and their chief isn't really opening his mouth, and he's protected from genjutsu. I'm afraid if we try to force it out of him physically, the old fart'll die." He pulled out a couple of A4 papers from the file, copies of the maps, and pushed them forward on the table. "That's about it on that topic."

Taking a look at the maps as Hikyo pushed them over, Kaizen listened to the detectives words. He found himself curious as to the origin of the writing as well as their peculiar location. Pondering on what Hikyo had said, Kaizen looked up. He wondered just how well this chief was protected by genjutsu and where he had learned such advanced techniques. Chewing on his lip for a moment, deep in thought, Kaizen nodded.

"Thank you Hikyo, we will study these maps and see what we can learn. I will also check our records and see if we can find a way to translate this strange language. Perhaps it will lend some insight into their intentions." Reaching into his left sleeve, Kaizen retreived a small scrap of paper and waved his hand over it. The scrap fizzled out and in its place a full sheet of paper appeared. Looking down at the letter, Kaizen slid it across the table.

"This is a transcript of one of the... interrogations. There are some redacted areas as you will see but nothing, I assure you, that was relevant." Folding his hands together once more, Kaizen continued. "Seems these zealots were planning more attacks. This time they have named a target. Unfortunately for us, they have simply named it "the Witch." While not the most useful information we have gathered from them, it gives us something to prepare for and a place to start. Have you heard this name used before?"

"The Witch?" Hikyo took the piece of paper and pushed up his glasses, skimming some of the transcript. "What a strange name... It doesn't ring a bell, but looking at the people they've been targetting so far, I think we could try to narrow down the list of potential 'witches'." He looked up over at Kaizen and flashed a smile. "Maybe this priest won't be too uncooperative about it. Might be worth asking. If I find anything on it, I'll be sure to tell you." The young man put the transcript in the file before pulling a bundle of sheets out.

"This is something I think we can get to work on immediately. I've not done anything yet because if we can't get them all in one go, things might get a bit hectic." Hikyo pushed the papers filled with names and addresses in front of Kaizen. "I feel pretty lucky we got something like this. Apparently, that bunch of fanatics wasn't all of them. As it turns out, there were quite a few more waiting for the order. We've nothing to worry about for the time being, since the one person they expect an order from is in prison, and they have still done nothing, but it might be best to clean them up quickly."

Nodding his head politely in thanks as Hikyo agreed to share information they found from the priest, Kaizen continued listening. As the detective finished speaking, Kaizen raised an eyebrow, curious. "So there are more zealots in hiding hmm?" The spymaster had feared as much, though they had not yet found any of the locations. With this new information, they might indeed be able to rid Kumo of these zealots once and for all.

"I believe I can be of assistance in planning this... operation. I know your people may already be stretched thin with everything that is going on, so perhaps we could join forces on this one. I have people that I can spare, if this would be acceptable for you?"

"I was going to ask," Hikyo said, smiling. "That would be perfect, thank you."

Nodding, the spymaster smiled. "We are both on the same side here, so I would be more than happy to help. The sooner we rid this disease from our city, the better it will be for everyone."

Reaching into his pocket, Kaizen pulled out a sealed envelope. Sliding it across the table towards Hikyo, he began to speak. "This contains the remaining information we retreived from the prisoners. It appears that they were digging into something named "the Mother." Again, these code names seem to be ever present in whatever they have planned. This "Mother," whomever it may be, is located near the southern coast of the lightning country."

Shrugging his shoulders, Kaizen sighed. "It is clear that they have not yet left to try and find this person, but I can only assume it is because they were awaiting orders or supplies. If we can find this "Mother" first, perhaps it will give us another much needed edge."

Hikyo took the envelope from the table and looked on both sides, before putting it inside the briefcase. "These people and their nicknames..." he grumbled to himself. He looked over at Kaizen and spoke. "First, I think it might be best to clean up the remaining zealots. Or at least most of them. If we want to find this mother--forgive me if I'm being presumptuous--perhaps you have an agent who could impersonate one of these zealots. If we identify those that will leave, we could replace one of them and see where they go."

A grin grew on Kaizen's face at Hikyo's words. "Perhaps," he said, his tone clearly amused. "Let us just say that we have been making preparations already to infiltrate their organization. So this would be right up our alley."

Nodding slowly, he folded his hands together once more. "I do agree that removing the remaining zealots from the city is the best first step. We will need to organize a unified strike. Are you prepared for that?"

"I can mobilize everyone pretty quickly, though now most of my people are probably home, right now. Perhaps we could make our plans now, and finish things up, first thing in the morning before sun-up," Hikyo suggested. "Efficiency will be key, so we need to plan it so that capturing every single one takes the least amount of people." He pulled a plan of the city out with highlighted, straight routes going through buildings and streets. "I'm sure you know, but there was an underground system these people were using, that was linked to the pub they were hiding in. We secured it, but they might try to use it as an escape route if they're cornered. We might be able to trap them, make makeshift cells or dead ends and lock them down there until we've taken care of it all. We could take some out with minimal difficulty and concentrate better on those on the run."

Looking over the plans, Kaizen clicked his tongue quietly. He had known of the underground system, and Hikyo's idea was not a bad one. "I can definitely... arrange... something for the underground sections. Something that would keep any that made their ways into the tunnels stuck down there. It will take a little bit of time, but it may indeed make things easier." Thinking of something, Kaizen scratched his chin. "If I had some more time to prepare, I could make it so that the underground system was only safe for our people while trapping any zealots that make their way inside. If we are to do this before sun-up, however, I do not believe I will have time to make it quite safe for any of your people."

Pondering something, the spymaster looked back up at Hikyo. "I can get eyes on these places but I would like to know how many zealots we are talking about. Did you get numbers along with the locations?"

Hikyo leaned back in the chair, leaning his head against his hand. "That would be useful but some of them may try to escape in the meantime if they have some contingency for a failed infiltration like this." After a few seconds of silence, he suddenly spoke, as if having just heard Kaizen's question. "There aren't any specific numbers, sadly. They might not even have those numbers on record in Kumogakure."

"Hmm..." Kaizen mused, steepling his fingers. "That will complicate things slightly, however we can still work around it." Raising an eyebrow, the spymaster looked at Hikyo for a moment. "What then, would you suggest? If we do not have time for much preparation, we are leaving ourselves at risk."

"And if we take the time to prepare, we risk losing them," Hikyo continued the thought, cupping his chin. He looked down for a few seconds before looking back at Kaizen. "Maybe we don't need to set more than one trap?" He opened one of the folders on the table and unfolded a map of the tunnels. "If we just know where they're normally supposed to go, we could set something up there. If any of them divert from the course, as a plan B, it might be a good idea to find points in each tunnel a place where we can collapse the ground to cave them in." He stopped for a moment, holding his breath. He looked back up to Kaizen. "Do you think that would work?"

Tilting his head, Kaizen pondered for a long moment. He was not a fan of acting without preparation. That had a tendency to lead to uncertain outcomes, something that was a great danger in his profession. Letting out a sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "That has the potential to work, but as you've already suggested, they may have contingencies. It is not wise for us to go into this without having contingencies of our own." Resting his hands on the table, the spymaster continued. "Collapsing the ground could work, but the concern there is how it will impact the village. If we are collapsing sections of it, that is going to be noticed, which means we would need to have more people prepared for additional fallout."

"We could isolate selected parts that we could collapse with minimal damage to residential areas. If there are paths we can't collapse, we can keep earth users to monitor those tunnels and block the path if necessary," Hikyo said. "We just have to stop them before they leave the tunnels, so anywhere on the branches from their entry to the exit points, we can find something to collapse and trap them. If we are to follow them to their home, or wherever they will go to report, we can let that one group go."

Entwining his fingers, Kaizen nodded slowly. "Parhaps both of our ideas could work..." Raising an eyebrow, a slight smile graced his face. "Many of my people are quite adept at genjutsu. With that being the case, we do not necessarily need to actually cave in any sections. What we can do, however, is make it appear that certain sections of the tunnels are completely blocked off." Staring off for a moment, Kaizen reached up and rubbed his chin. "It gives us ultimate control to lead them wherever we want. We can also separate them and allow a select few to escape for us to see where they go." Leaning back in his chair, he gestured towards Hikyo with one hand. "Thoughts?"

Hikyo leaned back, cupping his chin. "That would work. Even if they know the map by heart, if they just thought we blocked the paths that they used to use, that'd be enough to lead them to a neat little trap," he said. He leaned over to the table and looked at the map. "We could trap them, my people can neutralize their ability to use chakra --in case they try dealing damage to the area or get a message out-- and have them subdued with minimal conflict." A subtle grin crept up his lips as he paused. "Well then... Let's make the necessary arrangements."
[/spoili]
[/hr][/fieldbox]

Oetje · Aug 13, 2017

[Fieldbox=Team 4 - Operation Crazy Devil, #007dba]
Starting in Konohagakure but heading towards the city of Hanaguro.

A collab between FrostedCamel, Inzane and Oetje.

Summary:
The members of Team 4 gather together as they head towards the River Province's capital. On the route, the dynamic of the team starts to show. The journey itself seems to be without any peril.

[spoili]
Everything had been arranged. Right after the meeting with Aoi and Madoc, Meilin had proceeded to visit the Merchant district. It had cost quite some time but she had eventually found a merchant who was going to send a trade caravan towards Hanaguro. Most of his products were simple, such as good quality linen that would be used for clothing. From what the merchant further had told her during their talk, he didn't seem to be entirely excited about transporting people. Asking for a small fee, Meilin tried to haggle for a good price. Which eventually did work as she stated that they wouldn't require any food or supplies. Just a space in the wagons. Eventually, the merchant did agree in a grumbling manner as Meilin kept haggling. The Cho was most satisfied with herself. Even as she was uncertain if the merchant had accepted because he was done with her and wanted the conversation to be done. Never the less, the transport towards Hanaguro was arranged. Heading to Azumi, Meilin would prepare for the mission. Packing her gear, the teen wondered how she would hide her longsword.
The first idea was to try to hide it in her backpack somehow. Only it was pretty clear that it wouldn't work. The weapon was too long to be hidden in such a fashion. Eventually, Meilin would wrap the weapon in clothing and try to make it as some wrapped canvas around a short pole. It sure didn't look pretty but it wouldn't give the impression it was a weapon. Her other gear and tools were easier hidden, which was a relief. Growing somewhat anxious to be on the road again, Meilin would try to catch some sleep.

Waking up in the morning, she didn't feel that great. Even though she had been in a good mood before going to sleep, she had been troubled by nightmares. Used as she was to getting up early, Meilin groaned softly as she would force herself to leave the comfort of her bed to get dressed. Garbed in travelling pants, jacket with a hoodie and gloves Meilin would head towards the meeting spot. Arriving at the main gate, she could already see the few wagons slowly advancing underneath the gate after an inspection by the guards. Yawning. Meilin would hope that neither Aoi or Madoc would oversleep or forget that they would get going.

Aoi hadn't had very much trouble packing her things, as much of it was already folded and ready to go from when she ahd mvoed into her new apartment earlier in the week. She ended up rolling a few kunai and shuriken into some of her spare clothes that she packed and simpl placed her pouch of iron filings on the very top of the bag. If anyone asked what they were for, well she could jsut say she really has a thing for iron filings, you can do so much with them after all. Make art with magnets, a compass for survival, you could even put them on a magnet and make a fuzzy looking magnetic pet! She imagined that it would likely just get her written off as a bit of a crazy girl and the questions would end there. Which was the hope.

Aoi had gotten up early, excited to go on her first mission with her new team. Her first mission as a shinobi in three years. Anxious for the day to start she had made herself a small breakfast and finished it off with a glass of piping hot tea before she quietly tidied her room and left. She made good time to the gate, as her apartment was only about a fifteen minute walk away and she was moving a bit faster than a walking pace. She spotted Meilin waiting around with no sign of Madoc in sight, 'I made it first!' she thought as she would give Meilin a wave, "Meilin! Good morning!" she called outa s she approached, "I guess we're just waiting on Madoc then..." she said as she looked back over her shoulder, "You know... A guy with his looks? I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed up late with a girl somewhere..." she'd grin to Meilin as they waited, curious as to what her response would be.

The arrival of Aoi provoked a small smile to grace the features of Meilin as she turned towards the blue-haired chuunin. She had to expect it to be a bit weird, knowing that the team were chuunin and yet not looking a part of any shinobi or military organisation.
"Seems so." Meilin responded at first. Her left hand went to her side but the absence of the longsword's hilt caught her by surprise. Hooking it behind her belt, Meilin threw a look around as she heard what Aoi said.
A muffled snicker would follow the words of Aoi.
"Possible. I don't know him that well but I wouldn't be too surprised. I even joked before that the previous team we were on had two lasses who would be most interested in a tumble."
Grinning as she shook her head, Meilin couldn't help but feel a bit of enthusiasm growing for the team and mission. It seemed, after all, that things in Team 4 seemed to be more relaxing.

His packing went rather easy, he had always been a light packer for missions like these. Only this time he wasn't sure how long he would be away, so he had the basic essentials to survival in case they would be away for a while. Simple camping stuff basically. Along with his knives of course, two on his person and the other two hidden away in his bag. He had to wonder what this mission would be like though, this was the first time he was ever on a team where the females outnumbered the males. For some reason he felt a bit on edge, women were dangerous creatures after all. Suddenly he sneezed a bit on his way to the gathering point, he frowned a bit hoping he wasn't catching a cold and so he would bring his green scarf up to cover his mouth and nose.

He would arrive and the first thing he spotted was both the females chatting away, seemingly even amused by what they were chatting about. Well it was good to have fun with your teammates, kind of have to hope they watch your back sometimes. Walking towards them he would give them a wave as he pulled the scarf down a bit so his voice wasn't muffled. "Hello ladies, sorry if I was late.'

Aoi would laugh a little as Meilin seemed to almost agree with her, 'Two others...?' Aoi thought curiously as Meilin told her of their last team, "He sounds like he might be quite the ladies man then, I'll have to watch out for hi---" she cut herself out as she noticed Madoc waving at them as he approached. She gave him a warm smile in return as she leaned a bit forward toward him, "Stay up a bit too late last night?" she asked before bringing her lips into a sly grin and narrowing her eyes as she got too close to the Yamanaka and pressed herself against his left side, "I take it she was worth it?" she teased before suddenly jumping back and settling next to Meilin as if for protection from the Chuunin.

It didn't take long for the man of the hour, and only of the team, to arrive. Nodding towards the Yamanaka as a greeting, Meilin wondered if Aoi would speak out her previous thought to Madoc. More so because Madoc stated he was late. Throwing a quick look in Madoc's direction, he seemed ready. Nothing that indicated that the blonde Yamanaka was a chuunin or soldier. Which was good!
Already Meilin turned half around as she wanted to lead the group towards the merchant's caravan. From what she could see, the caravan was moving out of the gates and they had to pick up the pace to not lose their seats.
Just as Meilin wanted to speak up and state that they should get going, she caught what Aoi said. Causing Meilin to almost burst in laughter. Chuckling the laughter away, she would motion the team to follow her towards the caravan.

"Okay, I arranged yesterday some transport. I did some research and if we would go on foot, the journey would cost us around two to three weeks. I don't know about you guys but that is quite some distance and time in on," Meilin began explaining towards the two as they would make way towards the caravan, "We got ourselves some seats on a waggon and literally have to do little to nothing. If everything goes well, we will be in Hanaguro within one or two weeks. Without walking or running all the way over to the River province."

Already he was a bit suspicious, for having only met her yesterday Aoi seemed rather friendly towards what was basically a stranger. Asking if he stayed up a bit too late. Blinking a couple times he would give a shrug. "I guess I did?' he said not getting what she was hinting at. Only wondering why she was getting this close to him, then she asked if she was worth it? Who the fuck was she? It must have been an attempt at something as she quickly moved out of his range. "Was she.... ' wait.... did she know he met one of his intel last night? How could she though? No it must just be some weird humor of hers. "Yeah super worth it.' Madoc would say going along with what he thought was a joke.

Before the talk could continue though Meilin stated that she had managed to get them a ride, which by her research would save them pretty much a week of travel, maybe even two. Not bad, although he highly expected that the merchants were goign to be expecting something out of them. Speaking of merchants though. "Hey question, is this the kind of caravan that bandits would seek out? Rather know so I can keep my sensor abilities on the ready just in case.' a slight cover up, he did want to know, but also hoping the merchant by chance told her what they were transporting. Maybe something of value.

Aoi would raise an eyebrow as Madoc agreed that she was in fact worth it. Her grin growing to a wide smile Aoi was about to step back toward Madoc to learn mroe when Meilin began to talk. Wagons? Two to three weeks on foot? "I'm definitely a fan of the wagons in the case of travel time." she said to Meilin, "Glad you were able to arrange that for us." she said to Meilin gratefully. She would take a few steps back toward Madoc so that she could talk to him about her teasing earlier but would stop as he asked about the cargo onboard the wagons.

"What does it matter? The wagons are just a convenient ride right?" she would ask, slightly confused at the motives of the question.

"Not a problem. I do think that the owning merchant wasn't a big fan of my haggling. But it workout in the end." Meilin said after hearing Aoi's words. Shrugging lightly before answering Madoc's question.
"No clue. I am not that much of an expert on what bandits prey on. I have not seen much of the caravan other than that it has a few wagons and their own guards. If anything, I am hoping it will deter any bandits and thus allow us to enjoy a peaceful ride." Was Meilin's answer to Madoc's question.
She thought for a second and decided to add something to it.
"I don't suspect any danger on the road but if you can keep an eye in case, I wouldn't be opposed to it. Perhaps we can even spot Team 7 as I have no clue how they will go towards Hanaguro."
Nearing the caravan with the others, Meilin would have a short word with one of the guards, who directed them to a wagon, where a plump man was holding the reins of the horses. He told them that he had been aware of them joining in the travel, raising a thumb over his shoulder and told them that they could get some place in the back of the wagon. Brown linen sacks were stacked up in the wagon, protected from the weather and wind by the canvas of the wagon. Holding the canvas apart for the other two, Meilin would join them in the small space that was 'reserved' for the team.

"Well then," she began, after taken place on her bottom, "It isn't really much of sightseeing and splendour but I suppose it is better than suffering dozens of blisters on your feet, eh?" Meilin asked, trying to sound upbeat. The opening at the back of the wagon, where they were close by, did allow them to have peaks of what was going on outside. And the canvas of the wagon did protect them somewhat against the cold. Not all too bad, Meilin thought to herself.

When Aoi asked why it mattered he smirked a bit and shook his head. "Simple really. When you work in the shadow, you know people have eyes and ears everywhere. A band of bandits hearing a certain caravan has a load of goods worth big time money. Well they just found a target. So if I know if we are sitting on a gold mine, well it would be nice to keep an eye out or in my case, sensor out for any bandits. While it may be a helpful ride for us, it wont be a very helpful one when we are under attack.' Madoc would explain in detail to Aoi before giving Meilin a nod at her response. "Alright, I guess I'm the lookout then. Want me to warn you in case I do sense them?' he said with a chuckle, before they would be motioned towards their wagon of transportation. Being told to get in, was easy enough. Where to sit however...

Stepping inside he sat next to one bag resting his arm on it. When his arm started to sink, he would stop leaning on it. ".... Think we are good on no bandit worry. but sightseeing is pretty much out. So!' Madoc said folding his hands on his lap. "What are we going to talk about to pass the time? Stories of past fights? Some funny event that makes us cry tears of joy? A night to remember~? I swear if it's girl gossip, I will pay the driver to hit every bump.'

The ride wasn't in any sense spectacular or filled with action. In the back of the wagon, there wasn't much of the country side that the team could witness during the peaceful ride. Few breaks allowed them to stretch their legs, as the caravan had to let the horses rest. Talks with the present people, that either served as guards or personnel of the head merchant - that wasn't present but stayed at the imperial capital of Konohagakure - made it clear that they were used with this line of work. Soon enough word of the most experienced members of the caravan made it clear that they were nearing the border of the Fire and River province. The pace that they had been travelling in would soon be slower as they had to cross various bridges that were protected and required a toll.
On the ninth day, they had already crossed the borders and two bridges. The weather hadn't been that kind but wasn't too dreadful either. The cold, however, was getting worse as the light of day would shift for the dark of the evening and night.

The dynamic of the team was one of the few things that kept the ride from becoming truly dull. The lack of any sense of adventurous escapades, such as dangerous creatures or people attacking them, wasn't a problem with the many fun discussions that flowed between the members of the team. As they were facing the ninth evening of their journey, Meilin would produce a bottle with a light liquid filling its content.
"I hope you guys will like this," Meilin said as she would open the bottle with some caution. They just had eaten a part of their rations and seeing the dynamic between them all, she figured that they wouldn't mind this.
"Seeing I suspected that the rations wouldn't hold a spectacular taste, why not try to lift some of that bland taste with a sip of something more... refined?" She chuckled as she would take a small sip of the bottle. Letting the taste flow over her taste buds but not hurrying to swallow it down her throat. Holding the bottle out, she would continue on.
"Just don't drink it too quickly. It is Pinedale Ale. There are many variants but to truly taste it well, you got to drink it slowly. It is somewhat on the sweet side but it won't pack a heavy punch as many other liquors. Unless," a grin dawned on the Cho's lips, "You really can't hold your drink. Then I would suggest to not indulge too much in it."

The ride had been easy enough. No real work had been put in on Aoi's part, and she had spent most of it resting in the wagon on the bags that had been placed out for them. Although it had gotten mighty cold, even under the protection of the wagon it was getting a bit much. She had been staring out the back of the wagon, through the slit the two flaps provided when she had heard Meilin rustling around in her bag and pulling something that had the soft sloshing of liquid in glass from it. She turned to give the Cho a smile as she listened to her speak, "I'd be more than happy to." she said as shecheerily took the bottle and drank a rather large sip from it.

As Meilin had instructed she allowed the liquor to sit in her mouth for as long as she could before the flavor was overpowered by the alcohol and swallowed it. Letting out a short breath of air Aoi looked at the bottle and smiled, "You weren't lying." she said, as if surprised that Meilin knew her alcohol well. She took another small sip and passed the bottle to Madoc with a grin.

The travels weren't horrible, the sleeping accomadations weren't really the best. He was a rather big guy, so scrunching up in awkward positions did a number to his back every morning. That and their was an issue. Meilin had some problem or something cause boy did she sleep like she had a problem. He ended up getting smacked once, when she was moving about in her sleep. She also had a nice potty mouth. So it surprised him Aoi slept through it all.

One night however, wondering if he could trade places to avoid being smacked in his sleep again, Meilin pulled out some alcohol which caused him to snort a bit as she explained what it was, even how to drink it properly. Aoi would be the one to drink after Meilin, saying she wasn't lying as she handed it off to him. Bringing it to his lips and taking a slow sip, he gave a pleased sound as he lowered it and handed it to Meilin. "Not bad. Didn't think you were serious about the alcohol though. So is this going to help you sleep better, cause you have some sleeping issue going on.'

"Heh, when it comes to alcohol, I rarely tend to twist the truth." Meilin replied to Aoi. Trying to shift her position a bit, to sit a bit better instead of suffering her legs to be sleeping or feeling an aching at her back, Meilin wondered how long from now they had to travel. Another moment passed by that she wondered if she and the others could explore the surrounding land a bit. But considering it was really dark and the weather being anything but pleasant she would ignore that idea, again.
When Madoc spoke out, Meilin chuckled at first. She wanted to ask what he then thought she was going to bring along with the question about booze at the first meeting but the jovial question didn't leave Meilin's lips. Taking the bottle she would take a small sip. Slowly swallowing the ale away, she would hold it out towards Aoi while answering the question.
"Some thoughts. I hope it does help me to sleep a tad better." She decided to pause for a moment before asking them both something back. "During my last mission, I have experienced and seen some... things. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't faint at the sight of blood but there is a difference in a small cut and seeing broken shells and bodies of people." She lowered her eyes, both out of caution as she didn't want to reveal to the present Mind-Seeker that she didn't mean the previous mission with Team 7 as out of pure habit.
"I suppose that I need to get used to some bloodshed a bit better. If that is really something you can get used to, you know?"

Sitting silently and listening, Aoi would only lean a bit closer in to the conversation as Madoc and Meilin seemed to be talking about something a bit more than she was aware of. She took the ale from Meilin and took a strong swig before taking a smaller one to allow herself to enjoy the ale a bit more than she had. Swallowing it she would think on what Meilin had said when she spoke, "What do you...?" she would speak before stopping, "What do you mean by that? I'm pretty sure we've all seen the dead before, I'm sure some of us were even the cause of that but... Is it not necessary?" she asked tentatively, "I mean it's us or them in our line of work is it not?" she said hoping to ease Meilin a bit if she was perhaps taking killing too much to heart, "You can't let our work get to you so hard, disconnect yourself... If I have to give advice, disconnect yourself from it all." she stated before offering the bottle to Madoc.

Some things? Ahh dead bodies, killing basically. Thats right she still is a recent Chuunin, wouldn't be crazy to believe she hadn't killed anyone yet. He saw her lowering her eyes, not sure if it was an attempt to hide. He didn't feel like he needed to though, she seemed rather open about it. Aoi would try to advise her on how to get over it, stating it was work but while it was work, it was still a dead body at the end of the day. Besides not all of their kills came on a mission. He briefly thought back to when he had to slit a man's throat to save Cai, granted they were the ones breaking into his house. At the end of the day, what he commited was straight up robbery and murder. He would then realize Aoi was holding the bottle out towards him, to which he took from her and took a bigger swig this time handing it over to Meilin. "Sometimes it's just different Aoi... Not everyone can think of it as a job. Hell I still remember mine to this day. A job is one thing but seeing their face is another."

"I mean, that I need to grow on the idea of death. I have no big shame or fear for it. It is rather that I got my own..." Meilin paused for a moment. She remembered Kensuke's words. But she still didn't understand most of them. Not to become like him? Was he even aware that the chance their vision and opinion on death was quite different? Likely not but she wasn't certain when it came down to Kensuke.
"I suppose I should explain it a bit better. I got this goal and I already failed one person. I have seen dead people. The sight doesn't bother me, it is just..."
Taking the bottle, she seemed frustrated for a moment. Taking a swig this time, she would let the soft and sweet drink roll down her tongue into her throat. Holding the bottle, that was only a quarter filled with the ale, towards Aoi, Meilin further spoke.
"I want to kill Zealots. With all my heart and desire, I would love to kill them. Odd as it may sound, the whole idea of death isn't a bad thing. For what I believe in, it is something glorious, I guess. But I have seen what those bastards do. And by mine or anybodies gods, I will prevent them from taking the joy of life from another kid. That is what troubles me at night. They took an arm of my sister and I am going to take everything I can from them."

The bitter and hostile tone wasn't directed at Aoi and Madoc. Realising that she had spat that out, it felt both good and bad. Good to have it out. And bad because it felt like she was killing the mood. Letting out a sigh, Meilin spoke again. "I suppose that I get Kensuke's warning now. I sound like some bitter old woman that has been scorned by some youth love. Luckily," the teen would turn to her bag and pull out another bottle. "I got another bottle in case we need more of it."

Aoi simply listened to Meilin as she unloaded on them. Slightly dumbfounded and a bit sad at learning of Meilin's younger sister. She hesitantly took the ale from Meilin, almost refusing it instead for the one among them who seemed to need it more but took it as it would have been rude not to. She drank a large swig to try and get her confidence up to talk in the situation as she had little experience with death many years ago. "I uh..." she struggled for words for a moment, "I'm sorry ,I couldn't have known..." she said before she saw Meilin pull another bottle from the bag. With the new bottle in sight she eyed what was left of the old bottle before finishing it in one long drink. Huffing and puffing from the overwhelming taste of the ale Aoi managed out a coherent sentence between her breathing, "Since we're opening another I figure that was alright yeah? You two can skip me a few times to make that fair." she laughed out as she placed the empty bottle down.

Well shit he didn't see that coming, nor did he really want to. Hearing about her family issues along with her sister. Well it didn't exactly make him all happiness and sunshine. He opted to remain silent this time, figuring Aoi would do enough speaking. He also didn't want to weigh in, fearing he might end up talking about his own sister. Twiddling the necklace between his index and thumb, he caught the last bit of Aoi's sentence. Looking over at her he smirked and chuckled a bit. "Guess we know which of us is most likely to be an alcoholic in the future. No skips for you though.'

Taking a moment to see how the other two had become silent, Meilin felt a twinge of regret. She wasn't sure what she could or should say to make the situation become what it was. Feeling ashamed of what she had blurted out she would turn her attention towards Aoi, as the later emptied the bottle and said that she could be skipped. The ghost of a smile dawned on Meilin's lips.
Madoc managed to beat her in replying back, causing the Cho to grow a bit more relaxed.
"Agreed, no need to be skipped. I suppose drinking on the mission isn't going to be sanctioned, so we are in this together," she tried to joke, taking a small sip before holding the bottle towards Aoi to continue the cycle. "Besides, I got one more bottle. Wanted to save it for the way back, though. It has somewhat heavier liquid in it. No need to get our entire stock of booze gone in one go, right?"

Aoi would raise an eyebrow as the two seemed to unanimously agree that she would continue to drink without being skipped, quickly she took the bottle from Meilin as it was offered and took a small sip before passing it to Madoc. Holding out the ale to be taken she would turn back to Meilin, "Well whatever the other bottle is I hope it's strong enough for the three of us to get sufficiently done in after we complete our first mission together." she commented, the smile evident on her face evident on her face even if you couldn't see her.

She waited for a moment, the after taste of the alcohol still lingering in her mouth as she thought about anything else she would need to tell the team before the alcohol gets to her a bit more. "If I have to use my hiden technique, and I over do it... I may need to be watched for a bit while the after effects wear off. But that shouldn't really happen unless we're in a bad place." she said, the smile from before still evident. With a small hiccup she would lean back and raise an eyebrow to Madoc as she wiggled the bottle of ale in his direction.

"You have more?? How did you get this stuff anyway? I know its not expensive, yet it sure as hell aint cheap." he asked noticing Aoi took a rather small sip and chuckled a bit. "Yeah heres hoping it goes smoothly, be a damn shame for our first support mission to go up in smoke." Madoc stated as he listened to Aoi state she would need to be watched if she overdid her hidden technique, in a way it was kind of the same for his Yamanaka techniques.

Taking the bottle she was wiggling at him, he took a sip from the bottle and handed it out for Meilin. "Yamanaka techniques are like that. I miss my target, it takes me a bit to get to my body. I also would need to trust you girls if I take over someone's body."

Meilin wondered about the Magnet Release. She supposed it had to do something with repulsion and attraction of metal but she had no clear line of how it worked. Did Aoi need to touch an object? Could she manipulate it from a distance? What kind of chakra natures were in effect to make the respective Kekkei Genkai come to work? Questions that made Meilin aware that she was the only one who didn't have any kekkei genkai or Hidden ninjutsu. All she had was her training and education at the Cho Guard. But that didn't allow her to use some special ninjutsu that others couldn't do. A bit of envy did play up but it was nowhere enough to last for longer than a second.
"It is quite stronger. If I had to make a guess, let us say around three times stronger. Not as sweet though but if you want to get a punch, Bloody Victory certainly can pull that off. Though," Meilin tried to hide her curiosity somewhat as she thought quickly on how to formulate her question towards Aoi.
"What do you mean, you need to be watched? Do you lose control of your release? Or something else we need to take care of? I might as well state that I know a bit of basic medical ninjutsu and application but nothing that will be able to restore a cut off limb or something that freaky."

The question of Madoc was answered with a smile from Meilin. "I can get it at a discount. Perhaps," she thought about it, "Once we are back in Konohagakure or some other place where they sell it, I can see if I can get you guys some discount."
Taking the bottle she would take a small sip while thinking about what she should say. Her techniques were obstruction, destruction and basically reconstruction. Nothing that really made it dangerous for her.
"I suppose that I can euhm... cut myself or anybody really if I don't aim where I swing or throw my weapons or ninjutsu." Meilin said, adding a small laugh as she felt a bit self-conscious, "Perhaps we could work on a code word. Would be pretty annoying if you take over a body and we had no quick way to uncover if it is your or not. What about..." thinking for a second, Meilin would snap with the fingers of her left hand as she would hold the bottle towards Aoi.
"Quirky Bird?"

Aoi would nod approvingly as Meilin confirmed that the final bottle was enough for the three of them to become sufficiently wreckless. With a small smile she would answer Meilin's question as best she could, "Well uh..." she hiccuped again, this time slightly louder than the first, "If I use my families hiden technique involves manipulating my own blood with my magnet release.... It can get dicey if I use it too much..." she trailed off for a moment as she thought about the training she had been put through by her father in order to learn how to use it properly and the very same training that she had put her brother through when he was learning to bring his release under control, "It's not pleasant... The side effects of using it too much can be anything from simple dizziness to loss of the use of an arm or leg for a day or two, I may pass out for a minute and at worst I could put myself into seizures that last for a few minutes." she said slightly embarassed at how useless she could become if she simply messed up.

"It's not exactly the easiest or safest of kekkei genkai around." she would finish with a smile before listening to Meilin's suggestion on their code word. "Although I find it rather weird, I'll go with it as I have no better options right now..." she would agree hesitantly and take the bottle from Meilin. After taking a good sized drink of the ale she would once again wiggle it in front of Madoc, a playful grin growing on her face as she did.

"Bloody Victory? You really do want us brain dead if we complete our mission huh? What a sensei~." he said with a playful tone as Aoi explained why she could be down and out if she used her magnet release too much. Sounded pretty painful losing control of your limbs for that long of a time, followed up by the fact she could give herself seizures. While he assumed Meilin was making a joke that she could cut herself or others if she didn't aim where she was swinging. Then brought up a code word should he take over a body, which was called Quirky Bird.

He raised an eyebrow as he reached out for the bottle being wiggled at him, although taking it away slowly as he was wondering what she had that grin on her face for. "Hmmm well, that would certainly prove I'm on your side. Lets see though... what else can I do.... " Madoc started with as he looked at Aoi, then back to Meilin giving a shrug as he took a sip and handed it out for Meilin. "Guess I trust you enough little blue. However ladies..." Madoc said looking between both of them. "What I'm about to tell you can never be known...So!" Madoc said clapping his hands. "As Meilin knows. I'm rather good at being on everyone's mind.... when they don't know that is. I have the technique Mind Reader. Basically I can get all that juicy gossip, even make us forget something should we need to. As such I can establish a mind link between us. You think it, we hear it. However. This technique isn't listed in my profile. Which if you keep handing out the drinks. I may be drunk enough to tell why." Madoc said with a playful wink, also figured it would be best to inform Aoi about the Mind Reader technique, as it seemed this mission would make this technique useful.

Seizures? Meilin couldn't say that she was really feeling a lot of envy for the ability. While she was curious on how it worked, the downfall of the kekkei genkai sure enough bashed in any envy of Meilin. She wanted to say that Aoi could trust on them. Even while the dynamic between them seemed quite positive, Meilin did consider it was a bit too early for those words to hold any real weight.
"Then I suppose we got to make sure that it won't come to that," the Cho said, trying to sound uplifting towards Aoi.
When Aoi spoke up, Meilin would throw an amused look at first. Until he called her sensei.
"If I were your sensei, you would have my boot up your arse, 'boy'." Scoffing lightly Meilin would take the bottle but not yet take a sip. Madoc revealing his Mind Reader technique to Aoi only spoke so much on how team seemed supportive and compatible together. For a moment, Meilin wondered if this was what a team was supposed to be. It brought up a thought that she decided to push aside.

"We don't need to get drunk. I figure it is a bit too early for that. Though, what about this? Once we get back in Konohagakure, I will make certain you get two large bottles of Pinedale Ale if you teach me and," Meilin gestured to Aoi, "If Aoi desires it too, the Mind Reader Technique. I might even make it three large bottles."

'Mind reading huh...' Aoi thought to herself as Madoc seemed to lay out just what he was capable of with his spooky family ninjutsu's. She laughed a bit at his wink, as out of place as it may have been it was well timed if anything. Her few laughs over she would turn to Meilin as she spoke to her, "We'll just have to see if we can keep things from getting that bad yeah." she said with a smile before Meilin replied to Madoc calling her sense to which she burst out into laughter at. "Yeah Sensei will kick your ass Madoc!" she would manage out as she laughed.

"I mean I'm not too sure it would be okay for us to learn a Yamanaka Hiden technique, he can use it on us to set up that communication thing but I don't think we'll end up being taught it...." she smirked and moved across the cart to sit on the right side of Madoc, "At least not for just alcohol as a bribe." she'd say as she would take a drink from the bottle and hold it just to her left for the Yamanaka to take from her.

Hearing Meilin state if she were their sensei, her boot would be up his arse. he would chuckle as Aoi also seemed to find it funny. "Oh no, I've gone and upset sensei! Whatever shall I do!" he would reply, a smirk growing on his face. Knowing full well the odds Meilin would actually lodge her foot up his ass were most likely small. That and it would be rather hard to do such in quarters like these.
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Gerontis · Aug 14, 2017

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Hiron Hon
Jounin of Team 9 | Major General of the Third Division | Empire of Akino, Konohagakure - Near the main gates - around noon. Heading north.

The first to report was Tentou Aburame. For a second, Hiron caught himself wondering how the insects would operate with the growing cold. It was late December and he couldn't actually remember that it had been this cold in the previous years. Nodding towards Tentou, Hiron would greet the chuunin back. "Good. Now we just have to wait for Shikaroku Nara." The jounin replied back.

They wouldn't have to wait long as Shikaroku would join them soon enough. The genin stated he was ready to go, which Hiron did not to hear twice. He motioned the two to follow him, as he started to walk at a calm pace. After a brief talk with the city guards and showing the papers, they were on their way. Still walking at a calm pace, Hiron waited with speaking up until they had made some distance from the city.

"We are heading north. The team has been deployed between the border of the Fire and Grass province. This requires us to travel through the Tokugawa and then through the Uchiha heartlands. I am certain that we won't encounter problems but I hope it is clear that I don't have to state that they hold some of their own laws and customs in check. If we have any dealings with them, I will be doing the talking. Save the bravado for when we fight against the zealots," Hiron instructed them. His voice didn't harbour any harsh or stern tone but was just calm. A soft sigh escaped the jounin as he came to a halt and turned to the two who followed him.

"The mission is rather simple in narrative. We ought to gather some forces that are waiting for us. Apparently, those ugly dirt faces that are being called Zealots are amassing some forces. Needless to say, we will go up there and lead an offensive against them. Sounds rather simple and direct but I already suspect that it will be anything but easy. Some information on various kinds of zealot operatives has been given to various teams and operatives. And while I would share the information, I think it is best if you decide if you want to read it for yourself," producing a small scroll out of a pouch, Hiron would hold it out towards the two. He wasn't entirely certain how they would take the news of invulnerable chakra leeches or people being able to shapeshift into beasts but it would be better if they knew what they could expect. Instead of being caught off guard and just frozen in fear.

"Now, it is a long journey so let us go to it." Hiron would say as he turned around to start walking again. His plan was to follow the main road. But once they would start to leave the farms and fields behind, he would lead the team off the road. Last time that he had gone on the road with his team hadn't gone that well. Though Hiron was determined to settle the score with the zealots, he couldn't endanger his team. Certainly, now that they were even with three instead of being with four. The calm pace would be held until Hiron gave a simple signal that they had to stay close as he picked up the pace. Starting to jog, Hiron wanted to request Tentou if she could keep an eye on the surrounding. Her insects and abilities would surely be able to provide some watch on what they could encounter. Or what possibly could be trying to trace and follow them. But he wouldn't.

There were a few breaks. Some held alongside a favourable position such as a creek or small opening, where they could enjoy some rest while enjoying the natural advantages or facilities. As the sky would become darker Hiron would soon decide to make camp. Once finding a good spot near a creek, Hiron decided to give out tasks.

"Tentou, I want you to scan and keep a watch on the area. Make certain that you are aware of what is moving or being around us. I prefer to rest and camp without any drooling beasts or idiots attempting to disturb my rest. Shikaroku," the jounin threw a glance at the genin. Picking something out of his small bag, Hiron tossed a can upwards to the boy. "You got cooking duty. Should be simple. Brown bean soup doesn't really burn as easily as eggs or anything, really." Meanwhile Hiron would attend to set up two tents. "Try to keep the fire small though. I doubt that there is any living person close by but we got just enough for ourselves. Don't need any curious strangers with an empty belly attracted to our fire like some damn moths."
[/fieldbox]

Oetje · Aug 15, 2017

[Fieldbox=Team 4 - Operation Crazy Devil, #007dba]
Starting in Konohagakure but heading towards the city of Hanaguro.

A collab between FrostedCamel, Inzane and Oetje.

Summary:
The members of Team 4 gather together as they head towards the River Province's capital. On the route, the dynamic of the team starts to show. The journey itself seems to be without any peril.

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Part 1!

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[spoili]
Now laying on the floor of the cart with her human heater, Madoc, Aoi would grin as Meilin seemed to be at least flirting with the option of accepting the spar, "I think we'd be able to learn from each other..." she'd speak out, almost whispering now that Madoc threatened her with less alcohol if she yells, "Was that quiet enough?" she'd whisper into the Yamanaka as she turned on her side to take in the warmth from him.

Hearing the final comment from Meilin, Aoi replied "I'd say something like that Meilin." she said, her voice muffled by Madoc as she would press her face closer to his.

Now residing on the floor as Aoi had decided to drag him there, he would look at Meilin and frown a bit. "If I remember any of this tomorrow. I'm going to make you forget how to hold a sword." Madoc said as he looked at Aoi and snickered a bit at her taking the less alcohol for shouting seriously. "Yes plenty quiet, you still get less alcohol though." Madoc stated before being confused on why Aoi was getting closer.... Oh no. Realizing what she was about to do, he tried to squirm a bit, yet surprisingly she had a really good grip for being drunk.

Meilin watched the ongoing interaction between Aoi and Madoc. A smile grew on the Cho's lips as she would slowly close her left eye. "If you say so, senpai Yamanaka.~" Was the honeyed reply of Meilin towards Madoc.
For a moment Meilin was wondering if Aoi was going to lock her lips with Madocs. Not that she had a problem with it. If anything, it wasn't either her concern or something she figured to be a problem if it wouldn't disturb the functionality of the team. Besides, Madoc could handle himself, Meilin figured.

Aoi would smirk as Madoc seemed to squirm to try and get away from her. She stopped moving as she listened to Meilin's response to Madoc, which, seemed a lot like an okay to continue. Her heart began to race as she would place her forearm beneath herself and raise her body up to place her face above his. Grinning wide she would place her lips softly onto his, blushing slightly at the fact that Meilin was so close.

Yep she was forgetting how to hold a sword in the morning, yet he eventually stopped squirming and just looked at Aoi grinning at him as she would give him a rather gentle kiss. It was actually really nice, nice to the point. His hand reached up and held the side of her face gently as he kissed her back. He would hold the kiss for a few seconds before pulling away and smiling. "Well I think it's time for bed ladies."

The hours slowly passed but without interrupting the tranquillity and dull peace that existed during the travel. There weren't much of interesting landmarks that the caravan passed on their route. Various times it was required to enlist the service of a ferry to transport the wagons and people over a river or pay the price to cross a guarded bridge. The landscape did subtly change as the distance to the River province's capital would start to shrink. The woods, hills and rivers made room for flowing fields of agriculture and meadow. Eventually, the light of day would wane and just before the dark of the night Team 4 could witness the sighting of the tall towers and walls of Hanaguro at the horizon. The merchants would state that they would travel the next morning as the gates would be closed at night and camping right in front of the gate was forbidden. Yet the sighting of the city defences did something, bolstering the good mood of the caravan's personnel. They even would share some of their diner with Team 4.

The next morning would begin early as preparations were made. The caravan soon would reach the perimeter of Hanaguro after everything was set and ready. In the distance, one could witness the stout and tall walls. Old and proud defences that had marked the boundary of the city for decades, if not centuries, with some fog creating a mysterious scene. The caravan would approach the eastern side of the city and they weren't alone. Many more groups of people were eager to enter the city but the guards at the city gate seemed to be quite strict in checking both people and wagon for contraband. Only after various hours did it happen that Team 4's caravan would be up to be searched for. Not much did seem to upset the guards when they went through the wagons and possessions of the caravan's personnel. A pair of guards did check the bags of Team 4 but the papers that verified that they were allowed to carry weapons and being citizens of the empire, meant that they could pass without too much trouble. Save it for a glare from a guard.

Once inside, the caravan made slow progress into the city. The streets were quite crowded as it was just noon. All kinds of sounds mixed together as various good and bad aromas created a certain welcome for the team.

Hanaguro was astounding, Aoi had heard of it from the travellers that stayed at the Onsen back home but seeing it was entirely different. As the caravan had camped the night before and it had been made known that they were going to enter through the Eastern gate Aoi had become increasingly excited with every passing hour until the gates would open. So excited in fact that she had not slept at all the night before, instead of sitting on one of the carts and watching the cities lights shine over the walls until it was finally time to get moving.

Now inside the city Aoi had nothing to say as she simply took in the place. She had heard of the bazaars that stretched as far as you could see past the people down the streets in the Eastern district, but she had never imagined they would be so colorful and bursting with life. Her eyes moved from brightly colored textiles in one stall with eye catching patterns of fractals and flowers to spices the likes of which she had never seen before piled high in large flat bowls in the next stall. Looking to Meilin and Madoc she would simply point at the textiles and let out a small unintelligible sound before running over and gingerly picking up the end of one of the spools of cloth. She would run a hand over it, mesmerized by the amazing work that had gone into the patterns which were just ever-so-slightly raised out of the cloth before she caught a look from the owner that seemed to be asking if she was going to buy anything.

Apologetically shaking her head Aoi backed out of the stall, the vendor giving her a warm smile all the way, before she turned on her heels and caught up to the other two, "Meilin.... Are we going to get to explore..." she would say, the awe evident in her voice as she continued to stare wide-eyed at the bazaar around them.

The days getting to the city was a bit painful due to a slight hangover but he got over it within a day. Yet they would eventually come to the eastern gate of Hanaguro and he must say that this place was rather breathtaking. He stuck around Meilin, while smiling at Aoi being rather amazed at all the sights the city had to offer. Was she not used to big places like this, well that was fine. It was best to get that enthusiasm out of the way now, rather than being all giddy later. Although no stand really stood out to him really, some of these you could find in most cities. He was sure this place had a good bit to offer the people though in it's own unique way. So when Aoi asked Meilin if they were going to explore, he would shoot her a look. "Want me to try using my sensory for them? Or... are we going to explore, get more familiar with the area we will be operating in?" Madoc said giving a smile, as it was true they would be operating in Hanaguro for a bit. It might help to know the area a bit better.

The city's beauty didn't pass Meilin's attention. The surrounding had a soothing effect on her. Even if it was a different city than Keishi, it had some similarities. Though it seemed more appealing to the eye. Inside the city, Meilin's eyes weren't focusing on the landmarks and beauty of the site. She looked for spots that seemed similar to Keishi. Small alleys and ways up to the rooftops without any problem. For establishments where they could rent a room or two for the group. The colourful surrounding of the streets was, however, starting to become distractive for Meilin.
Aoi's enthusiasm and excitement for the city were as obvious as the festive appearance in the location they were in. It made Meilin smile a bit as she would just nod when Aoi pointed at the textiles and seem to enjoy herself. Perhaps they weren't acting as true professional killers and shinobi but seeing that they were attempting to bypass as travellers, perhaps Aoi was more believable?
When Aoi went to a stall, Meilin focused on finding a place where they could find their base of operations. Only to be distracted as Aoi came back and asked if they were going to explore the city. Flashing a friendly smile and nodding towards the blue haired chuunin, Meilin would reply back.
"Yes. We will. I first want to get ourselves some room, cause I do imagine we aren't going to sleep on the streets or alleys."
Considering Madoc's question, Meilin subtly shook her head.
"No. I suggest we will walk around and ---"

Feeling something against her side, lightly but still evidently something, Meilin turned around as quick as she could. Her right hand shot to her side as her eyes widened.
"Well, fuck." She cursed, trying to spot a possible culprit in the crowd, "I think somebody just tried to steal from me."
Quickly investigating she noticed that nothing had been gained from her.
"Let us first find an inn. Don't lower your guard though. Places like these are hunting grounds for thieves and pickpockets."

Hearing Madoc and his want to also explore the city in order to figure out just what sort of areas they'd be dealing with and to get a general idea for the layout of the city itself, Aoi would nod in agreement before stopping abruptly as Meilin brought up a good point. "Did someone just try to steal from you?' she'd ask as she began to look curiously around them. "I'm okay with finding an Inn first, would be nice to have a real bed for the first time in a while." Aoi smiled at the thought of having a soft bed to sleep in.

A thief? He cast his gaze around for anyone attempting to run away from a failed attempt, yet a number of people made it rather difficult. Well.. she didn't lose anything so that was the plus side. Yet good to know they were already targets of pickpockets. "Well he or she failed, so be sure to keep valuables within reach now. Yet I'm fine with finding an Inn as well. Be nice to know my back wont be broken sleeping in a wagon tonight."

"Yes. Tried. I keep my money pouch not that open for somebody to grab it, so I suppose it was a quick attempt from somebody not to experienced." Was Meilin's answer on Aoi's question. The comment on having a bed made Meilin want to throw in the joke if it was just for her but figured that could be caught wrong.
Deciding to lead the team further through the streets, Meilin wasn't certain how long this market street would go. It seemed to stretch on endlessly. Deciding to take a turn, there was some thought on moving on to the rooftops. Enjoying the easier travel but it would mark them quicker as shinobi. Walking on, Meilin saw a sign. It showed a mug with what she considered to be ale.
"Let us try that place. The Winking Bottle?" It seemed much larger than a tavern, in broad and length. Moving in, Meilin's suspicions were confirmed to be correct. It didn't take long for them to get a room. For the small price, they were able to rent one room for three days. The quality and facilities weren't too shabby but nothing one could consider luxurious. But it hosted four beds and there was a small window that could be opened to allow some fresh air inside the room.

Now in the privacy of their room, Meilin would lock the door and explain what she had in mind.
"Seeing the size of this city, I propose the following. We will stay here for three days. Seeing we are on the search for zealots, we can't linger too long in one place. If anything we want to find and surprise them before they know we are trying to get to them. Now it is vital that we explore the city. The only problem is that we can't just scale the rooftops and jump around. We will become too easy targets for suspicion. Something we can't afford right now. So I suggest that we keep our bags here and just keep our valuables as weaponry with us." Pausing Meilin would throw a look at both Madoc and Aoi to see what they thought of it.

Aoi would plop down on one of the beds in the room, spreading out as much as she could and yawning in the process. "I can do that, just moving around the city to try and get a lay of the place... But she we be on the lookout for anything in particular that may tell fo Zealots? Or just take note of generally bad places to be while we're looking? Also are we going to split up or do this together?" she finished as she sat upright on the bed and raised her eyebrow in question to Meilin.

Laying down on a bed he claimed his, he would hear the plan she put together, and then listen as Aoi put her thoughts on it. He could leave most things behind, hell he for the most part only carried his knives on him. "Adding onto Aoi's question, since we haven't really fought them before. You should inform us of what you do know about the zealots. Like how they operated and such. Give us an idea of what to expect and maybe guess where they could be."

Thinking about the question, they could cover more ground if they would go in separate ways. But the problem was that if they would get into any kind of trouble then they would be remote from any aid. Which wasn't a pleasant scenario. Almost pacing around in the small room, Meilin would settle to sit down on her bed.
"We will be on the lookout for anything that might warn us of Zealots hiding or being active in the city. That is our primary goal. To search for them. Then when we do, we ought to inform Team 7 of Kensuke Nimatsu about their locations. The complication is that I don't know if we arrived before them and how they will leave their primary goal to then take down any location that holds zealots." Realising that it was something Kensuke hadn't explained to a point that Meilin found any confidence in that Team 7 could do such a thing, she would lean slightly backwards as she placed her hands a bit behind her.
"I think it is best if we stick together. Our skills and experiences will compliment each other instead of working separately."

When Madoc asked how the Zealots fought and operated, Meilin had to take a pause. It was no surprise that she wanted to say something 'negative'. But she knew that calling the zealots stupid or ineffective in their work wouldn't be accurate.
"The zealots work quite... ruthless from what I have seen. They infiltrate a place and then work to expand their intelligence as a network. In Keishi they recruited dissidents from both the local population as even the military to aid their goals. Going from promises to bribes, it is clear that it will be best if we won't blindly trust anybody except ourselves." Pausing she thought of the investigation she had been part of. A cold shiver ran past her shoulders down her spine.
"Then they got these people who," searching for a proper word, Meilin took a second, "Shapeshift. It is a dreadful sight to behold. They turn into beasts that rip and tear through an adult with almost ease. One almost got the better of me," Raising her clothing to showcase the scar on her side, Meilin continued.
"We are thus dealing with an enemy that is focused on performing subterfuge and when we got them cornered? There is a possibility we are dealing with grotesque beasts that will tear us asunder."
Waiting for another second, Meilin would continue as she frowned slightly.
"So judging on what I have experienced with them before, I dare say we need to be on the look out for anybody who isn't agreeing with the Tamiyo or having bigger ambitions. Anybody who gives any hint of being disloyal or having rebellious thoughts. I do think we could also spend some time around looking for odd rumours. People vanishing is one that we certainly need to keep an eye and ear open for. Cause they might just continue what they started in Keishi, abducting entire families in the dark of the night."

"No way..." Aoi said aloud as Meilin explained just what sort of an enemy they may be facing. "That doesn't sound fair at all... Shapeshifting into beasts... she would pause as she weighed on what to do in case they did find Zealot activity somewhere and settled on the option she felt was the safest for them, "If we do find Zealots, instead of taking them alone or trying to leave it to Team 7... Why don't we enlist the help of the local guard or shinobi forces? We have orders to be here, would it really be so hard as to get some back up from the locals for such a pressing problem as these Zealots if we do find them?" she asked Meilin.

Meilin had taken in the fact that it sounded somewhat surreal. Or in any form, quite intimidating. If anything, Meilin agreed that it didn't sound fair at all. But that just justified it more than they were allowed to play unfair as well. The question that Aoi asked brought Meilin the fact that she had asked a similar question to Kensuke.
"Believe me, I would love to enlist the entire military and watch garrisoned in the city to combat the zealots. But back in Keishi, I discovered that several city guards were in league with the Zealots. If we go by that knowledge, one word from a 'corrupt' guard and the element of surprise would be gone. The zealots could be warned of any impending attack on them. Or we would be led astray or be facing more problems by those who sided with them. I doubt that we have much to fear from those who reign over this city. Doesn't sound right, at least to me, that they would work against the Imperial peace while making their own people suffer. Yet, seeing we can't be certain about somebody's allegiance, we are on our own."

An enemy that had no restraint in getting what they wanted achieved huh? So whent hey do achieve something, they in turn become even that more of a problem. If all it took was bribes or promises to turn your countrymen against you, then that made just about anyone suspicious. They truly were a terrifying adversary to be messing with, now to find out they have those who can shapeshift into beasts? Smart and sleek when they need to be and powerful monsters when caught and cornered, did they even want to find a group of these guys? Hearing Meilin offer her advice on what to sounded logical but also a gamble in the same aspect, he was sure plenty of people disagreed with their leader in some manner. Plenty also had ambitions as well, so this was a rather delicate task they were given. Aoi suggested enlisting help from the guard or shinobi force, which Meilin was quick to explain even they could be working with the zealots. Stamping out any chance for surprise, although he did agree in one aspect. "I don't think it would be necessary to inform Team 7, sure give them bits of info when we figure certain things out. Yet remember, our achievements and failures are our own. We play our cards right, we don't need to take them away from their guard duty. Besides if anything, it's just three extra men trying to take down what could be multitudes of them. Let's also think of every possibility as well. Having them remain on guard duty might be beneficial, like you said Meilin. You found guards before in league with the Zealots, whats to stop them from bribing those that work rather close by to this heir?"

Madoc paused for a bit to try and think of what they could do, it already seemed like they were in checkmate if they made one error. How do you go about taking down such a threat? "For now I suggest we keep our eyes open and let's keep our options open. I am after all a snoop, I can get the information they are keeping a secret without them knowing. So I say we find someone who is displeased with the Taimyo or has bigger ambitions like you said Meilin. Have me search their minds and hope for some success there. Maybe one of us goes out at night for a couple of hours or so, and reports what they find with an establish mind link I can set up."
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Lesli · Aug 16, 2017

[fieldbox=Family reunion! - Part 1, violet]
In Amegakure.
Team 8 with Sho Deshuga.

A collab between Fieryfly, Jason, Tim, Inzane and Lesli.

Summary:
Aiko Cho-Hon rallies her team when she receives a message from Eiji Emiya that an attack is taking place on the compound of the Housha clan, just outside of Amegakure. Already suspecting that this is a big distraction for a more sinister plot, Aiko rallies her team and calls in the aid of Sho Deshuga as they will then make their way to the city's prison. Where they will check if Soru Deshuga is still in chains or free...

[spoili]
Just as she was done at the Intelligence Division complex, reading some send information, Aiko gained a message from a chuunin. The message from Eiji didn't need a reply. The fact that there was apparently a big scaled attack going on at the compound of the Housha clan, just outside of the city was something that wasn't really much of her concern. It was perhaps cold to phrase it like that but her main objective was to hunt down the insurgents and zealots that were in Amegakure. Such a public clash could be handled by the forces of Eiji while she could perhaps see a chance to deal another strike at those who were likely waiting for such a diversion. Requesting the messenger to alert her team to muster at point Fuiji as well relaying the instruction to a certain chuunin of the location, Aiko made certain that she would destroy the small scroll that she had gained from another contact.

Heading towards the particular rooftop, Aiko tried to spot anything that could catch her attention. There wasn't much of a shift so far she had seen on her way. From the rooftop she hadn't any sight on the Housha compound and the buildings around her made it hard to get a good idea of what was going on outside the city. But at the same time it would provide them with some concealment, which they could use. Tugging at the hood of her raincoat Aiko would just throw a look at the nearby street. Spotting still nothing that caught her attention, she wondered what the zealots and insurgents were plotting. There was literally nobody else that could fit the profile of just launching a large and what would appear to be a random attack on a clan's compound. Perhaps they were trying to lure away certain people to a spot or from a certain place?

It wouldn't be long after receiving the message to muster at point Fuiji that the girl was already on her way. It hadn't taken long for Tomiko to get ready and head out, as she'd mostly just been resting in the barracks. Her half mask pulled up, and wearing a rain coat to protect herself from the never ending wet of this village, she soon arrived. Approaching Aiko, Tomiko spoke softly. "Reporting in." She said, then fell silent and watched the area around her. She figured if there was anything more that needed to be said, Aiko would probably do just that. As she waited the girl twirled one of her bolts in her hand. Hoping to ease the nerves of another mission as she waited.

Neji received the message from an Amekagure Chunin, he read it and it told him to report to point Fuiji. Neji quickly gathered his things and threw on his rain coat as he made his way out of the barracks and into the city streets. The never ending rain of this village still falling and today it seemed to be quite a heavy and cold rain which made Neji shiver as he went outside. He quickly made his way to the rooftops as he headed towards point Fuiji. He kept on alert as he looked around the city to see if he saw anything suspicious, as of now the city seemed quiet. Most of the shinobi he heard were heading for the Housha clan compound. He heard someone the Amekagure shinobi in the barracks say there was some sort of attack going on there. Neji wondered if that was where they would be heading as well.

He landed on the rooftop to see that Aiko sensei and Tomiko were the only two there so far. He quietly walked over to the both of them. " Reporting in sensei."

For a city that always rained, it seemed to have problems bursting into flames too, at least this time it wasn't the entire city and just this compound. Some clan called the Hoshuas? Either way he was given a message to meet at Fuiji and thats what he was going to do. With his gear all set he would arrive rather quickly, yet not quick enough it seemed as both Neji and Tomiko were there. Walking over to them, he would just give a nod to Aiko and shoot a look at Neji for a second. He guessed his sensei was right in giving him another chance. Although if he was cut again, then he was confiscating his weapons.

Sho had to say, the summon was quick. He had not expected Aiko to get back to him that soon and call upon their deal that fast. But a deal was a deal and Sho, for one, was not going to break this one. It seemed pretty solid all around and as such, he was now making his way to point Fuiji to meet with her and the rest of her team. That included, he knew, a certain Uchiha. Sho wondered how the boy would react. Was he aware of what his teacher had asked Sho to do? Somehow he doubted it.

It didn't take long for Sho to arrive. Hands characteristically shoved in his pockets, he observed the rest of the team he would be working with. A Hyuuga, seeing the eyes, the Uchiha, and another dude. Something about him seemed vaguely familiar. For a moment he looked at Neji and smirked before his eyes settled on Aiko. She was the leader, he had a deal with her, not with the rest of these chumps as funny as it might be to just piss of the Uchiha again. "So I'm here," he said. "What are we doing?"

"That," Aiko started as she threw a look at the group, "Isn't completely certain yet." The woman would shrug lightly as it if was something casual to gather them all together. Her tone was not even showing any hint of tension of the ongoing anxiety that seemed to be present within the area. "There is an attack ongoing at the Housha compound. The insurgents and zealots have decided to lash out and in a much heavier fashion than compared to what they did at the Post Office. The thing is that mister Emiya decided to request us to remain in the city while the local forces take care of the Housha compound being under siege." The jounin would brief them in, throwing a look down the street as if the people there were more interesting than such a worrying event. "Now, I don't know about you guys but I also have to say that I expect that the zealots and insurgents are planning something. Sho," Aiko threw a look at the boy, "I need you to show the way to the prison. It should be close to the headquarters of the police corps, no? It might be a hunch but I think I know what they are aiming for."

Why? Why was he here? For what purpose or reason did Aiko sensei invite Sho for? She really wanted that guy to be on their squad and work with them? She knew that he and Neji really didn't like each other and that they had even fought each other a few times. Neji's eyes met Sho's eyes which is when he smirked. That made Neji's blood boil, he wanted to take him on right there and then. Neji sighed angrily and turned his head away from Sho back to Aiko sensei. She must have a good reason for having him there so thats what he was gonna try and focus on. He would let go of his dislike for the kid for this mission at least. He listened to what Aiko sensei had to say and she said that they would be heading for the prison? She had a feeling that the zealots had some sort of plan up their sleeve " So you're saying that the attack on the Housha compound is just a diversion?"

Hearing about the Housha Compound attack, Sho wondered if Mitsunari would be looking for him. It would make sense for teams to be called upon to help out. Well, that sucked for him then because Sho was not home. He hope that Aiko could drop in a message to Mitsunari later so make sure that he didn't think that Sho ditched his duties. He was doing other important things right now. The route to the prison he knew, but he was more preoccupied with what Aiko said after. She had a hunch of what was happening and she needed him to lead her to the prison? Well if that was the case, Sho had a pretty good hunch about her hunch. And he didn't like it. And yet did. What if this meant that he could finally face the man he hadn't been able to face for a long time.

He ignored Neji's words, keeping his attention on Aiko. "I can lead you there," he said, suddenly somewhat tense, "If it is him, I need to be there." He didn't even wait for a proper reply, but turned and started to walk off. There was no time to waste if this was happening.

A little bit confused at why the boy who started a fight previously was suddenly helping them, and even more so leading them to a prison, the girl looked between those present in hope of some explanation. When none came, and the boy started to walk off, Tomiko looked towards Aiko then towards Neji. Wondering how well those two would be able to work together given their obvious distaste for each other. Deciding she would wait until some of the others started walking, the girl wondered just what was happening. It felt alot like she didn't know the full situation...

The last to join was some red headed guy? Why was he here and was he a lost boy? Wait a moment he looked familiar to him, Kazumo just couldn't put his finger on it, yet he must be here for a reason because Aiko started laying down what she thought about this whole ongoing situation So Amegakure was dealing with the Hoshua situation, and this guy was here to lead them to what these people might truly be after. Whatever it was it seemed to be focused on the prison or police headquarters. Sho didnt waste anytime in stating he could and if it was who he thought, then he needed to be there. Who were they going to stop the zealots from taking exactly? Well he guessed it was off to the prison they went. Besides didnt seem like hothead was waiting for them to exactly formulate anything.

"I am not just saying it. I am quite sure of it," Aiko would respond to Neji. Throwing a glance at Sho, stating that he needed to be there, the jounin wouldn't say anything. There was the thought to command him to not rush in yet or that she would allow him to fight a few particular people without aid. But she doubted that it would hold any impact. Besides, perhaps she would be wrong? Only one way to figure it out. With Sho leading the way, Aiko would motion the others to follow. Seeing that neither Tomiko or Kazumo asked or said anything, Aiko considered that they had no questions that they considered pressing enough to state. Deciding on something, Aiko would make a water clone, who would head another way as they would head off..

The group would reach the perimeter of the prison pretty fast with the guidance of Sho. Positioning themselves on a rooftop of a tall building, they had quite some view on the entrance of the complex. It was heavily fortified and guarded as there were various sections of the defences that they couldn't study from their current position. Soon enough Hiraku Hyuuga would join in, with a serious expression on his face. Aiko would just, however, gaze at the prison complex. There seemed to be nothing that caused any worry to surface. "Hm," pondering on something as Aiko couldn't see anything that seemed suspicious, she would consider the option to head into the prison. Perhaps the insurgents were already inside thanks to a mole? The element of surprise would, however, be favoured by the Cho as she realised that if they would just barge in that they would be arrested. Thus doing more harm than good. The people that roamed the streets, that they could see, seemed to hold some distance to the prison outer walls. Nobody or any group seemed to enter or leave the place. Though that didn't mean that the place would be secure or not be in need of being checked out.

"This is the plan," she started in a stern tone, "I suspect that there will be insurgents and or zealots inside the prison. As you can see, there is the outer wall," the jounin would point at the outer ring of wall and towers, manned by likely both state troops and shinobi alike. "We can't just scale that as there is no point where we will be able to keep ourselves concealed. We will go through the nearby gate," Once more the woman pointed at what she meant. "I will try to get us through with some talk. We will then cross the courtyard. I want you guys to perform a marching formation as good as possible. Hopefully, with our raincoats we won't give away who we are. Once we have crossed the empty yard and get inside the complex, I need everybody to be on sharp. Not that you will need to attack anybody on sight but seeing that I have no idea who we can or can't trust, it is going to be a dangerous bet we will have to do. Sho," Slightly turning her head to throw a look at the chuunin, Aiko would continue speaking, "You know what some of those people look like. If you do happen to see any of them, I want you to cough twice and point at them. That is the signal. We aim to take at least one or even a few alive. Once we have a few captive?" The jounin shrugged. "I think that we will do a bigger good to kill the rest. Any questions?"

"Does this mean I should use the new technique?" The girl asked Aiko quickly, thinking it might wind up proving useful here. After her question had been stated, the girl moved quietly to stand near her brother, casting a quick look up at Hiraku who gave a small, reassuring, smile back towards the girl. Tomiko wondered for a moment why Hiraku had been brought along, seeing as he'd been left behind on the previous mission. Still, she liked the reassurance of having him nearby. He wouldn't let anything bad happen!

Hiraku himself just remained silent, figuring that the best course of action given his recent performance. Couple that with the fact that the mission was rather clear, he just kept the serious look on his face. The chuunin wondered who in that jail was the important person for the enemy. He briefly debated asking Aiko, but figured she would have told them were it important. Looking back towards the prison, Hiraku tried to watch to see if anything struck him as odd.

On a rooftop overlooking the prison, it would be quite difficult to even attempt to sneak into the place so when he heard they were going to go right through the front. A marching formation? Were they going to attempt to trick the enemy into thinking they were part of their force? Well all he had to do was listen to orders and he was sure things would go smoothly as they could anyway. He didn't pay much mind to Hiraku arriving, all he knew was Sho was in charge of pointing out people with a cough. The rest however got to be silenced. So when asked if he had any questions he shook his head, and waited to see if the others had any besides Tomiko's on if she should use her new technique.

Going through the front door, Sho could appreciate that tactic. It was straight forward, which was how he prefered plans in general. The less details there were the better because it meant fewer things could go wrong. Then again, Aiko expected him to recognize people. He wondered if she thought that he was intimately familiar with the people that were part of Soru's weird organisation. If she thought that then she was wrong. He knew maybe what, five faces? He didn't make a habit of actually remembing people that didn't look at him twice. Seemed like a waste of energy. Nevertheless, he nodded to the woman. "And if they get my dad out?" he asked, half looking at Aiko, half looking at the prison that lay before them. "Do you capture him alive?" He wasn't actually sure which answer on that question he prefered and for some reason that weirded him out.

Going right through the front gate huh? Not exactly the plan that Neji thought they would go with, but it would be quite difficult to sneak into the prison so this was probably their best course of action. Neji looked over at Hiraku as he arrived to join the rest of the group. Neji wasn't aware that he would be involved in this mission considering he wasn't involved in the last one, but the more people they had the better, So their plan was to come into the prison like they were a military reginement being assigned to the prison. They would be in a marching formation and go across the yard until they reached the inside of the prison. Once in there if Sho recognized anyone he would cough twice, giving the rest of the group a heads up that he saw someone. Neji didn't quite understand why Sho would be the one recognizing people until he mentioned his dad. Neji turned his head and looked over at Sho. The zealots wanted to break Sho's father out of prison? Sho's father must be apart of the Zealots group. Neji felt a bit of sympathy for Sho at that moment, having his father be apart of this enemy group must not have been easy and the fact that now Sho was here to make sure that his father wasn't broken out ofpriosn must of also been something weighing on Sho's mind. Neji pushed those thoughts away as he focused back on his part of the mission at hand. He nodded at Aiko sensei waiting for her to give the order for them to move in.

The question of Tomiko caused Aiko to turn her head and throw a blank look at the girl. "We are going in the facility, posing as members of the security. If anything, we will wind up in corridors and small halls. So, no. I don't think anybody should use any technique that isn't small and precise. I rather not have myself zapped, burned or anything by allies." Frowning Aiko decided to add something to her answer. "Besides, you only got the basics down. If I were you, I wouldn't bank too much on it, yet." The next question that followed didn't get an answer right away from Aiko. She gazed at the prison for a moment before replying to Sho's question. "I don't intend anything else but to thwart the plans of the insurgents and zealots. If your father is free and pose a threat, I will have to see what is safer. Personally?" Throwing a sideways look at Sho, Aiko's voice didn't change from the neutral tone she was speaking with. "I would prefer him dead. He isn't worth anything but trouble. Would be much easier for many to see him dead. Then again," a soft sigh escaped the jounin as she clearly wasn't content with the situation, "Him alive would prove a bit more beneficial. Liaru and the insurgents desire Soru to be free and leading them again. If Soru is dead there is little telling what they will attempt then. And seeing that they cooperate with the zealots? I rather not push anybody to join sides with those damned lunatics. So if they get your dad out then we will see what we do." As Neji and Kazumo didn't ask any questions, the jounin considered that they shouldn't tarry any longer.

The formation was simple. She would at the head of the group. Kazumo and Sho would walk at her flanks and behind them, Neji and Tomiko. Walking towards the gate, Aiko wanted to throw a glance over her shoulder. To be certain that they wouldn't break formation or act in any way or form that would make the prisoner guards suspicious. Though the guards wore the same uniform and were more or less similar armed as one and another, Aiko was certain that there were both veteran fighters as shinobi present within their ranks. The guards at the closed gate would ask for verification and identification. Something that Aiko would provide as she spoke with some of the guards. The talk would last for around two minutes before one of the guards would shout. Resulting that the gate would slightly open, allowing Aiko's group to pass through. Behind them, the gate would be closed and reveal that there were much more guards on standby than one could have seen from the streets or the rooftops. Walking in silence, the group would cross the courtyard. Once more they would arrive at an entrance where Aiko had to verify and identify herself as the group with some papers. This time the talk cost less time and they were allowed in.

The dark grey halls had something grim and the lack of any decorations in either furniture gave a very spartan impression. Inside the prison there were more guards walking around. Either on patrol or being on their break. Leading the group further, Aiko would look around. First thing that should happen was to check if Soru was still in his cell. That was the major objective of the insurgents. Thinking about the fact that Soru was also a member of the Dragon Lotus, Aiko wondered if it wasn't much better for the man to die. He would then take the secrets of the order to the grave instead of endangering them to the zealots or any other party. Then again, how trustworthy were the words of a man that had betrayed the people who he had 'sworn' to defend? Hopefully, Soru's acts would tarnish his credibility. Still in silence, the group would venture further into the prison. The sound of inmates behind closed, thick doors were muffled but still could be slightly audible when passed by. The guards that seemed wary of any change or incursion with the grim order didn't make the place in any way pleasant as well.

But, at last, they would arrive in a long narrow hall that seemed to go down. Entering this hall, they would hear the door close behind them. Walking a bit further, Aiko would signal them to stop. There wasn't much light going on and a few torches every few cells made their shadows long. The cells had much like those that they had passed thick wooden doors. With only a small open space, yet with the extra security of bars to prevent anybody from squeezing their way through the opening. Soft sounds resonated from a few cells, indicating that people were locked behind some of the thick doors. Looking down the dim lighted hall, Aiko would half turn around and pat her kunai pouch, mouthing the words "Stay viligant," She had some doubts that they would be able to literally fathom her order but, hopefully, they would stay watchful. Leading them further down into the dark hall, the jounin considered to sniff out a few torches for her own advantage.

Tomiko did not like it. Everything seemed grim, and she could almost feel how miserable these people were. Walking by each cell, the girl quietly tried to play a little game with herself, trying to guess what each person was here for. Odd, but it kept her focus away from how... depressing it was. Still, the worst was yet to come. Entering into a narrow hall, the girl heard the door shut behind them. Forcing herself to hold back any reaction, she chanced a quick look around. Confident there wasn't anybody else looking, she activated her Byakugan for a brief second. Just long enough to get an idea of who was where, before deactivating it. After doing so, her hand slowly moved to hand near her own kunai pouch. Did she mentioned she wasn't a fan of this place?

Hiraku was much more composed than his sister, and stayed nearby the genin. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her acting brave and calm. Though he'd known her long to tell she was feeling a bit unnerved. When Aiko told them to remain vigilant, he looked around for a moment and noticed Tomiko activating her Byakugan. For the brief moment she had it active, he ensured to keep pace so as to help shield her from view for a moment. Who knows what was lurking down here.

Despite not caring about the man one bit, it was still strange to hear this Jounin say that she would prefer to see his father dead. Sho had always yelled loudly that he wanted to see his dad gone, but the possibility that it might actually happen made him feel strange. Confused. Disjointed. He decided that he didn't want Aiko or any of the others to see the turmoil in his head so his kept his face straight ahead and followed the plan. He had nothing to say in reply to that so he might as well be silent. And then they entered.

Sho could almost feel the walls closing in around him. It was not like he was claustrophobic, but there was something about being in a prison. He had been in prison twice now and it hadn't been nice. It also hadn't been like this. These were big time criminals who weren't supposed to see the light of day again. Sho kept his thoughts focused and tried not to hear the muffling voices of the other inmates they were passing by. He didn't care for those people. He didn't know those people. His steps carried him down and down and down, deeper into the ground, closer to his father. He realised his hands were sweaty and wiped them on his pants. It didn't help. Fuck this. He was not going to appear before his dad like some weakass little punk who couldn't keep his own face straight when things got uncomfortable. He was way better than that. He had seen shit, done things. He had faced his dad before. This was no different. He could do this.

So far so good. They had gotten into the prison with no problem Aiko had lead them into the prison and they hadn't had any probelms with any of the guards or prisoners as of now. Walking by the regular prisoners was not anything too special. They for the most part seemed to be regular people who had commited some sort of crimes. Though when they stepped into this long hallway the mood definetely seemed to change. These criminals were the worst of the worst. Some of the worst men and women that the world had to offer. These people will never see the light of day ever again and honestly it should stay that way. Neji took a deep breath as they walked down the hallway. He wiped some sweat from his cheeck as he looked around the hallway and looked at the prisoners in their cells. If anyone of these criminals got out while they were in there, they would probably cause quite a bit of trouble for them. Neji's breathing started to pick up as he was definetely nervous about therir situation they were in right now.

They had managed to get into the prison, which must of meant they weren't deemed that suspicious, or possibly Aiko was just a really smooth talker. Yet they got in and good thing they did it the normal way, if they snuck in then things would surely have gone south with all the guards that were here. One might even think this was the safest place during the riot that happened not so long ago. Yet they would cross the courtyard, with another talk between Aiko and some guards unfolding. Only this time it was shorter and once they gained access they would be inside the rather grim place. Even more gaurds would be inside the place, making him wonder if most of these guards were part of the zealots. Yet if that were the case, wouldn't they be tipped off? So if these were all regular guards then how did the zealots plan on breaking anyone out of this heavily guarded place? Sneaking in would be highly impossible, how would they end up sneaking out? So were a few of the guards possible zealots then? This was certainly a risky plan, they had no idea how many enemies they would even be possibly up against.

This place certainly sent a couple chills down his spine, yet honestly some of the genjutsu's Aiko had put in through were way harsher than a simple dreary place for criminals. So the soft sounds that came within a few of the cells didnt bother him really. What did was not knowing if the enemy even knew they were here or not. Hearing her words made him softly nod, he was already on guard. Yet hearing her say that only assured him that something could possibly happen soon, for now though he followed her lead in silence.

The walk down the hall was anything but a pleasure. Few spots and places showed some moist. Soft sounds of water dripping did seem harmless but Aiko was well aware that it would become a torture for those who were held in the prisons. Only hearing the dripping of water droplets, unable to do something about them. Descending further into the darkness, some sounds were audible up ahead. The sounds of the group passing through saw some of the damned attempting to catch a glimpse. The sight of unknown people in their dark world caused some of the prisoners to reach out, attempting to grab one of the bypassers. In a flick of a moment, cold steel would briefly be reflected by the dim light of the torces. Only followed by a loud gasp and groaning. A few drops of blood would fall from the kunai's blade, that Aiko held in her right hand. Halting the group for a moment she took a glance. Gesturing that they could move again, the jounin didn't hide the kunai away. But they wouldnt' be bothered anymore by any of the denizens of the dungeon.

Eventually they would reach what soon to be the end. There were soft sounds of breathing, groaning and chains moving. Ordering the group to come to a halt, Aiko would half turn around. "Kazumo, Tomiko, Hiraku and Neji, I need you to stay here. Once you hear somebody coming down, you alert me right away but don't allow them to pass through. Give them a warning shot but don't use large ninjutsu here." She hoped that it was clear that a ball of fire or unloading a lot of eletricity in this dark hallway was anything but viable for them if they wanted to reach the outside world again. "Sho, you're with me." Not even checking if the chuunin of Amegakure followed, Aiko turned around and started to walk again. The distance to one of the last cells wasn't that far but the jounin considered it was best if Sho could identify his father without feeling cramped with an entire team breathing on his neck. Reaching the thick wooden door, Aiko would slide the window and throw a glance inside. It was too dark, as she had expected it to be. Turning to her left, she grabbed the nearby torch and would try to shed some light into the prison. The sight was anything but pretty.

Shackled by iron chains, there was the shadow of the man that went by the name of Soru Deshuga. A man who had attempted to overthrow the government of the Water country during the tenure of the Third Mizukage. A man that had commit many crimes and somebody who had done nothing to obtain the love of his son. "Is that him?" Aiko asked softly as she motioned Sho to take a look, her free hand grasping the boy's shoulder. She doubted she would be a source of comfort for the boy, regardless whatever kind of gesture she would commit.

Sho experienced a strange feeling of distance as he was walked to Aiko towards the cell that supposedly held the man that was his father. His father had been in prison for a long - what had it been, two years now? - that the memory of his appearance had almost started to fade with time. He was more an entity Sho was strifing to overcome, to do away with, to kill. Going to the actual fellow was strange. And scary in a way. Sho had not forgotten that time he had been stuck in the water prison, ready to be fried. He had not forgotten the way his father had killed that man that he, Sho, had to 'interogate' for him. He realised, as Aiko opened the little window in the door, that it was good that none of the other people were around. He had no idea what he was going to say or do when he would inevitably look inside that cell and he did not want anyone to see that. That this woman was here was already bad enough, but in a weird way Sho didn't think she would rat him out to anyone. He didn't know where he got that faith. Maybe it was the hand on his shoulder or the fact that she send the rest away. Or something else indescribable. He didn't like the fact that he trust her like that. He didn't like trusting in general. It never worked out.

He was hesitating to look inside and he knew it. He was stalling. A deep breath allowed him to steal himself and he shrugged of Aiko's hand as if the touch was suddenly aggrevating. Quietly he stepped forwards and peeked inside, the light barely shedding enough light to see the figure in the back.

It was unmistakably Soru Deshuga. It was unmistakably his father.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Lesli · Aug 29, 2017

[fieldbox=Southern Crossing, chocolate]
The Eastern Continent, the Wolf country.
The eastern crossing.

A collab between Redfox, Frost, Boi, Zane and Lesli.

Summary:
An allied force makes ready at the southern crossing. After everything is prepared and everybody at the ready, the forces at the southern crossing make way towards the other side of the river.

[spoili]
The preparations went by without any problem. The scouting she had done hadn't been much of a problem while the forces that would be under her command would prepare. Saki was a bit concerned about leading a force of Lightning country troops but seeing that they were all in the same situation and had given agreement to work with the plan, she decided that doubting their loyalty was something she could do the next day. If they would survive this night attack, at least. Seeing the nature of the work, she didn't equip all of her armour but kept it somewhat 'modest'. Leaving the cuirass and helmet behind, Saki would imagine that the jingling of her chainmail wouldn't be that much of a problem seeing she had enough confidence in using her bow to take enemies from afar. Most of the Tiger Claws and other present forces seemed to go fully equipped.

Throwing a look at the sky, Saki noticed that there wasn't much change from the day. The sight, and thus the light, of the moon was blocked by a thick grey blanket of clouds. The dark of the night was, however, most welcome Saki imagined for what they were about to do. Looking around, they were near the northern crossing. Most forces were present as the units had traveled without the guidance of torches or any sort of method to notify the enemy on the other side of the river of their movement.

"Seems everything and most people are ready, captain," Yatori reported in a soft voice. Saki just nodded, staring at the other side of the river. There were various lights that betrayed the presence of the enemy watch posts and enemies. "Shall we group up the first advance unit then, captain?" Yatori asked after a moment of silence. Saki broke her staring to look sideways at the taller man. "Yes." Nodding and saluting towards Saki, the man would walk away to make it clear that the first advance unit should gather. Saki would head towards the treeline, trying to eye various possible enemy patrols. Spotting none, she would wait for those who belonged to the first advance unit of her detachment to gather near her. Most were shinobi but there were a few Tiger Claws and soldiers of both the Imperial and Lightning army.

Once it was clear that they all had gathered, the pale blue eyes of Saki would move her gaze over the present group. They had already been briefed that they would be the first to cross the northern crossing. That they would take care of any patrols before surrounding one of the watchposts, to then overwhelm it as another unit of the northern crossing would take out the other, under Yatori's leadership. "Listen to the commands and watch each other's backs. Time to repay them the favour," Saki would tell them in a low but stern voice. Gesturing them to get moving, she would head out of the treeline, drawing an arrow on her bow. Waiting a moment, she would wait for the soft whistle that signaled that they could advance as various sensors would try to pinpoint the patrols on the other side of the river. With the signal soon given Saki would start to move forward, applying chakra to her feet to sneak over the water.

Miu being present in the group she was assigned to, decided that since stealth wasn't her forte that for now she would leave her chain mail behind and just wear the Gambeson Satoshi had provided her with. Currently right now she was just waiting for when they were told to begin the plan. So when they were told to group up, she was there ready and waiting. Hearing what Saki said prompted her to simply nod, a bit anxious that they were the start to this entire plan. So a fuck up on their part and the plan didn't even get off the ground. Now they were simply waiting for the signal to start moving. Her axe and shield in hand she waited for it, so when it came and Saki moved forward applying chakra to walk on the water. Miu decided to follow along applying chakra to her own feet to try and be as quiet as she could as she followed the Saki woman.

The air had a moist scent, Kenshin disliked it greatly, the snarling facial expression on his face was the evidence. He had come in his gear, however, later would strip down after seeing Saki lacking armor. He felt outnumbered, though everyone present, fought on the same side. "Those men, there is so many of them... Akanians," he thought about earlier when he was assigned to this group, how Lightning country would have the advantage in numbers, maybe Miu would lead or maybe Toshi. "That guy, Harada, to think he took down one of those things, yet he got his backside handed in a bat of an eyelash." Kenshin had been trying to spot Toshi, sadly luck wasn't on his side. Looking up at the clouds in the sky, they reminded him of a smudge. the tan skinned boy took a quiet breath of the recycled air. He tried to picture stars, the image would remind him of glitter, the more he envisioned them, the more he found them similar to Saki, it was her, hair, however the sky was nothing but a smudge. Hishima felt the breeze run down his arm, his fishnet sleeveless shirt bearing his skin almost, the breeze left a trail of goosebumps, perhaps it was his nerves? Who knew, all the Genin knew, was that this mission could benefit his countries cause and his countries victory in this war, so failure wasn't an option, no fuck ups.

He adjusted his newly found strap that held his sword scabbard securely on his back, in there was the short sword the foreigners use, nothing special, Kenshin had the smith go over it for him when it was quiet. He watched the blondey take off, then later would be Miu, his captain, donning light armour, Kenshin got on his knees, putting two on each hand in the water, he pressed them close to his eyes, to help wake himself up. He took to water slowly, aware he wasn't good at chakra control, within the time he got used to the rhythm and would catch up with his group while trying to remain stealthy. "I Hope Niji and Yumenji make it out ok." were the last words he whispered as he caught up.

Toshi had been sitting in the snow at the rivers edge as seemingly unprepared as he always is, hurriedly scribbling in the dark on small pieces of paper since he had arrived to the meeting point. While others were checking their weapons and donning or doffing what armor they'd be bringing along Toshi simply scribbled, and his work had paid off, he was almost back to half of the explosive tags that he had originally had before fighting the dreadnought with Miu. Twenty seven if he wanted to be exact, and a few of them he had added a longer release to as well as a much larger detonation to go with it. Unfurling a scroll he laid the tags out neatly on it before sealing them in, 'Right then time to see what's going on.' he thought as he rose to his feet. Around him the soldiers and shinobi seemed to be inching ever closer to the water, then he noticed someone take off across it, their leader Saki. Followed closely by more shinobi that he couldn't quite make out in the dark. He stood, staring at the water before his face was plastered with a look of annoyance, "I hate water." he grumbled as he began to slowly make his way across the surface of the river concentrating on his chakra flow he slowly picked up his pace to a light jog and continued across the dark water. Lagging a bit behind the other shinobi Toshi finally caught up to them on the opposite bank, and took a knee in the snow as he waited for the rest of the group to form up and begin the attack.

Perching on the edge of the river, Masami had already activated her Byakugan. The level of her mastery prevented her from seeing all the guards on the other side. Her focused state prevented her from feeling the cold, despite the fact that it penetrated her to her bones. She decided to equip a lighter version of her armor, thus sacrificing protection for mobility - and protection against the cold as well. Her breath turned into fog in front of her eyes and she had to stretch her fingers every now and then to check if she could still feel them. They were wrapped in a single layer of bandages, to prevent frostbite during weapon usage. Her hair was in a long ponytail to avoid getting in the way. To her comrades, she appeared as a cat - ready to pounce upon any unsuspecting prey. She activated her eye technique so early so that she could adjust to her surroundings and by now, she was ready to go. She looked around her and checked on her comrades. It appeared that most of them were prepared to head out - various gears were being prepared, and everyone seemed to be as focused as she was. Judging on the appearance of the others, everyone was ready. And just as she expected, the order to move out came out soon enough. She focused some chakra on her feet and observed the ripples her legs sent out.They will not see us coming. They will not see the sun rise again, either. Masami though this to herself as they approached the other side of the river.

They managed to reach the other end of the shore without much of a trouble. Saki was slightly worried that those who waded through the water would alert nearby patrols. But it was clear that they were still in the clear. Kneeling down she would throw a look at her right. Making a subtle gesture with her right hand, a part of the group would move to the right, sneaking under the cover of the dark. Fully convinced that the group under the leadership of Namiko could take out patrols by their own, Saki would turn to her left and repeat it. This group would be under the leadership of Hitoshi, who didn't waver a second to do according to the plan. This left her to lead the third and last group. Motioning the group to follow her, Saki moved as silent as she could. It was something that she didn't need to think about. As easily as one would breathe and not need to think or actively pursue to do so, she didn't think or make much effort to remain in the dark and to be quiet. The soft jingling of her chainmail armour did ring through the air but one had to be close in order to hear it.

Leading the group up the hill, there wasn't much vegetation to find cover from. The soft cracking sound of snow underneath boots together with the sound of leather as jingling steel was the only warning that the enemy could have. Yet as Saki approached the top of the hill, she would gesture the others to wait. Observing the scene over the hill, Saki spotted up ahead the watchposts. It was something that made her nose wrinkled, being disgusted at how much of the opposite their watchpost looked like. It was nothing more than some lazy gathering of tents, some wooden stakes and those on guard duty weren't even attempting to be wary. With the absence of anybody on the top of the hill to spot any advances or movement, Saki wasn't sure if it was the fault of the enemy's confidence or lack of discipline. Not that it would matter as she wouldn't have any mercy because of it.

Turning her head to throw a look back, over her right shoulder, her voice would be soft and stern. "Their camp is in the open, as the recon had notified me off," Saki would say, rather not admit that she had partaken in the whole recon stage of finding the watchposts and camps where the river patrols were stationed. "There are a few patrols that need to be taken out. This is what we will do," She continued, dividing the group in parts and assigning them to take out various patrols. Leaving herself with a small group of what appeared to be Masami and a few nin of the Lightning country. "With me," she gestured them to follow her as she would move over the hill top. Staying low, she thought she could see shadows in groups moving around, slowly but surely moving to various groups of enemies that were holding their watch. Guiding her own group towards a small group, Saki would signal them something. "Try to surround them, so we can take them out with one attack. Attack after I launch the first shot." The Yamanaka would linger a bit behind as their target group existed of a few men.

The few men were standing near the hill top, by the comfort of a small campfire. Armed with simple weaponry and rugged as crude armour, there wasn't much from their conversation anybody could pick from. Only the soft manner of grumbling and annoyed would make it clear to anybody that couldn't understand their language that they were anything but happy about their current position. With being in the back, Saki would raise her bow and wait for the group to move into position. She had little fear that Masami could take one out with an attack but the lack of knowledge on the Lightning shinobi made her extra cautious. "I hope that I didn't need to tell them that they had to take them out quietly..."

Reaching the shore was a nice relief, it was easy but their was the slight worry that a loud splash would happen at any second alerting the enemy. Yet they made it to their shore without any trouble. Now she was just following their leaders lead, kneeling when she did and watching her send groups off to take care of their part of the plan, then they resumed moving again. It made her glad she left her chainmail back, she was certain that it would be rattling away with how clumsy she could be. As they got to the top of the hill though, she was a bit dumbstruck. She heard of watchposts before but this looked like a simple camp ground, in fact she was sure they could stand up and wave at them and get away with it, considering how they looked right now.

Saki would tell them what they would be doing as well as what their recon notified them of. The camp was open? That was just asking for trouble, did these guys really not care at all? Yet after the plan was discussed only a few of them remain. Most of them she knew, so she wasn't expecting the best results, yet would follow Saki as she led them over the hill top, Miu doing her best to stay low. She saw they were moving towards a small group which was in the plan but when it was coming down to it, she could feel her heart pounding. One mistake and a good chunk of them were going to die right here. The order them came out to try and surround them to take them out with one attack. Nodding Miu would start moving in the shadows to one side of them, deciding to hold her place by some crates as she would await this first shot. All while she silent prayed that this went well.

The boy felt cold, but it was worth it, chainmail wouldn't benefit anybody for what they were about to do. From a distance, it seemed easy to him, but as they got closer he more and more pushed down, like gravity was pushing down on him. He watched as Miu moved in, she looked rather slow, but Kenshin couldn't criticize, he was in no position too, as he was too chicken to go too close, neither would he be successful, instead the tanned skin boy would have an idea similar to Saki, attacking from a distance. Their grumbles and groans made Kenshin more careful, "what if they got bored and decided to take a walk", he thought as he placed his hands gently into his pouch, pulling up shurikens, three to be precise. He would bind the durable yet elastic wire to them, a smile appearing on his face as his mood would become a little lighter, he had planned out that he would throw them at an enemy, and then with the movement of his fingertips, he would guide them to take out the stragglers, quick and fast. He looked around just to see what everyone was doing then would look ahead, accuracy and focus were the crucial things he needed, once convinced everyone was ready, he would be ready to throw them. He had a lot of regrets in his head, in priority to the mission, it was lack of poison knowledge.

Straggling across the river, Toshi set foot on solid ground near the end of those who first traversed the waters. Immediately moving up the bank and toward the forming line of Shinobi, Toshi would kneel beside an Akinian shinobi before the group once more began to move out silently. Following closely they stopped rather close to the enemies, 'That's a watchpost.... Toshi thought, rather surprised at the lack of just about anything to keep the men even slightly protected. In fact all they had to protect themselves were their own armor and weapons and Toshi was a little shocked they didn't even have a basic wall to block arrows from the Allied side of the riiver if anything. 'I guess they'd just abandon the position if it came under assault in order to warn the rest of them... he concluded as Saki dished out orders quickly and quietly. He smiled as he realized everything was going to be done at range, just to his liking, Toshi would move around the group to his right as he searched for a good place that he could attack as well as be relatively safe from any of his allies attacks in the event they missed. Choosing a small mound he would lay down as he pulled out two kunai and readied to throw them at the closest of the men to him around the fire.

Waiting as the others took their positions, Saki was a bit wary for how things would go. The few targets didn't seem to pose much of a threat. Taking a deep breath in Saki would pull the arrow she had nocked slowly back. Aiming at the neck of the man that had his back towards her, the Yamanaka waited. Without a warning she released the bowstring, sending the arrow flying through the dark of the night. The few enemy footsoldiers continued talking until the projectile would penetrate Saki's target by the neck. The shaft of the arrow vibrated lightly as the steel point pierced through skin, blood and flesh. Gurgling, the arrow-struck soldier would collapse as another arrow would be released from the dark to hit the man who stood opposite of Saki's first target in the right eye. Alarmed, the other foot soldiers tried to grab their weapons as they tried to get an understanding where the attacks were coming from.

As the first arrow went flying and found its target, followed by another arrow finding perched in someone as well. The enemy quickly started to realize that they were under attack and tried to find their weapons. One such man, ran over to the crates she was hiding behind where he had rested his weapon against. Only for Miu to pop up with her axe arced backwards, then swung forward. The blade ripped through the man's face, as he collapsed on the crate with blood pouring from his face and onto the brown wood box. She then vaulted over the crate, and being a bit behind them gave her a slight advantage at going unseen allowing her to drive her axe into the back of one man's skull. The blade would enter causing him to drop to his knees blade still stuck in, placing her foot on his back. She would push off while yanking back to free the axe, where at this point the enemy most likely knew she was in the mix.

WIth a quick draw of his hand the young Genin let his shuriken fly towards his foe, he had his fingers spread each with the thin elastic yet strong string tied to it, it was so thin that it was invisible, invisible to the untrained eye that is. The two men who were sat by the fire were alerted by some noise, their heads looking left and right aimlessly by the time they could figure out where it came from, the men would have slightly open gashes, Kenshin caught the look on their faces, baring their dirty teeth at the short surge of pain, flexing his fingers to direct the his shurikens, Kenshin would yank his hand with force. releasing a quiet exhale as the shurikens came back for the men, all five at two men. "Note to self, next time use poison. He thought as shook his head at what the action caused him. Digging into his pouch, the boy yanked out two kunais and threw them at his stunned his foes to finish them once and for all. Kenshin was never the best at finishing things especially by himself, but he got it done, he heard the them gurgle and choke, their boots tapping the snow as their time came closer, the white haired Hishima boy was far from pleased by the spacing of each red blotch in the snow, he prefered pools.

As they started to move, Masami's body entered a state she did not encounter yet. She was in a combat situation before, but this time, it was different. This time, I cannot avoid it ... , she thought to herself. A slight tremor ran across her right hand. She clenched her fist tight to suppress it, and reached for her kunai. Due to her rather good chakra control, she crossed the river without making any sound at all and as soon as she was on solid ground, she lept to a better vantage point. There, she quietly observed while orders arrived. She spotted two guards a couple of feet above and under her, giving her the clear advantage. She prayed for the order never to come, but it was all in naught. Suppresing one last tremor by grasping her kunai, Masami went in for the kill.

Without making any sound, she lept from her vantage point. She felt as if time slowed down midflight. She felt a slight hesitation, but now, there was no way to stop it. She landed on the shoulders of the man, her momentum helping her to topple him over. As she landed, her right hand made a swift movement and she impaled the throat of the man with her kunai, making it impossible for him to scream. As they landed in the snow, Masami gathered chakra in her left palm and slammed her hand down on the back of the man where his heart was located. The body went lim and his chakra network darkened down. Caught by total surprise, the second guard had very little time to react. Pulling her kunai out, she flunged it at the man, hittim him in the middle of the chest. He gave out a surprised, incomprehensible sound - he tried to alert the camp. But it was too late, for the kunai was already lodged in his knee. As far as she could see, every single enemy soldier was being taken care of in a simlarly effective manner. Not wanting to be the one who ruined it, she lunged at the second guard. She made a quick dash toward him, and as he opened his mouth, his jaw met Masami's knee which she brought up from the dash, silencing him. As he landed on his back, groaning in clear pain Masami delivered a final blow - a needle like, pinpoint precise strike at the heart of the man. She pulled out her kunai and stood up, having found another target. She wanted to go after him, but there was one problem. She could not.

Her legs suddenly ceased working, and she fell on her knees. Suddenly, her stomach felt horrible. She suppressed the urge to throw up on the spot, and it took superhuman effort. She saw the two dead bodies behind her and she started to hyperventilate. My first two kills ... my ... kills ... I killed someone ... was all she heard in her mind, as it turned into a raging storm of feelings and thoughts. I am ... killer ... a merciless ... killer ..., she though, despite knowing it is not true. ... I am no better than ... them ... , she said to herself. Masami!, a voice in her mind silenced all other. She felt as if someone actually yelled at her. She clenched both her fists, managing to slow down her breathing. I know ... it was ... me, my friends ... or ... or them ... , her current mindset finally returning some control over her body to her. Her breathing, still fast but under control, was smothering out every other sound. With great effort, she stood up. Her knees were still shaking, but could now support her. I .. I trained ... how could it ... , but her thoughts were interrupted by a charging enemy. She felt frozen - in fear, terror, shock. But as her would-be killer was a few steps from her, Masami made her move.

The fight that issued was short and deadly. The few foot soldiers proved to be little of a match for their ambushers. Soon enough the snow around the corpses showed some crimson spots. Some of the fallen started to gain a crimson pool, blood flowing out of their wounds as soft groans were faintly audible. After a quick inspection, Saki could confirm that none of these men would rise up against them or become a problem. Their wounds would see to it that they would receive a slow and agonizing end. But that wasn't neither going to be their worry or problem. "Follow me." She instructed the small group while moving away from the site of the quick skirmish. Leading the small group into the dark, Saki would signal them to wait. Waiting for a moment, Saki placed her bow on the ground and fold her hands together. A 'hoot hoot' sound resonated as she blew into her folded hands. A moment of silence reigned surpreme until a similar 'hoot hoot' sound pierced faintly through the silence. The Yamanaka still waited as she seemed to wait for something. From their right, figures would dawn from the darkness. Crouched and with drawn weapons, various members of the allied army seemed more than ready. The few dark glintering on the steel indicated that they had done their share of silencing a patrol. Soon some more small pockets of the detachment grouped up.

Once everybody had been gathered, Saki briefly engaged in a hushed conversation with some of the leading officers of the present forces. Which lead that pockets of the group would start to disperse once more into the darkness of the night. "We are going to launch the attack on their watchpost. From various angles will there be attacks. Do not use any ninjutsu that can draw attention. If the main camp and force will notice anything, we will be in grave trouble." The pale blue eyes had a stern look as the Yamanaka's gaze moved over those present. Certain that the message had came across, the group would start moving. The watchpost at the northern crossing was somewhat away from the hills. The bright light of their torches, however, made it near impossible to miss it. There were some guards standing at the perimeter but nobody could call them either motivated or disciplined. A few had their backs towards the darkness, quite eager from the looks of it to get out of the cold and near the warm radiance of the various camp fires. Laughter and loud talking resonated through the air from the camp. Many men didn't seem to even have a weapon near them, indulging in drinking and gambling. No visible enemy in the camp seeme to be clad or bearing anything of good quality in arms or armour. The men seemed to be the same who had sent in large numbers at the frontline of the first clash, poor in training and equipment alike.

Signalling that the guards at the perimeter should be taken out first, the Yamanaka would wait patiently for it to happen. A few managed to sneak up close and take down the guards without any issue. Allowing the allied force to creep closer to the camp. Nocking an arrow Saki would wait for a moment. "Once I unleash this arrow, unleash a swift death upon them." The hushed instruction would be repeated by various people, for those who perhaps hadn't heard it. Waiting for a moment Saki scanned the camp from their position. There was no sign of an officer or commander. Nobody that seemed to be equipped with better gear or some sign of higher rank. Which would have been a good target to take out first. But with the lack of it, Saki would raise her bow and aim for a man that seemed to be asleep against a barrel. Pulling the arrow slowly back, she would hold a breathe in. The moment she released her breath, the arrow would soar through the air from the bow, warped with high speed by the bow string. The sharp projectile had no issue to find its mark, penetrating the sleeping man in his right eye. Just as Saki nocked another arrow, various people started to move in. More projectiles came into the camp, taking already a portion of the present enemy out in a quick pace. The enemies that caught on that they were under attack showed their inexperience. Various men did reach for a weapon or try to warn others for the impending attacks but some tried to scan and see where the attacks were coming from. From different angles, allied troops would swoop on the camp.

The fight would be over almost as soon as it began, blood covering some of her clothing and face from the couple she had killed. It was almost uneasy to her on how quick and easy killing had become to her, she was almost labeled off for a moment due to grim experience of the ambush and how the dead had haunted her. Yet slowly those hallucinations were going away, or was she simply adding more people to haunt her mind? Now wasn't the time though, they were to move on once again stopping only for the other groups to have returned from their own sucess. It was then the next course of action was laid out, an attack on the watchpost from multiple angles. No ninjutsu that drew attention was allowed as it could spell their end. Understanding she would follow them to where the watchpost was, which at the end of the day almost made her feel bad. They may have acted like uncaged animals at the first battle, yet they were still people with thier own lives. Hell the way they acted, it was almost like they didn't even want to be part of this. This felt like butchering animals that didn't need to die. Yet this was for their own survival, so like it felt like butchering innocnent animals. It was something they had to do, in order to live to see the end of this war.

The first to go were the guards at the perimetere, if you could even call them guards. It allowed them to get close where like before Saki told them once she unleashed her arrow, to take them out quickly. It was only a few seconds but it seemed like minutes went by before she fired the arrow taking out a man that had been sleeping against a barrel. She almost felt pity for that man, to go to sleep thinking he was safe only to never open his eyes again. It was then when man after man started to drop like flies from various projectiles, as men started to swarm the camp she was among them. Raising her axe and as she was running, swung her axe at a man as she passed by. The blade ripping the skin on his neck open, blood spurting out a few times as he clutched it trying to stop the blood flow but to no avail as he dropped on the ground with his blood starting the dye his spot red. She moved towards one man scrambling on the ground in a panic to try and get up, and get a weapon only for her boot to push him over onto his back where he would hold his hands up, only for her axe to cleave off some of his fingers on it's way down into his skull. Hearing a disgusting cracking skull, she could even see the man's face caved in a bit as she pulled her axe out.

Although one man who had a weapon charged at her, he wouldn't be able to do much as a few arrows hit the man in the back, causing him to drop to his knees. In a last attempt to go out fighting, he threw his club at her missing by a good foot. His arms would dangle at his side accepting his fate as she walked up to him, hearing him mutter some language she couldn't understand. Lifting her axe up, she brought it straight down on top of his skull causing a sudden twitch in his body which quickly faded as well. Pulling her axe out, she would push the man to the ground with her foot, as she would move on to the next man.

The arrows were their signal to attack, the command was no ninjutsu that could draw attention, to preserve his ranged tools Kenshin follow Miu's example and went with close range. If time was on his side the boy would watch how Miu fought, swinging her acts, chopping flesh, the boy thought of numerous names for her, Miu the butcher and Miu the lumberjack stood out from the rest in his head. Drawing unintenical hand-me-down sword he looted from the field Kenshin would go to work.

In his sights, Kenshin saw a man running to the weapon rack, Kenshin chose range to preserve time, and like that the boy sacrificed two kunai's to end the man's sprint. His sword felt light, lighter the training swords and made the Genin feel good about his chances of surviving as he cut down the unarmed men, some not even armor. He hated how blunt the sword was, most times when it tasted flesh, Kenshin would struggle to pull it out of the corpse, it was like dragging off an overweight woman craving chocolate off a road of chocolate. "I need to see a sword smith after this,"he mumbled as he pulled out his blade from another corpse. His face, hands, body and hair were covered in the blood of his enemies, it mixed with his sweat making it more wet, it ran down his face, he could taste salt, as he licked his lips to relieve himself of an itch only to spit as he knew the where the taste came from... The blood of his enemies. Kenshin would retreat into the shadows ocassionally popping in and out to prevent the cowardly deserters. He had switched to a basic Kunai, made it easier for him to cut their throats. He was no expert, and majority of them had the strength advantage causing him to struggle, not to mention his tried to keep them silent, it was easier for him to jump out and and let the kunai ride into their throat while his he planted itself on falling front of the falling body, when he was done he the boy would drag the bodies out of sight and wait for another deserter.

Dragging the body back of a deserter Kenshin would hear humming, relaxed humming. "Humming, in a time like this?" Wagering if he should stay or go in his head, he would quickly decide to go and search for the origin of the humming, it wasn't that far. Finally finding the origin, Kenshin would raise an eyebrow, as he slowly crept up on the origin of the jolly humming, it was a soldier, a wide man with what looked like to be a big bushy beared, relieving himself. "A drunk, this should be easy." The Genin thought as he readied his strike. Kenshin struck, but his strike failed. Kenshin eyes widened in shock as the man had Kenshin's wrist in a tight grip. Kenshin felt the force of the wide man pull him in closer until their bodies were touching. The man stank of alcahol and his eyes were squinted and cheeks red. He would slur words, but the language barrier prevented Kenshin to understand, aswell as the slur, Kenshin tried to struggle but the man was too strong, suddenly, the man would grope Kenshin's mid section, before the man had time to rub Kenshin launch his leg into the man's exposed groin, "eeeeeeeeeeuuuuu!" cried the man, heaving forward and finally loosening his grip, Kenshin wasted no time, he ran his kunai across the man's throat more than once, then plunged it in and left it there for payback. Then he would run back and join the fight, with a scowl on his face.
[/spoili][/fieldbox]

Oetje · Sep 4, 2017

[Fieldbox=Team 4 - Operation Crazy Devil, #007dba]
Starting in Konohagakure but heading towards the city of Hanaguro.

A collab between FrostedCamel, Inzane and Oetje.

Summary:
The members of Team 4 gather together as they head towards the River Province's capital. On the route, the dynamic of the team starts to show. The journey itself seems to be without any peril.

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Part 1!
Part 2!

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[spoili]
The afternoon passed much like how the journey towards Hanagoro had ended. The team enjoyed a meal together, only getting ready to explore the city. The inn didn't host that many patrons at the given moment. There were some other people who were either there for a lunch or ready to move out. The tranquillity would, however, be quite the opposite of what was going on outside. Even as the minutes became hours the streets outside didn't calm down or decrease a flow of bypassers. Music even started to gently ride the wind and become faintly audible in the room where the team was making ready to head out. Some stuff could be left behind and much like before, obvious weaponry shouldn't be taken with them. Meilin did give some tips on how to counter pickpockets and store their money as other valuables better.
Finally, the team would move out. The heavens had already started to shift in an abundance of orange, red and yellow. Even the dark grey clouds would be lighted up by the rather interesting scenery. On the streets, most owners of establishments and stands started to clean and pack their wares in.

Out on the streets, there were still a large amount of people being present. Some were heading home from work or heading to certain establishments, such as taverns. Here and there were various street artists that played on their instruments or attempted to amaze and entertain the crowd with their tricks and antics. Meilin felt a bit more at home as such sceneries were familiar to her. Warning once more that usually such street artists worked together with pickpockets the team continued. They would reach a square where in the middle was a large fountain.
There were various large taverns from which music, laughter and singing resonated from the interiors of the establishments. On the square were a lot of folks that seemed to be quite in a good mood, despite the temperature starting to chill.
"Okay, I suppose we could try to get some information here first. People tend to be more talkative in these kinds of," Meilin sought for the right word as she made a subtle gesture to the taverns, "Places. I do suggest we stick together and don't indulge in too much drinking. I even suggest that one of us will attempt to try to distract a target and allow Madoc to read them if they seem to hint that they know or work somewhere that could hold information for us. Okay?"

The time would go by as the afternoon started to turn into the evening, they had a meal before getting to work in which it was just as busy outside as it was earlier in the day. He listened to Meilin's advice on how to counter pickpockets, although he didn't have it in him to explain that he already knew how to do such measures. She even gave more advice on the streets that street artist went hand in hand with pickpockets, which he also knew but listened to anyway. Although it was much too noisy for his own liking. Once near a large fountain their plan would start to go into motion, suggesting they stick together and not partake in too much drinking. Hearing this causing him to glance at Aoi from the corner of his eye before focusing on Meilin again as she explained the two girls could distract while he peeked into their mind a bit. "Works for me, hopefully they aren't that out of it. That will make it harder to get past all the mind numbing information, and which women looks pleasing tonight."

Dinner had been nice, the idea that it was in a city such as Hanaguro may ahve made it taste better than it actually was but Aoi couldn't really tell. She was just excited to get back outside of the Inn as quickly as possible. Once their dinner had been finished, Aoi had excitedly followed the other two from the Inn, being careful to restrain herself and not go running off at everything that she wanted to get a better look at. They walked for a short time before ending up in a square with a large fountain in its center.

As Meilin began to talk about how to avoid pickpockets and how they tended to work Aoi had slowly begun to spin around taking the place in. It was just as lively as it had been when they had enetered earlier that day, and yet hte sun was beginning to set, if anyhting it seemed that the night life was gearing up to be far more bustling than the everyday heartbeat of the city. She had been fixated on the fountain for a moment, simply blurring out the rest of the noise of the square and focusing on it before she began to notice the many different folks going in an out of the many taverns that lined the square. She spun back to Meilin in time to catch how they could act as decoys for Madoc to get into the minds of a few men, "I'm sure we could make that work out very easily." she'd say as she she let out a light laugh and gestured to the men who were already intoxicated moving from one tavern to another, before nodding agreement toward Madoc, "I'll try and pick the less drunk ones I assure you." she'd wink jokingly to the Yamanaka before turning and crossing her arms to the square, "Where do we start then team?" Aoi asked as she threw a backwards glance over her shoulder towards the two.

"Else, we can always go for a harsher approach. Find a target and lure him away. Enough alleys around to get some sense of privacy. And nobody will look up from a drunk being carried or led away." Meilin said, thinking out loud than just answering Madoc's comment.
Thinking for a moment, Meilin nodded towards one of the larger establishments.
"Sounds like a good place to start. Aoi and I will do the distraction then. Let us agree to not drink too much, okay? And if you notice something odd or out of place, euhm," the Cho scratched the back of her neck for a moment.
"Try to cough loudly. Everybody ready?"

Smirking at Aoi he would place one hand on her shoulder and one on his chest. "That means a lot, it really does." is what he said although his smile betrayed any caring expression, replacing it with a joking one. Putting his arm back at his side Meilin gave another approach, which was to basically take a drunk into an alley for a more in depth mind search, or torture. Yet the plan was for Aoi and Meilin to distract and for him to snoop, it was always fun to read a drunk man's mind. Although he shook his head a bit at Meilin saying to cough loudly if something was out of place. "Or I can just do this remember?" Madoc said directly to both their minds, raising an eyebrow to the two ladies.

Turning to Madoc as he joked about her reassurance, Aoi would give him a half-assed grin before looking to the tavern that Meilin had pointed out. "Although I'm not against rougher treatment, it's more likely to get word spreading of us if we do it. So we can save that for an extreme if we've got to..." she said, agreeing with them both that the first option was likely the better. "Either way I say that we sho--" her train of thought was cut entirely as the presence of someone other than herself suddenly overwhelmed her, the voice of Madoc speaking inside her mind throwing her off so she couldn't think straight. Turning quickly to Madoc she would point a finger angrily in his face.

"No screwing around in my mind without warning or my okay!" she'd call out, her face flushed and her cheeks rosey, she'd turn away from Madoc and begin walking to the tavern as she rubbed her face in an attempt to lessen the redness of her cheeks and trying to push the feeling that her mind had been violated from her immediate conscious.

The interaction between Aoi and Madoc brought a smile to Meilin's lips as she shook her head lightly. Though it wasn't really certain what she should think of it all, it certainly was both amusing and uplifting to have such companions with her.
The sudden voice of Madoc resonating in Meilin's mind caught the Cho off guard. Throwing a look in the Yamanaka's direction, she had nowhere gotten used to the telepathic technique that Madoc could deploy.
"Fair enough. Just, let us try not to indulge into many weird thoughts, agreed?" Meilin joked through the mind link, trying to keep the mood uplifted as she felt a bit wary and tense as they would need to get to work. The reaction of Aoi did slightly amuse Meilin but she decided to just follow suit. The tavern was large and there were many patrons as waiters present. It wasn't like what she was used to in Konohagakure. The tavern that she had visited with Koike and his two friends had been more to her taste. Probably because it was more aligned with her origin and other factors. It wasn't that apart, however, from the various taverns and pubs in Keishi.
"Time to get started. Do watch your pockets, though. I don't think that we will get a refund if we lose anything, heh."

He couldn't help but laugh a bit when the finger of Aoi was pointed directly at his face telling him to not screw around in her mind without warning or approval. "Getting approval in silent situations might prove unwise you know." Madoc said as he watch the woman walk towards the tavern rubbing her face in the process made the situation all the more funny to him, giving Meilin a shrug with a sly smile at her response. "Okay, I won't let you two know which ones find you oh so attractive." Madoc said as they would rejoin Aoi in the tavern in which he could practically smell the alcohol coming off most of the people he passed. When Meilin's voice would resonate through them this time. "If they wanna grab my knife then by all means."

Aoi would turn around to rebuke Madoc, still angry at his intrusion, "I don't think--" she'd stutter, "I don't want this t---" her face brightened red once more, "Fine. You just caught me off guard... No one has ever been in my mind except... well... me you know?" Aoi said aloud, unaware of the fact she seemed to be talking to herself to the candid observer. She staved off the urge to get as far from the two as they began to willingly converse in what seemed like her mind and simply stood in the tavern taking it in.

She'd never been to a tavern in her life, she'd only ever drank at small festivals and family events as well as the trip to Hanaguro, but an establishment like this was entirely new to her, it was packed with people, the air was humid and the stench was almost oppressive. She'd nod to Meilin as she reminded them about the pickpockets and would reach a finger into her coin purse at her hip, ensuring to touch the small handfull of iron dust she had placed at the bottom as well as the coins within. "Uh... We uh... We can start I guess...? Alright this is weird." she'd think for the other two to hopefully hear.

The thought message of Madoc earned the Yamanaka a quick and amused glance of Meilin. She wanted to wonder about something but had to stop herself. She wasn't entirely certain if she had to focus on a thought to make it travel to the other two or if it would just happen regardless. Trying to not think was actually harder than she had anticipated.
"Easy now Aoi, we don't want people to become suspicious. Or consider you already drunk. Try to keep it all a bit low on that we got a Mind-Seeker with us. Not certain how tolerant these folk are but considering how some rumours are not that positive about them, we could else deal with an angry mob that wants to flay or burn pretty boy."
From what she could see, not many had spent much attention on them and she figured that they weren't in any problems, yet. Entering the tavern, it wasn't one of the cleanest or most impressive taverns she had seen. But that wasn't a decisive factor for their goal, so Meilin could tolerate the scent and amount of people. Continue to enter the interior, Meilin had to pass a few people who were loudly singing and drinking alcohol.

"Guess we can start easy." Meilin thought to herself, but it would obviously pass on to the others. Spotting a few men who were playing a game at a round table, Meilin would consider to join them. There wasn't much money present so it was perhaps just a small and friendly game. Closing in on the small table, she observed them now that there wasn't much distance between them. Recognising the game as liar's dice. A game that Meilin had indulged in various times when she had been in Keishi. A game that had been a favorite among the pickpockets and thieves that she had worked and been with. Briefly Meilin caught herself that she was starting to sink away in memories. The small moments where she had played a few games. Now and then for money but also because it was a fun game with friends. Calling the other bluffing, some comments that seemed mean but were nothing but playful jests between people who didn't have much. Except each other.
Biting her lower lip Meilin wondered how some of those people back in Keishi were doing.
Taking a few steps towards the table, she decided that she would see if she could join a round or two. A fun game could perhaps see to it that those few people tell her about the city and other vital information in order to search for zealots.

"Yeah relax, you will get used to this. I promise you I'm not reading anything in your mind besides relaying a message to you two. So just relax a bit, as she said. I rather not get flayed alive for being a snoop. Remember. Respond by thinking it not by saying it." Madoc would inform his flustered teammate, hoping she wouldn't get too worked up about the whole mind connection. He did after all make it known beforehand that he could do such a thing and suggested they implement it. Maybe it seemed like a normal thing for him to just be inside someone's mind now, something he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. As Aoi proved with her reaction of her being the only one in her mind up until now.

As they looked around, she suggested they start easy which worked for him and watched as she made her way towards this table where some men were playing a game. Joining her he knew what the game was, a game Cai used to have him "play" with others. It was an unfair game whenever he played, as he always knew with just a look who was lying and who was honest. The names he used to get called whenever he played it, nothing gets more creative at the insult game than ones who did it all the time. "Free information and some money. I can go down first while playing to get the information while you two play. I can also inform you if they are lying or not if you want free money." he would think to himself transferring it over to the two females with him.

Aoi followed Meilin toward the table that seemed to have caught her interest. The men were playing some sort of game that involved the use of dice and a cup each, but what it was Aoi had no idea, 'I have no idea what this is…' Aoi thought for the other two to hear as she stopped behind Meilin. She shuffled in her spot as one of the younger of the men looked her way and gave her a wry smile, the hint of alcohol in his system showing in the way his smile was mellow and his cheeks slightly red, Aoi felt her face becoming hot before quickly looking in a different direction to some other random spot in the bustling tavern.

[/spoili][/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Sep 6, 2017

[fieldbox=Beans and Talk, maroon]
From Konohagakure, towards the northern border of the Fire province with the Grass province - within the Akinian Empire.

A collab between Team 9, currently existing out of:
- Tentou Aburame: Fieryfly
- Shikaroku Nara: Chromehound
- Hiron Hon: Gerontis

Summary:
Team 9 leaves Konohagakure and heads towards their destination, north of the Imperial capital. While the pace of the team is not low they soon have to hold camp as the sky starts to darken. With this being the first time during the mission that allows for some interaction, the team starts to talk about various matters. Leading to that Hiron is assured that Tentou's bugs won't be too large.

[spoili]
They had traveled the entire day and Tentou was more than ready to make camp. She placed the bug jar down with a sigh when Hiron had decided on a good camping spot. Her shoulders were stiff and she rotated them back and forwards a few times in an attempt to make the annoying feeling go away. As Hiron gave her the scouting task, Tentou nodded and strangely enough sat down near the place where Shikaroku would be making the fire for the bean soup. Then she realised that the boy might feel uncomfortable if she send out bugs in his face while he was cooking and so with a half smile to the boy, she turned her back on him. Carefully, to not surprise or scare the two other people that were around her who were far less familiar with her techniques, she let the bugs go. As she watched the critters leave her sleeves without her speaking a word of command and fly off into the distance surrounding the camp, she thought about the upcoming mission and the boy sitting behind her.

Hiron had said that they were going to gather forces to lead against a Zealot army that was gathering. It sounded... bigger than Tentou had expected from a first mission with a new sensei, but it didn't sound like something she couldn't handle. It was more that she wasn't sure if people would, let's say, accept her as the leader of any kind. Her appearance as it was now, with the long coat that covered most of her body as well as the lower part of her face, her brown-red hair stuffed in the coat, and dark tinted glasses, she was not someone that inspired leadership. She didn't openly wear the symbol of the Aburame clan, but honestly didn't need to. People usually figured it out soon enough. She had considered that there were leaders that wore masks, the Raikage was one of them. But it didn't feel like the same thing. He didn't have a thousand living things crawling under his skin after all.

Some of the bugs were coming back to her as others left the tips of her fingers, scouting the area with better eyes than she could ever do. There were no troubles to be detected. She shot a half look back to the Nara behind her. They hadn't spoken more than maybe five words during their travels to indicate locations or such things. The boy seemed quiet in general, which she did not mind at all. But maybe better introductions were in order. She knew his name, her knew hers by now, but that was the extend of their knowledge about each other, except for the Hiden. "Area is safe for now," she said to Hiron first, turning to look at the man who was setting up the tents. "Just some small animals. But I'll keep scanning throughout the night." She turned back to Shikaroku. "I'm sorry if there are any insects flying around," she said apologetic. "You can just swat them away if they are annoying you. Though they shouldn't go near the food anyway..."

Shikaroku had taken the scrolls when Hiron had offered them, but he decided to wait until they made camp before reading them. If the information contained inside was enough to make Hiron hesitant, then it was likely something Shikaroku would want some time to process. Placing the scroll inside his pack, he continued along with the group. Shikaroku did not make much small talk with his new teammate throughout the journey, though he found himself curious about the Chuunin. She was an Aburame, which in and of itself was an interesting fact. Many people found the Aburame to be unsettling, especially due to their kinship with insects. Shikaroku, however, found the clan to be particularly interesting.

Receiving his orders from Hiron, Shikaroku took the cans and began the process of building a fire. It took him some time to gather everything and, as he began putting the fire together, he noticed Tentou sending out her bugs. Stopping what he was doing, Shikaroku watched with fascination as the bugs moved out from Tentou's body and spread out accross the surrounding area. It did not appear that the girl had formed any handseals, nor did it seem to be a technique. Perhaps the rumours were true and the Aburame really could control the bugs with their minds. Interesting... he thought to himself, glancing back to the fire. Pulling the lighter from his pack, Shikaroku snapped it open and watched the flames for a moment before lighting the fire. Putting the lighter back, he poured the beans into a pot over the fire and began stirring. Shikaroku watched with keen interest as Tentou recalled some of her bugs. Shrugging as she apologized, Shikaroku looked back at the food before turning to Tentou. "They feed off chakra correct?" he asked curiously. "And I don't mind. Insects never really bothered me."

"Perhaps later you will be bothered. When you see a locust horde of insects tackling down a foe." Hiron said as he would join the two. The tents were up and the jounin had checked if they were stable. Though the dark clouds did seem to herald bad weather it was dry, so Hiron decided against a ditch. "I have it seen before what those bugs can do. Clapsing around a victim as a locust horde. Slowly and painfully gnawing their way through skin, flesh and blood." The ominous information was spoken with a soft tone as if the jounin would herald the dreadful scene with just mentioning it. "But I am curious," a more lighthearthed tone made a shift in Hiron's voice. "They feed off on your chakra, don't they? But they also are part of you. Can you perhaps say that they share the same chakra signature as you do?" Hiron asked, flashing a friendly smile as he threw a quick glance at the stirring pot, clearly wary of that Shikaroku's interest could distract him from his task.

Tentou shot Hiron an half incredulous, half amused look as he talked about what her bugs supposedly did to a victim. It was not uncommon that people believed weird and outrageous stories about her clan, but it was hilarious to listen to them every time. And also tiring. No one seemed to know the actual facts despite the fact that Tentou, at least, had never been secretive about things. Sure, she never went into full detail, but if people had asked, she had always answered. And yet these rumours remained. "They feed off chakra yes," she said to her two new teamembers, resigning in the fact that she would have to explain all of this again for the so manyth time. "Mine usually as they live in my body, but they can feed on any chakra they come in contact with. They don't eat flesh. Or gnaw." She shot Hiron a pointed, but not disrespectful look. She was not here to insult her teacher. "They don't need to. They'll simply leech chakra away from the target, or from me if there is no target around. And yes, because they grow and live within me they share my chakra signature hence why it is easy to confuse sensors with my bugs. Can't find me if there are millions of my signature around." She held out her hand and one of the bugs landed on her finger. There was a second of silence before the bug crawled up into her sleeve.

Listening as Hiron described the actions that he had supposedly seen Aburame bugs perform on their victims, Shikaroku was surprised. He had not heard such stories before, at least not in the information he had read on the Aburame clan and their insects. Glancing at Tentou, his confusion was validated in her expression. The question of Hiron was one he was curious to hear the answer for, so Shikaroku waited for Tentou's response, catching Hiron's glance back at the pot. Frowning at his sensei, Shikaroku reached over and stirred several more times. Turning back to Tentou as she responded, the Nara nodded slowly. "Don't mind Hiron-sensei, he gets paranoid in his old age." Shikaroku grinned, the humour clear in his voice. Turning back to the pot before Hiron could throw him a dirty look, Shikaroku continued stirring. The food would be ready soon.

Tentou's statement of the bugs making it easy to confuse sensors got him wondering about something. Turning back, Shikaroku tilted his head to the side. "Can they replicate your techniques at all?" he said, before realizing he might not have been entirely clear. "What I mean is, can you use them to perform a technique like the clone technique? As an example..." hoping his question made sense, Shikaroku's mind continued to ponder what else the Aburame might be capable of.

They leeched chakra from their victims? He had imagined that they literally bite, scratched and attempted to devour their victims. A horrid sight, he had to say. But knowing that they leeched chakra didn't make it less intimidating or horrible to imagine yourself being covered by a locust of insects, grasping on to you and started to dig and pull out your chakra till there was nothing left to be consumed. The look that Tentou gave him didn't come over bad as he was actually content that there wasn't some sort of faked politeness present between them all. It briefly reminded him of earlier formations where it hadn't been the case either. "Interesting. And how big can these critters be? I do ask because despite my 'age'," Hiron placed a certain emphasis on the word as he briefly threw an amused look at Shikaroku, "I haven't ever seen large examples. Not larger than what you seem to be using. Then again," the jounin chuckled as he lightly shook his head, "I must come clean to say that I am not entirely fond of the idea of large insects swooping down near me. So perhaps if the answer is going to be large, then I prefer to stay ignorant. Sleeps a tad better. I reckon."

Tentou flashed a grin to Shikaroku when he mentioned that Hiron was getting old. It was nice to see that there was room for amusement in this team instead of pure professional stiffness, though she would be able to work fine in both environments. When Shikaroku asked his next question, Tentou shook her head. "I do not have access to 'regular' techniques, if you can call them that. These bugs eat my chakra constantly, making it very hard for me to actually use it outside from using these bugs. However, to compensate that I can do techniques that are like the ones normally used with my bugs. I can create a clone of myself consisting of bugs. It is very useful since the bugs will leech chakra upon contact with the enemy even if they are pretending to be my clone. Not to mention the bugs can lay in wait as their little small selves for a time until I need them to change form. It's like... a timed clone so to say. Appearing when I need it to. As for size," she turned to Hiron. The comment about his age made the corners of her mouth turn upwards once more. She held up her finger for a bug to land on. "This is their regular size. If there were much bigger it would be impractical. How would they live from my chakra? They are some bigger variants, but I do not have access to those. They are rather rare and never as big as you seem to imagine. I hope I won't keep you from your sleep, sir," she said with a half smile though she also seemed strangely genuine with those words.

Hiron's apparent discomfort around bugs caused Shikaroku some amusement. He had never pictured Hiron as a man who was afraid of anything. Knowing that his sensei might be afraid of something so small, Shikaroku couldn't help but feel a little better about his own fears. Turning his attention back to the black bean soup, Shikaroku stirred one final time before deciding that it was ready. Pulling out three small bowls, he began dishing out portions. Shikaroku handed the bowls to Tentou and Hiron and held his own, pondering. "You say they can leech chakra," he started slowly, tilting his head and glancing at his newest teammate, "Does that mean they can give off another's chakra signature? I imagine they would need to leech quite a sizable amount of one's chakra signature in order to mimic it, if it's even possible..." Musing out loud, Shikaroku ate a few spoonfuls of the soup, still rather curious.

While he disliked the entire idea of bugs being used, there was something interesting to it all. Hearing that Tentou did not have access to regular techniques made Hiron frown as he thought about it. He wasn't completely certain how he should take it that the bugs were literally eating her chakra. Questions on if she noticed that her chakra was eaten away by these bugs was on the tip of his tongue but he would opt to not ask that. Though the dynamic of the team seemed alright, he was of the opinion that there wasn't a need yet to ask every question that came up in his mind. Tentou's showing of the regular size one with the information that larger would be impractical. The last comment of the chuunin earned an amused scoff of the jounin. "I hope not. Cause I do cherish some good rest before we get to business." Accepting a bowl of soup, Hiron would let it cool down before he would take a bite. Hearing Shikaroku asking another question, Hiron couldn't be too certain if the boy had been this curious before with a team member and even voice it. Which was, in all honesty, a good thing.

The curious question from Shikaroku make Tentou tilt her head to the side ever so slightly as she frowned. "I... don't think so no. They have always given off my chakra signature. Maybe it is because they grow from my chakra... but I have never seen them take on the chakra signature of someone else." It was an interesting question, one that made her think. She regarded the Nara before her who had been so seemingly excited about her capabilities. Sure, it had happened before that someone showed interest, but it still felt novel. She brought the spoon to her mouth and blew on the hot liquid for a moment. As she ate, she wondered if she should ask her parents about the whole chakra absorbing idea. If they could make that work then... Well, it would be amazing. Then again, if she hadn't heard of it by now, she wondered if it could be done. Surely someone must have thought about it before. "So what about you, hm?" Tentou said to Shikaroku after she had swallowed a couple of spoons from her soup. "How does controlling shadows actually work?"

Pondering Tentou's response, Shikaroku took another slow sip from his soup. The potential was indeed an interesting one and already his mind had begun thinking of applications for such an ability. Feeling a familiar numbness creeping at the back of his mind, Shikaroku mentally shook it off, looking away and clearing his mind. When she asked him a question in return, he was at first quite surprised. Shrugging, he scratched his chin, before turning back. "Basically it works by me moulding chakra into my own shadow, or the shadows around me. That allows me to manipulate the shadows themselves and, in a sense, bend them to my will." Chewing the inside of his cheek for a moment, Shikaroku continued. "The different techniques have different elements that are required in order to make them work, but fundamentally they all involve using chakra to manipulate the shadows. Does... does that answer your question?" he asked, hoping he hadn't been too vague.

Hiron would wait a moment to let the content of his bowl cool down. Slightly amused as surprised he observed the exchange between Tentou and Shikaroku. It wasn't that it was a bad thing that the two seemed to be interested in each other's abilities. It was quite a given for new team members to be quite curious for each other's combat capabilities. Yet it was this time slightly different. Hiron knew Shikaroku as somebody who wasn't truly eager to just talk with strangers. And perhaps he had also expected Tentou to be more seclusive, probably due to the treatment Aburame often received. Seeing how it was going, Hiron would spoon up some of his soup, blowing softly and gently as he noticed it was still warm.

Shikaroku's answer didn't really answer her question, or well it did, it was just confusing. Where the Nara might find it strange and interesting that she controlled bugs, she found it strange and interesting that someone could mould chakra into his or her shadow. How did one even begin to learn that, she wondered. Yet, she nodded to the boy on the other side of the fire as she continued to eat her soup. "Can't wait to see it in action," she said when she cleared her mouth only to correct herself immediately. "Actually I can wait... Avoiding fights would probably be better." She shot a look to the forest around her as if it could hold enemies even she couldn't find.

Finishing his soup, Shikaroku nodded when Tentou mentioned that avoiding fights would be better. For a moment he had worried she might be the type to be all too eager to run fists first into a battle, without thinking of the consequences. Briefly, he remembered Violet and Neji, two of his past teammates who had been overly excited to engage in combat. It had not really been his style. Cleaning up his bowl, Shikaroku caught Tentou's glance to the forest and found himself looking over his shoulder, just in case. "So who's going to take first watch?" he asked, turning to the others with an eyebrow raised.

Hiron didn't show it but he was slightly surprised by the last comment of Tentou. While it wasn't perhaps some grand news that somebody had the patience to wait things out, instead of trying to rush and dive into combat, it was still a refreshing experience. He did continue to enjoy the bean soup, even though he was convinced that he had eaten much better at home. His skill as somebody who had experience cooking and taking care of himself was one of his sources of pride, after all. When Shikaroku brought up who was going to take the first watch, Hiron spoke up. "I will take the first watch. You two get some rest. I will wake you up next," Hiron told Shikaru as he then would move his attention towards Tentou, "And you will hold the last watch. We got a long road ahead of us, so rest well."
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

Aliceee · Sep 9, 2017

[Fieldbox=Kirigakure - Capital of the Republic (GM POST), lightblue]

The disturbing tension that lingered after the various events in the large capital started to slowly ebb away. No more actions were taken by the Suzu Insurgents, who proclaimed that they would re-establish the former glory of the country, back to the days of the First and Second Mizukage. Doubled patrols of guards and police forces seemed to clean the streets and crime rate even dropped, giving a sense of security and comfort for the city's residents. Only for various rumours to rise from the shadow. Starting at the markets where people whispered of hearing odd sounds coming from various blocks during the night or the missing of a person. While certain urban legends are present in any major settlement, the rise of various rumours would bring back the tension.

The reinforced numbered patrols of local forces didn't instil a sense of security and comfort but started to make people worry about what was to come. Children would be kept inside while nobody, who was sane or cautious enough, dared to enter the streets once the dark of the night had come. Various businesses started to suffer and would add to the growing unrest. While preparations would be made to face the once more growing unrest, reports would come of unknown vessels being spotted in the Kaijuu Ocean, east of the Republican state. No clash or 'incident' yet had occurred. Only rumours and ominous reports that made many merchants refuse to let their trade fleets go anywhere east, adding to the troublesome situation.

But while the tension and unrest are making a creeping return, a few small task forces are being assembled from various military organisations present in Kirigakure. One of them is to group up near the abandoned Oda Compound and ready themselves to head into the desolated place, under the leadership of Mika Hayashi. Another taskforce led by an ANBU (Nishi Hirashima), who will lead a small task force into the southern sewers as various rumours are going around that a number of people have vanished into the dark halls.
[/fieldbox]

Aliceee · Sep 9, 2017

[fieldbox=Operation Wasp Nest, royalblue]
Mika Hayashi,

| Leader of Kiri Team 14| Republic of the Water Country | Kirigakure, capital of the Republic - Near the Oda Compound |

It would very soon turn dark. Not many people were present on the street, even though Mika doubted it could be any later than 8 PM. With the winter, the days lasted shorter but with the whole ongoing ominous atmosphere, people were less keen to remain on the streets when the sun was starting to lower in the horizon. Many who were still on the street made a brisk walk towards their home or were one of those few people who disregarded the rumours for troubled fish wives talk. There were even groups of teens who probably gained a kick from staying outside for as long as they could. Laughing and pestering those who weren't feeling that reckless or wanted to stay outside a building when the night was approaching.

Mika was watching a few teens laughing at a pair of seniors, who clearly were unhappy with the treatment that they gained. It provoked a few verbal exchanges that only seemed to invoke more childish remarks from the teens. From on top of the clothing establishment, Mika wondered how fast her team would muster to the rally point. Hopefully, they would also take it seriously with that this mission would be a high ranked one. Thus meaning that they had to bring out their 'A' game.

A chilling breeze came from the east, from the direction of the Oda compound. Almost as if it was a herald of the ominous desolated place. Warning all that wanted to tresspass would pay a heavy price. Mika scoffed lightly as she dismissed the fantasy that briefly crossed her mind. She didn't believe most of the rumours that went around in the city. She didn't think that monsters would burst forth from the ground to drag children and adults alike into the darkness. Yet the mission was clear. A small expedition should be sent into the Oda Compound as various weird reports had been sent back and a shinobi operative being sent in but never to be heard or seen back. What was perhaps odd for Mika was that the missing shinobi operative was nobody else than Daiki Shun, the sibling of the current Lord Commander of the Republic. She wondered why Takeshi had send Daiki in alone. So far she remembered the young Shun, he wasn't that bad for a chuunin. Disciplined and certainly clever were the traits that instantly came to Mika's mind when she tried to remember Takeshi's sibling. Hopefully, they could reveal what had become of Daiki or even better: bring him back.

But for that, she would have to wait for her team to assemble.
[/fieldbox]

Jessie Targaryen · Sep 13, 2017

[fieldbox="A Brewing Storm?, #0033cc, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

Taishiro Kanai | Team 14 Genin | Kirigakure

Taishiro didn't like it. He'd certainly heard the rumors floating around. About monsters, and what was happening around his home. The dark atmosphere that had set upon the city struck him with unease. His eyes darted to either side, watching the shadows in case something made a move towards him as he went towards the meeting point. Normally the genin wouldn't have paid much attention to rumors of monsters grabbing children at night, but after that horrifying experience... he couldn't shake the unease. Taking in the faces of the few outside, Taishiro wondered if any of them perhaps knew about what was going on. Though he figured it best not to ask and simply make haste for the meeting point. It couldn't be much farther. I just wish I knew what was going on. With the insurgents, that memory, and now all this starting. What's happening to my home? he mused in the privacy of his own mind, content that others wouldn't know for now.

Not long after, he arrived at the meeting point. The first thing he noticed was a group of teens heckling an old couple. He stared for a moment, rather annoyed at the kids who seemed only slightly older than he. Didn't they have better things to do? Something useful as opposed to make the lives of their elders only more difficult? For a brief moment he debated intervening, but figured sensei wouldn't approve of delaying his arrival for such a situation. Turning away, Taishiro made the final climb to roof of the clothing extsblishment where the team was to meet. It wasn't an overly difficult task, and he arrived mere moments later.

Approaching his sensei, he opted to stand just a little bit away from her. A respectful distance, and gave a slight nod towards her. He stayed silent, lost in his own unease at the ominous feeling that accompanied that chilling breeze. Superstitions, nothing to worry about, he told himself. Still, that supicison in the back of his mind was ever present. As if experiencing a traumatic event that others swore didn't happen made him weary of the supernatural. It's stupid. Now stop worrying about the stories, you've got a task at hand. He thought, trying to refocus himself. Letting out a slight sigh, he scanned the area around them. Hoping that sensei wouldn't pickup on his unease.[/hr][/fieldbox]

Oblivion666 · Sep 14, 2017

[fieldbox="Home?, orchid, solid"]

Aya Oda- Genin of Team 14| Republic of the Water Country

Hearing where they were going to meet up was a bit of a surprise. She knew that clothing shop a good bit, she may not have been a regular to its establishment but it was a place she had been too a few times as a child when she still lived close to the place. Her sisters would bring her along to buy some pretty clothes, that she once had the luxury of being able to buy at one point. She knew the layout of the streets like the back of her hand, even in the dark of night. Yet the rumors all but made sure everyone went back to their homes at night, except some that paid the rumors no heed or reveled in staying out late with such a daunting rumor going around. Possibly someone trying to prove their bravery it was an amusing thought that brought a smile to her face, even though she walked past basic bullies picking on the old not knowing that one day old age would be their fate if they lived that long.

Making it to the clothing shop was easy and as she climbed to the roof she saw that both sensei and the newer teammate was there. For a few moments her gaze moved towards the east, to the place she once was able to call her home, no her clan's home. All a distant memory now, what annoyed her was the chilling presence that came from it. She may not live there anymore but it was an abandoned compound, a place suppose to be void of life. Yet here it was a chilling presence that felt like it laid claim to what wasn't theirs to claim. For a moment her grip on the hilt of her sword tightened as she had a focused gaze set towards her old home.

Her grip would loosen before she glanced at her sensei with a bright look in her eyes, she would give a nod to show she was ready for the task ahead of them. Even though she doubted the task ahead was to reclaim her clan's compound from whatever soon to be dead man claimed it. She would still be ready.[/fieldbox]

Gerontis · Sep 17, 2017

[fieldbox=A long road, maroon]
Hiron Hon
Jounin of Team 9 | Major General of the Third Division | Empire of Akino, countryside- heading north towards the border of the Fire and Grass province of the Akinian Empire.

The night passed by without any need for much concern or trouble. Time slowly passed by as the dark of the night would be driven away by the light of the morning light, heralding the dawn of day. Breaking camp with his team, Hiron administrated a brisk pace as they would head back to the nearby road. The paved stone highway made it easier to keep walking at a brisk pace without worrying too much about where to place their feet or obstacles. For a few hours, they would travel, not spot or coming across any other person.

Eventually, Hiron decided that they would move off the road. There was no clear indication why the jounin decided to swap the more comfortable road for coarse footing that the off-road provided. There were was plenty of vegetation but Hiron didn't instruct them to move in the 'traditional shinobi' fashion through the trees. Leading the team further north, he seemed to grow visibly warier with each passing meter that the team crossed. A small break would be enlisted but it didn't last longer than five minutes before Hiron ordered Shikaroku and Tentou to get ready to be on the move again.

Straying further from the roads, it would perhaps become noticeable for the chuunin and genin that it was getting colder. Winter in the Fire province was quite mild, save it for the rougher areas in the east of the land. What most went through was a somewhat lower temperature and more often bad weather. But now the temperature seemed to have dropped to a degree that they could almost be seeing their own breath. A light fog started to dawn, which seemed quite out of place.

"Don't dare to use any ninjutsu. Stick close and try to be as quiet as possible." Hiron ordered with a harsh tone, his right hand grasping the hilt of his tanto at his side. The pace was much slower but there was a certain tension that wouldn't originate from the jounin's instruction. The fact that it was a clear day and the sun shining and yet a fog being present didn't sit well with the Hon. As the team moved further through the light fog, they would also not hear any ambient sounds around them. No birds singing a song, small critters making their way around or even able to spot an insect if they tried to catch some sign of movement.

An hour that seemed like an eternity passed but they seemed to exit the fog without any incidents occuring.
"Okay, this is how it is," Hiron said as he would gesture them to keep moving while he spoke to them. "Do I know what that all was about? No. I don't. All I know is that somebody or something might be lurking about. Then again, not our concern. In fact, we should sooner find ourselves in the Hanta clan lands. I don't think I need to explain that I don't plan to stick much around. Nothing against the Hanta but we can't afford that somebody will know where we are. The sooner we get to the rally point, the better. And best would be if nobody would know of it."

Hiron expected that they both would not need more to fully understand the situation. With strange events occurring in the realm, it was perhaps that he was worried for nothing. Then again, he had suffered an ambush from the Zealots and that had kept him from active field duty for a longer period than he desired. Once more Hiron would introduce a quicker pace.

A few days of travel later.

No strange occurrence or events took place during the few days that the team had travelled. Hiron still banned any usage of ninjutsu and seemed to be quite vigilant for any odd sign. He did still allow Shikaroku and Tentou to engage in some banter but seemed to be quite reluctant to join any of the conversations between the two. They would make way into the Hanta clan lands but Hiron kept avoiding any social contact as good as they could. Only once did they enter a small village to resupply some of their rations before pressing on to head north.

After a few hours of travel, Hiron would enlist another break as he would pass on an instruction to his students. "We are going to hold a break here. Get some rest and relax a bit. If we keep making this progress, then I am sure we will reach our destination within the time we have been given." A wry smile found its way towards Hiron's lips as he would start to conduct one of his 'rituals'. It started with inspecting his weapons first. Checking if they were clean and sharp, thus in good shape. It seemed rather mundane as he kept check and maintenance every day but it seemed to also ease the jounin.
[/fieldbox]

Oetje · Sep 19, 2017

[fieldbox=A Smelly Operation, orange]

Nishi Hirashima,
ANBU member,
Kirigakure, at the south-western part of the city.

Nishi wasn't entirely certain on how she felt about the upcoming ordeal that they were going to face. Her last mission had led into the sewers and there she had discovered various zealots in hiding. With her expertise and some luck, they hadn't found her and she had managed to get away from the zealots without much trouble. From her brief spotting, she had noticed two things that had made her quite wary.
First was that the zealots were transporting something through the large sewer pipes. What they transported or were keeping in the sewers was unknown to Nishi but it couldn't be something as innocent as some imported woollen socks or jackets.
The second was that she felt a bit disappointed. Kirigakure was one of the few locations that enjoyed the security and comfort of a chakra sensory barrier. A huge dome barrier that one couldn't see with the 'naked' eye. Allowing the present Intelligence Division to see sudden disturbances and odd entrances into the barrier at the perimeter. A quite efficient method to spot attempted infiltrations attempts by would-be enemy operatives of a foreign origin. Not to mention that the teams that monitored and used the chakra sensing barrier could try to follow a certain chakra signature for a brief time.

But behind every technique flaws. And the flaws of the sensory barrier of such a large size were as big as its advantages. The formula of the barrier and the constant state of operation meant that various areas wouldn't be 'clean'. At least, that was how she would put it. With also a huge population, tracking down individual chakra signatures wasn't that easy. It occurred now to Nishi that if the barrier could be perfected to such a state, then there wouldn't be much need for patrols and some field work. Not to forget that from time to time certain kind of anomalies could occur in the sensing barrier formula. Anomalies that would invoke various distortions that made the barrier work less efficient in an area within the barrier. Something that the barrier teams would then work on for a few days before it would be fixed.

Perhaps the zealots had figured out how to cause disturbations into the sensing barrier that would occur as anomalies for the barrier teams. Or even worse, have a mole working for them in the barrier teams. Nishi's eyes narrowed behind the white ANBU mask she was wearing. Reaching the rally point, she would remain in the shadows. There wasn't yet anybody present at the rally point but that was okay. She had ventured out a bit earlier as various other ANBU had received a special briefing. This mission would require some aid from various organisations and divisions that were present in the republic's capital. From the regular shinobi, ANBU and the Intelligence Division corps to even the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Of course, a large movement of troops would alert the zealots of something going to go down. So the entire force that was deployed on the large-scaled operation would move into the sewers in small teams to quickly form a net. And then close it to prevent any zealot from escaping.

Arriving at the rally point of the team she would be with, Nishi couldn't yet notice anybody. It was in a narrow alley between two large buildings. The kind of alleys that mothers would dread to see their children walk into. The kind of alley where people went into for shady 'business deals and transactions'. But today it would be the rally point of Nishi and various others to descend into the underground.
[/fieldbox]

Sketching101 · Sep 19, 2017

[fieldbox=Atsuko Uragiri | Swordsman of the Hidden Mist, #01DF01]

The evenings had grown quiet lately. Even though the view was obscured by the mist, Atsuko could hear the deafening silence of the city. The air, thick, heavy like lead... Kirigakure was never a joyous city, but it was a city nonetheless. The streets rarely remained empty. Friends and neighbours played their card games and Okey games in the teahouses to relax after a long day, the youth spent time roaming the streets and bars, intellectuals gathered and wrote dirty poems between fierce arguments... Today, however, people sat in their houses with their dim lights, biding their time until things returned to normal.

The young swordsman sat on the ledge of a tall building, his black mark painted all across the floor of the rooftop behind him. His cloak didn't reveal much of what he sported or what weapons he carried, but it was clear his hulking signature sword wasn't strapped on his back. He had been sitting there for quite some time now, with all the intention of getting on his feet within two seconds of any given time. With a final sigh, he mustered up his will and pushed his bandage covered hands down on the ledge, raising his bottom from the concrete. He remained still for a moment before thrusting his body forward with a "hup." As he fell through the thick cloud of mist, he almost seemed bored.

He landed with a faint impact, bending his knees as his feet touched the ground between two buildings. He stood back up straight once again, as though something was pulling him up as one would a puppet. He looked straight ahead, seeing a woman behind the mask of the ANBU. He took a couple of steps forward and stopped several feet away from her. He looked at the woman with his tired eyes and lowered his head a bit. Despite the light strain he seemed to have, his demeanor was anything but apathetic. He carried a faint yet genuinely curious visage. "Atsuko Uragiri, reporting for duty," he greeted her.
[/fieldbox]

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