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

The Raikage Strikes back!
Summary: Following a stunning defeat just several weeks ago, the Raikage's forces retreated to a nearby castle. After three weeks, a well planned strike on the Regency Siege camp is executed, aiming to cripple the enemy army.


For three weeks now, the castle had been under siege, the fortress that had been occupied until recently by Gedric Hon was now contested by the large force of the Regency, and the some two thousand defenders were holding out, awaiting relief from the armed forces of the Raikage to return after they rallied. A few siege engines had been set up inside the castle, however due to the limited supply of ammunition the engines had not been firing, and to maintain an element of surprise. Additionally, they had yet to sally out and raid the attackers. All in all, it had been pretty quiet, but the attackers were constructing siege engines. Clearly the commander had wanted to secure this castle to give himself a secure foothold to run his campaign out of. The defenders were prepared to fight to the bitter end, and the petitioned request for surrender had been outright denied. It would take wholesale slaught to breach it.

The captain crouched in the snow, the white camouflage preventing him from being seen by the sentries of the Regency camp in the cold evening. He was bitter, he had been with the Lord Commander when the Regency vanguard had descended upon the rear guard and slaughtered them. He had a few friends among the cavalry who had given their lives to defend the line. Not only that, but he had heard that the whole reason they had been ambushed was that the advance shinobi scouts had been murdered. He looked to the wall, a small mirror flashed in the firelight. The captain stood quickly and threw a kunai, burying it in the throat of the sentry as he turned to face the man, as did the other shinobi teams surrounding the camp. Then, all stood and darted forward into the camp. They were dressed darkly, and moved quietly, hard to spot in the evening. All around the camp, the same was happening, men moving in to plant the bombs that were prepared, some placed around wooden balls so as to be perfect for killing men in their tents. Targets included holes to be made in the barricades that would prevent a swift mounted attack. When the signal was given, earth users would cover parts of the staked trenches with earth, protecting the riders as they charged over.

The young Taika sat on the horse, his blade naked and shining dully in the moonlight, hidden by the trees. Their armor had been bound to keep it quiet, their forces intentionally split into small units and moving quietly. The camp was now surrounded. With the sentries dead, it had been a stealthy affair. It did help however that only a few hundred mounted men were going to participate as well. He was one of a few picked by his commander for his rigid adherence to orders given by higher ups, and he was proud to be in this attack. The explosions were the signal to prepare, the shinobi doing their work as the whole camp became chaos. Tents were suddenly aflame, men were screaming and burning. The young man looked from the tree line to the castle walls. The siege engines within the castle fired, burning shot arcing down upon the camp to sow further confusion. The young man looked on grimly. There would be no honor in this battle.

The commander's signal man held a horn to his lips and blasted a long, thunderous note out, and the entire cavalry forced surged forward. The young man set his heels to his horse's flank and felt the powerful muscle movements as it charged forward towards the camp. The goal here was not to destroy the enemy force, it was just to soften it up and confused it for the main army which was no more than a day away. Still, the boy thought it would be nice to do something for a change other than march around. He saw the ground shift and churn up ahead as they charged into the midst, the shinobi moving to the side to get out of the way as cavalry charged in. The earth surged up and covered the stakes, and the horses naturally ran into the gaps provided, needing little encouragement from their riders. They were suddenly in the camp, the riding a mass of a confusion as men darted around, scrambling to find weapons to defend themselves in vain. Swords dipped into the mix as the cavalry entered the camp from three different directions, slaughtering many as they did so. Riders halted and the combat became static as the camp swarmed like an ants nest that had just been kicked. A cheer went up from the troops on the wall as the next stage of the plan was executed, men sallying out of the castle to charge into the camp, joining the cavalry in the fray.

The man on the wall watched as the cavalry slaughtered their way through the enemy troops in the encampment, holding onto his Yari spear and cheering as the enemy was cut down. He had heard rumors that a small number of men were being hand picked for some task this morning, though for what he had not known. He could hear the screams of dying men and the clash of swords as men went for weapons. Others around him on the wall cheered, watching the fight, illuminated as it was by the various fires that had been set, he just watched grimly. This was war, but he knew these men were from his own country. Under different circumstances, it might have been him down below in the encampment instead. It was a sobering thought.

An hour would pass and the fighting in the camp would continue, as the man watched, he thought he could recognize several groups of soldiers forming up, a ragged defense finally forming. The cavalry and men who sallied seemed to recognize this as well, as a long, deep blast from a horn echoed across the battlements. Cavalry wheeled about and thundered out, castle defenders retreated across the open ground to the hold. The gates were opened as they poured in, and then shut once more, barred against any attackers from the outside. He followed the outlines of the horses from the cavalry as they melted into the nearby trees and disappeared.

The rest of the night was sleepless for the besiegers, taking stock of their dead and wounded, repairing holes in the camp defenses, and standing nervously at attention. Occasionally, a fireball would soar from the siege engines of the defenders down into the camp, followed by the blast of a horn. The ammunition did little damage to the camp, but it served to keep the men nervous. Many lay dead, and groups were assigned to begin piling them up preparing them for burial and clearing the camp. Many tents were gone, the supplies had apparently caught fire, though some men had managed to save a good portion of the food stuffs, and the dead were numerous. Despite the best efforts of the officers, it was said that the general had been killed the previous night, and the morale of the besiegers was pushed even lower. At dawn, the high command of the army called a meeting to discuss what to do. The various commanders bickered, fighting over who should take command. Eventually, a collective decision was made to retreat back to the mountain pass, and preparations were made. With scouts sighting the advance forces of an enemy army nearby, the troops left the remaining dead unburied, and formed up. The baggage trains were quickly hitched, as many tents as possible salvaged, and then they marched off. By sundown, the Regency troops were gone from the walls of the castle.
 
Battle Along Prowling Forest
Lightning Country
To the west of the Prowling Forest
================
Sounds of metal clinging together along with snow crushed under foot of his soldiers Moritoshi had to take a detour around an obstacle known as the Prowling Forest. An army of his size marching through a setting like that would be suicidal. Not only was the wildlife a concern but it also provided plenty of ambush points, something he wanted to prevent at all cost. Grumbling as he trotted along on his horse, he looked at the forest to his left. To think the Alaricus were capable of utilizing Lions in those woods. It was certainly something that could be killed but would certainly lower morale to see rushing towards you.

His shinobi unit went a bit into the woods just to make sure, but all they reported back was wildlife. Yet just up past the forest according to reports was a small camp. Not a lot of troops around six hundred. Possibly a bait but also could be to see what they truly were up against. Alaricus possibly had its own shinobi unit watching just to see how he operated. Which is why he would show them an overwhelming annihilation. Moritoshi however wouldn't simply think them to be pushovers, this was after all a clan that faced extinction and overcame it. They adapted its what they did and he was more than prepared to use his experience from the Great War, to show them that this time they wouldn't overcome extinction.

As they got closer towards the Alaricus small skirmish force, he could see them getting into formation. A formation he equally greeted with his own. He could probably end this with just his archers alone, he had the numbers for it and it would save on any casualties. As they got closer her got his soldiers in front ready to defend incase they charged at the sign of the first volley. "Men this is nothing more than easy pickings. Don't slouch and we can kill these men and head on south towards Eryx!"

A chorus of cheers echoed as the marching stopped to see well geared Alaricus troops standing there waiting. Not even their archers were firing which caused some skepticism in Moritoshi's eyes but raised his hand. "Archers! Aim!" he commanded as the archers notched their arrows and aimed into the air. "Loose!!!" Moritoshi shouted as the sounds of hundreds of arrows fired into the air.

"Shields up!" Shouted a man from the Alaricus side to which in a couple seconds shields covered their heads and then came a sound of metal raining down on the metal shields. Causing arrows to ricochet off to the side or break off from impact. What was most shocking was not one single death came from that barrage, yet as quickly as the shields lowered did the archers who took safety under the shields fire back with their own barrage. While only a hundred archers, a hundred arrows was still pretty deadly. Mostly in a large group as Moritoshi found out as those without shields were unlucky and some even unluckier in where the arrow landed.

The order was quickly given to fire again but so were the shields to defend themselves from the arrows. So after no deaths came and another retaliation of arrows struck more men down on his side. Moritoshi growled as he now knew what this small group was, it was the highly trained Irdum of the Alaricus. It explained the gear and it explained how quick they were to put orders into effect. A force that wouldn't be baited by any means, to utilize them right away was bold and unexpected. He chuckled as it was amusing to see what the whole adaption meant, they were adapting before they even fought him and due to that he lost more men than he wanted too.
"Soldiers charge! Archers fire and halt once our men are in range!" Moritoshi ordered as a barrage came again to once agains be meet with the metal shields as his troops rushed towards the Alaricus force.

Yet a retaliation he didn't quite expect was for the archers to aim not at the charging soldiers but his own archers. As a hail of arrows would strike down many of his archers, yet then came an unexpected development. He heard another call but not from his side or the force in front but from behind. Turning his head he saw hundreds upon hundreds of archers on top of the hill they just came over. All Alaricus archers with arrows aimed towards them.
"Oh shit! Archers turn around!" Moritoshi got out before the leader at the top of the hill lowered his hand as hundreds. No thousands of arrows came raining down on him and his archers position. Raising his shield, he blocked the arrows the best he could as a couple impacted into his leg and took his horse down in the process sending him sprawling on the ground. Looking too see the damage he saw a good chunk of his archers being dropped as a small amount of panic set in at the surprise attack.

They hide in that forest? How deep did they hide? How prepared were they for them? He vastly underestimated the Alaricus, a mistake he won't make again. Another barrage of arrows came down on both sides this time with more of his side dropping as he defended himself the best he could with his singular shield. Yet his archer fired back on them as the Alaricus soldiers on the top of the hill started dropping as arrows pierced any opening they could find. His mounted unit also charged up the hill allowing one last barrage from the Alaricus to take place sending many riders from their mount as horses collapsed dead, yet those that survived charged right into the ranks of the Alaricus archers, while his soldiers were seconds away from engaging with the Alaricus force they had thought to be the only one.

"Men! Kill as many as you can, greet our god of war with pride! Show them the might of Alaricus!" Their captain said as the archers dropped their bow and unsheathed the sword on their side. A loud cheer was shouted from them as they rushed too engage the army of Moritoshi.
====

Marching through the cluster of dead bodies he frowned to himself. He was careless, he saw a small amount of men and assumed this would be easy. He never expected the Irdum to come into play right away, they had killed the Alaricus force that hindered them but meet a lot of casualties because of his slow decisions. They had information on his force as they targeted his archers and they dealt significant blow to them as well. Losing half of his archers and a good chunk of his infantry and a bit of his mounted force. He should have know since none of his infiltrants ever came back from this force, to think they would notice such a difference in their ranks to take it out. Yet he had to keep marching on, he couldn't let them think they had won by dealing a significant blow, nor could he let his men know such as well.

He would give the order to salvage what they could and to march onwards towards Eryx. Not that much further but he intended to be more careful about this now. Some hills resided between him and the destination and he didn't want another ambush to happen. He also sent out scouts to check towns along the way too. If any place was a defensive location he wanted to know and capture it before those slavers could utilize it to their advantage. It would also serve as good rest points for his force along the way.
 
Disagreeing Tiger Claw
A collab between @ChromeHound and @Lesli

The Wolf Country, in the Akinian camp.
Hayate Hyuzu and Saki Yamanaka.

Summary:
Saki goes to the commander's tent to bring out a verbal report on what she, and her unit of Tiger Claws, have managed to figure out. Sharing the information with Hayate, the two disagree over the Hyuzu's decision regarding the prisoners and people that they freed from the enemy camp.

Moving through the camp, Saki's mind was filled with the new information that had been extracted from both prisoners and those that had been freed. Despite the previous orders that they weren't allowed to use taxing interrogation methods, Saki had completely ignored those orders. Aware that this was against Hayate's wishes, it had felt good and actually yielded some potent information regarding what they were facing.
The Imperial camp didn't seem to be in a festive mood, despite the grand achievement of defeating a much larger force. For a moment, Saki did wonder about where they would move once they had taken care of their wounded and dead. Not to mention how morale would be once it would become known that they were far from done with pacifying the region.

Approaching the tent of Hayate, Saki nodded towards the guards. Despite them being Tiger Claws, Saki wouldn't just be allowed to enter through. One moved into the tent to notify and request Hayate's permission while Saki was well aware that she was being scanned. Giving the few weapons she had on person to one of the guards, she would patiently await if Hayate had time for her.

Facing the large map, Hayate rubbed one hand across his brow, doing his best to stave off the exhaustion. Hearing a noise behind him, the young commander turned to see one of his guards standing before him, holding a slute. Returning the salute, Hayate waited for the guard to speak. "Saki Yamanaka requests an audience Commander." Nodding, Hayate glanced towards the entrance. "Please send her in."

The guard lowered his head slightly and exited. When he arrived outside of the tent, the guard beckoned for Saki to enter.

Nodding to the guard, Saki would enter the tent of Hayate. Grateful for the tent being spacious, Saki would begin by greeting her friend and superior by a resolute salute. "Commander," she began, a ghost of a smile dawning on her lips. "I don't think that I mentioned it before. But it is good to see that you came out of the scuffle without any noticeable scars."

Slightly dropping the formalities that would have come into play, Saki approached Hayate and briefly eyed the map that was laid out. "I hope I am not interrupting anything important."

Upon seeing Saki, it felt as if a slight weight had lifted from the young commander's shoulders. Returning her salute, Hayate smiled. "It is good to see you as well. As for the scars?" Raising an eyebrow slightly, Hayate gestured towards his body, "Thankfully most were hidden."

As they approached the map, Hayate glanced towards it and shook his head. "You're not interrupting. I've just been going over the plans."

Saki's eyebrows slightly rose as a grin flowed briefly on her lips, upon hearing Hayate's comment regarding scars. "Good. I hope I came on time before you made any major decision," Saki started as she would shift her attention from the map to Hayate.
"I didn't yet share this with anybody but we are elbow deep into trouble. That large force we finally manage to defeat is a splinter of what we are up against."

Turning her attention to the map of the region, Saki would continue to elaborate. "The few officers that were caught and that I interrogated have revealed information that the defeated army had been sent out for pretty much the reason goal that we have. To move in and occupy the area. They are under the service of a realm that is called 'Rong' in their language. And if you saw the things that I saw in their memory, you would be quite more cautious." Turning her gaze up, to Hayate, Saki would lock her eyes with her commander.

"I did ignore your orders to obtain this information. Most of the people that I interrogated are dead. Result of prolonged probing in their mind," the Yamanaka explained in a rather calm and confident tone, "it can build up a lot of stress and anxiety. Usually leading to failures in some organs or even causing a fault in the chakra system. Leading to all kind of symptoms."

The smile on his face would fade quickly as Saki began to describe the information she had gathered and the way in which she had retrieved it. Turning away from her, Hayate's brow furrowed and he let out a frustrated sigh. Two thoughts ran through his head… His orders had been clear, not to harm the prisoners. Not to become like the enemy. However…

Turning back, the confliction was clear on his face, but Hayate did his best to push his feelings aside. "How much time do we have until their main force arrives?"

Remaining calm, Saki waited for how Hayate would respond. "To be honest? Not sure. I doubt it will take long before a larger force will move in. I am still busy to get some more puzzle pieces together but if I have to take a guess, I would advise that we dig in somewhere." Saki replied. "The good news, however, is that we aren't fighting alone. I have managed to uncover some information about various resistances against this 'Rong'. If we were to contact them, we could perhaps make our chance for success and survival larger."

Nodding solemnly, the Hyuzu did not respond at first. Instead, Hayate would ponder his options. There was some relief that the true might of the enemy was not so near as to pose an immediate threat, however… the very thought that there was an even larger force still waiting in the wings was enough to fill him with a deep frustration. Had they not done enough?
"These resistances, do they speak the same language as the enemy?" he asked, a thought forming. "And are there any nearby, or do they come from the same place as the… 'Rong' forces?"

She had expected these questions but her answers wouldn't likely sate Hayate's curiosity. "I suspect that they do speak the same language. Other than that, I don't know much. Which is," placing her hands at the table, Saki leaned slightly forward, "why you need to give me permission to delve into more minds of those who we captured and those that we 'liberated'. Most will die, I will be honest about that. But if you want to have the knowledge on how to operate without losing countrymen or causing a rift with the other allied forces, then you need to let me round those people up. If anything, those people will be a necessary sacrifice for us to understand what we are up against."

His eyes narrowing, Hayate shook his head. "I will not give you permission to torture and kill the innocent Saki." He said, an edge in his tone. "Those people we freed, they are not our enemy. Not yet." Staring at the Yamanaka for a long moment, Hayate tried to read her expression, to see what she was thinking. Unfortunately, mind reading was her specialty, not his. "You have my permission to further interrogate, the enemy troops that we captured. Find out what you can from them and see if you can find some way to communicate with the others. We will not kill the innocent and I will not grant you premission to turn this into some form of personal vendetta." The words came out before Hayate had a chance to think about them and he paused, instantly regretting them but meaning them nevertheless. Saki was his friend, Hideki had been too. But if revenge was guiding her, Hayate needed to stop it before it was too late.

For a moment, Saki just stared back at Hayate. Her expression remained unchanged but as she spoke, it was clear from the very first second that she was going to disagree with Hayate. "Innocent? How can you call them innocent already? They can have valuable information. Data regarding troop movements, numbers, intel about the enemy's commanders or important targets." Wanting to slam a fist on the table, Saki restrained her own frustration and anger. Her eyes briefly narrowed but she would seem to not give into her emotions.

"This isn't about my vengeance or thirst for their blood. We are fighting a war, Hayate. Innocent lives will fall, whether you like it or not. If you want to preserve the army you have, you got to make sacrifices! Let me conduct my affairs and I can give you information that can help us all. Back at home we could hide behind morals but now we can't!"

He had prepared for an outburst, some display of anger but it did not come. Instead, Saki had retained her cool, with only a brief flicker in composure when her eyes had narrowed to make Hayate wonder how calm she really was. "They were prisoners of the enemy Saki." He said after a pause, his tone even. "How often are prisoners privy to that kind of intel?" Glancing away, he continued, "I understand the desire to get as much information as possible and to keep our soldiers safe, but killing those prisoners with the hopes that we might somehow get more information from then than the actual enemy troops is not an action we can take. Morals aside this is a strategy play. You have already discovered there are others out there that are also fighting against this 'Rong' force. If these prisoners of the Rong are a part of that resistance then we should find a way to get them on our side rather than killing them needlessly. We need to focus on finding a way to communicate with them and use that to our advantage."

"Prisoners that may have knowledge on the land. On the habits of our enemies. You can't deny that they likely know more of the enemy and the lands to the east than that we do." Still leaning on the table, Saki slightly leaned forward. "I don't prefer to take the lives of those who probably winded up in the crossfire but we have to take this decision. You can be merciful once we have established a secure position. Right now, we are still out in the open and have little idea what is to come. Hoping to appease to these people by being generous and merciful to them? Perhaps they won't cut some throats while we are asleep. But they won't survive for long if we aren't capable of stopping whatever menace is heading to the west!"

Taking a second to inhale and keep her composure, Saki would continue speaking. Her tone became slightly softer. "I wish that there was another way. But let me do this. It suits you to be so noble. Yet, I am certain that I can much more if you allow me to act."

"I'm not denying that they will know the lands better than us." Hayate said quietly, waiting for Saki to finish. "But that is part of the reason why we need to learn how to communicate with them rather than simply probe them for information before disposing of them." He was relieved that Saki seemed to have settled in her stance slightly, but Hayate also knew how determined she could be. "I have enough faith in your abilities that you should be able to find some way of communicating with them, something we can use aside from just memories and thoughts inside their heads."

Glancing towards the map, Hayate sighed and turned back. "In the interest of time, our most pressing need is to find a stronghold. Somewhere we can prepare and defend. Somewhere that we can replenish our supplies. Our scouts have uncovered a few possibilities, but if there is anything that you can find out from the forces that we captured that will lead us to the best possible option, then that needs to be explored first." Locking eyes with Saki, Hayate continued, "Once we are in a secure position, we will continue this conversation and determine a course of action for the people the Rong were holding captive. Until then, no harm is to come to them. Understood?"

She was controlling her frustration. It wasn't with ease but she managed to keep it suppressed as Hayate continued. She didn't feel like finding a way to communicate with those people. They were in her mind and opinion guilty, even if they hadn't directly been involved in the heinous crime. Locking her eyes with Hayate, she would reply back. Her tone calm but yet holding a sliver of anger in it.

"I will see what I can do. But I am telling you that you're making a mistake commander. Those people aren't going to be your allies." Keeping her gaze locked for a second, Saki would straighten her back and resolutely salute. "Permission to attend to duties, commander, sir?"

Gritting his teeth as Saki spoke, Hayate took a moment before responding. Her frustration was clear, as was her displeasure with his decision. Hayate did not need Saki's approval, however, he valued her opinion and it bothered him that she had no faith in his choice. It bothered him even more that she might be right…

"If it is a mistake then we will deal with it. We always do. If I'm right, then we'll be a lot closer to finding a way to defeat the enemy." After a moment, he would return the salute. "Permission granted."

Making a small bow with her head, Saki would turn on her heels and walk out of the commander's tent. Frustrated, the Yamanaka would head back towards her previous task.


Arban No Good Grill!!
Saki Yamanaka

| Spc. Jounin | Konohagakure Team 6 member| Captain-Major of the Guardians | Second-in-command of the Tiger Claws |
[ Wolf Country - Akinian camp, Tiger Claws 'turf']​

Returning to the part of the camp where the Tiger Claws resided, Saki felt the need to kick or punch something. Or someone.
It became tempting to return and drain the information out of this Arban. She couldn't personally give a damn if the process would mutilitate Arban's mind, memory or end her life. All that was vital was that they could get the information on how their enemy operated, geographical details and other assets of intel that could aid them.

Spotting a few people that had been freed huddle together around a campfire, Saki's eyes narrowed. It was wrong to be mad at them but right now, she had no idea how else to deal with this growing anger. Even the time that she had served with the Zero teams, and their rather grim training, couldn't shield her from wanting to vent her frustration and anger on those poor sods.

Returning to the tent where she would conduct further investigation on this Arban, Saki frowned. The two guards that she had set to watch the easterling were gone.
Instantly, the hairs on Saki's neck started to raise as her right hand moved to her weapon belt. Approaching the entrance of the tent, Saki glanced at the ground. A speck of crimson fluid had fallen on some dirt.
Without any hesitation, Saki entered the tent with her weapon drawn. For a second, she stared at the two guards that were inside. Both were dead.

Exiting her tent, Saki whistled hard - using her left, free hand. This caught the attention of the nearby Tiger Claws.
"Namiko, use half of the unit to round up and imprison every easterling in this camp. Now!"
The respective lieutenant simply nodded as she started to scramble members of the unit left and right to see to the other.
"Hitoshi," Saki called out to the Uchiha lieutenant, "I want the other half of the operating unit to search and detain any of those easterlings that might show a hint of moulding chakra. If you find one, make sure that they don't get to experience another minute in this world!"

More orders followed as the part of the camp in which the Tiger claws were located seemed to spring into action, like a beehive that was poked.
Entering back into the tent, Saki felt her hands itch in the confines of her gloves. Kneeling near the two assigned guards, Saki briefly inspected their wounds.
"Captain? I--"

The voice of Yatori pierced through the interior of the tent, his voice laced with confusion and doubt. Upon spotting the two dead, the man halted what he wanted to say.
"I want the interrogations to continue. Each easterling in our camp is to be treated the same. Regardless if they were captured prisoners or freed folk from the enemy camp. Make sure that they are unable to pose any threat."

"Yes, captain." Yatori responded but before he could leave, Saki spoke up again.
"And make sure that nobody stops this. Anyone who dares to halt this is committing treason to our cause. If the commander orders you or any of the lieutenants to stop, you won't. Hayate can take it up with me."
 
This is an OPEN EVENT for ANY Characters present in the Eastern Continent

However there are simple rules:
1. Only Republican Characters can take part in the initial battle.
2. Lightning and Akinian Forces can show up as the battle is nearing completion in response to the bells.
3. Confusion reigns supreme here, all sense is lost for the most part. Allies are now enemies as far as the average Republican soldier is concerned, especially any Akinians that show up to assist.
4. If you would like to take part, PM myself on Discord with your character and nation and I will give you the needed information to do so.




​
Allied Forces Staging Area - Republican Camp Perimeter

The air was cold as ever, nipping hungrily at the exposed skin of any who dared to step outside their tents and brave the winds. Few walked the tent lines, those that did huddled deep into their many layers, making their way directly from one tent to the next with as little time spent exposed as possible. But those less fortunate didn't have such a luxury. The men of the forward listening posts huddled close around small fires built deep into dugouts to create as little light as possible to risk being spotted. They joked bitterly as they swapped positions at the few lookout points of their camouflaged posts.

Periodically a pair would leave a post to travel to the nearest and check up on their status as well as pass any word they had received from the posts that checked on them, though as of late a number of such checks had gone incomplete as pairs failed to arrive at their given times. But the spirit of the men was high, they'd won a great victory not long ago, sent the enemy reeling on all but broken bones and torn flesh, surely they could let a few checks go undone for the sake of not freezing to death. And so they did, complacent in their posts, they waited for the doom that unknowingly closed upon them.

Allied Forces Staging Area - Republican Camp, Outer Edge

The whine of the wind between the tents seemed to rise a level, and then another as all at once from the darkness just past the edge of the camp a wall of screaming Akinians fell on the Republican tents. Men were caught unaware as the foes tore through their tents with all lack of sense and slaughtered the occupants. Veteran Republican soldiers stood stunned as men descended upon them in animal like rages, screaming inhuman battle cries as they tore into their allies. In the snow blown passages between tents chaos reigned, Imperial allies came down upon the Republicans in a seeming human wave, cleaving, clawing, and biting their way through their Republican comrades in arms like beasts.

However, not all of the Republican forces were so dumbfounded by the sudden attack of the Akinians. Further in from the edge of the camp and the immediate confusion Sergeants and Officers quickly rallied their men, they formed defensive walls or counter-charged against the onslaught of what were only recently their allies. Everywhere bells tolled to warn the rest of the camp; and whatever allies the Republicans might still hold onto; of the sudden assault.[/hr]
 
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A Deal with the Cho
A collab between Conman and Lesli

Summary: Interested in selling the rare mineral they have discovered, the Omari turn towards the Cho. A short discussion ensues, and a deal is struck.

The road to a place situated almost entirely on the opposite side of the Empire had taken time to be certain. For nearly two months they had been on the road, a small caravan of some fourteen Omari, ten were armed retainers, dressed in the shining armor and weapons that had been forged for the Omari by the Cho. Two were nobles of the clan, the crest proudly displayed on patches over their hearts. The other two were servants, brought with the group to assist in driving the cart and lifting things. The warriors and nobles were mounted, while the servants remained inside the cart. They had travelled to Ardara, within the Sarutobi heartlands. Why the Cho had chosen to meet them in this place? The Omari delegation did not know.

When they arrived outside one of the woodland outposts, they set up camp. Entering into the city was not necessary, they would leave soon after they arrived anyways. The cold was biting, but it was staved off in the areas around the fire they set up. Waiting here, they would send a messenger towards the outpost to inform the Cho of the Omari's arrival.

A small group would leave the safe confines of the city, traversing over the road towards the northern outposts. The group would be led by the jarl of Dagny, Thorstein. The man was further accompanied by some of his own household guard. Yet there were a few figures that seemed quite different with their own uniformal garbs.
Heading towards the meeting point, the group had no trouble to locate the Omari delegation.

Closing in on the delegation of the Omari clan, the dozen numbering Cho would slow down their pace. The formation would be spearheaded by the jarl himself. Once he would spot the camp of the Omari, he would further close in the distance till they would spot him and his group.
Halting his mount, the man waited a second. A soft smile graced his features before he would dismount from his horse, waiting for the Omari delegation to be ready.

The pair of nobles were the first to move to greet the delegation, looking proud as one could while freezing away from the fire. The pair were clearly better suited to the fairer weather of the Rain province, but it did not seem to take away from their stature. They approached quickly, eager to draw the group closer to the fire. The one on the left, a tall man with hair tied above his head in a top knot, streaks of grey present, was the first to speak. A warm smile was on his features, as if they were welcoming good friends. "Greetings, I am Representative Satsuomi of the Omari, and this is my fellow representative Itiyak." The pair bowed in greeting. "Might we invite you and your fellows closer to the fire? So that we might perform this exchange in greater comfort."

The jarl would incline his head as a small, but respectful, sign back. He would subtly signal to the men at his back while responding back to the Omari delegation. "Greetings. I would like to accept that invitation." The jarl decided before he would reveal his name and thus position within his own clan.
Though most of the jarl's retinue would follow him, their handling did betray a certain wariness. A stark contrast from Thorstein, who would follow the delegation back to their fire. A few of the armed company of the jarl remained with the horses, though clearly watching how the meeting would proceed.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the jarl would begin as he hooked his thumbs behind his belt. "I am the jarl of Dagny. My name is Thorstein and I am the representative of Lady Cho. Who sadly couldn't be here herself, due to her presence being required at the Allthing." Thorstein spoke in a calm and almost fluid Taika fashion, as if the Omari delegation were aware of what the Chonobi terms meant. "I was informed that your clan has something to offer?"

The Omari would return to the fire, and their own armed retinue would make sure to maintain neutral stances, no man had a hand on a weapon when the Jarl or his guards went closer to the fire. Satsuomi betrayed no confusion at the words of the Chonobi man. He had been informed that they used far different words and their culture was of stark contrast, although he had not done any studying over the particulars. "It is a pleasure to meet you Jarl Thorstein." The man motioned to the servants, who brought forward a small folding table, about the size of one found at a bedside, and a small wooden box. Taking the lid off the box would reveal a series of divots in a cushion lined barrier about halfway into the box. Each of the divots contained a small forest green gemstone, about the size of a coin, and polished smooth and round. Each one seemed to pulsate and suck in the light around it greedily, as if it was some sort of black hole. "These are Elfrine stones." He plucked one out of the box and held it up for the Jarl to view. "They have the unique ability to store chakra, like a grain silo might grain. It allows a bearer to draw upon the energy at any time, given concentration of course." He placed the gemstone back in the box. "The Omari are offering a production version of these gemstones."

The jarl patiently listened to the Omari, though he was rather attentive - which could be spotted as he eyed the approaching servants. Placing his hands at his back, the Cho representative would remain quiet and allow the Omari to bring up their offer. Upon spotting the gemstone, there was a subtle reflection of the jarl's curiosity growing.
Slowly nodding as he seemed to take in the information, the jarl would flash an apologizing smile. "One moment," he would half turn and subtly beckon one of his group to approach him. It was one of the few people that weren't clad in armour or seemed heavily armed as the majority of the jarl's group.

A hushed talk would be exchanged between the jarl and this hooded figure. Ending with the figure keeping their head low to not let the light shine on their features, while Thorstein turned back towards the Omari delegation.
"The idea of gems storing chakra is an interesting concept. However, if you wouldn't mind then I would like to have one of my people test this. Before I can promise any deal, I hope you won't mind a small test."


The Omari's smile stayed. "It is quite understandable that you would wish to sample such a thing, given it's unique nature." He stepped back and gestured to the box. "Test any and all that you wish. Those that test it simply need to concentrate on the stone and their desire to store chakra in it or draw chakra from it, there are no other required steps." The man explained briefly.

The jarl flashed a smile before he would say something in his native tongue. Once more, the hooded figure of before strided forwards. The figure picked a gem out of the box and seemed to weigh the mineral in his gloved, right hand. As if the weight of the gem could tell him more. The next step, the figure would do as the Omari delegation had instructed. Pouring some sliver of chakra in, the hooded figure would half turn towards the jarl.

A hushed conversation took place between them as they were clearly discussing something of importance. Placing the gem down, the hooded figure continued to test a few other gems before coming to a visible conclusion - if one could judge it by the figure's actions. Taking his previous place behind the jarl, the hooded figure would only say something short in the Cho's native language.
"It seems that my expert on chakra is quite content with these gems. I am not allowed to make a large trade deal. But if the price is right, I am certain we can have a small shipment and trade going on." The jarl would say in Taika.

"The Omari ask eight golden suns per gemstone, plus an additional three golden suns if you wish them to be set in a something before shipping." He kept his smile as he shut the chest of gems. It was time to negotiate price. These particular gems were not available all over the kingdom, and thus the Omari felt he had a bit more leverage in negotiating price.

The jarl frowned, pondering on the suggestion. As he spoke up, the jarl raised his right hand and would show four fingers. "Four golden suns. I can already say that there won't be any purchase of set items. I am certain that we have capable artisans who can perform such work." Thorstein replied back.

The Omari in turn pondered the counter offer. He had not figured they would especially care for any arms or armor made by the Omari, seeing as they were the ones sending the Omari weapons and armor as it was. "Very well then, the Omari would ask six golden suns for each stone then." Satsuomi countered.

The jarl would slowly add a finger as he shook his head. "Five per gem for the first shipment. If the interest is big enough, I am certain that I can persuade my peers and Lady to raise it to six. But so far, it is an investment that is being offered. Though I have faith in my expert, I don't think I can convince my peers and Lady on acquiring something expensive without having conducted some tests on their own." Thorstein politely and calmly replied on his turn, lowering his hand and placing it back on his back.

The man's face stayed the same, stoic as he once again considered the offer. Indeed, it was an investment for the Cho, no matter how confident the Omari were in it. For now, he would accept the deal on the promise that the terms could be renegotiated. "Your offer speaks for your wisdom, Jarl Thorstein. The Omari will accept this deal." He gestured to the small box contained the samples of the gemstone. "Please, accept these gemstones as a gift for your clan, a token of thanks from the Omari to the Cho."

A smile grew briefly on the jarl's lips as he would slightly bow his towards the delegation in front of him. Upon hearing that they would receive the box with the samples of the gemstones, the jarl would subtly gesture. On which two members of his retinue would walk forward and close the box. To then carry it back to the horses.
"I thank you for the gift. I will make sure that the Lady will learn of your clan's generosity. Not to mention that you will learn soon from her decision if a trade regarding these gems can be established." The jarl said, after which he would briefly pause. "Are there any more topics you would like to discuss or adress?"

Satsuomi would move aside as the pair came to collect the box. "My thanks for that, Jarl Thorstein. The Omari have no more items to discuss, unless the Cho have a topic to bring to the table." He would fold his hands in front of him as he waited for a reply.

The jarl would fold his hands behind his back as he would shake his head before responding in return. "No. I am not informed of anything to bring up regarding the Omari. So I can say that for the current moment that the Cho have no topic to bring to the table." While it was clear that this meeting was over, the jarl would speak up again. "I assume that the journey home will be long. If it helps, I can lend you two of my hird to accompany and guide you to the borders of the Sarutobi heartlands."

The older man seemed to consider the offer put to him by the Jarl. It would be good to have a pair of guides to help them find their way easier. Or at least, he figured that they were two guides from his retinue. Getting to Ardara had been a task by itself after all. He nodded. "Indeed, our journey is long. Your assistance in reaching the border of the Sarutobi would be much appreciated."

"Very well." The jarl would half turn around and once more shift to his native tongue. It became evidently clear that the two that were picked out didn't seem thrilled with their new assignment. But no complaint was given, only a firm nod as the two assigned men, clad in armour and quite well armed to the teeth, would head back to their mounts. Thorstein turned towards the delegation and would shift back to speaking Taika.
"Then our business is concluded. The two will bring you towards the borders of the Sarutobi heartlands as promised. From there, I wager it will be just a long journey home. I wish you all the best on the road back."

The Omari would nod in return and speak swiftly to the other Omari present. They moved swiftly to put out the fire, and then mounted up, getting their mounts that were pickets nearby. Just as swiftly as they arrived, they would soon be gone.
 
Dangerous Zone!
Imperial Team (Amegakure) 22 | Megumi Omari (@Celestial Scorpio ), Rini Yoto (@Aliceee ), Kitana Roijn (@Oblivion666 ) and Etsu Yabut (@Oetje ) | The Empire of Akino, Amegakure - the provincial capital of the Rain province |
| Etsu has rallied her team together as she plans to move out of Amegakure, much like she had organised with the Tough Rats. However, before this plan gets into motion the team becomes stuck in the chaos that suddenly engulfed the entire city of Amegakure. Uncertain and wary, Etsu leads her team towards safety. From where they, hopefully, can deal with the new trouble. |


The team was coming together. Etsu waited patiently till each of the girls came around. They seemed somewhat ready for the 'trip'. There was some small concern that they could have packed some matters that the jounin wouldn't consider necessities. But it would take too long to go through their packs, send them home and wait longer. It wasn't so much as Etsu's guts but more of a fact: that the longer they waited, the more risk they were taking.
"Okay, it is time to get going girls." The jounin stated, a faint smile following her words. Half turning around, she beckoned the three to follow her. Only for sounds in the distance to pierce through the ambience.

It made Etsu freeze in her movements. Her eyes quickly scanned and searched for a possible origin of the sounds that didn't seem to promise much good. The screams of people and violence were still faint but started to pick up.
"Girls, on me," the jounin ordered with a stern voice. Turning around, she was about to lead the girls into a different direction. But the faint sounds of chaos, violence and panic seemed to surround them.
There was the brief consideration to find a route over the high rooftops - escaping the panicky crowd and what not. But if this was another attack, then Etsu wagered that their enemies would be looking out for anybody going over the rooftops. It was one of the easiest way to spot a shinobi, after all, in a city.
"Come! Stick together!" Etsu shouted, trying to make herself audible for her team as she started to run with the crowd. There wasn't much else that they could do for now.

Megumi wasn't overly excited for this trip, only because in actuality it was to get away from the crime they committed. When she grouped up with her leader it seemed it was time to go out of the city. Yet they were stopped as the noise was picked up by the jounin. Redirected they were told to follow the crowd and blend in. Following orders Megumi was staying as close to Etsu as much as she could. She was unsure what to do other than run behind the others. "Sensei do you know what's going on?" Was this a part of the plan to get out of the city?

Glad to see that Kitana had decided to also join, Rini had still been quiet for the entire duration of the team being rallied together. Only for chaos to descend on them. Confused, Rini looked around, as if a clue could be detected if one would throw a glance at their surrounding.
Hearing the order of Etsu, Rini would do so without question. Staying close to Etsu, Rini's heart started to skip beats. This was quite similar to what had happened before, with the riots. The people around them also started to run, push and panic. Almost was Rini pushed aside and from the group as a woman tried to get into the opposite direction.
"Insurgents," Rini decided to give Megumi as answer. It was either the insurgents or the Zealots, again. Or it could be something equally as bad, she figured.

She wasn't looking forward to this in the slightest, they were getting away from any aftermath of what they did. If it had gotten out that a shinobi had killed the police chief and that the jounin commander's sister helped aid that shinobi, needless to say the citizens would want someones head. Yet before they could leave sounds quiet at first, started to grow like wildfire as if the entire city was once again engulfed in chaos. This time though it seemed even worse, this seemed like it was ongoing almost everywhere at once. Kitana obeyed and followed after Etsu, while Megumi asked what was going on to which Rini would answer with Insurgents. Yet she wasn't so sure, this whole ordeal seemed way more chaotic and much faster than any of the previous incidents. No she felt more was at play, that or the insurgents had a really good leader who planned things out.

With her pupils following her, as best as they could with the chaos surrounding them, Etsu was lost on what to do. It was clear that they weren't in a safe spot but without having knowledge on what was going on, Etsu didn't want to dive reckless into any danger yet. Managing to lead the team into a narrow alley, they could get a breather from the panicked crowd, that seemed to flood the streets as a suffocating tidal wave.
"Well, this certainly puts shit in the soup." Etsu mumbled, more to herself as she eyed the almost endless wave of citizens running past.
Throwing a look at each of her pupils, she was happy that none of them were missing. Only now came the part where they were needed to come up with a plan.

"Alright girls. Seems it is a scenario for which I wouldn't likely been able to prepare your lot for. So I expect you follow my commands to the point and else stick with me. If you do get lost, try to steer clear from trouble. Without knowing what is truly going on, don't try to be a hero and engage with whatever. For god sake, I have no clue what is going on right now." The last sentence was muttered as Etsu threw another look at the crowd. If she could remember it correctly, the crowd was moving to the northern districts. But with all the noise, screaming and what not, the jounin couldn't detect from where the chaos came from.

"Follow me."
The instruction was given as Etsu turned her back to the crowd and delved deeper into the narrow alley. The alley itself was void of any life but filled with garbage. If the girls would already be disdained by the smell, Etsu thought to herself, then they wouldn't love the next part.
Managing to find it, Etsu would be seen crouching briefly by her students. To only open up a manhole. The stench that came out of it would be much stronger than the one they already had to tolerate in the alley.
"Now, come on girls. Time to get your hands dirty. We will get into the sewers and use them to navigate to the north. If that is where the crowd is heading, I assume we can try to get to safety there. Probably also where some of the higher command might be at."
Gesturing them to drop into the sewer, through the means of a ladder, Etsu would wait to be the last. Closing the manhole behind her, the jounin would move down the ladder into the darkness. It reeked and it was quite dark but the jounin seemed to be quite prepared.
"Rini, mind being a peach and light the area up for us?" The jounin asked, trying to keep track of where they had to go to get to the northern districts. Luckily for them, the water would only reach to their ankles as the last few days there hadn't been much rainfall - not enough to make the water reach to their waists.

Insurgents were causing all this chaos? Little time to think over the answer they were led into an alleyway. A small briefing was given and Megumi nodded at the woman once she finished. Taking up the rear of the group she chose to breathe through her mouth to avoid as much of the stench as possible. Yet it seemed she would not escape it. The manhole was opened and they were told to descend after another short explanation. Once the group was down, Etsu closed the opening and asked Rini to light up the area. So if she wasn't sure what was happening then who would? Part of her felt bad since she knew her training was to be a good soldier. Though she stuck with her team instead of recklessly defending civilians. "Couldn't we use the sewers to get out of the city as well? For our uh little trip? And couldn't whoever is attacking also use these tunnels? If they had to fight down here would they even be able to?

For a moment, Rini wondered if Amegakure would ever recover. With constant chaotic events like these popping up, the genin was genuinely worried if the city would ever get to experience peace again. Still following Etsu, Rini didn't think much. All that mattered was to stick close to Etsu. The jounin was basically the only reliable security that they could cling on to.
So when Etsu wanted them to move into the sewers, Rini moved in without hesitation. The dark and the stench weren't great. But it sure seemed calmer than the chaos on the streets.
The following order to light up the way would be received as Rini brought her hands together. Weaving the necessary handseals, the genin started to light the way by creating a ball of chakra - which density allowed it to create some dim light.

Moving the ball forward, Rini caught on what Megumi brought up. Deciding to walk at the front, Rini threw a look over her right shoulder. While she understood and could relate to Megumi, there was also something that irked Rini. The fact that Megumi was asking too many questions. Returning her attention on her task, Rini would await what Etsu would instruct them to do.

Continuing to follow their sensei while doing her best to avoid the people trying to shove her out of the way to get to safety. She had to wonder if these people knew where safety was or if they were simply heading anywhere they could in attempts of a hope for safety from those that were attacking. It honestly made her wonder if a safe place existed at the moment, the guards must be in a panicked state, even the army must be confused and caught unaware of this turn of events.
Being led into an alley which had an odor that was certainly foul, but it wasn't the first time she was near trash before. As Etsu stopped and crouched, removing a cover over the sewers. The smell from below came up and made her nose hate her for breathing in the foul air. Yet they needed to get somewhere safe and for now this might be the safest place.

Dropping in doing her best to not show disgust as her feet were submerged in the water, the bath she would be taking once this was over was the only happy place she had on her mind right now. The dim light that Rini's chakra ball was producing was much welcome but now what they did she had no clue.


"We won't leave the city." Etsu replied back to Megumi. "The moment that they are going to do a headcount afterwards and we are missing, than you can bet that you won't like what follows."

Gesturing that they had to move forwards, Etsu didn't reply on if they could be attacked in the sewer. The possibility was there but unlike the genin, Etsu wasn't going to fret about everything. If she was going to overthink on any possibility, then they were wasting time. And right now, it didn't matter much where they would go for Amegakure wasn't really safe.
The group would venture through the sewers for a good bit, the stench being their only companion. Now and then they would hear faint sounds of chaos, violence and more. Usually when they passed underneath a manhole.

"We are close." Etsu said as she would take the front position of the group. After a few more minutes of trekking through the sewers, Etsu gestured to the group to halt. A manhole was close by and it was evident that the jounin attempted to listen if there was any trouble nearby.
"Time to go up."

Using the small ladder, Etsu would climb and open their way out of the sewers. Glancing around, she noticed that they were in another alley but nobody was around. In the distant, she could hear some shouting and chaotic sounds. Climbing out of the sewers, Etsu waited for the girls to follow her. Because of the alley, it was hard to distinguish that they were in the northern part of the city but the markings that she had been looking for in the sewers had pointed them in the right direction.

The trip through the sewers was anything but pleasant. The only benefit was that they hadn't to deal with a panicked crowd, that could overwhelm them. And neither had they encountered any hostile. When Etsu declared that they would go up, Rini would release a soft sigh. The prospect of fresher air was certainly tempting enough to make her rush out first.

Waiting for Etsu to go first, Rini would follow in as second. Once outside, Rini would take up a position to overlook and guard the other side. Licking her lips, the genin didn't dare hope that they would be able to solve the situation within a day.

Following behind Rini and Etsu she kept her eyes on the orb. The dim light making the sewers traversable. Eventually her mind just ignored the smell and when the jounin spoke about them being close Megumi smiled. Once the destination was in front of them, Etsu was up and out. After Rini made her way into the alley, Megumi followed. Whatever was going on still was still extremely active by the sounds she still heard. Standing with the small group she glanced down to both ends of the alley.

While she could only imagine what was happening in the city, she also thought about her family and their clan grounds. Unlike the first revolt, this was a way more serious one. Her clan grounds couldn't be used as safe grounds cause they were probably overrun as well. She didn't fear for her brother Mitsunari's safety but more so feared for the rest of her family. Her mom was still pretty solitude after her father's death, and Sintra wasn't the most brave. Yet at the moment she couldn't worry about that. They first had to get to safety first before she could worry about them.

With them finding a worthy exit point she would be the last one to leave the sewers and honestly it smelled better down there. Among all the shit, and the city burning the smell of smoke in the air wasn't a pleasant smell. So far though it looked like the section they were in was safe.

Once the team had moved out of the manhole, Etsu would continue to lead them. The ambience of the chaos, violence and panic were still far from faint. But they were soon greeted with the sight of local and Imperial forces up ahead. Refugees from the chaos and bloodshed were streaming towards the soldiers and shinobi up ahead. But the smaller stream of people made it clear that many were either trapped within the violence that suddenly had sprouted from within the city. Upon arriving behind safe lines, Etsu recognised the Imperial barracks. Indicating that they were in the northern districts of the city.

First seeing to it that her team was safe, Etsu would allow them to catch their breath - though ordering them firmly that they weren't allowed to move from their location. Etsu would venture to seek out who had managed to rally so many people and create a safe zone. Managing to find Mitsunari Roijn, she would start to see what he knew. And how they could end this chaotic mess together with what forces they had.
 
Into the unknown
Yiko Uchiha | Konohagakure | Team 9

Hiron's words were quick and harsh as usual, they quickly got into formation and then were off. The genin were in the middle, along with their newest genin Tomiko, it was weird seeing how quickly their team changed from when he had just met them. It went to show how quickly things can change, as well as not to get too attached to anyone who joined their ranks. It was a harsh thing to think about, was making friends or acquaintances even a possibility in the shinobi lifestyle? Had to be, at least yiko thought that way, it be the only way to stay sane.

The two new chuunins were in the back while hiron lead in the front, they started off going north, at least from what the Uchiha could gather, just as they were leaving the safety of civilization, he started to question if he is fully prepared for the trip, both mentally and physically, he wasn't sure, but at least it would be a test and a way to prove himself. And to show to Hiron that he was a viable team member, and not some cannon fodder. That's when he suddenly got a boost of motivation, time to truly test himself out here. I'm not gonna be some lacky this time. Yiko smirked just a little bit at the thought.

Suddenly Hiron moved out into a ditch, and then his confidence slowly dissipated. Oh boy

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It was getting dark, and the cold was getting colder. The group was now getting ready for rest, and everyone was breaking out their rations, and Yiko did the same. Pulling out bread with dried vegatables, he tried to savor the taste of what he had. It was gonna be a long night, especially since they weren't allowed to use techniques to make a fire, or even to keep warm. He sighed quietly to himself, glancing around at all his teammates, looking over at Hiron. He seemed to be very comfortable given the certain situation, almost like his posture hadn't changed since the start of the journey. Yiko on the other hand was a tad bit tired, and his eyes felt heavy, but the thought of proving himself once again came up. Maybe he could take the initiative, and do first watch? Hiron would probably like that

Swallowing down what he just was chewing, he spoke up looking over at Hiron "I can take first watch if you want..." He spoke softly.

@Gerontis
 
Trouble In Amegakure Part 1
Team 19 of Amegakure
A collab by Oetje, Talent, Jason, and Oblivion

Summary: As the chaos takes hold of Amegakure on a much larger scale than the previous attempts. Mitsunari who had been waiting too see if their Amekage would arrive, decides to take back the city with Etsu Yabut. Both lead a section of the army and head out into the chaotic city to try and save it.

Looking at the smoke pillaring in the distance as screams and sounds of conflict filled the air. They had done their best to make a simple holding position in the north of the city, yet that didn't stop the occasional wave of men throwing projectiles at their holding ground. Yet despite these harassing attempts, this was still the safest part of the city. Citizens had flooded in, yet a new problem awaited them in the fact they almost had no space left to hold any citizen. They needed to expand their area, but this was an organized attack for sure. This was more than just a rebellion, this had so much more to it. Some of the men were even better armed than most he's seen.

So far the only one to assemble on his team was Ryu, it made him worry about the other members. They all weren't combat efficient quite yet, Kali probably was but still even this could overwhelm someone if caught off guard. This was a learning experience for sure, he just hoped they could make it here in time. Yet worse part was last his reports told him, The Amekage was still in their office which was now under attack, and that was the last he heard. He was geared up and the army was doing their best to keep the calm of the city. He had to do something and soon.

Looking at Ryu he gave a small smile as he looked around hoping that the other two might show up soon. "Okay go ahead and give that report of the hospital. Might give me something to go off of."

The girl nodded for a moment as Mitsunari addressed her, taking a moment to try to clear her throat while she kept that ball of healing chakra still pressed to her side. Before speaking, the genin pointed towards a rather sizable plume of dark smoke rising over the city. "They set it on fire." She said in a hoarse voice, coughing a couple of times before continuing. "I helped Doctor Tsubaki and some of the nurses get those who could move out of the hospital, we left the ones who couldn't. There wasn't much we could do for them." She said, stopping to cough again and trying to hide the tear she wiped away. "I… ran from the group escorting out the wounded. I went back to see if we missed somebody. By then the men were all over. They didn't seem well armed, mostly swords, axes, clubs and the like. They didn't have much by way of armor, I saw some with basic leather armor and some without any. But they are strong and can fight at least around my skill level. I… attacked one after I saw him killing a patient. He nearly won." she muttered as she pointed towards her throat absentmindedly, where the bruises had really developed from earlier.

"After that I found a little girl hiding, Ai. I got her out right as they set it all on fire. We escaped and I left her at the nurses before letting them heal the worst of my injuries and now I'm here. I couldn't get any reason why they did what they did. They were killing people who couldn't defend themselves and burned the hospital down. The fucking cowards!" She said, emotion creeping into her voice at the end as she wiped away another tear. "Sorry. I didn't really find out what they were trying to accomplish." She added after calming herself a bit, wondering if what she reported gave Mitsunari any help.

"Hey whoa are you okay?" shouted a man from within the crowd watching a woman walk by him clothing was stained a deep red, and her left cheek suffered a bruising. " Never better... " Kali murmured, Her eyes fixated on what was ahead. She got word of Mitsunari was in what was now the safest point in the city, she had decided it be the best course of action to group up and figure out what their next step would be in keeping things under control. One this is for sure, this attack was planned and heavily thought out. For Kali, she felt that this was a long time coming, Soru insurgents and zealots had been working together for quite some time, this was some information she had gathered from working within the ANBU, with the level of organization that this attack had, she had no doubt that they were the culprit.

" Mitsunari... Sir! " Kali called out, pushing her way out of the crowd and out into the opening. She made her way over " I would've been here sooner but… I was getting food when they attacked, got me by surprise...They're not taking any prisoners…" She explained clearly she out of breath, she noticed Ryu was standing next to her, and took note of all her wounds, her neck was all bruised as if she choked, not to mention on her face and arms, it was clear that she had to defend herself before coming here. Kali was worried for the girl, but chose not to express it.

Heading to where she had heard that Mitsunari had been seen last, Yone still felt the pulsing pain moving through her skull. Now that she was certain that Nomura was safe, she was more than eager to get herself into the fray.
Spotting Mitsunari up ahead, Yone would approach the Lord Commander. Seeing that people were already talking to the man, Yone wouldn't stress the man further out by telling what she had gone through. The dirty clothes, specks of blood and ash would likely say enough. And even then, this wasn't going to be a time where she likely could be pampered.

All that she offered as greeting was a firm salute and a nod. Throwing a look at where Mitsunari's men were holding their ground, Yone wanted to already head into the direction.

Listening to the report of Ryu he sadly figured they wouldn't leave the hospitals alone due to them being filled with injured. No that made them easier targets if anything, this wasn't just a normal riot this was something more and their Amekage was trapped among the chaos. Kali would join and give her info on what happened, while when Yone joined she remained quiet but it was clear that she went through roughly the same as the rest that made it to the safety zone. His team had gathered and little by little less people were arriving to safety, he had to act now or else this might not be a safety zone soon.

Just as he was about to say something to the three a messenger ran up to him informing him of Etsu's arrival. A sigh of relief came over him, as she was just as if not more of a capable leader than him. Telling him to inform her to get ready to take Amegakure back, he would look at the three members of his team before him. "Well this is no riot ladies, this is much bigger than that. The enemy got in and they plan on doing more than just burning some buildings. I need you all to get geared up. Get your wounds bandaged, and prepare yourselves mentally. We can't run from this, we can only tackle it head on. They are aiming to kill and so must you three. This is our city, now go get yourselves taken care of and geared up and meet back here in twenty minutes." Mitsunari would give them the order as he went to go devise the plan of action with Etsu.
-----
The sound of marching boots and metal clinging together resonated through the streets as the army that was holding back any possible attacks was finally pushing back. One side under the leadership of Mitsunari and the other side following Etsu's command. It didn't take long before the side under Mitsunari's command had come into contact with a large group of men armed with bladed weapon and simple armour. The group wasted no time in charging the army which meet them head on. The streets weren't large enough for a full army or even half to really march through without getting jammed, as the two sides were still clashing with each other. Sounds started to become louder from the invading parties side, which out from an alley came more of the army that flanked the enemy from behind.

The invaders behind sandwiched in between the two forces and were soon brought down. Yet not slowing down the one army went back through the alley, this was the plan. Lure chunks in at a time allowing the army that's not engaged to come in from behind and take them out more effectively. Any injured were moved to the back so the healers could do their best patching them while on the move, while they would rinse and repeat their battle plan. Bit by bit their area of control gradually grew, yet so did the battles as soon they became larger groups with leaders of their own. Keeping an eye the best he could on his team, last he saw they were doing good. He was a tad more worried about Yone but this event seemed to harden her resolve to no longer run.

Nearing the headquarters of the Amekage, he could hear sounds of conflict getting louder everywhere. Almost like the invaders were taking each other out, Etsu's plan to take out some of the leaders must have worked. They were now thinking they killed their own men and chaos was breaking in their own rank. This made wiping out ranks all the much easier, allowing him to spread ranks better to take the city back faster. He had gone past his clan's grounds but he didn't spend too much time looking at it, the damage done to it said enough.

Arriving outside the building where the Amekage last was, he looked at the men and women with him and looked at his team and gave them a nod. "Stick in small groups, were clearing out this building and finding if our leader is still able to lead."

The fight through the streets had taken a bit of a toll on the Uchiha, who hadn't fully healed from her injuries due to the fight in the hospital. Now sporting a few bleeding cuts, bruises from hits, and a roaring pain in her side once more Ryu forced herself to continue with the mission. Making her way into the headquarters of the Amekage, Ryu looked at the two soldiers who had opted to come with her. Men she had been fighting alongside on the way here, and she was certain would help her save the Amekage.
However the number of dead amekage guards and ANBU littering the halls did not sit well with Ryu. Looking between her two allies, they seemed to share the same worries that she did. Without a word their pace increased through the halls of the building as they rushed towards the Amekage's office. The trio burst through a door into the stairwell as the bodies only seemed to be amassing even more and the feeling of fear only grew. They needed to reach the Amekage quicker, even if only to confirm the fears that were growing within their stomachs of her fate.

Suddenly the man following behind Ryu screamed out in pain before the whizz of a second projectile tore through the air and he fell backwards on the stairwell. Ryu looked up in shock as she saw two opponents that had thrown hatchets at their group looking down on them. The man in front of Ryu started to charge at the two, drawing their attention for a second. Instead of heading in after the man immediately, Ryu threw two kunai towards the opponent's landings. Both kunai did not find their intended target, but still stalled the man from heading down after his ally for a moment. Moving up behind her ally as he pushed their opponent back up the stairs, they eventually made it up to the landing. Ryu immediately surged to the right to face the one from earlier who she had thrown the kunai towards. Grabbing her last kunai from her pouch, the uchiha dove into combat. Ducking past swings of the hatchet, the man seemingly moving slowly due to her sharingan, Ryu tried to find an opening to strike. As his hatchet came down, she brought her kunai up under the blade to catch the weapon before it hit her. In that brief moment locking eyes with her opponent, she saw nothing but pure bloodlust in his eyes.

Breaking away from their lock, Ryu delivered a swift knee to his leg and followed it up with an attempted stab towards his gut. However, the man swung at her causing Ryu to attempt to block once more. Their exchange continued like this until the two locked their weapons just right and they both clattered to the ground as they were torn from their respective grips. Ryu immediately surged into action by delivering a blow to his stomach. Determined to keep on the offensive, Ryu kept striking at her opponent and taking the hits he was dealing to her. Ryu saw an opening after a particularly rough hit across her face, the girl delivered a kick to his side and followed up by spinning and delivering a back kick to his stomach that pushed him into the wall and knocked the wind from her enemy. The girl moved in like a predator for the kill, delivering fierce blows to slam his head back against the wall. As the man was stunned from the repeated hits, Ryu took a moment to step back and grab her kunai. In the next moment she drove the weapon home into the man's neck, finishing him off then turned away towards the other two fighting.

As she did, Ryu watched her ally collapse from a blow of the heavily injured opponent. Without any hesitation, Ryu threw her kunai into the man's throat. Turning wordlessly and making her way out of the stairwell towards the Amekage's office. Holding her side and feeling the wounds all over her body throbbing in pain the girl continued towards the office. Seeing the door up ahead and the dead bodies around it, the girl moved as quick as she could and opened the door quickly. "Lady Ameka-" The girl said before her words were cut off as she took in the sight before her.

A high pitched scream left her lips and echoed throughout the building as Ryu stared in horror at the note and headless body of the amekage. The genin turned to look down the hall to see if any others were coming, trying to figure out what she could do as the girl mentally cursed herself for somehow not being her sooner.

Chaos filled the streets and alleyways, everything was reminiscent of the shoji occupation, and the thought brought emotions to the surface that she thought she had buried deep long long ago. The men and women under mitsunari command poured down the streets, pushing pack the enemy forces as they made their way to the Amekage's building. The closer they got the louder things became, it was very apparent that the forces they were fighting began to fight amongst themselves, which would make things easier for them, and especially her.

Tightening her headband to her head, Kali followed close by, and aided the forces in the shadows, keeping to alleyways. She noted that there was a few groups that kept to the dark waiting to ambush the oncoming forces, she saw this a few times as they made their way through the streets. They weren't anything crazy though, just a few stragglers waiting to jump vulnerable folks and soldiers, so she decided to be the security that would keep this from happening.

She took on a group that was waiting in the alleyway, and it was an was an easy feat, three men. She took two of them out by dropping on top of them, driving a kunai into the back of each of their necks. The last guy didn't have enough time to turn around and react, before getting a swift kick to the face, and then also took a kunai to the throat. Kali gathered her kunai up from the bodies and wiped them of their blood and moved on. She moved quickly, and eventually made it to the rooftops. Jumping from roof to roof, she kept watching the people below.
Suddenly as she was in mid-air about to land on a roof, an arrow hit her in the left shoulder, causing her to be short in her jump to the other building, and almost missed. She reacted quickly and grabbed onto the edge of the roof with her right arm, she looked down at the ground below, she was a couple stories up. Cursing silently to herself, she moved her left arm around and felt a sharp pain, blood trickled down her arm. Looking to the newly embedded projectile in her should, and used her left hand to break the shaft of the arrow and dropped it to the ground way below. She grunted, before reaching into her vest and pulled out a pocket mirror and angled it so she could see over the edge of the roof. She spotted two archers who were facing away from her, she must've overlooked them when keeping an eye on the ground below, she was lucky to be alive. The two men must've thought she had fallen down, and returned to firing back at the forces below.

Putting the mirror away, she pulled out a kunai and placed it between her teeth and grabbed the ledge with both hands and pulled herself onto the roof. They still weren't looking in her direction, so she took the opportunity to surprise these guys. There was one on the right, and one on the left both really close to the edge of the building looking down on ally forces. She pulled the kunai out of her mouth and threw it at the man on the left, lodging itself into his throat, a gurgle came out before he fell over the edge and landed on the ground three stories down. The man on the right turned around to see kali charging him, he tried to swing at her with the bow, but she was quick enough to move out of the way, ducking under the attack and shoving the man off the edge, where the ground quickly came to kiss the man on the forehead. With loud crack of the body hitting the ground, Kali felt satisfied. " Aim for the head next time " she spoke to herself.

The young adult, looked down below to see that their forces had gotten to the Amekage's building, She watched as Ryu made her way in along side a few others. Kali kneeled down and performed three hand signs quickly, taking the opportunity with the fresh wound. Ram, dog, hare . And suddenly the blood from her wound traveled down to the tips of her fingers, and started to form sharp pointed claws, no longer than an inch on each finger, and they hardened. She then pulled out a bandage and wrapped up her shoulder quickly, and traveled down the building, using her new claws to grip onto the building, scraping up the wood as she went down. Once on the ground she moved for the building.

Once inside the building she heard a loud scream from the floor above, stress levels began to rise inside Kali, almost causing her to feel sick to her stomach. There was two men fighting at the top of the stairs she was running up to, and by the time she got up to the top the zealot used a staff and threw the man down. And turned his attention to kali, as she was running up to him, he took a cheap shot and used the length of the staff to land a blow to her cheek. The force of the wooden weapon hitting the side of her face caused her to stumbled a bit, she gripped the railing as she tried to refocus herself, everything was blurry. She took another blow to her chest causing her to fall backwards to the landing below.
The landing knocked the wind out of her, and once she regained her sight, she saw her opponent mid-air about to slam the staff on her head. Quickly, she rolled to the right, and did a sweeping kick to knock over the man, causing the staff to roll further down the first flight of stairs. Trying to regain some air, she stumbled around standing up holding her chest, she watched as the man scrambled to get up, and threw a fist in her direction. She moved slightly to the left and wrapped her left arm around the man's arm, and gripped his should. Digging her claws into him, he screamed, in to which she silenced him with a quick headbutt, and with the hardened headband, the man's eyes rolled back and fell to the ground unconscious. From under her headband blood dripped down onto the bridge of her nose, into her eye socket and down her cheek, causing her left eye to close slightly.

Regaining herself she moved up the stairs once more towards the sound of screaming before. Making her way down the hallway, she spotted Ryu, looking absolutely frantic, only making Kali even more worried of the Kage's fate. " Is everything okay?! Is the Kage safe? " She rushed passed to see the lady completely headless. And she became more pale than she already was. Her worst fears came to life, they weren't fast enough.

She turned around toward Ryu, she tried to keep herself leveled, but it was hard to hide the fact that she was worried. " We need to completely secure the building, have you seen yone? she asked not even bothering to speak of what was behind them.
 
A shitty place?
Team (Amegakure ) 19 | Yone Tsuji | Amegakure, the provincial capital of the Rain province | Aiding Lord Roijn's forces.


She wasn't okay. Far from it. The sounds of people screaming; in agony, anger or fear were intimidating. But the sensation of fear was numbed by her desire for revenge and her own anger. Though she was far from capable as fighting on the front like those forces with their shields and weapons, Yone wouldn't cower behind their backs and just seek cover.

Grunting, the teen was using all her strength to pull back a wounded man. He had been stabbed in the neck, where it wasn't protected by hardened leather or chainmail. Blood was seeping out of the wound and the soldier was panting, his right hand pressed against his wound.
Managing to drag the wounded man to the healers, Yone tried to catch her breath. Judging by the sounds, the fight was far from over. With how many were those rioters? It filled Yone with more disgust and anger as she wished that she could just lay waste to them all.

Once more, however, her body would move - as if it had decided on its own that she wasn't done yet. Moving to the back rows of the formation that Mitsunari led, Yone looked for any wounded that she could drag back. However, a sharp pain moved through the girl's head and followed a course through her body.
Hissing, Yone's hands moved to her head as she tried to make herself smaller. Pulling her hands back, her vision blurred for a moment. Blinking, she saw blood on her hands. Was that her own blood?
Lowering her hands, she saw the projectile that had hit her temple. A rock?
Once more, anger flared up within the genin.

Rising up, Yone decided something on her own. She hadn't used any of her chakra reserves, so she felt confident that she could perhaps aid Mitsunari and his forces in her own way. Looking at the tall buildings that surrounded them, Yone gained an idea.


Scaling the building had been easy enough for her. But as she had reached the rooftop of the building, the genin tried to keep herself low. It was uncertain if the rioteers had anybody that had the capability to use ninjutsu. Then again, if that had been the case, why hadn't they scaled the building and encircled the formations of soldiers? Deciding to focus on her own plan, Yone crept closer to the edge.
Peeking over it, she could see groups of rioters and enemies massing towards the formations of soldiers and shinobi that were underneath Mitsunari's command. From her spot, Yone could also see the other formation that was underneath the command of that jounin that had spoken with Mitsunari.

Turning her attention back to what seemed to be an endless mass of enemies, Yone would briefly move away from the edge.
Picking out the materials from her pouches, Yone laid them out in front of her. She had around three kunai, seven shuriken and five rocks. But she had around a dozen of explosive tags with her.
Pondering on her plan, the teen would wrap an explosive tag around each rock. Though she was aware that an explosive tag wouldn't be able to deter or kill a large group of armed people, it should have enough strength to crush and send sharp pieces of rocks all around it. Placing a tag on two kunai - as she wanted to preserve a kunai in case she would need it, Yone applied the remaining tags on the shuriken.

Sending a quick prayer to God, Yone inhaled deeply. Moving to the edge, she thought of mister Nomura. He should be safe but what had happened couldn't be forgiven. The old man hadn't done anything wrong to deserve such an ill-fate these last months, to be constantly plagued by the troubles of those who sought to disturbed order in Amegakure.

"Eat crap!" Yone yelled from the top of her lungs as she threw a rock towards a group of enemies below her. The group was about to charge into the lines of Mitsunari.
Throwing the rock towards the middle of the enemy group, Yone knew that timing was important. Keeping her gaze locked on the rock, she waited till the objects was on the right height. Then she formed the Seal of Confrontation, allowing the tag to explode and crushing the rock.
Sharp pieces of rock would be sent flying at high speed and the result was sickening. From her spot, Yone could see how two men would slow down and fall flat on the ground. It was nearly impossible to see their wounds but she wagered that the stone, sharp schrnapel had pierced enough to make a deadly blow.

"This city is ours!" Yone yelled, aiming her next throw. It was now impossible to target the previous group as she didn't want to see her plan hurting her allies. Spotting another group, the genin threw the second rock. Once more, she waited for the right moment to unleash the deadly effect of the projectile. Much like before, the result would be the same.
Though aware that she was bringing possible lethal damage to other people, Yone felt growing confidence. She wasn't on the front lines but she would aid to take back the city.
Yone would continue to throw a few more until she was out of rocks. Attempting to throw a shuriken, the genin spotted a small group of rioters. They weren't charging into the formation of Mitsunari or the other formation. Slightly confused, Yone tried to see what they were attempting.
Only to see a small group of arrows being shot towards Mitsunari's group.
Turning to see the aftermath of the volley, Yone felt her confidence decline. These skirmishers would continue to stay out of the baiting trap that the Imperial and local forces posed.

Inhaling deeply, Yone tried to calculate the distance. She wasn't so sure if she could hit a target this far away with a shuriken. But getting closer to the group of archers wasn't something she was fond of either.
Seeing the small group unleashing another volley of arrows, Yone narrowed her eyes. Then she sprinted forwards.
Jumping from one rooftop to another, Yone sprinted as fast as she could to get to another position. Keeping herself low, she couldn't' detect the shouting of officers or even the faintly shouts of Mitsunari piercing through the ambience of the fighting.
Moving to the edge of the rooftop, she could see the small group of archers. They were being led by a man that had no bow but was clearly giving the orders. Perhaps...

Briefly, Yone lowered herself. Her heart was beating hard in her chest and she considered to make a run for it. What if she would miss? Who would come to help her if she would get spotted or being assaulted? Was somebody already looking for her?
Cringing, Yone gripped the shuriken in her right hand tightly. The sharp steel bite into the skin of the genin. Almost as if the weapon wanted to remind her that if she would be spotted that she wouldn't go painless.
Peeking once more over the edge of the rooftop, she could witness the group unleashing another volley of arrows.

Getting up, Yone wasn't sure if it was sweat or tears that moved over her cheeks.
"For mister Nomaru!" Yone yelled as she would threw the shuriken. The weapon would soar through the air, in an arc to the right down towards the small group. Watching the weapon move through the air, Yone's face paled further. Already having the Seal of Confrontation, she hesitated.
It would miss her actual target!

Yet, the genin unleashed the destructive power sealed within the explosive tag. The following explosion certainly surprised the small group of archers as sharp pieces of steel were sent flying. Only one man would crumble to the ground, clearly in a lot of pain. But it wasn't their leader!
The group instantly looked up to the rooftops and one pointed at Yone.
Frozen in fear, Yone's eyes widened as she could spot how the men quickly notched an arrow at their bowstrings. Managing to dodge the few arrows by lowering herself, her hands trembled.
Releasing, however, that it was nearly futile to be scarred, Yone started to laugh - one laced with nerves, fear and lacking any joy.
Rising up, she would once more aim at the group. The sound of something moving past her with high speed briefly did distract her but Yone was now determined. Besides, what was the worst that those thugs could do? Death? She was sure that if she would run away that she would only live for a short moment. Hopefully, mister Nomaru could forgive her.

Throwing the shuriken, Yone gasped for air a second later. Stumbling backwards, Yone kept her attention at her shuriken. Focusing on that alone, she would let the tag explode as the shuriken approached her target. Letting another explosion ripple through the ambience, Yone would let a smile briefly as faintly cross her features. Spotting how her target would crumble down to the ground, another sharp pain struck her.

Panting heavily, she glanced at what had struck her. An arrow had pierced through her raincoat and clothing, plunging itself into her right shoulder. Another had struck her at her stomach. The pain easily overruled her previous confidence and dismay of being terrified. Moving away from the edge, Yone grasped the arrow at her stomach with both her hands. The pain made it difficult to focus but she realised that she didn't want to die. Not in Amegakure.
Finding a door, she would open it and struggle to move down the staircase. Her breathing would become more irregular as she started to approach the door.
Yeah
Leaning against a nearby wall, Yone would use both her hands to break the shafts of the arrows. Shivering, she would grasp her remaining kunai before heading outside.
As she did so, the formation of Mitsunari's troops would have already marched by. Leaving a trail of dead behind them, those who had attempted to burn Amegakure.
Satisfied with her achievements, Yone would move against the doorpost. Leaning against the post, the genin would slide down to the ground.
"Yeah, this is a shit place to die."
 
Wolf Bird Part Two
Chuunin of Team 8- Ardara
========
A bit into the night after Kazumo had originally gotten to the tavern/inn, the hird of Bjarte and himself were still playing cards joking all around and even telling each other stories. None of which seemed to be the only noise in the tavern as more people came in the later it got. Of course though the longer he pushed it off the longer he risked them heading back or being too drunk to give him anything to even go off of. So far these guys seemed like respectable men to a respectable Thegn though. He honestly started wondering if these were just baseless rumors, yet he was given this for a reason so he had to see it through.

That was when however an opportunity presented itself to him. As Kazumo would fold on his current hand, Bjorn would pound his fist on the table. "So ya got that whole vibe of a fighter there…. Oh we actually never asked your name friend. My apologies for the lack of manners." Bjorn said looking a bit apologetic even if it was mixed with a somewhat intoxicated face.
Chuckling Kazumo would wave it off "It's quite fine, we were having fun so no worries. Yet I'm called Ivar Sarutobi." Kazumo lied, couldn't give his real name as that might in itself be suspicious.

Bjorn nodded and raised his glass. "Well to new friends then! Drink!" Bjorn chanted as the other men including himself raised their glass and gave their beverage a long sip. After the small toast another man a more grizzled guy, tall, burly, some scars covering his face. "Well men have I ever told you about the time I acquired the scar running down my cheek?" The man that had before introduced himself as Rolof, yet to answer his question the men just shook his head or made a joke about him being a shit cook.
"So one day when I was patrolling the streets, there was this man who was causing a ruckus. Turns out he was a notorious bandit who came and stole but was getting some hassle this time around. I intervened and grabbed the man by the shoulder to whisk him away, yet the little sneak had a hidden knife. As I pulled back he lifted that knife out of his sleeve and swung. He missed my jugular but managed to slice it off my face. So I strengthened my grip and yanked him down and bashed my knee off his face before tossing him to the ground and subduing him for arrest."

"Ynnir the wily?" Bjorn asked to which Rolof nodded to. Bjorn let out a whistle "That must of been a pretty few suns for his bounty. Only major scars I have are from my more…. Undisciplined youth when I got into fights with some people. Oh actually. There was that one time which still hangs over me as a failure. Those yearly tournaments that the Tokugawa hold. One year I decided to participate, getting a fair bit into the bracket. Some that join that tournament do it cause their friends dared them, it's like a running joke there to see which of them get paired up against Makoto Hon Agnarr." Bjorn said with a chuckle as he shook his head.
"So you lost to her then? Not really a failure. I don't think many beat her." Haraldr the more youthful of the group said. He didn't really look like he would fit in with this group but sure enough he was apparently a very capable man. Yet Bjorn shook his head. "No, this was the one tournament that the one Taika fuck almost won, when he came close to beating Makoto. That was who beat me, they give practice weapons so you can't accidentally kill. Going until one submits or is proven outclassed. Yet I never seen a man able to swing a wooden sword before so hard and fast to cut through skin. I parried one shot yet the next one was like lighting and next thing I knew the match was being called as the scar that runs from my left ear to my nose came to be." Bjorn said to which the group got a bit silent at the mention of a Taika.

They then looked at Kazumo and pointed at his left arm, with the one speaking up being Haraldr "What about you Ivar? Who gave you that one scar?" a simple question, and one which caused Kazumo to frown slightly mostly from actually being angry about even having it. Then it dawned on him that this could work to his advantage.
"It… It was given to me by an Uchiha. That's all I'd like to say. Not my proudest reminder." Kazumo said to which after having said that, the group all turned to look at him then each other before muttering various curses.
"Those fucking red eye shits. They just seem to be screwing everything up these days." Bjorn said with a grumble as he more so now drank his booze with a tint of anger in his mannerisms

Rolof patted him on the shoulder and gave an apologetic look "I'm sorry boy, I can understand that hated look. It's one we all have seen well in Thegn Bjarte. Mostly when it comes to Uchiha." Rolof said to which Kazumo looked at him a bit confused.
"Mostly to Uchiha?" Kazumo asked to which Bjorn spoke up
"Aye. I've seen it a fair share, he is a bright man always had his suspicions about them in the past as well. It even broke apart his bond with Sahoru Hon, Bjarte always tried tried to warn him about being too curious about the Taika, mostly that Uchiha he was getting close with. Yet he never listened, and here we are and sure enough it seems like our Thegn was right all along."

"If only he could have gotten through to Sahoru. It must have pained him to lose his friend due to his curiosity." Kazumo said still a bit angry in his look, to which the hird all nodded too
"It truly did pain him, it was like backstabbing him. His closest friend would turn his advice away for a mere curiosity. Bjarte was pained by this, lamenting anytime Taika are brought up. Mostly as of late with the Uchiha business sometimes I hear him calling his old friend a fool." Rolof said as he looked outside to the dark streets dimly light with the little light provided. Ha clapped Kazumo on the shoulder and grabbed him by the wrist. "It was good speaking with you Ivar. Yet we should be going. I hope to speak to you again one day." Rolof said and to which the other men also said their goodbyes.
"Same to you all." Kauzmo would shake each of their hands as he stayed seated and finished off the rest of his drink.
"Well who knew Neji would come in handy one day" Kazumo thought to himself as he would stand up and would remember the room in which Frea was as she was still on his talk list. Yet that would be for another day. For now he would head back and acquire more information tomorrow.
 
The Allthing - Part 1
Empire of Akino | Sarutobi Heartlands, the city of Ardara - the city's fortress | The Allthing, an assembly that is being held by the Imperial Chonobi clans and factions | A collab between @ChromeHound , @Aliceee , @Gerontis and @Lesli |

| Summary :
The Thing is an assembly that is being used by the Chonobi people. Its main purpose is to solve disputes, make and proclaim political decisions. Many Thing sites are also often the place for public religious rites but that tends to vary with each Chonobi clan. The size of a Thing depends on the region and usage. A small village can have its own Thing. But at the same time, that same small village might be part of a region held by one leader. This leader can hold a Greater Thing, to which all prominent members of his region are invited to attend to this Greater Thing. There is also an 'Allthing'. As one can expect, this is the largest version of a Thing.

Currently, the Chonobi clans of Akino gather together in Akino to discuss some matters. The collab provides an insight on some of these discussed matters. |

This first part serves, primarily, as an introduction to the various prominent figures that appear in this assembly.​


The great hall was prepared. Much like the rest of the large city that was found in the centre of the Sarutobi clans. The council that led and had taken the responsibility to form neutral ground for the other Sarutobi clans was appointed to organise the location for the All-Thing with the other clans. For the preparation, the guards were on high alert. Not because anybody was concerned that the Taika would send anybody to spy on them. But no risks were taken, seeing the last turmoil that had occured with the supposingly Uchiha force that had threatened the safety of the region of Pinedale.
The guards were further supplemented by a large number of the Woodland Ravens. The skilled warriors and operatives from this prestigious faction weren't there to just safeguard the peace but also to deter any possibility of conflict arising between the various participants that would arrive within the large city. For while cohesion existed between the Chonobi clans, that didn't mean that feuds from the past were just forgotten. Even with some settled, rivalry and envy did exist among the jarls and thegns from various lineages and houses.

The All-Thing itself would take place within a spacious hall. Providing enough room for a large number of people, an army according to some people that helped organise the food as decorations. Banners and painted shields, in the colours of their respective houses, were in place together with other decorations. Various fires were lit to provide warmth and light as the sky started to darken. For many of the participants of the event would first be allowed to rest from their journey to Ardara, allowing themselves to prepare and dress properly for the event.

Unlike other meetings that have been held, there would be no table or tightly organised manner on where everybody could take place. There were some decorated chairs for the most prominent, the clan leaders as jarls, in a circular formation. These chairs were on small platforms that would provide everybody sight on the jarl or clan leader. As well providing the respective occupant of the chair to have a good sight what happened in the hall. But the thegns and retainers of the prominent participants would have to stand. Servants would try to come to the needs of their prestigious guests, serving cold drinks and warm delights to make certain to keep the mood pleasant.

The double doors, that provided the main entrance to the great hall would be opened. The first to enter was Aiko with Zakito. The woman would head to the chair that was designated to be hers. The banner of the Cho clan was standing behind it, briefly reminding Aiko of something.
Taking her place, she would wait and watch as more people moved in. There were a few chairs next to the small platform, on which she occupied a chair.

The first of the Cho jarls to take a place was nobody else but the jarl of Aegir. A tall and broad man, whose beard was quite the eyecatcher. Not only because of the braided hair that rose from the beard but also because of the particular formation of beads in the braids. While he was at the age of slowly passing his prime, Runar of Aegir, was still a fierce leader. The reputation of him being a strong-willed leader wasn't a joke. The many scars that he had gained from battle adorned his arms, something that the large man seemed rather proud about as he wore no sleeves. Before taking his seat, Runar would stand still before the platform where Aiko sat. Making a slow bow with his head, the large man would then take his place on his designated seat.
The next that followed him was a much older man. Though once sporting chestnut brown hair, there was no visible trace of that jarl Gunne of Frode ever sported such a feature. The bald bearded leader strode forward, a certain pride and perhaps even arrogance visible as he did so. Despite being the oldest jarls of the Cho, he was certainly not the kindest or most timid amidst his peers. His feuding against the jarl of Dagny was well known. Much as his and that of his kin's disdain towards Taika. Rumours had it that Dan once had loved a warrior of Taika origin like a brother but had been betrayed, thus fueling Gunne's personal dislike towards the Taika.
Approaching the platform where Aiko sat, the old man made a slow bow with his head before he took his place.

Following Gunne was the jarl of Dagny. Unlike his peers and others present, Thorstein was garbed in what one could consider a mixture of both Taika and Chonobi influence. Even while in his prime, the jarl didn't have a beard. A soft smile touched his lips as he would approach the platform to offer his respect to Aiko. The robes that he wore almost gave him a more elegant look as he bowed his head in respect to his clan leader. Taking his place, the man would ignore the glare that Gunne gave him.

The next was Tórarinn, jarl of Birgir. Much like Thorstein, the man didn't sport a beard nor had any hair on his scalp. The elaborate tattoos that graced the man's scalp were, however, quite prominent. As one could expect from a friend and ally of Gunne, Tórarinn was well known for his distrust and dislike towards all Taika. There were some rumours that the two were collaborating a plan to dispose Thorstein and see to the rise of a new jarl in Dagny, to reduce the Asiske Cho's wealth and power in the region. Approaching the platform, Tórarinn slowly bowed his head before taking his seat, next to that of Gunne.

Zakito would enter the same time that Aiko walked into the large hall. The small cape that resided over his right shoulder proudly bore the signature of the House of Magnhild, a wolf's head that seemed to roar or snarl at the heavens.
Approaching his platform, the clan leader of the Hon would take his seat. The banner that represented his jarldom stationed behind him.

The first of the Hon jarls that would come to show his respect as taking his seat, would be Ihor of Ecla. The grey hair that resided over the man's head as chin, in the shape of a trimmed beard, betrayed the man's age. But there was a certain vibrant energy present in the old jarl's movement. Almost as if he was a young man again, eager to prove his worth to his peers and superiors. Making a small bow with his head, the jarl of Ecla would follow with taking his seat. A grin started to grow on his lips as he watched the following jarl striding forward.
Instead of a man, it was a woman who approached the platform on which Zakito's seat was located. Valdis, the jarlynja of Rawon. A leader that was most kind to her kin but ruthless and utterly apathic towards others. Certainly towards the rivals of House Rawon, those of House Daell. The woman wore an elegant dress, on which Zakito easily recognised the signature of Valdis house. The woman made the respectful bow with her head before she took place on her seat.

Following Valdis was one of the largest men in the room. Though his attire was made out of fine quality, he bore no sleeves. The many scars and tattoos seemed to almost intertwine, forming a pattern that almost even seemed alien to the style of the Chonobi culture.
The large jarl, going by the name Ulf, was the leader of the Dowhon. The wild brown hair as beard almost seemed like the manes of a savage animal, unkept and giving the large man a wild appearance. Slowly bowing his head, UIlf would continue to take his seat.

Then it was the jarl of Daell that approached Zakito's platform. The woman was about to pass her prime. However, the stern look as powerful stride did betray her defiance against her age. It almost seemed as if she was more than ready to head into battle. Which was only fitting to the meaning of her name, Hilde of House Daell. The woman made the respectful bow before taking her seat. As she strode towards her seat, the woman shot a glance at Valdis.

The last jarl of the Hon clan would also be the youngest. Jorun of House Rachon, a descendant of Hjalmar the Clever. Even in spite of his young age and the least experienced in governing, compared to his Hon peers, Jorun had proven his worth already. He was at the moment, one of the Hon jarls that lobbied the most towards demanding justice for the recent events that had befallen his holding and people. Making the respectful gesture, Jorun moved to his seat, sitting next to Hilde of Daell.

The Hyuzu retinue entered the large hall with Jora and Elena in the lead. Garbed in a more formal version of the Dragon Guard dress uniform with gold piping in place of the traditional white and the Hyuzu clan symbol emblazoned in a gunmetal gray colouring above his right breast pocket, Jora's eyes explored the room keenly. Elena, also dressed in formal attire, was just as interested in the great hall and the people inside but kept her expression neutral. The pair took their seat on the raised platform and glanced around the room, waiting for the others to join them.

It did not take long for the next to arrive. Mao Hyuzu, the head of the Smith's guild entered the hall, pausing for a moment to look around before making her way towards the raised seating beside Jora and Elena. Mao was an imposing figure, taller and sturdier than even many of the men in the room. She did not wear a kimono, but instead was dressed in a clean tunic with no sleeves, showcasing the scars and burns she'd received over the years while working as a smith. As she reached the platform where Jora and Elena sat, Mao bowed her head in a gesture of respect before taking her seat.

The next to join the group was Agun Hyuzu, the leader of the Dragon Guard. Dressed in the same uniform as Jora, Agun's bore simple white piping and held the Dragon Guard insignia over his right breast pocket as opposed to the Hyuzu clan symbol. His jet-black hair was pulled back into a tight bun and he sported a well-groomed beard that held a streak of silver in it. There was an old scar on the man's face that looked like three claw marks carrying from his right cheekbone down to his jawline below the beard. Though he was shorter than Mao, Agun still carried an impressive presence. Making his way towards his seat with purpose, Agun paused before Jora and Elena, lowering his head deeply in a formal bow before taking his seat.

The last Hyuzu to join was also the eldest, Colm Hyuzu. His hair was entirely white and his long beard was tied together in an impressive braid, decorated by several silver symbols, ending off in two points that were tipped with silver 'roaring' dragon heads. Dressed in a long black robe with gray and silver piping, Colm entered the room and moved towards his assigned seat. He walked with a slight limp but carried himself with a pride that only came from a life of experience. Stepping in front of Jora and Elena, Colm bent forward slowly in a respectful bow. Raising to his full height, he turned and took his own seat next to Agun.

The first of the Sarutobi leaders to stride into the hall was Osgar of Gwade. The lord of Gwade had a stern expression plastered on his face. The kind that would make many wonder if the man ever had let a smile move on his lips or unleash a hearty laugh. Then again, many who were aware of the strict lord also knew of how he had risen to power. He wasn't being seen as the Iron Lord without a good reason. For he had to gain the lordship of Gwade by defeating his siblings. The grey strands did betray that the Lord of Gwade had passed his pride, even as a certain pride was visible in his stride.
The man approached his seat and sat down without a word. His dark brown eyes took in the surrounding but he seemed to be more than content to wait out how the All-Thing would start.

The one that followed the Lord of Gwade was no lord himself. He was arguably the youngest of the prominent Sarutobi leaders or representatives. Yet, that didn't diminish the confidence that radiated from Hrani, the representative of Aldermarsh. Even as he was yet to reach the age of twenty-eight summers and couldn't compete in experience with many other leaders in the hall, that didn't seem to intimidate the young representative. He made a small and respectful nod towards the present clan leaders before taking his seat.

The third Sarutobi to make his appearance was Cyneweard of Edani. The representative of the Edani was already graced with some grey strands. But also scars across his arms, shown as his garb had no sleeves featured. Two diagonal slashes from his forehead traveled across to his chin, giving him a rough appearance. Much like Hrani of Aldermarsh, Cyneweard would offer a respectful nod towards the present leaders of the Hon, Cho and Hyzu clan. Taking a seat, the man crossed his arms while awaiting the start of the All-Thing.

Then it was Ragnhild of Pinedale, otherwise known as Lady Oakrath, that entered the hall. Garbed in a fine attire, she would walk to her seat. The woman did make a stop to briefly show respect towards the present clan leaders before taking her place as she would represent Pinedale.

The last but certainly not least would be the representative of the Sarutobi of Blackroot Vale. Their leader, the famed Knvell Blackroot the Old, didn't enter the hall though. It was instead a younger relative of Knvell. Entering the spacious hall with a clear confident stride, Authun Blackroot moved to the seat that was meant for his grandfather. Taking the seat, he shot a subtle glance to the Lord of Gwade, who didn't reveal his thoughts or emotions. It remained silent in the spacious hall for a moment. The entourage of the representatives and leaders would gather into the hall as well. Taking place behind or aside, if allowed, by their leaders. For each participating clan and house there was a thegn carrying a banner that showed the crest of the respective clan.

Candles as some torches were lit to radiate the hall and it created an interesting lighting as the few windows revealed that it was slowly turning dark outside, despite the time being early in the evening.
It continued to remain silent as a frail, old man would enter the hall. He wasn't representing any clan or house but still nobody dared to stand in his way. Some lowered their head for a brief moment as the old man walked past them, towards the circle that existed within the room, created by the seated leaders. The many wrinkles together with the grey beard made it hard to pierce and decypher what the man was thinking or feeling. Elaborated dark markings were visible on his bald scalp, that moved down his neck. Tattoos that made it clear that he served as a priest of Valdar.
Once in the center, the greybeard leaned on his cane.

"We have gathered in the city of Ardara. Leaders of Ylfings, Scyldings, and Vythlings. Though today, the Hyuzu will join their first All-Thing." The greybeard seemed to glance at the platform on which Jora sat. "Whether some of us agree or disagree, they are our brothers and sisters. This is a meeting meant to settle feuds. To bury steel and halt friction among ourselves. Those who dare to disturb this meeting shall provoke the wrath of Valdar himself." As per custom, the greybeard waited. Nobody made a sound or dared to disturb the priest. "The Gods and ancestors smile on us all."
Once done, the greybeard would walk out of the circle, being offered a seat close to it. For his role wasn't to meddle into the talks but simply to serve as an arbiter of some sorts.

Once the priest sat, the first to rise was the representative of Pinedale.
"My dear lords, ladies and friends. " Ragnhild began as she glanced around. "This is a most special All-Thing. Not only are we joined by the Hyuzu for the first time. But we are coming together as the nation is ruled by somebody that understands us. Somebody that knows us!" The words already provoked from many to nod or grumble, in an agreeing fashion.
"Gone are the days that the Daimyo looked down on us. Gone are the days that we were treated as second-rate folk. But yet, I am certain that you all have heard of the recent trouble. A large force disturbed the peace for the good folk of Pinedale! For the brave folk that dwells in Blackroot Vale! We had even had to disturb the peace for the House of Rachon in order to best this unexpected and disgraceful foe! A foe that waved the banner of the Uchiha clan!"

The words of Ragnhild provoked a less positive sound of many residing in the hall. Some men and women would stomp a foot or raise a fist to clarify how they felt about the 'Uchiha incident'.
"Though we managed to beat this ungraceful attack, it is clear that the Taika aren't content with letting us remain in peace! I say, we must demand satisfaction! For it will surely not be accepted when we take up arms and avenge our fallen friends and kin!"
 
Kyoi Hyuuga - Team 9 Supervisor Extraordinaire
Team 9 - Konohagakure​

The response that Kyoi gained from her question caused for a small smile to build up upon her face, though she didn't get to probe any further as the rest of the team began to arrive. With each consecutive member of the team who showed up she found herself internally questioning their demeanours, all the while attempting to gauge Hiron's reactions to each one.

It was interesting to say the least, moreso when his ever-lasting stern expression seemed to take a slight change towards a smile, if only for a moment as it disappeared seconds later. With the overall atmosphere of the group being somewhat akin to that of anticipation for the road ahead, Hiron began to lead the march out onto the open road, if Kyoi had any form of accurate impression of what Hiron was like she was sure that this would simply be to disarm the younger members of the team and make them think the journey would be along well-trodden paths.

The best part of this venture was that she was at the back of the group, allowing her to observe the entire team when the situation may or may not change.
______________

Before long Kyoi's theory was proven correct as he took the group off-road through a ditch and continued his brisk pace, admittedly she hadn't gone off-road at this pace recently so it caught her slightly off guard, but she kept up just as well as anyone else her size could.
And despite her diminutive height compared to most of the team, this was something that came down to a persistent mindset and an experience with harder tasks prior to this moment, as far as she could tell Tomiko was certainly trying as best as she could to keep up without showing as such. The shift of Yiko's demeanour as he discovered the journey wouldn't be as easy as originally though brought her to grin briefly, though there didn't seem to be much change on the part of Shikaroku, he didn't seem to be portraying much at the present moment so she couldn't get a complete judge of how he was doing thus far.

The off-road trek continued for a fair while, it didn't take long to get used to it once more, so the stop that they made was appreciated. Once they stopped to camp for the night, Kyoi took a moment to observe each member of the team prior to sorting her own rations and the like out, raising a brow in jest at Tomiko as the younger Hyuuga crept into her proximity while Kyoi helped herself to some preserved, jerkied meat with some bread and a brief sip of water.

Surprisingly one of the genin offered to take first watch, though for the time being she'd leave that decision up to Hiron once he gets to formulating his answer. Not being the shot-caller was good, though she did somewhat worry about whether the boy would have enough energy in him for any early watch duties.
 
The Steel is Sharp
Yoshikuni Sadako and Asmund's Group
Somewhere within the Empire of Akino

A collab between Nim, and Lesli

Part 1
Part 2

Summary:
As the group continues on their way towards their still unknown destination, Kuni and Asmund split. As Kuni goes with Asmund's students, she learns a bit more about him, and gets to see a bit more of the group she is travelling with.
The next morning, the group would break up camp. The activities were done with a certain discipline that would be foreign to the image that the Chonobi had among the Taika. Any possible trace would be removed as good as possible. Sentries were standing and being alert for anything or anybody that could find them.

Eventually, Asmund would head towards Kuni. His hood and scarf were both down, revealing the features of the man. "We are going but I suppose that was clear. We will travel for a hour and then will make a jump. If the Goddess is favouring us, we will be able to cross a large amount of distance."
The man briefly glanced at his people, over his shoulder, before turning his attention back at Kuni. "I hope you aren't afraid of heights."

Making sure she had everything properly set on her person, Kuni couldn't help but look at the manner in which the group were performing their actions. They certainly seemed strange to her, and she wasn't quite sure what exactly it was. Not wanting to interrupt them, she simply waited patiently, knowing that she would get called forth at some point.

Asmund approached her, and explained the plan for the next part of the trek. When he mentioned the bit about fear of heights, Kuni couldn't help but put her right hand behind her head "Not afraid of them, but not a big fan either. At least, not a fan of being on the edge of high places." She quickly answered, though she assumed there were more than enough people who shared the feeling. But, it was also quite some time since she was on the edge of a tall place, so she couldn't quite know if the feeling was still the same after all this time.

"Very wise." Was the cryptic response of Asmund, likely regarding Kuni's reply on heights. He paused for a few seconds and then spoke up again. "The plan is to split up for a day or two. Whereas I am certain we managed to shake off any pursuers, I do want to be certain. The chance are that we weren't the only ones that were attempting to secure you." Asmund flashed a polite smile. "You will go with the student of mine. And a few others. Talented folk, if I say so myself. But then again, I might be a bit biased."

Lowering her hand as Asmund explained the plan, Kuni nodded lightly. A Jinchuuriki was a valuable target, and many different people had different reasons to either want to capture her, or kill her. The fact Asmund wanted to ensure everything is properly secure made her feel more reassured "Understood Asmund. I hope everything turns out to be as secure as possible." She said, before flashing a smile back "Having a reason to call your students talented, and others, is always good in my book. Though, I will say that I hope we don't end up in a situation where I need to see some of their capabilities." She added, hoping he understood what she meant.

"As do I." He said. "But only one way to find out what the Gods have in store for us." Beckoning her to follow him, Asmund would raise his hood and scarf. The others were calmly waiting for Asmund to give the orders. Once given, they would start to head out again. There wasn't much of a conversation exchanged between anybody as Asmund's people seemed to be more keen on focusing on their tasks. Eventually, the group would reach a clearing. Stopping at the treeline, Asmund broke the silence and gave some orders. One by one, the hooded subordinates of Asmund vanished as the dim green chakra seemed to take them to that bizarre world again.

Placing a hand on Kuni's shoulder, Asmund gave her a warning before they too would make the jump. "Breath in." Waiting for the girl to inhale, the dim green chakra flowed from the man over to Kuni. By the time that she blinked, they seemed to be still in the same place. Only for the sky and presence of the other hooded people to betray that they were no longer at the same place, as before.

"Now you go with them. I advise you to stay close and not make any funny attempts. Though loyal and disciplined, you aren't one of us." The man spoke in a more hushed tone, only audible to Kuni. "And not all of us are that friendly either."

Moving between that weird dimension, and the real world, Kuni wondered if she would ever get used to the feeling. Upon spotting the lack of the blue sky and the other members of Asmund's group who were now present, she breathed out, and then turned to look at him as he spoke to her in a rather silent voice. As he mentioned she wasn't one of them, she simply nodded once. He had made it quite clear before, and she had decided that until she got her chance to speak to Aiko, then it was probably for the better if she did not try and make claims that she might be one.

When he finished, she offered him a bow "Good luck with your side of the trek. I hope to see you well, and soon." Kuni told him, before rising from the bow, offering a smile as she did.

The man flashed a wry smile in return as he would raise his hands. Forming a fist with his right and keeping the palm of his left open, he made a small bow while placing his fist against his palm. After the gesture, he would order several commands on which the group would start to move. A large part would divide and split into two, moving away as a few figures remained waiting. One of them nodded slowly towards Kuni and then turned around. Something was said by the person, causing the remaining figures to also turn and start heading into the direction over the clearing. The person who had given the command seemed to walk slower, almost as if it was on purpose to let Kuni catch up to him.

After seeing Asmund offer a small bow in return, along with the smile, Kuni made a small pray in her heart that all will be well for him. After he departed with some men, and a few that remained behind started to move forward, she noticed that one of them walked slower. Knowing that was what Asmund did, she quickly went and caught up to the person who walked slower, and then moved to walk in the same pace as him. She offered a nod with her head, hoping it was a good enough indicator that she understood she needed to follow his orders now.

The person nodded back. It remained silent as the now smaller group continued to travel. The terrain remained much like what one would expect from a forest. An odd thing would be the absence of ambient sounds. No birds singing theirs songs or any sighting of other animals. Though the lack of insects could be blamed on the season. Finally, the group reached what seemed to be the limit as an edge could be seen up ahead.

The small group came to a halt as the person that seemed in charge, in Asmund's absence, gave some orders. A few of them seemed to prepare for something. Unlike before, it was clear that they weren't preparing to make a trip back to the real world. Tools and rope were pulled out of their bags as another went up to the edge and seemed to search for something.

"If you want, you can meditate for a bit. We will need some time to see where we are. And if we can perhaps make a fall." The figure said, his voice betraying to be the one that had approached Kuni before.

The walk through the strange dimension, silent as it was, was still rather fascinating for Kuni. She couldn't stop herself from gazing around, trying to count the many different floating islands she could find, along with wondering where each one led. She had figured out that each two connecting areas, at least, were pathways that somehow shortened the distant they needed to cover in the real world. While she had many questions regarding this dimension, there was an itch that told her this place was probably a secret not everyone knew about. Like Zakito's teleporting technique.

When they stopped, and the man in charge, who was apparently the same person who she talked to before when meditating, gave some instructions, before telling her she can do so for a bit, while they figure out if they could make a fall. While she was very confused about making a fall from a floating island, Kuni decided to respond with a nod "Then I'll go ahead and do that. Though, if you don't mind me asking, if we are going to make a fall, will we need to climb down the rope? Because that will mean I should conserve my energy for the climb." She asked, trying to sound as polite as possible. Climbing ropes, down or up, was certainly different than simply walking. And she didn't want to weaken her arms right before such an activity.

"We won't be climbing." The person replied back, a hint of amusement clear in his voice. "We will be gliding. If we have a chance for it, that is." Returning the nod, he would turn his attention back to the few others that were still busy preparing for what was to come.

Hearing the response, Kuni rose her eyebrows. She had never glided before, and she wasn't sure what that even meant. Deciding to go ahead and meditate in the old fashioned method, she sat down on the ground and placed her right hand on top of her left one, before laying both on her crossed feet. Breathing deeply in and out, Kuni would keep her eyes open, watching as the others worked.

Time slowly slipped by. Sounds of the people discussing something in Chonobi resonated through the air, together with the sound of them assembling their tools. Eventually, silence would briefly plague the area. The hooded figures were just silent, facing the edge. Then as if they all were done waiting, they came into action.

One of the members would grab and take hold of a crossbow. Aiming the weapon, it was clear that the person took a lot of care to properly aim his shot. Unleashing the projectile, the bolt soared through the air as rope followed it and weighed the projectile down.
So far that they could see, the bolt seemed to land or connect to another island that wasn't too far away from them. The group the started to work on anchoring it from their side. A certain excitement was visible from their small exchanges and handling.

Following them anchoring, one of them would approach the edge. The person seemed to ready themselves for what was to come. As the rope had been 'tested', by pulling and investigating, the person spread out their arms. Then without a warning, the figure moved forwards. Balancing on top of the rope, the person started to walk with an air of confidence that seemed foreign in the current situation. Two figures were set on the rope, making sure that nothing could happen on their side as the others were watching.

The ropewalker didn't move fast but continued in a steady pace. Eventually, the ropewalker reached the other side and a certain relief washed over Asmund's subordinates. They then once more came into action as it became clear that they adjusted the rope and readied themselves for the next part. Unlike before, the rope would be set so that their position seemed to be higher than where they aimed to go.

Donning on some gear, the figures started to attach themselves first to the rope and then one by one glide towards the other island. The person of before approached Kuni as he offered her a belt with a contraption to it. "Your turn soon." He explained. "You need to attach this to the rope and then use your weight to move forward." Holding out the belt, he waited to see if she had any questions.

Watching the ongoing work of the group, Kuni initially was simply curious. When they fired the crossbow and had a rope attached to the ground, her curiosity grew. It quickly started to diminish as she watched one of the group walk across the rope, over what was practically nothing. It seemed insane to her personally. When the man arrived at the other side, she couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. It wouldn't take long, however, and Kuni's anxiety would start to rise.

They were attaching themselves to the rope, and then basically flinging themselves over the void, held by something they use to attach themselves to the rope. When the group leader came and offered her the belt with the contraption, she looked at it for a moment before standing up and accepting it "Use my weight? Like, lean in the direction I want to move?" She asked, as she began to put on the belt. She gave the rope and the next person who attached themselves to the rope a glance.

Asmund asked her if she had a fear of heights, but she didn't imagine he meant passing over literally nothing. She always preferred keeping her feet on the ground, but with how things were going, it seemed less than likely that she could ask to just walk the whole distance. When she finished securing the belt, she looked at the man once more "I can tell you I'm not feeling exactly confident right now. I apologize in advance if I'm shaking heavily after this." She added, the lack of confidence clearly present in her voice.

The person nodded upon Kuni's first question. He did briefly check in if the contraption was properly set and tight. Once certain that it was set, the hooded figure threw a glance over to the spot where most of the small group were waiting for them.
"Don't look down. Just towards you're heading." Was the advice given before the person would move Kuni to the edge and proceed to give her a firm push, making her glide down the rope to the other island.

Nodding slightly as he gave her the advice, Kuni suddenly found herself getting pushed forward, and then begin to glide down the rope. She felt like screaming her lungs out from the sudden movement, but no sound came out. She kept thinking Don't look down! in her head, and after a bit also reminded herself to make sure to keep leaning in the direction she wanted to go. She kept focusing on those two thoughts, and on the direction she needed to go, trying to reach it as fast as possible.

After what felt like an incredibly long time for her without her feet on anything solid, she arrived on the other island. Letting her feet touch the island, Kuni couldn't help but feel relief spread over her like nothing else mattered. She was on solid ground again. Disconnecting the attachment from the rope, she quickly moved away, making sure the others that were coming after her had space to land. Soon after, she placed her hands on her knees, feeling that she was shaking quite heavily. Kuni couldn't help but hope that this won't be repeated many more times. Avoiding it completely would be the best option in her mind.

Kuni would be left alone as the hooded figures would tend to their own. After the last arrived, they seemed to check the rope. Then they rounded up everyone for another trek. For two hours the group would trudge until the supposingly leader of the unit instructed them to halt and get ready for camp. The majority seemed keen to their tasks with not a lot of communication being exchanged.

One of the figures approached Kuni, holding a waterskin. "This is for you," the voice betraying it was the person of before. "We won't eat just yet. Only if we won't get word from the captain."

Without much pause after the gliding, they immediately went on to a trek. Kuni did her best to not let her feet shake too much as she continued forward, and just kept hoping that there will not be anymore gliding needed. When they came to a halt, she just looked around for a moment, before sitting down on the ground.

Upon being approached by one of the men, who offered her a waterskin, Kuni accepted it with an appreciative nod of her hand "Understood. And thank you." She told him, before taking a couple sips of water. After doing so, she handed the waterskin back to the man "If we are currently waiting, does that mean I can use this opportunity to rest until we need to move once more?" She asked, wanting to make sure before she allows herself to fully relax.

The person shook his head, not taking the waterskin back. Implying it that Kuni could keep it for herself. "If you want to meditate, then go for it." Was the reply to her question. "At worst, we will be waiting here for a day. Else?" The person shrugged with his shoulders before continuing. "We move on."

"I was actually hoping to just lay back and properly rest. The gliding before really caught me off guard, and I still feel a bit shaken from it." She told him, putting the waterskin next to her as she understood it was meant for her "And if that is the case, then I hope you will get a message soon, even if it means I won't get much rest." Kuni further said, hoping that nothing bad would happen to any of Asmund's group. They were there because they were instructed to bring her to Aiko. If anything happened to them, she would also feel guilty.

"That is fine. Happens to many on their first time." There was briefly the faint hint of amusement in the person's voice. A second of silence followed before the person reacted to Kuni's second comment. "Perhaps. But if they won't show up, we move on." The tone was neutral and yet seemed genuine. The person nodded to Kuni as he would turn around and start to walk back to the small group that had gathered around a fire.

As she watched him walk away, Kuni couldn't help but wonder what kind of impression she was leaving on him. Was it improving? Worsening? Remaining the same? The different options roamed around her head like ducks that roamed around in a pond. Not wanting to ask him directly, as she felt it would be too direct, Kuni just moved to lay back on to ground, staring up into the sky that was basically non-existent.


The seconds slowly ticked by. Without the telling if it was day or night, the only telling would be by the small group of hooded operatives. They seemed quite well attuned to the bizarre dimension. Eventually, food would be prepared as sentries would be placed at the outskirt of the camp. The dish that was being made would be a soup, a distinct smell coming from it.

For a moment, it seemed that they were going to tend to themselves as bowls were being shared among them. As the first bowl would be filled, the group seemed to wait as one of the hooded operatives would once more head towards Kuni.

Slowing down in pace, the person would hold the wooden bowl and spoon out towards Kuni. "It isn't much but here." The voice betraying it was the same person again.

The passage of time in the very vague setting made it rather hard for Kuni to try and keep track of the time, so she gave up on doing so rather quickly. Instead, she simply kept looking at the lack of skies, wondering if by now, Eiji was informed of her disappearance. He would certainly be worried, she knew that. She would need to ask Aiko to try and contact him, to make sure at least he knows she is safe.

Upon hearing footsteps approaching her, she moved to a sitting position. Once more, one of the hooded members of the group approached her, offering a bowl of soup and a spoon. His voice made it quite clear it was the same person as the many times before. She accepted the bowl of soup and spoon from him "Thank you, anything to eat is appreciated. Before you head back to the rest," Kuni quickly added, looking at him "Seeing as we have already interacted with each a number of times, and you are leading this group, I wondered, if it is okay, that I learn of a name you go by. It would help me should I need to approach you for any reason. Or any name that I could approach you with." She asked, sounding a bit cautious as she hoped he wouldn't just decide to tell her to mind her own business and then start being colder towards her.

The moment that the person gave Kuni the bowl and spoon, he had already turned half around. First to gesture to the others that they could begin and then wanting to fully turn, to likely head back to them. His attention was only gained back as Kuni spoke further, causing him to turn towards her again.

A second of silence went by before he spoke up again. "Asvaldr." He pronounced the name slowly. "That might be my name." A hint of amusement rising in his voice.

Hearing the response, Kuni offered a smile "Asvaldr." She repeated, though with a clear accent "I-" She was about to showcase her curiosity about the name's meaning, but then she remembered Asmund's words once more. She wasn't a part of them, of their cultural group. Perhaps asking for such a detail would be inappropriate. After a brief moment of silence, she resumed speaking "I'm pleased to meet you, Asvaldr. I hope the reminder of our trip to our destination be as smooth as can be." She told him.

"Mhm. I hope it is pleasant. Cause I don't have much else than that to offer," was the reply with him subtly gesturing to the simple soup that was given. "As for the trip? I hope so too. But that will rely on you as well." He further stated, though his tone being polite and not having any weight of negativity.

She nodded, understanding what he meant. Even though it was said with a polite tone, it was the same as Asmund first told her "I have no intentions of making this trip any harder on anyone. I personally look forward to meeting the one who orchestrated this operation." Kuni explained, putting her right hand on the pair of necklaces that were tucked away behind her shirt.

A silence echoed after Kuni's last words as Asvaldr only nodded, at first. "Good. The captain ordered us that we had to make sure that you are fed, hydrated and in good health when we deliver you." Pausing, he would pose a question for her. "Though, in order to do that. I would like to know a thing. Are you what they say you are? Or are you a human? Frankly, my knowledge on what your folk call jinchuriki isn't really extensive."

It took her no time at all to understand what his question meant "People tend to overreact on things they do not fully understand. That, along with having an already not great reputation, would easily make many think that I am nothing more than the Bijuu that resides within in." Kuni started to explain in a calm, neutral tone "A Jinchuuriki could be compared a living vessel. We contain the Bijuu behind a special seal, thus ensuring the safety of everyone around us from any potential attacks of the Bijuu."

She turned to look at the soup and the spoon "The seals do form a connection between the hosts and the Bijuu that reside inside. However, that connection is very limited. And in my seal's case, I cannot do anything to affect it. The connection in my case is that a bit of my chakra receives bits of the Bijuu's chakra, thus ensuring my body will be able to properly adapt to serving as a host. More than that, I haven't been affected by the Bijuu. I am still me. I was born a human, and I still am. Only difference is that my body does not contain just me, but I am the one who controls my body." Finishing her explanation, Kuni hoped it wasn't too much for Asvaldr, and that it managed to portray properly what she wanted to convey.

It was clear that Asvaldr was listening to what Kuni was telling him. Crossing his arms out front of his chest, he nodded for emphasise that he understood what she meant. "That is good. That you can't affect it. Less risk for me and the others." Was the first reply, though it was more of a neutral statement. "Okay. That clears it up. I heard different things in Amegakure. It is why I asked. But if it is like you explained, I guess there isn't much to fear you."

He threw a look over his shoulder before turning his attention back at Kuni. "You can stay here but I am going back. It will not get any warmer if you stay here, though." Once done, he nodded towards Kuni and then seemed to take his leave towards the campfire and others that sat around the warmth.

So they heard in Amegakure that she should be feared. Probably that she was just a monster in human skin. Seeing that Asvaldr understood what she wanted to convey, and was willing to accept it, made Kuni feel a lot of relief. As he mentioned that he is heading back and that she won't be getting any warmer here, Kuni looked towards the others. Asvaldr was willing to accept her statement, but who knew if the others would be willing to do so?

Yet, she knew that she wouldn't know unless she tried. Carefully standing up, with the soup and spoon at hand, she went and slowly approached the others, who were sitting near the campfire "Could I join you? It is getting a bit cold over there." She asked. Kuni actually had no issues with the cold, having spent most of her life in the rain, but she figured that was the best approach in this scenario.
While Asvaldr filled his bowl, the others threw a glance at Kuni. Their scarfs down, allowing them to eat, made it easier to read their expressions. Even with the faint darkness thrown over some of their features by their hoods. Most of them seemed neutral, while a few wary. Asvaldr would sit and mumble something.

Without a word yet given in return, the group made place for Kuni to join them. Most continued to try to enjoy the bland dish. One of them would place his bowl down to then turn to his bag. Pulling some bread from it, he would break a piece and hold it towards Kuni. Nodding to emphasise that she could take the large piece.

Watching them in silence, Kuni was worried for a moment. As they suddenly made a new opening to sit at, she understood this probably meant she could join. Slowly sitting down, she offered all of them a bow of gratitude. Before she could begin eating the soup, another member took out bread, broke it, and then offered the large piece to Kuni. Smiling, she accepted it with a nod of gratitude. Feeling much more at peace, she began to eat slowly, enjoying every bite of the soup and the bread.

The silent atmosphere would persist for a bit. Then one of them spoke up, grumbling something about that he would like something strong to drink. What was seemed out of place was that he spoke in Taika but nobody seemed to remind him of that. In fact, Asvaldr responded with an amusement tone present in his voice. "I believe that the captian took the drink with him." The answer was also given in Taika.

Slowly, more exchanges started to take place at a casual and relaxing pace. None of them directly addressed Kuni yet but neither ignored her presence when somebody took out a waterskin, offering it to her first before to the others of the group.

As they began to speak in Taika, Kuni couldn't help but be a bit surprised. As the talking kept going, she found herself enjoying the environment. Even if no one talked directly to her, it was certainly nice that they decided to speak in the language she understood, rather than keeping her out with Chonobi. When offered some water, she gently declined it, gesturing to the waterskin she had received earlier. She still felt much happier than she had since she first left Amegakure, which made the whole experience so much better.

The decline was accepted with a polite grace as it was passed on to the others. With the bowls emptied of food, it briefly seemed to return to silence. Then the group started with a singular topic.

"Do you think we will stop by the mountains?" One of the people asked, the person in question in being a girl. She seemed the youngest of the group, both betrayed by her lighter vocals as size. The others yet didn't seem to treat her as a child.

"Possible. It might be that we will move around and go through the valleys. I suppose it will depend on how the Allthing goes." Asvaldr answered, causing some of them to adopt a more serious and grim expression.

"Perhaps we won't go that far though." A young man spoke up, the one that had offered Kuni some bread before. "If we travel faster than expected, we might very well need to wait at a spot. Or needing to travel through the Blackroot Vale." The last sentence was spoken with a grin spreading on his lips.

Kuni, who finished eating and then simply continued listening, immediately felt her curiosity rising, as a new, unknown term was mentioned. Most likely, it was something Chonobi-based. Not knowing a lot of things about the Chonobi culture frustrated her, but she still decided to take caution with what she said "Well, all three ways sound like they would be incredible sights. Though I do wonder, which one would be considered the more dangerous one?" She asked, hoping it was a harmless enough question.

Though some threw a sideways glance at Kuni, it didn't take long as the question would be answered. "Through the Blackroot Vale," the girl of before said. She threw a glance as well at Kuni. "Your city of rain is a paradise compared to what wanders in those woods. And if the captain doesn't return with the others, it will be quite difficult to navigate through it. Let alone stay alive."

A scoff could be heard from another, that proclaimed that they could travel around the region. Only having a person state that such a route could make them lose time and possibly wind up lost on where to finish their mission.

The response and glances she received made it somewhat clear to her that they hadn't been expecting her to speak up. Of course, she didn't know the exact destination, nor proper knowledge of the area, so trying to come up with a potential path like the others would be pointless. Instead, she simply grabbed the waterskin Asvadlr gave her earlier, taking a sip from it as she continued to listen.

The group continued to discuss the possible routes. Only a few argued that a route through the Blackroot Vale would be dangerous, that shouldn't stop them. The majority seemed split on venturing through another part or deciding to move to another location, acting from there what they could gather on where to complete their mission. What was notable was that Asvadlr remained silent, observing the others with a calm demeanour.

Eventually, with no clear majority being sure on what path to follow, the topic started to be dropped at a slow and gradual rate. Soon enough, Asvadlr would bring up the tasks and start to hand them to the group. Many of the group would take their leave, already attending to their tasks as a few remained around the warm comfort.

It was interesting, listening to the arguments for and against going through the Blackroot Vale. It certainly made it be portrayed as a place that is very much filled with dangers. Once the conversation fully died, Asvadlr started giving instructions to the different members of the group, with some immediately going to take care of their assignments, and some remaining by the fire, as she did. Feeling comfortable, Kuni wondered if Asmund would be arriving soon. She hated the thought of departing without knowing he managed to safely go through what he needed to do.
The others seemed to enjoy the peace and quiet. Either secluded to their own thoughts or just taking in the brief moment of where they weren't required to do any tasks. As the fire would nimble at the wood, slowly consuming it, the break would be over as Asvaldr would set up more tasks. With some people being put on sentry duty, the others that were done with their tasks would be allowed to take a rest. Likely before they would swap and replace the sentries.


The next time that Kuni would be waked up, the group was already busy with packing in their belongings as cleaning most of the camp up. The pace and quiet that they operated betrayed that they had been drilled to the point that it was more of a second nature to them.
"Asmund didn't return. We are moving on." Asvaldr mentioned in an even tone. He didn't seem keen on waiting for a reply or question on Kuni, instead directing his attention back on the group.

Soon enough the group would be ready and started to move out again. The pace was much like the previous day, without much being exchanged other than Asvaldr giving tasks. A break would, eventually, be held as two members would be send forward by Asvaldr to scout ahead.

After being woken up and told Asmund did not arrive, Kuni couldn't help but feel worried. Had something gone awry? She couldn't tell, and it seemed as though Asvaldr did not intend on waiting for any kind of response from her. Getting up, she quickly went and caught up to him, making sure to keep up with his pace once they began moving.

When they came to a break, and Asvaldr sent a couple of people ahead of them, Kuni went ahead and began stretching herself. The walk so far had been rather quiet, aside for Asvaldr giving out orders for others to follow. Looking at the man, she wondered if she should ask about Asmund, but she had a feeling that any question she would come up with would have a response that will relate Asmund's absence to their current big task at hand. Delivering her, safe and healthy, to Aiko. Moving her gaze away from Asvaldr, she continued stretching, making sure to not miss any muscles that may need it.

Once she was done with her stretches, Kuni turned to look at Asvaldr once more "How much time do we have for the break?" She decided to ask, wondering if they will be waiting there for long.

"Not much. If the captain really got wiped out with the rest, then that means that we are indeed pursued by those others." Was the answer from Asvaldr, though grim he kept it hushes so that it was only audible for Kuni. "Chances might be that the captain and the others could have mislead them and throw them off the trail. Otherwise, we might need to pressure ourselves to pick up the pace." The young man further said, to elaborate the situation.

Throwing a look at Kuni, the hood and scarf made it difficult to spot or read his features. "Do you have any way to mask your chakra, though?"

Listening, Kuni couldn't help but give a small prayer in her heart that Asmund and his group would show up soon, having evaded any potential chasers. As Asvaldr asked his question, Kuni shook her head "I don't have any knowledge as to how to even mask my chakra. Then there is also the fact that even if I did know, I couldn't be sure if it would effectively mask the bigger chakra signature that resides within me." She answered, wishing she had a better answer. She did, however, recall that Asmund had stated they had their own ways, and Kuni hoped Asvaldr would have a solution, in case the worse does come to pass.

"That is a shame," Asvaldr mumbled, upon learning that Kuni couldn't hide her chakra signature. When she brought up the beast that had been sealed in her, Asvaldr nodded slowly. "I almost forgot about that. Good point." Turning half around, the young man threw a look at the others that now were under his command.

"Perhaps we can use it to put potential chasers on a wrong trail. Though that is perhaps more of a last resort before they are actually tracking us when we turn back to the normal world." He said, once more turning to pondering.

As Asvaldr spoke, Kuni looked at the others briefly, before turning back to look at him. Use it to put potential chasers on a wrong trail? That sounded like a rather dangerous move. Yet, at the same time, last resort usually meant the very last thing they would want to do. Hoping they would not need to come to that, she simply nodded before sitting down on the ground. They were meant to have a short break, and without knowing how much time they had left, and how much further they need to go, she figured the best thing for her right now would be to try and ensure she won't tire out her muscles.

Nodding to Kuni, Asvadlr would return to the others upon not getting another question or comment. The break wouldn't last for much longer as soon enough the group would be rallied and instructed to keep moving.
However, the group would soon enough reach another edge that meant the end of the 'island' that they were on. Asvaldr would go together with another person to check the visible abyss and nearby islands that seemed to float by some bizarre logic in space.

The same preparations that the group had done before weren't taken. Instead of Asvadlr gave a sign and one by one the members started to be whisk away by a faint green light. Approaching Kuni, Asvaldr would raise his left hand. "I am sure that you have experienced it now before. But please remain calm." He instructed her as he would wait a second before placing a hand on her shoulder. Chakra by the colour of jade would flow and envelop Kuni as Asvaldr. The next moment that she blinked, they appeared on the same spot. But the sky was normal and the edge to the abyss with the floating islands in the distance were no longer present.

The next part of the walk wasn't long, and they reached the edge of the island. Upon seeing Asvaldr and another member of the group go to the very edge, Kuni couldn't help but hope they weren't about to do some more giding. Soon enough, she saw Asvaldr give a sign, and then the members began to vanish in what had become by now a rather familiar green light. As he approached her, and gave her the instructions, she nodded. Holding her breath, she blinked.

The first thing she spotted was that the edge behind Asvaldr had vanished. Breathing normally, Kuni looked up to the sky. It was nice seeing the blue sky, and no floating islands around. Turning back to look at Asvaldr, she waited to hear what his next instructions will be.

With everybody having arrived, the group would start to pick up pace - once they were able to figure which direction they needed to head towards. The trek continued for another hour or two. But as they were moving, the tension seemed to build up for some reason. Close observation would point out that most of the hooded figures held a hand close or on the hilt of their weapons. As if they were already aware of something closing in on them.

But nothing seemed to bother them, which didn't dispel the tension either. As the dark of the night didn't turn lighter, another instruct would be given by Asvaldr. They were clearly now looking for a suitable place to camp. Finding a spot, the group wouldn't make a fire. Sentries would be positioned as the others would seem to huddle together. Most of those who weren't on guard would pull a blanket out of their bags, in attempt to ward of some of the cold.
One of the members would approach Kuni, holding up the blanket.

"You can borrow mine," the feminine voice betraying together with her height that it was the girl of before.

The tension that was present among the others slowly got to Kuni. She started to wonder if someone was following them in close range, or if their chasers knew where they were at all times, even in the other place. She had noticed some of the members seemed to readjust their hands, being more ready to draw, but Kuni had made no such attempts or changes in her posture. She didn't wish to make them think that she was potentially prepared to run or such.

When they finally stopped at a camp, Kuni made sure to remain relatively close to those who weren't on guard, but not too close. Upon seeing one of the shorter members of the group, who turned out to be the girl from earlier. Kuni shook her head lightly "Thank you for the offer, but the cold doesn't bother me. It's actually relatively comforting, and compared to the cold of the rains in Amegakure, even slightly warm. And I have spent a lot of time just running around in the rain." She responded "Besides, you need to stay warm as well." Kuni offered her a smile, before laying back her spread out bedroll.

The girl didn't reply in a verbal manner but it was clear she hadn't expect the response, a visible reaction despite the dark of the night. Lightly shrugging, the girl would return to her spot and sat down. The group that sat close didn't engage into any talk as the tension still seemed present. At the same time, none of them seemed eager to bring up any question or request about their current situation. Time started to slowly tick past.

As the time slowly passed, Kuni stared at the skies. The stars were present quite heavily, which indicated they were nowhere near any kind of settlement that spread out enough light to obscure them. The moon, however, was absent. Was it a moonless night? Or perhaps she just didn't spot it? She didn't know. Kuni eventually allowed her eyes to close, hoping to catch a bit of a shut eye, as long as she would be allowed to.
 
Border Lookout
A collab between Conman and Nim

Summary: Gonshiro, just conscripted from the local Omari populace, recieves training and is then deployed as an officer of a small squad to man a border outpost guarding some farms. One night, a small ruckus is heard nearby and the Omari gets his first taste of action at the outpost.

It was late in the evening that the man stood up, looking in the dark across the area he had been assigned to guard. He wore the armor and crest that denoted him as a member of the Omari retinue, a plain sword that shared similarities with that of a regular Akinian sword, though the blade was clearly shorter and wider than those used by the regular army. He wore a plain blue tunic with armor that was in reality just many overlapping strips of metal that covered his torso, and then larger curved plates that rested on his shoulders. His helmet was nearby, seated near a spear and rectangular shield that looked large enough to easily defend the front of a man, barring his feet. He was leaned against a tree that grew right next to the dirt road that led to the border with the currently occupied claw.

He was watching the road casually as he stood guard, thinking over the events that had led him here. It had been when the Omari had called upon their levies within their lands to force the vassalization of the Uyeno that he had been pulled into service. He used to be a farmer on the Omari lands, running a farm that had been in his family for generations. When he had been called to muster, he had expected only to be gone for a month or two from his family's farm. Yet here he was, months later, now assigned guard duty for the borders of the Maeno, protecting their western lands from thieves who had previously devastated the crops that used to be planted there. Now that the farms were protected, the farmers had returned and replanted the fields. Fields they were also watching over as they eyed the road. His name was Gonshiro, and it had been he who had been chosen to command the small squad of five men who had been stationed at the particular guardpost he was at. He had been chosen mostly because of his age, particularly given that he was the oldest among the squad (the others were between twenty and twenty five, and he himself was thirty). The men he was in charge of were a mixed group of Maeno and Teshima levies who, just like Gonshiro, had been conscripted for an indeterminate period of time, most lead by Omari officers. It was additionally why he was the only one dressed in armor and carrying a sword, while the other men were wearing simple leather and carrying spears and shields, with daggers sheathed on their belts. The other men hadn't been equipped as well as he had as the armor and weapons being shipped by the Cho had only arrived in sufficient quantities to equip a small number of troops. The other men had been promised better weapons and armor just as soon as the next orders came in.

As the night dragged on Gonshiro's eyes wandered around the small outpost they had established. It was a simple place, with six tents and then a simple wooden roadblock put in place to prevent wagons passing. The idea was to vet each person that entered the Maeno lands, as well prevent theft from the fields. It was for that end that he had been given five men, and the reason why he and another were currently up watching the road for any sign of disturbance. Though, at a glance it seemed that he was the only one truly awake, as the other man appeared to be dozing off as he leaned on his spear. Still, Gonshiro watched the road, not idle in his watch. While he was confident in their position seated firmly on the other side of the border, in the moonlight he could see in the distance the wooden walls of the Fang's outpost, a little over two miles away. Others of it's kind had been established to monitor traffic. This particular one blocked it entirely, preventing anyone from leaving on this road that it could catch. It was unnerving, being set up so close to an enemy fortification. It made him even more weary of the sounds nature around him, carefully watching for any signs of movement. It wasn't as if he had been specially trained for such things, he was just a farmer who attended the yearly training put in place by the Omari, not a soldier. He hadn't ever even fought a man, let alone spilled blood, and yet here he was, looking and acting like one. He wondered what his wife or children would say if they saw him now, dressed as he was, and at the back of his mind, Gonshiro also wondered when he would see his family again. There had been rumors even at the camps they had gone out from that there was an official retinue of the Omari being raised to hold the border, in response to the steady stream of unvetted refugees that were flowing out of the Fang. Not that he had seen any as of yet. He assumed that those refugees who might have used this road were being stopped by the very same outpost he now nervously eyed.

There was the sounds of a scuffle and a cry nearby coming from one of the huts set up on the planted fields, the sound of a blade biting into flesh and, from where the Omari was standing, the view of silhouettes in the moonlight, running towards one of the nearby stockpiles. Bandits were what first came to the mind of the Omari, and he grabbed his helmet and shield, slipping it on, before quietly rousing his men and telling them of a small strategy. The plan was simple, they'd head straight for the farm as quickly and quietly as possible. Quarter was only to be given if the men laid down their arms, and they were to stick together as a unit. Together they were safer after all. With the plan in place, they moved into the night, and off towards the farm nearby. Six men was not very many, even if they had some training, so he could only hope that they were not very many.

The group of bandits that decided to raid the farm were a relatively small one, which consisted of eight people. The quality of the equipment was clearly poor, but it seemed as though they had still managed to scare off the owners into hiding elsewhere. A pair were holding torches, two were standing guard, and it seemed as though the rest were busy piling sacks of food onto a cart. It appeared that their escape plan included taking the cart filled with food with them. One of the men who was holding the torches called out to the rest, telling them to hurry up, clearly indicating him to be the one in charge. The rest appeared to be following his orders very obediently. It was clear that none of the men have caught sight of the approaching guards. The postures of the two that were serving as lookouts suggested that they had poor training, if any at all.

Gonshiro smirked in the darkness, they were in luck it seemed. They had not caught sight of the guards leaving their outpost, nor had they caught sight of them approach. He could could only hope that their luck held up with the group. If all went well, they might be able to scare the group into surrender and not have to shed blood. Gonshiro whispered to his men and they formed a small line, and lowered their spears, shields raised. They advanced, no longer attempting to stay quiet, and Gonshiro put a wooden whistle to his lips, blasting out two full tweets. He let it fall afterwards, raising his voice, even as the group of men rapidly advanced to within a stone throw of them. "You there! Drop any weapons and surrender yourselves immediately, by the order of Lord Omari!"

With the call of Gonshiro, the bandits all froze. The leader, who turned to look at the guards, quickly counted them, before a smirk came onto his face "Lord Omari? Ha! I'm afraid you're outnumbered, Guard." He called out to Gonshiro. He made a quick whistle, making all the men who were carrying sacks of food to drop them, and draw out their weapons, consisting mostly of swords and one fellow with a mace. The two who were standing guard before, however, did not draw their swords, instead raising their hands as high as they possibly could, before quickly dropping to their knees. The leader took notice and threw a curse at them, before grabbing his own sword and then charging towards the guards "Take 'em down boys!"

Gonshiro was glad the two at the sacks surrendered. They at least would survive the ordeal. They looked like young lads, and it would've been a shame to kill them. This one that attacked though he held no remorse for. He knew it was a question of him or this man, and he would not wait for the other fellows to join in on the leader's charge. "Hold positions, do not break! Remember your families!" Gonshiro shouted, even as he cast the javelin-spear in his right hand towards the leader, drawing his sword. "Throw down your weapons if you wish to live!" The men in the line would form a semi-circle and wait for the rest to get within range of their spears before attacking them.

The javelin hit the leader in the shoulder, causing him to come to a halt. Looking at it, he tossed the torch aside and then grabbed a hold of it, before pulling it out with a clear pained expression. Turning his gave towards Gonshiro, he once more charged forward, his weapon held at a position that was ready to strike. Two other bandits, after exchanging looks, were quick to begin pursuit. The remaining three, even though they were grasping their weapons, appeared to have heard Gonshiro's words to his fellow guards and were now considering any further actions more carefully.

The six men would hold position, even as the three charged. When the men were within striking distance, the two men with spears on either side of him struck out, stabbing at the gut and throat of the two who followed their leader into the melee. Gonshiro for his part waited for the man who was charging into the attack, then stuck to his training. He shifted his body to be behind the shield, and then he would bash the bandit leader with it as he rushed into melee range. Then he would follow the strike up with a stab of his own, aiming to sink his shortsword into the gut of the bandit after bashing him with the shield.

The two men that followed their leader tried reacting to the incoming attacks towards them. One partially succeeded, making the stab only scratch the side of his body instead of going full force into his gut. The other had less luck, and soon found himself barely able to breath, as the spear pierced his throat, making him fall to the ground soon afterwards. The leader, in the meanwhile, appeared to have the least amount of luck. Not only did the bash of the shield caught him off guard and knocked any breath out of him, the following stab succeeded greatly. The leader simply stared at Gonshiro for a moment, before looking back at the sword, and then falling to his knees, clearly unsure of what to do.

The remaining three bandits let go of their arms, allowing them to drop to the ground, and raised their arms. One of them, while with his arms still raised, took a step close "We surrender! No need to take the lives of any more of us!" He called out. This made the scratched man look towards them, before also glancing towards his leader. Figuring it was a loss cause, he too dropped his weapon.

Gonshiro pushed the man of his sword with his shield, before kicking him over after he fell to his knees and knocking his blade out of his reach with his foot. The men drew back into the line, and Gonshiro caught on the left that his men had killed one of the bandits already. He pointed with his sword at the bandit who was injured, and then to a coil of rope on the cart. "You, tie your fellows up. Nothing funny either, we are watching you."

The injured bandit nodded, moving to grab the rope, while the rest approached him. The leader, who was bleeding quite a bit, moved to lay on his back "C-Cowards! P-P-Pathetic cowards!" He tried calling out to the rest, only to spit out quite a bit of blood as he did. He then glanced towards Gonshiro "Off me already. I won't c-come willingly." He spat some blood towards the guard "Akenian s-s-scum." He added under his breath.

Gonshiro considered the man for a moment, before speaking quietly. "To the injured, we give you peace." Gonshiro's hand tightened on his short sword, knuckles turning white, then he moved fast, the blade of his weapon burying itself in the heart of the bandit. He withdrew the blade, wiped the blood on the grass, and then sheathed the weapon. "Do not follow his example." He warned the others. The group would supervise the man who tied each of them up, and then Gonshiro directed them to kneel in the grass so that their binds could be checked and the final man bound. The two bodies were left on the ground. When it was finished, one of the guards passed another length of cord along each of the bindings, tying them together.

They would be lead back to the guard camp in a line carefully watched, and then their bindings would be hitched to a post. They would be able to sit, and instructed to do so, sat near the fire and torches so as to be completely visible. Two of the guards would watch over the group, one would be sent as a messenger to the main camp to get a patrol out to pick them up and take them to a holding area. Another man was sent back to the farm to collect the bodies and weapons and bring them back to the camp.

Gonshiro for his part would walk up and down the perimeter they were expected to patrol, looking to see if any others had potentially passed by. It was the sound of a crying child that caught his attention. An adventurous night was to be had, as Gonshiro raised his torch and went in the direction of the noise, shield in one hand, torch in the other, and his sword sheathed.

What would revealed to Gonshiro would be none more than a group of 3 people, who all appeared to be unarmed and scared. A woman was trying to calm a child down, while an elderly man looked towards Gonshiro, and raised his hand "We mean no harm. Please. Will you let us explain?" The elderly man asked, clearly hoping that Gonshiro won't be some kind of mindless drone soldier that simply did what he must do, and nothing more.

Gonshiro was quiet for a moment as he found the old man, woman, and child crouched behind a bush, attempting to stay hidden. His orders were clear, he was to halt any immigrants, vet them, and send them through if they were unarmed. If they attempted to sneak by they were to be arrested and held for trial. Gonshiro, for his part did not wish to arrest these folk. They looked afraid, and he sympathized with them. He gestured to the man. "If you mean no harm, then none will befall you here. Please, come back with me to our fire and I will listen to your tale, then we will see what is to be done about your situation." His tone did not leave room for an alternative answer.

The elder man briefly turned to look at the woman and the child, who both returned a scared look in return. After giving Gonshiro another glance, he gestured for the two that he deemed it alright. The two quickly moved behind him, and the elder gestured to Gonshiro to lead the way back to his camp.

The group would return to the camp and Gonshiro would gesture to some of the stumps that had been cut for the group to sit upon. "I have no chairs, so I hope that this will suffice for now. I can offer you water, or something to eat if you like?" Gonshiro ventured. The group might have been hungry, so he figured he could offer, to at least take the edge off.

Upon arriving the camp, it was clear the small group was still rather hesitant. But at the mention of water and food, the child's eyes seemed to grow. The elder saw this and looked towards Gonshiro "If you could give for my family, it would be greatly appreciate." He requested with a gesture towards the two, while taking a look at the stumps "And those already provide a better seat than the ground is." He added, before slowly sitting down on one of the stumps. Looking at Gonshiro, the elder man sighed "I imagine you will still bring us to the local authorities?" He asked, with a sad yet understanding expression.

"I don't have any intention on having you put in prison, if that is what you are asking." Gonshiro gestured to the other man who wasn't guarding the prisoners, he went to the food that they had and pulled some dry rations and water, offering it to the mother, child, and old man. "Please, tell me your story."

The elder man nodded "My family has always been residents of the Claw country. We had a decent life for many years. But, upon the occupation of the Claw at the hands of the Fang, it changed. My daughter was forced to marry a man simply because he was a Fang superior, or she would've been executed for disobeying the Fang leadership. After trying to find a way out for some time, I have decided that as a father, I cannot allow this situation to continue. I took my daughter and adopted grandchild, and simply started to run." He looked towards the woman, who offered a concerned look towards the elder man.

"We were almost caught by the Fang's military when getting across the border. Upon seeing you and your men, most likely, leave the post, we decided to try and make our way past, to where it is surely much safer." The elder finished explaining "I hope it helps explain I simply seek safety for my family, away from the madness that currently holds the Claw." He added, offering a sincere look towards Gonshiro.

Gonshiro was sympathetic to the man. After all, he had fought hard to get to this point, and turning them back around would likely doom them to death. No, he would not mention the fact that they had tried to sneak by to his superiors, he would be passed as an immigrant to the Omari lands. He would talk with the old man a while longer, and then, gave him directions to his own farm and place of living. He struck an agreement with the old man, they would stay with his family at his farm in exchange for them pitching in for the harvest and the like. Almost twelve hours would pass, and eventually a pair of wagons and twelve horsemen would arrive from the main garrison. One wagon was obviously meant to transport prisoners, while the other brought along another group of six soldiers with supplies for the outpost. The old man, woman, and the child got in the back of this wagon, armed with the knowledge of where they could find permanent refuge, and the prisoners were loaded into the prison cart under the watchful eye of the Omari troops and cavalry.

Soon after the wagon left, the six new arrivals were pitching tents. Gonshiro was now in command of the six newcomers. As he retired to his tent to sleep for the first time in all day, he had a sinking feeling that he wouldn't be returning to the farm anytime soon.
 
Operation Stormfront: Aftermath
Shion Kobayashi, Saito Shiori and Yuyuko Takeda | Republic of the Water Country, Kirigakure - Kirigakure Military Hospital |

After their perilous mission, Team-17 escorted Yuyuko Takeda to the hospital to heal her wounds. As their jonin left, the two genins decided to stay behind to accompany their wounded friend for a while.

A collab between the Walter Swan, Selko Sakayanagi and Ultra Paradox

The dingy white hallways of the Kirigakure Military hospital was permeated with the nauseatingly strong smell of medicine and antiseptic. Being at 4 o'clock in the morning, the empty hallway was silent except for the sounds of Shion's footsteps, as she anxiously paced back and forth in front of the treatment room Yuyuko was in.

Kukiko left after Yuyuko was handed over to a medical-nin, to report the completion of their mission and to get someone to inform the genin's family of the so-called 'accident' while Shion and Shiori decided to wait alongside Yuyuko until her parents came to pick her up.

As the medical-nin walked out of the treatment room, Shion approached him and asked, "Excuse me. Is Yuyu okay?"

"Yeah, she's mostly healed up. A few days of rest and she will be back in fighting condition," he replied as he took off his surgical mask, "You can go in to see your friend if you'd like. Just don't move her around too much."

"We'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your help," Shion said, bowing, to the medical-nin as he left. She was glad that her worries were proven wrong. From the wound, she thought that Yuyuko would lose her leg. Turning to Shiori, she said, "Let's head on in. I'm sure Yuyu will be glad to see us," as she entered the room

It was small room, with a bed and a desk besides it along with about three chairs. Meant to be used to temporarily house a patient, it doesn't have much amenities aside from a toilet near the entrance. Yuyuko was lying on the bed, her leg wrapped in bandages. It looked like she had just woken up from the anesthetics.

"Good morning, Yuyu," Shion said as she sat down near her friend, "And don't move your leg around too much. Doctor's orders."

"Anyway sensei already prepared our alibi for tonight. So we don't have to worried about getting busted...for now," she said, sounding a little doubtful at the end. Masakage was pretty sharp so it was possible he could find out. Shaking the negative thoughts from head, she continued, "If anyone asked where we were tonight, we were in the training field along with sensei and you wounded your leg on accident, okay? Sensei even went to the troubles of setting up fake documents for us so you better get your story straight, got it?"

Yuyuko on her part took the treatment well, barely making any sound despite the pain while waiting for the anesthetic to set in…..maybe too well as when Shion was bringing Yuyuko back, the genin did not say much and made only 2 grunts of pain when she used energy on her injured leg to help them move slightly faster. Besides that, her eyes were glazed over as though in a trance,the free hand she did not use to grip Shion's shoulder on the hilt of her wakazashi as though willing to draw it until they arrived at the hospital.

When Yuyuko's two team-mates entered her room, the girl yawns tiredly before she smiled at the two, adjusting herself carefully into a siting position to hear Shion.

"Right,right…at least that should help and yes, i dont mind that. Though what sort of accident did we have since i remember that training fields rarely have accidents. After that at least along with Kukiko's documents, if father actually goes to check out this story, it should be completely idiot-proof." Yuyuko said as she breaths in gently checking her breathing.

"I remember Mother should be back last night after i left or later…….i hope she brought some souvenirs back and Father brings my mask. Or else with this,i would lose out on soo much training."

Yuyuko said with an almost pouty tone as though the loss of training due to her injured foot was something of major concern even though the Genin almost could have died.

The mission was a success, but at what cost really? For all they knew, Yuyu had suffered major damage and here they were. Away from home at four in the morning, waiting for results on their friend. Results that Shiori personally didn't think were promising. She was preparing herself for the very worse. The wounds, from what she saw seemed extreme, and Shiori felt empathy for her new friend and team member. Especially since, if anyone were to get hurt on that mission or end up with a fatal injury, it should've been her.

She was backed up into a corner by two mercenaries, and if it wasn't for Shion's quick action her life would've came to an end. Shirori was sprawled over a chair outside of the waiting room, with her feet up on the arm rest and her back against the opposite end. She was playing with the split ends on her hair, "Shion, I just want to say thank you," She said it almost nonchalantly, and then turned to look at her with a smile, "I appreciate what you did." She kept it general, not giving out too much detail on what she was talking about, but she knew Shion probably got the gist of it.

When they were allowed to go inside, Shiori sat up quickly. Walking into the room behind Shion. She smiled at the sight of her friend, and took a sigh of relief. She wouldn't believe she was okay until she saw her herself. "Yuyu," She giggled and walked over to her side of the bed, a faint and tired smile on her lips. She grabbed the girls hand, "I'm glad to see you're okay."

"Geez, is your father really that inquisitive?" She shook her head, "You should be fine, Sensei has everything under control i'm sure."

"Unfortunately, yes. Yes, he is," Shion answered Shiori, "It might have something do with his time in the Land of Iron but Masakage ji-san has an unusually sharp eyes for details."

"I think we were about 5 years old at that time. At that time, the city was subjected to a nighttime curfew due to the martial laws," she started her story before continuing with a shrug, "So naturally, me and Yuyu had this bright idea to explore the city in the nighttime,"

"In reality, we just crept around our block for about half an hour or so, but for wee little us, we felt like Kouzuki Sasuke and Kirigakure Saizou sneaking around enemy camps," she said, referencing the two members of the legendary Sanada Ten Braves renowned for their rivalry, "Anyway my father and Yuyu's mom were out on a mission on that night and Masakage ji-san went to bed early. So it was easy sneaking out and so is sneaking back in."

"But when the morning came, Masakage ji-san was cleaning up the shoes and noticed that the dirt under Yuyu's shoes looked strange. Something about...let's see...dirt being more humid in the night or something," she said, rubbing her chin as she tried to recall the details, "Anyway that tiny detail was enough to rouse his suspicion and he started to question Yuyu about previous night. Naturally like any good friends, she decided to tattle on me and I was happy to return the favor."

"As punishment, Masakage ji-san forced both of us to perform a drill of 1000 downward cuts," she finished before chuckling to herself, "1000 cuts, huh? Back then, that amount of repetitions felt like hell but now, they could barely break a sweat."

Yuyuko shrugged and laughed remembering the old days before she replies to Shion's account.

"Hey at least you only need to go in the front door, i had to go under the fence through the drain, go through the garden on the stone path to the back door so as to avoid setting off,oh i dont know, Father's oh soo sensitive alarms he made from rope and leftover metal cans.

And it did not help that he caught me off guard just after breakfast.

Trying to lie to him is like trying to lie to the information division interoggator, totally easy."

She says with a definite sound of annoyance as she readjusted her sitting position.

"Also as what good friends do, all for one and one for all."

Yuyuko said smiling before her eyes focused.

"Of course this time, lets try not to screw this up, since i am not sure who i am more scared about,sensei being pissed or Dad being pissed..because either way, i see death, Desu!"

After a pause. She breathed. "So umm Shiori san, Shion san,how did this...injury happen?"

Shiori watched Shion and Yuyuko reminisce over some memories they shared, and she realized they must've been close for a long time. Friends for far longer than they were teammates with one another it seems. That was something interesting she's glad she picked up on, but now wouldn't be the time to ask about their past, there would always be a better time. A much more appropriate time.

Shiori released her hand and rubbed her chin, "You seriously don't remember how it happened? I mean…" She cocked an eyebrow in thought, "Well, at the time I was being surrounded, so I don't remember seeing how it happened, I just know that the aftermath didn't look too hot. Did you get a better look Shion?"

"I haven't seen much either," Shion replied with a shrug, "From what I've gathered, it looked like Yuyu took on two mercenaries at once. No matter how skilled you are, it's difficult to get out of a fight like that unscathed."

The genin crossed her arms with a frown, looking away from Yuyuko, "I hate to admit it. Being able to take down two opponents at once is pretty impressive."

"Wait a minute," Shion looked back at Yuyuko as she realized something, "How did you forget when you got slashed in your leg!? I know you can be air-headed sometimes but it's not like it's just a scratch, you know?"

As Yuyuko heard the words of her two team-mates, internally she felt like kicking herself for not being more specific as the question she had asked seemed to have been interpreted differently from what she had intended as she heard the sound of running footsteps.

"Exactly,because i remember every single detail of what happened,it is just……"

It was at that moment when 2 figures arrived at the doorway. One of them, a middle aged man wearing a Hakuma with Brown Bokken hanging on the side, the blade shining due to being regularly lacquered as he came over quickly, his face a mix of worry, concern and perhaps anger along with slight disappointment

"Oh Yuyuko, I rushed over with Nao when I heard about what happened. While i do have general idea of what happened, can you kindly tell me how did you foolishly get this injury?"

At the doorway, a lady wearing the flak jacket of Kirikagure and standard uniform, a katana kept in a black sheath with a bright red Takeda crest painted on the sheath and a purple tassel hanging on her side. In one hand, the lady held Yuyuko's half eye mask in her hand smiled a smile of relief as she follows after the man and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Dear,do not be like that, Yuyuko just recovered from an accident,i am sure she…"

With that he turns to the lady, his attention diverted as Yuyuko flashed a worried look to Shiori and Shion as she was not sure what to even say to him due to not being briefed about it due to being in the medical room.

"Naotora, While i am an understanding person, i need to hear how did she get an injury like this in a training area. Especially when she supposedly just went for a walk."

"Come now, maybe later in the afternoon during lunch or after we have asked her teammates here? Yuyuko does need her rest."

"And she can rest after she told me what happened from her perspective."

At that, Yuyuko's eyes looked at her two teammates almost begging them to help distract her father as she wasn't sure what to say to him which won't result in him finding out about the mission.


Shion grabbed Shiori's hand to stop her as she was about to speak up before sending a wink her way to signify that she would handle it. Considering Masakage's personality, the girl might also be dragged along into Yuyuko's punishment if she slipped up even if she was a complete stranger to his family. Maybe she might had a better excuse but the young swordsman didn't want to take a risk at that time.

"Ahahaha, that would be me, ji-san," Shion said as she raised her hand, "You see, Kukiko-sensei wanted a live-weapons training in the night. It's...umm...kinda like the bell test, instead we're hunting down each other, with sensei looking over to make sure that things don't get out of hand."

The genin was starting to have doubts about taking the blame but with this, Shiori wouldn't need to corroborate much details, thus reducing the likelihood of having their lies exposed.

"Anyway so, me and Yuyu were facing off and I was getting pressured by her attacks so I went for an….Iaido slash to surprise her," she continued, looking down at the floor to feign guilt and hide her face from Masakage, "But since I was just starting out in Iaido, I...err… slipped up and used the cutting edge instead of the blunt side. Thank Miku my timing was off or it would have been worse."

Yuyuko blinked as she begun to picture in her head the rough dribble she would have to say to corroborate Shion's story as Masakage looked at Shion very carefully as watching her feign guilt, his eyes resting themselves gently, Nao on her part surprised that Shion would speak up and take the heat so quickly but was at least happy that she at least seemed honest.

"Is that so….huh….."

His eye glancing at Shion's equipment for a moment before he refocused it back on.

"Then thank Isobu that was so, because it means that at least you have progressed quite far in your training since had your blade been anymore precise, I may have had to arrange other...things." Masakage said with a noticeable frown on his forehead as though trying not to let the wrong emotions show.

"Now then, however since that is so,i will need to speak with your parents in a day or two from now.

It seems i may need to train you personally on Iaido, specifically on weapon safety and how to stop your blade.

Since you know what can happen should you slip up, imagine what would happen should your other team-mate or teacher who may be training with you were to spar and this mistake happen again? Also if i may ask, Shion chan, what made you think you can do the regular Iaido slash and be sure that you could use the blunt edge?'

He said eyes focusing on Shion carefully.


"Oh, that...umm..." Shion cursed herself internally as Masakage posed his question. Due to the curved shape of a katana blade, it is drawn with cutting edge facing the enemy which is the reason why Iaido was considered to be one of the most dangerous form in Kenjutsu. The genin couldn't believe she missed that part.


It was not entirely impossible to draw a katana with the blunt side facing the enemy but doing so lies in the realm of advanced Kenjutsu. She remembered Yuyuko performing non-lethal Iaido techniques but the girl had been trained in Iaido by Masakage since she could hold a sword. On the other hand, she just recently started training in Iaido…


It was then Shion remembered something from one of her training sessions. Technically, she did know a non-lethal Iaido technique.


"My mother taught me this trick. Umm...basically the moment your blade left the sheathe, you turn your blade to the blunt side," she explained as she mimicked an Iaido technique in the air, "I swear I could do it perfectly during the practice and since Yuyu could do it, I thought I was ready. But with the stress of a real fight, I...err...slipped up."



With that, Masakage's eyes flickered for a moment as though considering something before he nodded.

"In that case, consider this result a harsh lesson to both of you. But at least you are both alright for now and at least do not seem to be lying about it."

With that he breathed before he glanced at Yuyuko and Shion carefully.

"Now if i may ask Yuyuko, why did you end up training with Shion when all you said was that you were heading out for a walk?"

Yuyuko blanched for a moment but tried her best not to show it as she brushed it off.

"Uhh well, i happen to meet her and then felt that i could use the training to get stronger quickly, right Shion?"

Shion cursed Yuyuko internally as Masakage revealed that she used a different excuse to sneak out. They would have gotten away with it if it weren't for that tiny little details.

"Uhhhh, yeah. Originally it was just supposed to be me and Shiori-chan but we just happened to run into Yuyu on the way. When we told her about the training, she was pouting about how we left her all out and then, she pestered us to bring her along, ahahahaha," the genin said with a nervous laughter, "Sorry about that, ji-san. We should have let you know before we set off on our own."

Masakage stares hard his eyes glancing at the two,his eyes focusing on the two as though wondering, second guessing them until Nao's voice cuts the silence.

"You know what, Masa-kun, how about we go back and it is late, we should not hold up Shion any longer,right?"

Masakage blinked before he nodded.

"Quite right dear. Well Shion, we shall be going and i hope what you and Yuyuko said is true, because if i found out either of you lied to me….some good people...are going to get hurt realllll bad...some people who you both may know very well…."

Masakage said dragging out his voice and making it sound light hearted and with a smiled that scared Yuyuko as he headed out with Nao while calling out

"See you soon, Shion and get well soon, my dear daughter."

With those words and the 2 leaving the room,Yuyuko gingerly took her mask as she uses it to cover her working eye as she asks "Man do i hate it whenever he says that….Soo ummm, Shion...i think we managed to fool father well enough...right?"

"I...think so," Shion replied as she slumped back into her chair. Obviously some harsh punishments would be dealt to her and Yuyuko, when she recovered, but anything is preferable to having their secret mission discovered.

"Well, since you are settled in," the genin got up, stretching her shoulders, "Me and Shiori will be heading home for tonight. See you around."[/color]

As the two genins left the hospital, Shion chuckled, "I'm probably going to be grilled by my parents again when I got home. Hopefully your aunt won't be as harsh as ours."

Shiori quietly nodded, unable to bring herself to point out that her guardian was sound asleep back at home thanks to her drugs.
 
Taika Meeting Part 1
Vindex Capital of the Tokugawa Clan
Summary: Various Taika lords and nobles all get together to talk about pressing matters in the realm.

Smoke would fill the air of homes and establishments doing their best to keep their interior warm in the cold weather that came to Vindex. Snow covered the roofs as the civilians went about their day, going to work, seeing friends, or even just taking a stroll. Snow was also being cleared the best they could from the streets, to allow for easier travel in and out of the city. Yet today would also be the day that quite the gathering of leaders would arrive in Vindex. The Taika leaders would be present which would mean that the room used last time for the meeting wouldn't be possible. What was a gathering hall in the main keep of Vindex, was turned into a meeting room where a large table was present. One that could easily seat a hundred people, yet it also meant the servants were quite busy today.

The smell of food being prepared, making sure adequate beverages were ready to be delivered if asked. The Vindex keep was quite the lively place today, even the guards were more numerous today. Making sure proper protection for the leaders would be there, They might have had the toughest job of all, having to stand outside in the cold with the only warmth offered was there padding. Yet despite that they were geared, ready to perform their job no matter the circumstances.

The few lords that already arrived were some the Tokugawa knew well. The Sima, Honda, and Bi houses that served the Tokugawa. Being closer in distance allowed them to arrive early, with the four talking casually at the table as they awaited the remaining leaders and lords to show up.

Walking through the halls, the journey from Hanaguro to Vindex had been relatively calming. At least, that was the opinion of Hikonari. Being the second son of the clan leader of the Nakajima, residing near Hanaguro with their own estate, Hikonari wasn't much of a stranger to diplomatic affairs. It was a great honour and responsibility to represent his liege into this affair. Various other nobles accompanied him, together with ample guards and servants on the way. Heading to the hall where the meeting would be held, the 29 year old Hikonari wondered briefly how this meeting would go. He was a tad reserved for various reasons but saw little to be completely on guard.

Heading towards the guarded doors that gave way to the hall where the meeting would be held, Hikonari walked inside with various members of other River clans following. Giving a quick glance, Hikonari didn't spot any prominent Taika lord he wanted to approach. Taking this moment, Hikonari would turn towards the River clan representatives that had accompanied him, wondering what they were discussing about.

The journey from the Omari's lands to the lands of the Tokugawa had not been exactly difficult for Chu. He had been accompanied by guards and the journey had been mostly comfortable, although it was a bit cold for Chu's taste. It was interesting to him that this time the Taika clans would be the only ones meeting, which was unfortunate as he was looking forward to speaking with Zakito Hon once again. Chu did wonder if the meeting would be a bit more open now that the Chonobi were not in this meeting. Once he was in the room, his group looked to be one of the first to arrive, only beaten by a few other lords.
Chu fully planned to forward the Omari agenda in this meeting. Up to this point the Omari had been largely written off as a smaller clan, and he did not doubt that it would change in this meeting either, however he figured he might use this to his advantage. Chu used the opportunity provided to entertain a polite conversation with some other Rain lords, while observing the others who had already arrived.

He was getting entirely too old for all this travel. The cold weather was most certainly not helping with his old bones anymore either. Makoto still made his way towards the guarded doors of the meeting hall, albeit a tad slower than many of the others arriving. Still it gave him time to mull over his thoughts and goals for this meeting. The old Hanta was admittedly curious about who he might run into at this meeting. However, that was secondary. The person he sought to speak with was almost certainly was present. As he entered the large hall he cast a curious look around the room, particularly searching for one man, Leo Tokugawa. Having finally been convinced by his children, Makoto decided that perhaps he should move past the age old grudge his clan held against the Tokugawa. Giving a polite bow, as best he could, the Hanta greeted the Tokugawa. "Lord Tokugawa, I would like to thank you for being host of this meeting and welcoming us all to Vindex." He said politely before moving to take a seat near the center as well, just two seats away from a young man. The Omari clan leader, if his memory served.

The trip to Vindex, the capital of the Tokugawa, had been a rather cold one, but certainly filled with interesting sights. The man, who appeared to be in his mid thirties and sported a trimmed brown beard and bright green eyes, was not quite used to seeing such places, having spent the majority of his time overlooking the restoration of the Senju cities to their former glory. But, as Gakuro had fallen ill and he was the next in line to take charge over the political matters, it had fallen on him to come and attend the Taika leaders of Akino meeting. He had received advice from the Senju council on what their priorities should be, and while he had hoped he could achieve some, the man knew well that the political game can be anything but easy to maneuver.

Arriving at the designated hall, having been escorted there by a few Tokugawa guards, Osafumi Senju stepped inside. Walking towards the Tokugawa lord, who had been sitting at the head of the table, he approached the man and offered a bow "The Senju clan offers their gratitude in seeing the Tokugawa host this important meeting at their home, Lord Tokugawa, and also extend our apologies for not having our clan leader be present. As Lord Senju had fallen ill, I, Osafumi Senju, was sent in his place. We also brought with us the finest of Senju Olive Oil as a gift." Osafumi said, before raising from the bow and stepping away. He moved to sit in the seat just across from a young man, and hoped the way he explained things was done appropriately.

A mere three individuals arrived as part of the Hyuuga entourage, the smallest of the three stood in the middle of the group all wrapped up warm in order to stave off the winter chill in the air and flanked by her retainers, whom wore far more functional clothing.

"Rita, Keiji, while the meeting is going on see if there's anything the guards need help with, I'll be fine from here." Honestly, even now there was a sense of uncertainty about her presence here, but if Toshiro was going to trust her with something as important as this, she'd do what she could to ensure his faith wasn't misplaced… But political situations were one of her least favourite encounters, minding one's words and trying not to offend someone with a misplaced gesture was like walking on eggshells.

After a brief talk with the guards at the door, Kyoi entered the building and followed the instructed path to the gathering hall. Her warm coat was taken and stored for when the meeting concluded, now looking more akin to a well-maintained porcelain doll in the formal garb she wore, her hair pinned up into a bun and a subtle amount of makeup.
Her first impression of the steadily growing gaggle of representatives and clan leaders present certainly left her feeling somewhat intimidated, though the feeling settled after a moment. She quietly passed by some of the attendees as she approached the man at the head of the table so she could greet him.

Beginning with a respectful bow and a warm smile, Kyoi soon spoke up. "Good day, Lord Tokugawa. I apologize for our lack of presence in the last few meetings, but from here on out I, Kyoi Hyuuga, will be speaking on behalf of the Hyuuga clan. I didn't exactly know your preference of drink, so I brought along one of my preferred bottles of wine, your attendants asked me to leave it with them for the time being." She would wait a few seconds for some form of acknowledgement before moving to take a seat, not being particularly fussy about where exactly she placed herself, for now she'd just observe the others present and engage in pleasantries.

The journey from the Uchiha lands to the Tokugawa lands was pretty easy and pleasant for the group representing the Uchiha clan. The leader of this group was Ryuku Uchiha. The thirty five year old was asked by Lord Shozo Uchiha to be the main representative for the Uchiha clan at these meetings. Ryuku had worked close with Lord Shozo for many years now, and now was his time to play an even bigger role in the Uchiha political sphere. While on his journey Ryuku thought about what his agenda was for the meeting. Shozo had instructed him on certain things and let him know about situations with the other clans. Ryuku was to make sure that the Uchiha keep their place among the Taika clans and try to further alliances and such among the clans.

Ryuku would be ushered into the large hall where the meeting would take place. He had been on trips with Shozo before so he had seen some of the other leaders before and had talked with some before as well. This time though, he would be the man in charge of the Uchiha at this meeting. Ryuku would walk over to Leo Tokugawa the leader of the Tokugawa clan and express his thanks for hosting the meeting. He would offer a bow before he spoke. " I Ryuku Uchiha on behalf of the Uchiha clan would like to thank you Lord Tokugawa and the Tokugawa clan for hosting this meeting in your city. We very much look forward to working with you and all of the other clan leaders here." With that said the man would find a seat close to the center of the table as the rest of the leaders arrived.

It was far too cold in the North, it was a wonder anything got done here. They grew crops, raised cattle, mined beneath the dirt. Some of that had a specific season he knew, but other parts of it were done year-round through freezing temperatures and extreme heats that he knew for a fact would follow such an extreme climate as the one he had traveled through to get here. Rokakku Isao had barely batted an eye at Vindex as they'd arrived in sight of it though Ishikaga Nomai, a nearly sixty year old advisor that had sat at the Fire Daimyo's table and now had a place at the council of the Dominion had implored him to look upon its walls and the teeming city within as they crested the hill on the way in, "To gaze upon its grandeur!" he had exclaimed. Isao hadn't taken that well. He'd snapped on the old geezer, stopped the carriage and the group of guards as he took to reminding the Lord Councillor of the Dominion he served and the majesty of Keishi, imploring him to recite it's many esteemed sites and buildings to him at the point of his ceremonial blade.

He'd ridden into Vindex with an expression of true boredom, only betrayed by the dangerously intelligent look of his eyes and the catlike features of the man that owned them as they made their way to the keep that would house the meeting. Once prompted that they had arrived he had barely changed his bored look to one of cautious interest. They'd moved quietly to the meeting hall, their larger jackets, outerwear and weapons taken by servants as they passed the threshold inside and were then quickly led to the hall. A scribe of some sort asked the closest guard for papers and scribbled down names and the nobility the group represented before seeming to check the list for the Rokakku entourage. The scribe appeared confused for a moment and counted the group a second time before posing a question to Miaho, Isao's unarmed lifeward, "You appear to be missing one of your listed entourage, My Lord." he had said, his tone hushed to the lifeward who had nodded slowly and attentively to the man.

"He caught sick before leaving Keishi, I apologize we didn't think to send a messenger bird for a Councillors absence." Miaho had said before smiling slightly, "Though I doubt it would have survived long in this cold." he added as they were allowed into the hall. The majority of the entourage, scribes and lesser lords and advisors broke off to stand at the side of the hall and chat in a small group as Isao made his way across to the Uchiha and Tokugawa representatives that were easily made out by their position and the embroidery of their clothing, though it was simple enough to see that the Uchiha was in no way the true Clan Leader or even a close relative, too young, and far too nervous. Isao bowed respectfully and rose with a calm air and a warm smile, "Master Uchiha, I am Lord Rokakku Isao, son of Rokakku Yue and heir to the Rokakku Dominion, I am humbled to stand at your service for a meeting of such importance" he flashed a smile to the Tokugawa as well, "To you Lord, thank you for your hospitality in holding the meeting in your most marvelous city" he said rising. He gave the two Lords another bow before making off to the table that the servants had indicated was to be his position.

Far too cold, the Southlands held a much better climate, even when it snowed it wasn't anything near as bone chilling as it was in the Northlands. He had been inside, idly chatting with the Lord of some lesser River Province Clan on the importance of adequate protection over trade routes when Advisor Uehara had made his way over and quietly informed him it was getting time to enter the hall at last. With a few simple words and a courteous agreement to continue their conversation after the meeting had come to a close for the day Natsui Sun, First Son of Natsui Ibari and Heir-Apparent to the Natsui Dominion made his way into the room.

Natsui Sun, the young heir to the Natsui Dominion was nearly twenty five years old, of a small frame but built of wiry muscle and a face that seemed to be chiselled by the hand of God Himself, strikingly beautiful and lending total credence to the sense of true nobility that surrounded the young man. He was proud to be representing his father, and most importantly his home for the rest of the Taika Clans, and though it wasn't his first political appearance, he had never been at something quite as important as this. He flashed a smile to a rather old man sitting at one of the closer tables and bowed his head respectfully to the elder.

Clad in the light gold and yellow colors of his Dominion Sun quickly fell in behind a man clad in purples and dark blues as he left from his introductions with the two Lords of the meeting. He bowed deeply, summoned his most stately voice and introduced himself to the two, "Natsui Sun, my Lords. Heir to the Natsui Dominion and Honored Representative to my Father, Natsui Ibari and the entirety of the Natsui realm." he rose slowly, ensuring to keep his eyes equally between them as he did before moving his gaze to the Uchiha, "Pardon me Master Uchiha." he said before turning his attention to the Tokugawa, "Lord, let me extend my fathers deepest regrets in not being able to attend. He was quite overwhelmed with issues in the Dominion and was absolutely overcome with grief at missing an opportunity to see Vindex for himself." the young Natsui said with a small bow of his head, "I ensure you, anything that is said here shall be recorded and reported directly to him, and anything that is uttered by me carries the same weight as words issued by my Lord Father." he bowed slightly once more, "Please excuse me Your Excellencies." he spoke softly as he backed away still in his bow before spinning and rising at the same time to move to the spot indicated as his.

This was not what he had been promised. He'd been tricked. Devilishly fooled, though he had to admit it made him the fool in the situation, but fooled nonetheless. Moru cursed silently as he entered the grand hall of the Tokugawa keep and held back the innate want to whistle in amazement at the grandiose nature of the place. He took a deep breath and avoided a group of advisors as they passed and slowly made his way to the head of the tables, to the Lords that no doubt expected him to introduce himself and thank them for their most wonderful hospitality in inviting him here. Except that they hadn't invited him, they'd simply invited the Miyazato Clan, and he had been told this was a business trip to secure a steady flow of the Tokugawa spirits to the more Southerly Miyazato holdings. A lie. A complete and utter li- he paused, a half-lie. He could probably work something out while he was here. But the rest of this? A total and inescapable farce played upon him by his own kin and blood! Moru felt that his clan was beginning to favor him as their go to representative, which he hated, but he hated the fact that he was beginning to like the job far more.

Pilfering a small drink of some kind as it passed he downed it in one go and dropped it back on the tray before striding confidently to the two Lords. "Lords Uchiha and Tokugawa." he bowed deeply and rose, "I am Master Miyazato, Representative of the Miyazato Clan. Do pray tell me if you require an explanation for that, as we are quite small and unorthodox in our organization." he said with an apologetic smile before turning to the Uchiha that was very obviously not the famed Shozo, "Master Uchiha, I extend my clans deepest thanks for the summons to such a momentous meeting. And to you Lord Tokugawa," he said as he turned to face the young head of the Tokugawa Clan, "I am deeply humbled to walk among these halls and share in the same space as yourself and your kin." he stated with a genuine smile before bowing once more, "Master Uchiha, Lord Tokugawa." he stated as he edged away and disappeared to seek out his seat.

Banners fluttered in the wind and snow, the horses whined slightly as a rather whipping snow drift took them for a moment and then stopped their noise in unison as they entered into the enclosed area of the Tokugawa's Keep. Taihō Kanta, a man of some forty seven years and apparently chiselled from stone as his cloak-clad figure allowed to be gathered at a glance, stepped down from the carriage with his scarlet and light red outerwear flowing in the snow blown wind and made his way up the steps and into the keep proper with a gaggle of aides, advisors, lesser lords, wards and guards at his heels. An aide, a scribe he knew, approached him as they entered the keep and offered a clutch of papers which he waved off with a hand causing the man to bow and step away without a word.

A servant of the keep approached to take his jacket but was intercepted by a trio of armed guards a meter from where Kanta strode forward. The look on the young man's face was shock as Kanta walked past with his outerwear still on, Kanta mused it was probably partially due to the guards and partially due to the melting snow that left small puddles on the stone floor as he went. Kanta didn't stop as his own aides approached silently from behind him and removed the large fur cloak from his shoulders with a practiced ease. The beast of a man shrugged his shoulders forward and back as they continued their walk down the hall.

There were some raised voices from behind them, and a few of the aides and scribes broke from the entourage to join the held up group of Kanta's guards that were pressing uncomfortably close to some of the Tokugawa soldiers. His men were pointing to their lord and raising their voices in an attempt to express their need to stay close and protect him as the aides did their damn well best to calm both sides of the disagreement and bring a simmer to the growing noise. Kanta continued forward, ignoring the tirade happening behind him as he reached the doors and stopped for a moment.

"Lord Tokugawa is present as we have been informed. Though the Lord Uchiha did not show. He has sent a representative." the voice of Iehara Toma, Kanta's most trusted advisor, spoke softly at his side, "They are to be to the right of the Great Hall. Your seat will be at the left hand of the Uchiha Representative my Lord." he stated with a small bow, not out of respect but an apology as Kanta knew it. To be seated at the hand of a mere Representative? A total joke.

The doors swung open and the entourage, save for Toma, quickly dispersed to the edges of the room and began to set themselves up to work. The venerable and rather intimidating Lord of the Taihō made his way over to the head of the room with no obvious sense of urgency and pressed directly to the front of the small line waiting to introduce themselves to the two men. Toma whispered a few words to those in line as they passed and Kanta acknowledged the small bows he received with a nod of his head as they went. He stopped in front of Lord Tokugawa, acknowledging him first, "Lord Tokugawa, the hall is as grand as I remember it, if not more. Thank you for hosting such an event." he said with a slight nod of his head to the younger clan leader, not seeing a need to introduce himself. The intricate Phoenix crest at his chest did enough to tell of who he was without having to insult the intelligence of the men before him, even if one of them had done more than enough to insult him already.

"Master Uchiha, I take it your Lord is ill or terribly indisposed at the moment? I received no word of this until only recently. A surprise if I might say so myself." he said as he stroked at the well kept greying beard at his chin, the very same greying as that present on his well groomed head. He inclined his head down on the man, his immense height of some 190 centimeters adding to the already imposing figure of the large Clan Leader as he ran his hand up the gnarled scar hidden beneath his beard and inclined his head down in a bob as he eyed the Uchiha Representative and made it obvious he expected a bow from the man.

Before the bow could be made, another person joined in. The person was a man that seemed to reach his forties. The grey hairs mixed within the raven black, the wrinkles and autocratic look of an older gentleman made it clear that it wasn't a young pup that had joined the lords. The newcomer would make a quick and yet elegant small bow towards Leo Tokugawa. Ryuku Uchiha gained a small nod after a glance.
A servant stood at the flank of the newcomer. The tabard worn by the young man betrayed who the newcomer was. The servant heralded his lord, who slightly raised his chin while awaiting for his servant to be done. Only then the Governor of the Grass province, the descendant of the noble bloodline that ruled over the region, Kunihiko of the Fujima dynasty. The fourth Kunihiko that
"I have came from Shisaski, for this meeting. I hope that it will be worth my time." The man said, his voice not shrouding the pride and slight disappointment. Though it was unsure what the source of his disappointment was.


After a short while, after the visiting lords and representatives had been allowed and able to refresh themselves from their rides, the meeting would be held. Tables were set and as one could expect, there was a strict and rather formal approach to the matter. Depending on the clan's prestige, influence and power, the respective clan leader or representative would sit on a spot that was decided beforehand. Refreshments would be served but eventually everybody of importance was in the room and sat.
The first to rose would be Kunihiko, of the Fujima dynasty.
"Good lords, ladies and masters," the man began. "I would like to start the meeting first. It is no secret that the realm has been prosperous. The empire is blooming as a beautiful flower during Spring, basking in the delight in the rays of the sun. However," the tone of the man lowered slightly as he threw a look around. "It is no secret either that trouble is brewing. I haven't faced much of these so called 'zealots' but I have heard enough to realise the danger that they pose. They seem to be more destructive and irrational than most other dangers that we good nobles have seen. And I believe we should start the meeting with this topic discussed first."

More and more Lords and Masters would show up, some Leo knew by name and some others were more new in his mind. Some were surprises such as the Hanta leader greeting him for once, it almost caught him off guard. The Senju too with them offering up a gift for hosting the meeting. It was humorous that despite the Uchiha being in charge of these meetings, most of the Lords and Masters paid him more respect. Granted it was also because the uchiha decided to send someone that might not be that high stature to the meeting. Once most had arrived and being given time to relax a bit and discuss whatever they needed to, they would be assigned to their seats.

Sitting next to the Uchiha representative he gazed around at the room filled with leaders, some leaders that had a reputation that he knew about such as the Hanta and Senju, while some minor clans he could recall. Mitsunari from the Riojin, and The Omari as well. Yet the one to start off would not be Ryuku as he thought it might be, instead it would be Kunihiko of the Fujima dynasty. Not a bad person to start it off and on a topic safe enough to discuss. The zealots. Yet despite such a broad and open topic none really jumped on the chance to speak, not even the Rain clans which have had quite the ordeal with them.

Rising in his seat he would clear his throat to gather everyone's attention. "To expand upon this, my lands have also had very little issue dealing with the Zealots unlike some others that are here. I cannot say what makes these hostile groups attack and cause panic in certain areas, yet a possible suggestion that might help would be a tighter guard patrol schedule. Crack down on areas we know might be more likely to be corrupted by such groups wishing to spread unruly behavior."

Chu looked only mildly interested in the conversation. This topic was one that he had tried to tackle very quickly in the recent affairs of his clan and had already been discussed at length amongst himself and his advisors. The Omari had taken great measures to prevent the dangerous zealots from moving freely. Such actions like cracking down had already been taken into hand, and the lackluster response from the Empire had lead to Chu growing discontent with the actions of the Amekage. He entertained the thought of going over at length the places in which he had chosen to improve security within his clan. Still,despite being the largest in terms of population to watch over in the Rain, he had no wish to prolong the subject. Nevertheless, he would stand. It would help to share insight about the zealots from the point of view of a shinobi who had personally fought them. "I would expand further. It may seem obvious, however the Zealots who have made it their mission to target the Empire are no amateurs. I've fought them. They are reasonably trained, coordinated, and they are unafraid of death. They will choose it willingly if given the option." He remembered back to the horrid jutsu that had somehow reanimated the corpses in the makeshift hospital. "They are capable of utilizing jutsu, as evidenced by the tragedy suffered by the Housha. They are not a force to be underestimated." After finishing his little speech, he sat down in his chair again, returning to observing the meeting. He would not share with them any specific actions the Omari were taking, after all, what reason had he to speak or tell any of these clan leaders of his own choices?

The brief speech leading up to the first issue up for discussion grated at Kyoi somewhat but it wasn't something she could refute just because of its egotistical tune, instead of dwelling on it for long in her head she focused her attention more upon the beginnings of the discussion about the zealots and their threat.
Whatever had occurred in Housha was beyond what she knew, but she had already experienced enough of the Zealots and their methods to take an educated guess at what may have happened. And at this point Kyoi had observed enough of the meeting and the apparent mannerisms to understand that there wasn't exactly a listed order to which people could voice their opinions, only that those speaking be given the time to finish what they have to say. So she rose from her seat after Omari's lord had sat down.

"Echoing the sentiment of the lords who have already spoken on this matter, I have also personally fought these zealots myself and want to see them out of our civilians lives as soon as is possible." Kyoi would briefly pause, gazing across the room in that moment before continuing. "So I wish to propose we form a task force of sorts that would combine our collective knowledge about these fanatics in order to better vet people who are under scrutiny and ensure there are no sympathizers lurking who can influence the flow of information within our communities. From observations members of my clan have made, individuals with chakra sensory capabilities are able to identify those whom are, as Lord Omari said, capable of utilising these jutsu-like abilities. These individuals are amongst the most dangerous when conflict arises, therefore a force dedicated to tackling these individuals specifically would serve to easily identify and eliminate such threats." Like the others who spoke had done, once she had finished making her input, Kyoi would sit back down and await a response.

Now there was a true surprise for the old man. For once, the Hyuuga actually suggested something that struck him as not being over xenophobic of their fellow clans. Even more so, the Hanta found himself in agreement with the Hyuuga. There was strength in a United front. Though he wouldn't voice it, the Hanta also thought that such an action might also send a message to the Chonobi clans, show them that the Taika still had strength. Standing, albeit with some trouble from these accursed old bones, the Hanta looked around the room for a moment before speaking. "I find myself in agreement with the Hyuuga and Tokugawa. Although my clan has not had much trouble with these Zealots, I've heard troubling stories. Tightening up patrols will help within our own lands to prevent troubles, but I also believe forming a United, Taika, task force would prove capable of rooting out those who would threaten our peace. I, furthermore, would like to suggest we expedite the process of forming this force. I wish to pull these roots up before they can become something worse. I'm sure none of those present wish for another round of something like the Shoji." The old man said before slowly sitting back down, letting out a sigh and rubbing his back. Perhaps he'd better start sending his son to these things. It would perhaps not look great if he croaked during a meeting.

Managing to get away from Amegakure for the meantime to attend this meeting, he had to silently pray that the city could stand on its own two legs for the time he was gone. The first topic to be discussed was about the zealots, a constant problem over Amegakure's head as of late. Lord Tokugawa's suggestion was one that would need to be done, mostly in his city yet with all the situations it made it slightly difficult to get on that matter. So when Chu Omari spoke up, an eyebrow of his raised as really nothing came of him speaking about what was known, he didn't even suggest anything either. The Hyuuga suggested a Task Force and while it was at least something, it also wasn't grand either, while Lord Hanta simply agreed to both the Tokugawa and Hyuuga's suggestions.

Sighing mentally he would stand up next. "I personally disagree on the matter of a Task Force. It's good in the mindset of building trust between others, but more difficult to pull off in the long run. An Uchiha would know their lands better than say someone from the Tamiyo dynasty. It would be slow progress overall, and the travel would also be a factor as well. Yet as the Jounin Commander of Amegakure, a place that has been struck often by the Zealots. Its apparent that we are being to lenient in what passes through our borders so easily. So I agree with tighter guard patrols, but maybe a reform of our border watch is also in order." Mitsunari stated but didn't sit down quite yet. Instead his gaze turned towards Chu Omari. "Master Omari, you said you have personally fought them right? What about your army? When Amegakure was in trouble when the Zealots did launch an attack on the Housha, your men despite being close to Amegakure to lend aid, did no such thing. It was left up to those inside the city." Mitsunari pointed out and proceeded to take his seat.

Master Omari? Chu raised his eyebrow at the lord who had insulted him, without so much as a flicker in his composure. "I might remind you that my title is "Lord Omari", Lord Riojin. It must be so stressful in your position for you to forget something so simple." He replied, correcting the mistake smoothly, not even standing from his seat while addressing the man. "My team commander summoned me without word of the disaster at the Housha compound, so I was unable to correspond with the troops of my clan. I fought personally at the Housha compound. However, as I recall the Riojin compound is even closer to the city then my own lands. Did you perhaps forget how to send word to your own troops Lord Riojin, just as you've forgotten to address a fellow lord?" He let the question hang. He stood, turning his attention away from the man. "On that matter of the border, I have already dispatched troops to prevent the flood of migrants into my own lands from the Western countries. The foreigners have fled to the Rain and posed a significant risk already." Then Chu sat once more, saying no more on the matter.

Listening, Hikonari remained silent. The first to speak were lesser lords. Though in theory, he was on their level. The loophole was that he was representing his lord and dynasty. Thus allowing him to speak on a level of prestige that was higher than most - save it for the Great Clans present.
When the suggestions were being made, Hikonari made little secret of what he thought about them. The dismissive expression was clear to read, even if most didn't know the representative personally. The only brief moment that his expression changed was when a verbal scuffle seemed to occur between the leaders of the Omari and Riojin clan. These Rain clans were somewhat amusing, despite their less wealthy and prestigious standing. Sharing his liege-lord's opinion that the Rain clans were not fit to rule over themselves, Hikonari was more than ready to admit that they made meetings somewhat more amusing to attend.
Slowly the man would bring his right hand up and pat the table to attract the attention, hopefully diverting the attention to him. As he spoke, the man seemed to speak with a soft tone - forcing the other lords, even more, to pay attention to him.
"As entertaining as I might find these suggestions, I am also against them. I am not entirely certain how many of you have enjoyed or are still enjoying an esteemed military career, but I can already educate you good gentlemen that a joint force will be costly. Not to mention, questions will be asked when a different clan will be trodding through places that are foreign to them. I also doubt that it will things actually work. These Zealots are operating in various regions and thus have an understanding of how many forces are present in the area. The moment that they see a large force of another clan, it can present them a moment to relocate with more ease to then conduct their nasty affairs in the weakened clan. Making us look like fools, scurrying from one end to another."

Letting his words sink in, Hikonari leaned slightly forward.
"Instead, I suggest that we pool some information together. Master Hyuuga came with some valuable information. I think it is more efficient if we pool our knowledge on the enemy and then use our own troops first to combat them. In case somebody doesn't have the required forces, I am sure that they can request the Imperial crown." Pausing once more, Hikonari briefly settled his gaze on Mitsunari. "Master Riojin, you spoke of reforming the border patrols. I would like to expand that slightly. As the borders of my liege-lord are against that of the Yakimara, I would like to know what you lot have in mind. I am also certain that such a suggestion needs to be done with care, for I don't imagine that more and invasive patrols will be appreciated by the lords and leaders that aren't here in this meeting. Besides, the last time that intensive border patrols took place, the Tokugawa invaded the Hanta. No offense, Lord Tokugawa." Hikonari smiled faintly as he added a small nod towards Leo Tokugawa.
However, it seemed that the man remembered something. Turning to the Omari, Hikonari frowned slightly.
"I am sure you didn't mean it with any disrespect, "Lord" Omari, but those foreigners are fleeing from a war-torn country. Held by foreigners. They are further brothers and sisters in faith. Many of us actually are dutiful followers of God. If you have so many issues with them, I will be sure that my liege-lord can provide shelter and homes for them. It is, after all, nothing but an honest duty for any dutiful lord to take care of those who want to be free of heathen oppression. Perhaps," Hikonari raised a hand to gesture to the Miyazato, "the Miyazato can offer some guidance on how treat those who seek merely asylum."

As he was sitting and the Omari responded to his comments mostly addressing his comment about his title, and where his armies were. Both easy enough to answer, it was the representative of the Taimyo that drew his attention more however. Pointing out that border control would have to be more carefully done, as last time border patrol did happen an invasion from the Tokugawa befell the weakened Hanta. He waited until he was finished before he would stand back up. "I know what I said Master Omari. However it should also be of note that as the Jounin Commander I get various reports in. Like one report being about your sister Kona Omari murdering civilians in Amegakure, but you seem to have no trouble assembling your army to intimidate other rain clans. As for mine when the Housha were invaded, my men did fight and die during that conflict." Mitsunari before turning his gaze towards Hikonari.

"I don't mean a huge increase in border patrol, but like checkpoints to do a better job at keeping watch Lord Hikonari. I understand not wanting other clans to think we are suddenly hostile towards them." Mitsunari stated before sitting down once more.

Chu did not respond nor really seem interested in most of what Hikonari said. He was already taking actions of his own. He stood only to reply to him briefly, turning his head to Hikonari. "It is not my intent to harm any of those who are attempting to cross and seek asylum, however, perhaps you are not aware of the harm that they are doing to the lands of my vassals. They have stolen food and other supplies from two of the clans who have come to join me. I sympathise with the plight of these foreigners, but the livelihoods of my people come first. We will keep our borders closed until a proper vetting process can be put in place. If such a thing were expedeated by the assistance of the Miyazato, I would have no objections, but respectfully, we are in no need of any guidance." He turned his head to the Riojin leader briefly. "Master Riojin, I have no idea just what it is you are speaking of. Perhaps you misinterpreted those reports you recieved. I have no sister by the name of Kona Omari." He paused for a moment before smiling. "We are not here to discuss the movements of my troops however, Riojin. I, however, must agree with you. The set up of checkpoints is imperative to preventing the free movement of any Zealots across the borders is important."
 
Taika Meeting Part 2
Vindex Capital of the Tokugawa Clan
Summary: Various Taika lords and nobles all get together to talk about pressing matters in the realm.

Listening in silence to the ongoing conversation, which included a show that lacked respect from one leader of a rain clan toward another, Osafumi noted that topics which appeared to him to be unrelated to the matter at hand have risen. Taking a moment to try and recall what he was instructed to say on the matter of the Zealots, the Senju coughed lightly "If I may," He began speaking on a polite tone "I feel as though there have been good suggestions that were brought up. However. I think it is late for some of them. From what I have heard, the Zealots are already among us. As long as the enemy already lurks among us, who said they won't be able to easily temper with any security measures we will think of to try and keep them out? Or find ways around them, due to already being inside?"

Osafumi looked toward Lord Tokugawa "I am inclined to show support to Lord Tokugawa's suggestion. Even though the Senju lands have remained at peace so far, and like him, I do not know what is their motivation behind causing the uproars in certain areas, I feel that further securing our lands should be the first step. We need to root out the Zealots who are already among us first, and tightening the security is a step towards it." Osafumi said, before turning to look at the young lady that represented the Hyuuga "I am afraid I cannot show support to the idea of sharing information, as it is not something that should even be brought up to discussion. Creating such a force that is exclusive to the Taika can, without a doubt, cause a rift between the cultures of the Empire. So I believe the information should be shared with the high leaders of the Empire, and they will share with our leaders what we need to know. We cannot keep any information regarding this threat only to us. This is a threat of the Empire in its entirety, not one against that stands against solely the Taika." Osafumi finished speaking, before sitting down back at his chair.

He knew very well this was the Taika clan meeting, but that suggestion seemed like the most absurd one of them all to him. Sharing information only among the Taika could potentially put two other cultures in the Empire at risk. And despite knowing who surrounded him, and the likely reaction he will receive, Osafumi still believed the Empire needed to stand united. And that was a recipe for a divide in the Empire.

Glancing at each of the leaders as they spoke, Ferra did her best to keep her face expressionless. It appeared Chu and Mitsunari were engaged in a dick measuring contest and, while she would normally find it greatly amusing, the topic at hand was one she considered to be quite serious. Taking a slow drink from the wine in front of her, Ferra waited for the Senju representative to finish speaking. Setting the cup down regretfully, she glanced at it for a moment before sighing inwardly and rising to her feet. "With respect, I believe the suggestion to share information was meant to include all parties and not be restricted simply to the Taika." Offering a polite smile towards Osafumi, Ferra turned back to the room. "With that said, the Arkos clan will happily share whatever information we have on these zealots. As Lord Riojin has mentioned, Amegakure has suffered the brunt of many of their attacks, which makes this personal for us. Like several others here, I have fought with the zealots first hand and seen the havoc they can wreak. The most disturbing thing, however, is their ability to blend in and appear as any normal civilian. This makes it very difficult to predict where and when they will attack as it can come from anywhere."

Taking a moment's pause, Ferra adjusted herself slightly so that she was standing straighter. "The Arkos clan is not the largest clan in the Rain by any means. But we are fighters and we are large enough to offer our assistance wherever we can. I am not a believer of closing our borders to those who need help," glancing briefly towards Chu, a look of disapproval flashed across her eyes briefly, before vanishing just as quick, "especially when these zealots already appear to be inside. If there are refugees in need of safe lodgings or supplies, the Arkos clan will do whatever we can to assist. All of that said, I am also in agreement with creating a task force to combat the zealot threat. Such a force could bring the fight back to the zealots and stop them at their source."

"I would like to volunteer to lead this task force, if it is agreed upon." Nodding her thanks to the rest of the gathered leaders and representatives, Ferra took her seat and grabbed her cup for another long sip of the delicious Tokugawa wine.

"The sky will fall on us all, before one of mine will follow a Rain."

Clearly displeased, the man who spoke was Kunihiko, of the Fujima dynasty - current governor of the Grass. "I agree that we must strengthen our security. But to have mine be led by somebody of an inferior clan? I will not sully and drag my kin's prestige through the mud."
Having risen up from his seat, the man placed his right index finger on the table. "The mere idea is absurd. What we need to do is to establish a certain security. Something that these Zealots can't figure out. We managed to do that against the Chonobi centuries ago! Our forefathers managed to win victories against dreadful warbands of those barbarians. Why not use the same tactic now?"

Chu raised an eyebrow again at the words of Ferra, who had decided to speak. He had figured talk would turn away from a United Task force, but it seems Ferra was interested in continuing that line of thought. Still, the Fujima Dynasty leader seemed interested in putting his own two cents in. Chu remained silent for a moment. "You have become very flustered over the suggestions of an inferior clan, despite them being just that according to yourself." Chu remarked mildly, sipping from his wine cup.

As the talks proceeded after he spoke his piece they also took a sudden turn in a different direction with the Riojin and Omari Lords going at one another. It added some amusement to this whole event, also made him ponder on where this whole bad blood seemed to come from. At the same time though he didn't care too much for the insult slinging they were doing. A proposal for a task force was brought up and while its intention was nice, it was also more difficult to pull off, that and as the Tamiyo representative brought up, last time such an occasion occured, his clan attacked a weakened Hanta which caused a nod of his head when the man also said no offense to him.

Yet the more they spoke the less they were getting suggestions to deal with this, than they were to just take a diplomatic shot at the other. One such being Kunihiko talking down to all the rain clans after Ferra stated she wouldn't mind leading such a force. To which the Omari made a remark to Kunihiko about him refusing to be lead by an inferior. He gave the Uchiha representative plenty of time to calm them down, yet since he wasn't and he didn't want to have to start calling guards in to break up any fights he would rise from his seat.

"Reminder everyone that we are discussing the Zealots and that all personal issues you have with each other is not to be brought up here. You can sling mud at each other in private but we have issues to discuss and your issues with one another unless major is not one. That is your only warning everyone, I will not stand and speak about it again." Leo stated audibly and clearly for them all to hear him as he sat back down.

Kyoi allowed herself to crack a wry grin as the Omari and Riojin leaders began to mar one another with words, honestly knowing that the lord of the Hanta clan was agreeing with her was entertaining to a degree, she'd expected a harsher resistance from Lord Hanta to anything she would say.
There was a lot of information to now accommodate for based on the reception her current proposal had received, so she knew more or less how to amend her words in order to better please her critics. Before she could stand to intercept them, Lord Tokugawa spoke to break up their squabbles and underhanded remarks. "Thank you for getting us back on track, Lord Tokugawa. An amendment to my previous proposal appears to be in order after taking everyone's feedback into account. Collating what information we and the Empire have on these Zealots is the most important factor, telling signs, behaviours and other such things. With that information as the base to work off of for each clan, we ensure that those within our courts and our guard aren't in league with them and establish our own independent units for handling zealot activity in order to push it out from our lands. Anything new we discover during this process about how they work we share with one another and with the Empire and while it may not be immediate, we make sure there's no trace of their influence amongst our own." Kyoi took a brief pause, she wasn't exactly used to long-winded conversations such as this so she needed a second to compose herself.

"For those willing to take in refugees, I urge caution in ensuring zealots and their sympathizers do not worm their way in by abusing your charity. And on the matter of reinforcing your border patrols, especially with the concern of accidentally over-reaching into one another's territory, I believe there would be some worth in allowing the commanders you know, through a vetting process, are not working for our collective enemy. As Lord Senju implied with his concerns about not sharing our information with the Empire, we have to work with one another and with the Empire if we want to eliminate the zealots. While we may be separated by our land and borders we have to show these zealots that we look after our own, regardless of if it's our fellow Taika or those of the Empire." With her elaborate explanation finally over with, and feeling slightly concerned that she may have turned it into a bit of a word salad, Kyoi bowed her head and sat down once more, taking a small sip of the provided wine at her table.

Makoto made a mental note to step up the efforts of the Hantagado when he returned. Perhaps he would also reach out to his neighbors regarding their border situations. Though he did not give this too much thought in the moment, rather he was quite a bit irritated by the squabbling of the rain clans. The Omari representative acting like the child he appeared to be, lashing back out at the slightest provocation. With some others joining in to distract from the purpose of the meeting, Makoto was about to suggest they ever-so-kindly silence themselves so business could be conducted. Yet it seemed that the Tokugawa beat him to that particular punchline. He chose not to add anything this round, remaining silent as he pondered what could come of these suggestions and how it could work for his benefit. Casting a look towards the Hyuuga girl, the old man decided it would be beneficial to talk with her later as well. She had some interesting ideas, and old feuds needed to pass. Though this meeting was certainly proving to be interesting.

This meeting was proven to be most entertaining. The mud slinging continued for a bit and then there were old enemies that seemed more friendly towards one another. Overall, Hikonari was enjoying himself so far. With Leo Tokugawa standing up and putting order back in, the representative of the Tamiyo Dynasty covered the lower part of his face with his right hand - hiding a growing smirk.

The topic was thus once more turned to the whole dealing with the Zealots. So far, however, they didn't seem to progress. Wondering if it was due to the fact that the clans were so indecisive or reluctant to work together, Hikonari decided to form a fist and pat the table to gather the attention to him.
"Perhaps we should establish a vote, Lord Tokugawa. As the lord of this hold, I think it would be most fitting if you were the arbiter. I propose we vote on the regard on how we shall handle the zealot problem. It is, of course, only wise to share the information with everyone within the realm. Likely to disperse it to the Crown and her Majesty first. But if we were to make sure that we keep an eye out for each other, that would surely be beneficial for all of us. And in the end, the Empire will benefit from it as well. After all, my good lords, ladies and representatives," a soft smile crossed Hikonari's features, "This is the Taika meeting. The Yakimara have held their meetings for a long time without us. Let us also not forget the Chonobi. As long as we report to the Crown and her Majesty, we have done our duty."

Turning to Leo, Hikaroni continued. "So, shall we perhaps make this easy? Those who agree on forming a joint force to combat these zealots shall stand and those who are against it shall remain seated. You, as arbiter, shall do a headcount and then we proceed on to the next topic."

Moving his attention between the lords and lady that spoke after he did, Osafumi felt a bit embarrassed. As this was the Taika clan meeting, he made as assumption that the information sharing would be among the Taika, but it seemed not everyone thought in the same way. However, soon enough the suggestion to make a joint Taika force to combat the zealots would rise. And that, in his opinion, fell in direct line of not working with the rest of the empire. Once the Taimyo representative finished speaking and gave Lord Tokugawa the role of the arbiter, Osafumi remained seated. He still felt there must be a better way to go about this than creating something that will be Taika-based.

Ryoku Uchiha would nod in respect to other clan leaders as they showed their respects to him as the representative of the Uchiha. He would soon take his seat next to Leo Tokugawa and the meeting would begin. The first order of business was talking about the Zealots. Ryoku not being the head of his clan was fine listening to the other clan leaders for a little while, trying to show a little respect before jumping into the fray. Before the Vote would happen, Ryoku wanted to get a word in. Ryoku would take some time to think about a possible task force. This would not work for the Uchiha, the Uchiha already have strong enough military forces to deal with the zealots, also to have members of the Uchiha be under the command of someone from a lesser Takia clan? That just would not work for the Uchiha. Also the Uchiha can't just have people running around their clan lands." The Uchiha will have to say no to the joint task force. As it comes to sharing information, the Uchiha already share information with the empire and the imperial military, we imagine that you all do the same,and if you don't then we would highly suggest that you do." Ryoku would remain seated as he would vote no, and then wait to see how the rest would vote.

Seeing Ryoku's response, Makoto for a moment found himself in doubt of his position. The Uchiha were his closest allies, yet they seemed to be on opposing sides of this particular issue. Unfortunate, the old Hanta thought to himself as he realized that none of the others were rising at the moment. There was a strength in unity, as his own people had proven when the Hanta were first formed. With these thoughts in mind, the man let out a long sigh as used his cane to slowly push himself to his feet after the voting started. He was firmly for the idea of the Taika joining together, crushing these Zealots with their combined might. He only hoped some of his peers might share in his views.

The latest reception of her proposal seemed to be falling flat, in part due to the fact that any further input was put on hold in order to set up a vote on whether or not the others present agreed with the idea or not. In being the one who proposed it, Kyoi would maintain confidence in her idea and stand, regardless of the implication left by the Uchicha representative's brief words.

Chu said nothing and remained seated. He had no interested in helping the people who looked down upon the Rain, regardless of whether or not it was for good reason. Aside from that, he had no wish to help the Riojin or to submit any of his clan's resources to be under the thumb of these other clans. Aside from that, few of the great clans seemed interested in the idea, and that spoke volumes about such a thing.

Her comments had been addressed immediately and in a blatantly disrespectful fashion that caused her blood to boil, yet Ferra showed no outward sign that Kunihiko's words had affected her. Taking another long sip of her wine, Ferra listened as Hikonari proposed a vote, glad to see that things were getting back on track. Glancing around to the other leaders and representatives, Ferra watched as a couple of them began to stand. Rising to her feet, she continued to glance around the room, wondering who else might show their support.

Remaining seated, Kunihiko folded his hands together on the table. He snorted as raised his chin when the meeting continued, though listened intently. When some leaders rose to show support for the idea of a Taika taskforce, Kunihiko remained sitting. He felt no need to share resources with clans he regarded inferior.

Watching how the voting went by, Hikonari counted the lords standing. The representative of the Taimyo dynasty could come with a conclusion as he spoke up. "It is clear that the majority is against the idea of a combined force. I believe that we can thus move on to the next point." Hikonari flashed a polite smile as he had remained seated as well. He did attempt to remember which lord had risen to stand.
"I am happy we have concluded that in a somewhat organised manner. Perhaps we should now discuss something that my liege tasked me to bring up. The painful fact that we are a declining power. Sure, a lot of us are in power and capable to influence matters. But how many of you can actually state that you got the Empress to listen? I can't argue against the idea that the Empress listens to her kin. The Fire Daimyo has always been more eager to listen to my liege than any of the Chonobi. However, it is becoming apparent that we are starting to lose grip. Now do heed," Hikonari frowned slightly, "I am not proposing we combat the growing influence of either the Yakimara or Chonobi. I am simply stating that it might be in our best interest if we don't start to fall short. If we can attempt to gain more favour with the Empress, we can attempt to secure more influence. Surely, she is still young and has her interests as desires."

Hearing the next topic in line, Osafumi nodded. That was one that his own clan was trying to push forward, especially since they considered their clan to have fallen the most in the empire. Without mentioning their personal opinion, the Senju representative began speaking "As a member of a clan who does not have the influence it once had,I know that my clan council and Lord have been working on rebuilding our clan, and they have been keeping the Empress in the loop regarding the progress. So far, from what I have heard, this allowed the relationship between my Lord and the Empress to be a good one. We are also working on starting to have events hosted for Akino within our clan lands, and my clan personally believes this is one of the ways to secure more influence with the Empress. Stay at a good standing with her, and show that your clan is working to benefit both itself and the empire, without keeping any secrets."

Osafumi finished speaking and then looked around. This time around, he had basically echoed the words of his council, and didn't let his own opinion influence what he was saying. And yet, he also felt like this response may have sounded a bit too naive to a degree. But, not wanting to speak against the words of his clan council, Osafumi remained silent for now.

Being only mildly disgruntled by the fact that her overall suggestion was shot down by bureaucracy, Kyoi would be quiet for a time as she listened to the next topic up for discussion. In all honesty it didn't sound all that sincere, sure it was certainly clever to try and get into the empresses good books, but it sounded like he wanted to butter her up more than anything. On the bright side the Senju representative's input sounded a bit more appealing to her, not so underhanded or hidden in motive. "I'd reflect Master Senju's thoughts on this topic and add that it may be worth being inventive in whatever way you feel suitable. Introduce a new business concept to the capital or perhaps work to make a breakthrough in a scholarly field to display a usefulness that surpasses the current expectations set for you. I believe it would be better for all involved to focus on these forms of long term achievements instead of whatever gives a quick result." With her piece said and done Kyoi would return to sitting, putting on a faint smile as she waited for a response.

Makoto sat back down, admittedly a bit disappointed that the movement for a joint force did not pass. There was a strength in numbers, and the various capabilities of each clan. However, the decision had already been made. He could not push it much further than that. As the next topic was brought up, it was something which Makoto was rather interested in himself. Yet something the old man had been lacking ideas on in recent times. Perhaps he had grown duller in his age, or simply reached a point where he no longer understood the younger generations. Still, the man listened rather intently to what those speaking had to say, nodding along occasionally and making mental notes. If he couldn't contribute much to the topic, it might do to learn how some of the others might be going about things.

"I highly doubt that you will be earning much favour from her Majesty with a few feasts. She doesn't seem to be the type to like you more because you offered her some sweets, Senju." The disappointment was tangible in the voice of Kunhiko. The Governor of the Grass would lean slightly forward, a frown growing on his brow. "We are bound by oaths and laws to already keep her Majesty in the loop. That won't gain you favour. That is a duty." The man threw a look around the room before he spoke again.

"So far I have heard and seen is that her Majesty is most interested in the field of war. Last meeting she proposed some military forms, which further cement that she won't be that much impressed by some festival by this or that clan." The man paused as he could understand that some of the lesser experienced and younger folk weren't perhaps used to these kind of plans. "A large portion of the military is under the influence of the Chonobi. The Imperial army already shows this clearly. If we are to try to keep a steady influence, then we need to come up with solutions that allow us to grow Imperial favour as gaining influence."

Chu grew disinterested in the conversation. It was one point that he had to agree with the Grass governor. The Empress was not some simpleton to be easily impressed by some feast or festival, in fact, most rulers would not be so impressed by such things. He also agreed that the militaries of the Taika required some improvements. The Taika were a fine fighting force, sure, but he had found that the armor and weapons of the Chonobi seemed a far more effective set of equipment for combat. He was a skilled swordsman in the style of the Taika, but even he had to admit that the Chonobi's shields offered an appealing protection. This showed in his new training regimes for the troops of his clan. Sure, the older noble warriors of his people still fought in the old fashion, but the new armor and weapons that were to be given to the common folk would see to it that even they would have a decent chance against the quick blades of taika troops.

Listening to the words of the Grass Governor, Osafumi understood what he had meant. While making feasts and events for the empire to participate in was nice and well, it did not mean it would get the most favour with the Empress. While he still believed showing the efforts being made was an important step, as some clans could choose to do the bare minimum when it came to the empire, and solely focus on themselves. But putting that thought aside, he decided to share what was in his mind.

"If that is the case, then I already have an idea. Having our forces well trained and equipped with the best weapons is, of course, not even a question. What I had in mind is, quite simply, our specialized forces. Each clan that stands proudly has at least one, and normally, that force has a historical reputation. My idea is that we properly introduce her majesty to these forces, to their history too. What lays in the militaristic past that each force holds can prove to be enlightening, in one way or another. This way, we will both deepen the knowledge the Empress holds regarding her own military forces, and show our own strength in the process." Osafumi summarized, and then turned to look at the Governor "And before you mention once more it is our duty to inform her, my suggestion entails going into specifics past what is mandatory." He briefly added. Hoping that his suggestion will be looked up in a positive view, Osafumi turned to look at everyone else that sat around the table.

Ryoku would watch as the vote continued around the table before it would eventually fail, not enough of the clans liked the idea of a combined force. With that out of the way, a new topic would come up. The new topic was discussing how the takia clans could gain more favor with the empress. This was something that Lord Shozo and many of the Uchiha had been wondering about as well. It was a tall task indeed. The empress coming from the Hon clan would obviously be more inclined to listen to members from her own clan as well as other Chonobi clans. " The empress though she is young, is not someone to take lighlty. She has showed us that much so far handling clan leaders and such with little problems. Obviously she comes from the Hon clan and will always tend to listen to those from her own clan as well as the other chonobi clans. I agree that while having feast and festivals that involve the empress can help to a certain degree, I also agree that she seems very keen on military issues. Many of us takia clans have very strong and skilled shinobi and warriors, if we intend on getting more on good side then that's how I believe we should do it, through our military strength."

As talks continued on in the room Leo had prepared for the meeting. A break would come around with everyone able to eat and drink all courtesy of the Tokugawa servants. The break would end and they would all talk about state affairs and problems with no real progress being made, as no real suggestions besides the first one to be offered had more minor lords agreeing to it. Some choose to not voice themselves at all, and those that had done such before were less lenient to talk under the pretense that any further scuffle would result in them being kicked out. Overall productivity was really not getting anywhere and you could tell other lords and masters were agreeing with their lack of interest. With no true idea really being accepted, Leo would stand up and clear his throat.

"My fellow friends, I think we have talked and discussed enough today. I thank each of you for coming out of your way to my home. I have prepared in advance quarters for you all to sleep in so you can all get a good nights rest before heading out. My guards will escort you to your lodgings." Leo said as he walked over to Hikonari and whispered something in his ear as the two would walk out with Leo's personal guard following them, while the room would slowly deplete of the various nobles that attended the meeting. Some sticking around to chat, most opting to head to their rooms right away, or others opting to leave outright. Yet within an hour the room that held the meeting would grow quiet as the last group would leave the room.
 
Kin and Traditions
Aoi Miyazato and Dagrún Hon | Ardara, the heartlands of the Sarutobi Clan |
A collab between FrostedCamel and Aliceee.

Summary:
Aoi and Dagrún go to pay a visit to Dagrún's kin, who have come to Ardara for the Allthing, an assembly in which the prominent members and leaders of the Imperial Chonobi gather to settle feuds and discuss important matters. Aoi is being introduced to a member of Dagrún's clan and House, learning a bit about their culture and traditions in the process.

It didn't take long to figure out where they had to go. Though they first had to acquire some clothing to make it easier for Aoi to blend in. It soon became apparent that Dagrún was in a grand mood. Nearing closer and closer to the location where they were heading, a smile was growing on the Hon's lips.
"There it is," she said, softly but still audible for Aoi, in Taika. Nodding towards the establishment on the other side of the busy street, they would spot a large tavern. Various markings were engraved into the building. And despite it not being that late in the afternoon, it was clear that people inside were already enjoying themselves. Nobody did, however, walk inside the establishment as a large group of men were present. All of those men were clad in armour and despite their weapons sheathed, they seemed wary of anybody that wanted to get closer.

"There," Dagrún attempted to subtly point at the banner at the door of the large tavern. "That is the crest of my House and kin," a certain pride swelled in Dagrún's voice as she seemed excited at the prospect of them nearing the tavern.
"Now, before we move in, are you ready? I need to warn you that my kin can be a bit… intense." Turning her attention to Aoi, Dagrún would manage to restrain herself from quickly crossing the street to enter the tavern, past the guards. "They will have to offer us bread and salt. Simply accept it by taking a bite and we are out of trouble. Well, mostly." The smile started to turn into a grin. "Aye, ready?"

Bringing her eyes to the tavern ahead as Dagrún pointed it out, Aoi couldn't help but feel tense at the entire situation. The men outside were anything but inviting, clad in armour and brandishing weapons on their hips, they seemed to glare at all that approached as if looking for a fight. "Ready yeah. I'll eat the bread that's easy enough." she confirmed with Dagrún as she gave a nod.

"Will they expect me to talk to them in Chonobi?" she asked as she became even more anxious at the idea. Her Chonobi was clipped, the sounds cut short in places where it should continue, and most of all, it was obviously stained by her Taika accent. She would be hopelessly exposed if she needed to speak, and what that could mean around this group she had no real idea. "At worst they'll just make me leave yeah?" she asked as she motioned for Dagrún to lead them in.

For a moment, Dagrún threw a glance at the tavern. She seemed to consider the questions of Aoi. "Just be yourself. You are with me," the confident grin appeared quickly on Dagrún's lips. "I will make sure nobody will disrespect you, less they desire to cross me." The blonde Hon inhaled slowly as she would then seem to ready herself. "At worst," she started as she started to walk, answering back to Aoi. "Let us not think about that."

Approaching the tavern, Dagrún noticed that she and Aoi were eyed by the men. Not slowing her pace, she would head towards the door. Some of the men would get up from their seats at the tables outside. And the man nearest to the door would take a step forward, blockading the path of Dagrún and Aoi. The man towered above Dagrún, his stern gaze being the clear sign that he didn't approve of them just barging through.
Coming to a halt, Dagrún would lock her eyes with the bigger man. The sounds of chainmail jingeling resonated, betraying the movements of the other guards.

Speaking in Chonobi, Dagrún spoke in a faster pace but her tone gave away that she didn't appreciate that the man was standing in her way. The visible reaction was that the man frowned but he remained silent. Only to grumble something, barely audible. Resulting in that Dagrún would slowly raise her right hand, using her left hand to pull down her sleeve. Revealing the blue tattoo that spiraled down her arm. A short inspection followed by the guard, who then stepped aside and nodded.
Lowering her hand and arm, Dagrún threw a look over her shoulder. Flashing a smile, a joy was visible on Dagrún's face. Another man would open the door and gesture them to come closer. The guard would gesture once more, mumbling something about weapons.
Handing in her weapons without hesitation, Dagrún already could hear the signing that escaped the spacious interior through the open door. A pleasant warmth already greeted them.

Falling into close step beside Dagrún, AoI kept her gaze focused on a point on the wall ahead of them as they passed between the group of men outside the tavern, trying her best to stay focused on anything but them and keep her composure in front of them. She found her sight filled with one of the men as he blocked their path inside and seemed to want something from Dagrún as he stared daggers into them both.

She watched with a bit of apprehensive curiosity as Dagrún seemed to get angry with the man and show him one of her many tattoos. She didn't know she was holding her breath as the man seemed to think on what had been said and shown to him until he opened the door and she took a long quiet breath to fill her lungs once more.

Stepping inside she'd nudge Dagrún as they entered, "What was that about?" she asked in Chonobi, her words short and unnatural as she spoke.

Twisting her head, Dagrún shot a glance towards Aoi. "Just asking who we were." The answer was casually given, despite that the exchanged prior tones didn't indicate such a simple or causal question or answer. As the two entered the interior, they would see a large group of people at long tables. A few hearths were lit and provided both light as warmth into the large hall.

Nearly had they the time to take in the sight or people noticed them. "Remember, just be yourself." Dagrún said, on a more hushed tone. As the noise slowly died out and the attention moved towards them, Dagrún would take a step forward. Raising her voice, she would also spread her arms.

"Is this how kin is welcomed back?" The question would be thrown into the room with a certain hostility. Some of the people at the tables frowned but soon enough, laughter broke out and the chaotic ambience returned. A few people raised their mugs while laughing towards the direction of Dagrún.
Subtly gesturing Aoi to stay close, Dagrún would lead Aoi towards the centre of the hall. Several times, Dagrún would halt to briefly shake a hand or be embraced by a man. Much like the guards outside, most seemed to be geared and ready for war with armour and weapons on person.

Reaching the centre of the hall, a large man sat on a bench. He was bald, with various blue markings visible on his scalp. A trimmed blond beard sat on his chin while his sharp blue eyes observed the approaching kunoichi.

He didn't rise from his seat but gestured to the two to approach him. "Who is she?" The man asked, the gravel voice fitting with the man's large and rough appearance. Briefly did the man's gaze settle on Aoi, only to turn to Dagrún as he clearly expected an answer.

"This is Aoi." Dagrún answered back, however, in Taika. Causing the man to narrow his eyes, clearly not liking Dagrún's decision. "She is with me." The young woman continued, who decided to sit down on a bench as she gestured Aoi to join her.

Following close and rather intimidated by the everything going on around her, Aoi hadn't actually noticed the man they were approaching until they were stood in front of him. She took in his tattoos on his head and scalp and, even with her limited Chonobi, was able to understand that the man clearly wasn't keen on her presence.

Nodding to Dagrún and taking a seat at her side, Aoi would take a look about her for a moment, wondering if she could order something now or if she needed to wait for the bread that Dagrún had spoken of first. Deciding to wait she'd focus herself back in on the man across from them, but wouldn't introduce herself personally being too afraid to mess something up.

"And can this 'Aoi' speak?" The man brusquely asked in Taika, though his voice was laced with a thick accent. Raising his hand to gesture at Aoi, he continued. "And why is she with you? I am certain that your grandfather would be most displeased if he learned of this development. You are aware of the current situation?" The man further asked, to which Dagrún simply nodded firmly. A certain shift seemed to take place as Dagrún slightly raised her chin and crossing her arms out front of her chest while remaining silent.

Aoi was pretty sure she had this whole interaction dialed in at this point, the big guy and Dagrún appeared to be trying to gain the others respect by appearing the most bad ass, or something else was going on that she couldn't quite place. But it was along that line of thought, she was sure of that much. Either way she was pretty sure that the man in front of them wasn't going to show her a sliver of respect if she continued to let Dagrún do the talking and kept appearing as if she couldn't stand up for herself.

Leaning forward she'd place a hand on the table and offer a cocky smile, "I can speak for myself." she stated a little awkwardly in Chonobi as she cocked her head to the side, "Here I thought the Chonobi were bound by tradition to offer guests hospitality…" she shrugged and motioned at him with her other hand as she raised an eyebrow in question, "Guess that was wrong huh?" she stated to him, her Chonobi continuing to flow out. She struggled with each word, attempting to formulate them before they were needed as not to screw up her little show for the stranger.

It remained 'silent' between the three after Aoi spoke up. For a moment it was either unsure because of the awkward struggling of Aoi speaking the language that was native to the others. But a scoff followed from the man as he slowly nodded. He barked a name loud enough to cause somebody to scurry from the table behind him.

"Well spoken," he replied in return to Aoi, speaking back in Chonobi. There was a slight shift in his attitude as he nodded and shifted his weight. Returning to speak Taika, he continued. "I am Einar. I am the Bondbrother of the jarl of Dowhon. In his absence, I make sure that this rabble around us won't pick a fight with anybody. And making sure that none of our kin is going to be threatened in this city," he threw a glance at Dagrún, only to return his attention to Aoi, "Which includes those that are with us."

The moment that Einar finished his sentence, a young man approached Dagrún and Aoi with two plates. On one there was some broken bread and on the other was some salt. An audible scoff followed as Einar mumbled something in Chonobi.

"You are doing well." Dagrún whispered as she reached for a piece of bread. Briefly dipping it in the salt, she would try to subtly mark that Aoi should do the same. Leaning back, Dagrún would take a bite from the bread. It wasn't that bad but neither the most revolutionary culinary piece that she had ever tasted.
"Is there already word from the Allthing?" She would ask, deciding to keep speaking in Taika.

"No." Einar said as he leaned forward, his arms leaning on his thighs. "The first session hasn't yet been finished and I doubt it will within any time soon. Chances are big though that your grandfather will attempt to approach the Allthing with his request. Though I have little idea on how it will play out." The large man further said, speaking Taika as well.

Aoi did her best to suppress her satisfaction in what she'd just pulled off but couldn't quite get rid of the excited look in her eyes as she was seemingly complimented by the brute before her, "Thanks…" she managed out quietly in embarrassment as the man moved onto introducing himself and what he did around this place.

Nodding along quietly at what was being spoken of Aoi would continue to peer between Dagrún and Einar, not quite able to understand exactly what they were talking about even though they were both using Taika. Meilin has given them a rundown on the Allthing, but it didn't do such an event justice. She knew there was far more nuance at play at this meeting turned festival turned political game that was the Allthing.

Catching Dagrún's motion Aoi would take a piece of the bread and follow Dagrún's lead, munching slowly as the two Hons continued to speak about the goings-on.

The response of Einar didn't clearly sit well with Dagrún. "So, there is no word if the Allthing will give into the requests?" She asked. The large man casually shrugged in response before he gave a verbal elaboration.

"I have no idea, yet. It might be that your grandfather can get his request approved. But I doubt that the jarl of Ecla will buckle that easily. Even if that land isn't worth spilling too much blood over." Einar replied, causing Dagrún to frown and clearly wanting to say something. Only to be beat by Einar, who raised his right hand as if to motion her to not speak up.
"The Allthing will decide. We only can wait and hope that your grandfather convinces his peers and the leaders. Though, I must admit that nobody expected you to walk in here. I thought that you were going to the capital?" The question went together with a glance at Aoi, evidently giving away that the man suspected that Aoi had something to do with it.

"We are assigned to a team that is sent over here. When I caught wind that you guys were in Ardara, it wasn't really hard to find you." Dagrún answered, quickly but playing it off casually. Her answer seemed to put the possible suspections of Einar at rest, judging by the subtle shift.
"Are all the Houses and jarls represented though?" She decided to ask.

Einar nodded slowly. "Aye, all of them. Though no trouble has yet arisen. I think that despite the tension that this Allthing will go without any bloodshed. Of course, ignoring the hanging," the large man replied, a smile growing at the mentioning of the grim event. "Maybe you get the chance to present, eh?"
"Perhaps." Dagrún replied, not sounding too excited about the suggestion. "I assume that you lot will be staying here for the entire duration of the Allthing?" She asked. Einar simply nodded in response.

"Good, then I will try to see if I come back later." Subtly, Dagrún would motion to Aoi that they could rise up. "Thanks Einar." Dagrún briefly swapped to Chonobi, as she would turn and guide Aoi out of the tavern.
Exiting the establishment, the Hon was visibly pondering on something. "I suppose we should head back to inn."

The conversation, although spoken in Taika, had been to confusing for her to understand. The talk of plans unknown to her, of traditions and expected outcomes of this Allthing. She was happy to be ushered up and out by Dagrún as she was afraid she'd begin asking questions soon enough, and she was almost positive that'd go down badly with the likes of Einar and his kin.

"Hanging?" she asked as they exited the tavern, "What hanging? Who's being hung? Why? Why would we want to watch that?" she began before she could properly put a cap on her thoughts.

Walking through the streets with Aoi, on their way back, Dagrún didn't respond right away in return. When she did, she made sure to keep her voice a bit hushed as she kept speaking Taika. However, they were back on the streets and Dagrún was keen on avoiding any confusion or anybody calling them out on it. "Hanging, aye. It is a particular tradition." She began, the caution being quite evident as she paused to weigh her words.

"The Allthing isn't just a social thing. It is tied to few religious practices. Such as paying homage to some of our prominent gods. One of them is to hang a person." Dagrún shot a sideways glance at Aoi. "The idea is to please the Gods with a sacrifice. A human life. Who?" A light shrug followed. "I don't know. It can be a volunteer or a criminal. In the end it is a sacrifice that will be felt. And thus, hopefully, please our Gods." Dagrún explained further. "The reason why we got invited and want to see that? Cause it is an important event. But I doubt we will be going. We got other matters demanding our attention, without a doubt."

"Tradition…?" Aoi repeated quietly as Dagrún went on to explain just what that tradition meant. Falling behind by a few steps as the Hon spoke she'd pick her pace up for a second to fall back in with the blonde before whistling low, "That's ehm…" she shrugged and waved at the air as if motioning at something she couldn't quite see, "You know." she finished.

"I'd prefer not to have to see that, if it can be avoided." Aoi asked as she gave Dagrún a half gaze.

She had expected an argument that it was barbaric. That human lives should be respected, no matter what. That their ways were wrong. That they should be mended and adapted to something closer to theirs. After all, Dagrún had heard of the Taika and their ways. As polite and civil as they could sound, she was aware of the 'crimes' that the Taika could and still commit.
Yet, Aoi surprised Dagrún as she didn't berate her people's way. Just asking if that could be avoided.
Returning the gaze with a slow nod, Dagrún would speak on her turn.
"Aye. I know."
 
The First Outpost
| Empire of Akino |
Hiron Hon
| Leader of Team 9 | Major General of the Third Division | Member of the War Council |
@GlitchyBugger , @ChromeHound , @Nim , @Jason Targaryen , @~\The Talentless/~​

Nobody had yet asked anything or belly-ached about the current situation. Hiron would have been content but the reality was that they were in their own country. Things would be much harder and tense if they were in enemy territory. Then again, he didn't consider them ready. Perhaps Karma and Kyoi had enough experience to deal with some harsher conditions but the genin? No.

"I can take first watch if you want..."

The voice of Yiko Uchiha broke through the silence, that resided amongst them. It certainly surprised Hiron when the boy spoke up, let alone suggesting to take first watch.
"You take first with Karma. Kyoi and Shikaroku take second. Tomiko and I will take third." Would be Hiron's reply as he shifted his gaze, throwing a glance at each of them.

The night would move on, slowly but steadily. The cold would get worse but Hiron's orders were clear: no fire or technique.
He did wonder if they understood or were attempting to guess the reasons behind. Attempting to get some rest, Hiron's mind drifted to different things.


As he had the third watch together with Tomiko, he would be able to wake up those that were sleeping. Or in any case, attempting to sleep. The small group would be readied for another day's march but before they would go off, Hiron would pass an order.

"Dump half your rations." He ordered, the light of dawn enabling them to see that he wasn't joking about the instruction. Waiting till they did so, Hiron followed it up by checking on the rations and water. Being content with the results, he gave another instruction.
"We will move in double speed. If you are slacking, you are left behind. Same formation as yesterday,"
Passing the harsh instruction on them, Hiron turned around and signalled that they were going.

Though the sun was radiating some warmth, it was still cold. As if the terrain wasn't difficult enough without a road, the layer of snow made it more difficult. Still, Hiron forced the group to keep trudging through as if they would else be beset by countless of hostile forces. Any attempt to converse was taken away by the fact each of them had to focus on not getting behind. Let alone not to spark Hiron's anger.
A few breaks would be introduced and when the night fell, the same order as before was given. This would only proceed for the next days.
Any questions on where they were going or why some orders were given were either ignored or facing a frowned glance. It would become evident to the chuunin and genin that it was no joke that they would be left behind as Hiron seemed keen on advancing further at a good pace.


Days had passed and he was sure that they disliked him. If not, perhaps grown to hate him. Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he could spot the signs of exhaustion. Karma and Kyoi were doing alright but it was evident that they were feeling the pain of the constant advancing through the wilderness. The genin?
If anything, Hiron suspected that they wouldn't last another day. Each day it would become harder for everyone but they hadn't been pushed this far. It provoked a wry grin on Hiron's features as he turned around.

The day would proceed much like those of before. But suddenly Hiron would pass out an order.
"Normal pace. Stay close."
Any reasoning wasn't given. The only difference was the sighting of a road. Approaching it, Hiron would wait for a second to glance around. Then proceed to walk on the paved stone. It certainly was a welcome change from the terrain that they had to trudge through. No longer were they forced to trudge through a layer of snow or needing to pay heed to any vegetation hindering them on their path.

An hour passed by as Hiron kept leading the group over the road. Spotting smoke up ahead, the jounin would throw a look over his shoulder.
"Seems that you lot managed to reach it." He said out loud. "The borders of the Yakimara heartlands. That up ahead is our destination," Hiron slightly narrowed his eyes. The outpost couldn't be more than a few miles away. At this point, Hiron would command the group to stick closer to him.

The closer they got, the more clear it would become what they were approaching. Sentries could spotted but it was more likely that Hiron's group was spotted way before as it seemed that they were expected.
Earth and wooden wall was erected around what seemed to be a small camp. Though the Imperial flag was hoisted, the troops weren't the typical types that served. The chainmail that seemed to be favoured and utilized by the majority of the Imperial forces was missing, instead the present troops seemed to use a mixture of leather and scale-mail.
"I advise you lot to be cautious." Hiron mumbled as he kept the others close to him. "These lads won't shed a tear by gutting your belly open or shooting a few arrows into your skull."

As they continued to approach the fortified camp, the conversations held by the troops and present people were in a different language. It was neither Taika or Chonobi, sounding much different.
The group would be halted as Hiron started to converse in the foreign language with them. A few chuckles were followed by Hiron's last line. One of them nodded and would march away.
Turning half around, Hiron looked at his team.
"You lot stay close to Shikaroku when I am gone. He is the only one that is able to converse with these men. And believe me when I say it," he paused for a moment, "these guys don't like you."

Gesturing them to follow, Hiron led them through the camp. There were a few necessary facilities present within the safety of the walls. Among the soldiers were what seemed to be commoners or camp followers. But also the sighting of some Imperial shinobi could be seen - in the Imperial flak jackets. However, upon spotting Hiron's group, none of these shinobi seemed keen on approaching them. Much like the soldiers, they seemed rather distrusting. One of them even spat on the ground, mumbling something as he fixated his gaze on the genin.

Being led towards a tent, Hiron came to a halt. Gesturing to it, he would nod to the group.
"Seems that the Gods favour you roaches," Hiron started, a wry smile forming on his lips, "you lot will be sharing and staying here. Welcome to the 12th Brigade."
After saying that, Hiron would motion that they should get to their tent. He, on the other hand, would walk away. There was someone that he needed to see and speak with.
 
Scouting and Talking
A collab by Oetje and Obli
Summary: Meilin and Madoc head to a temple where their target goes to, Discussing possible plans and having a unsuspected conversation

If anything, Meilin couldn't help but to feel curious. She understood that the recent history of the city had been anything but cheerful. The certain oppression that the locals had endured the last decades of Taika daimyo rule had made them bitter and distrustful towards most outsiders. Yet, that didn't seem to rule out that the city had a charm of its own. Captivated by the architecture, style of the locals and the atmosphere, Meilin had to remind herself that they weren't out for a fun walk around. Though perhaps Aoi would have enjoyed that.

"First place I want to check out," Meilin spoke softly, just audible for Madoc to understand her as she spoke in Taika. Even while she had been teaching Madoc and Aoi the tongue of Chonobi, they hadn't yet mastered the language well enough that they could really converse in it.
"The Temple of the Asynjur," Meilin said, subtly directing her and Madoc towards the large complex. If she wasn't mistaken, this was one of the largest temple complexes build by the Sarutobi. The thought briefly surfaced in Meilin's mind if her own clan also build temples like these.

"One of the best times to strike is when somebody is making an offering to the Gods. Of course, our target might have his own guards with him. And I doubt that the priests have any political preference in general but we can't trust them," Meilin brought up to Madoc as she would half turn and facing Madoc instead of the temple complex, almost implying that the two were just having a polite talk.
"However, I have little doubt that some priests can be quite, radical. And likely don't approve of any Taika-influenced person. Not even when they are Cho. Let us also not forget that this city hasn't been treated that particular well either by the Taika daimyo."

Walking with Meilin towards the task she was leading them too, he did his best to not look utterly confused by the language around him being spoken. He could understand a couple words here and there but for the most part he was like a newborn deer when it came to Chonobi. So it was a relief that Meilin was willing to speak Taika to him even if it was silently. Yet their temple was their destination which would only make him feel more out of place. A job was a job though even if it was an uncomfortable feeling.

As she began speaking about the best time to strike, he quickly glanced around before tapping his head. "Should I move it here?" He mumbled quietly for her to hear and only her. He didn't feel like being lynched for doing nothing but he could understand the resentment they had. "If not then simply tell me what to do and I'll let you do the talking."

It was a good suggestion but Meilin subtly shook her head.
"You might leave a small chakra trace. With all possibilities, I rather not get dumped into a cell. I wager that Aoi will expect you to be locked up but me?" The last part of her response gained an amused ring.
"We will just go in, inspect the location and then move out." Meilin continued on the soft tone, "besides, it is a temple. People whisper in there all the time. So no worries."
There was, of course, another reason that played into her decision. If their minds were linked, it would likely make it easier for him to read hers. And right now, several thoughts were drifting if she couldn't use this chance to explore more of the city by using the excuse to scout for potential danger zones.
Approaching the large complex with Madoc, it would become clear that they could trail their target when he would pay a visit and offer a sacrifice to the Gods. The two large doors were open, offering space for almost two carts to go in or out at the same time. Guards in more ceremonial armour were stationed on some positions but despite the gear being more ceremonial, it wasn't hard to spot that it could easily be used for a scuffle.

"The temple is divided into like, various zones," she began, to explain the outlay of the structure to Madoc, once more on a soft tone. "Each of these zones is dedicated to one of," for a moment she wondered how she could explain the pantheon of her religion. It wasn't as easy to understand as the Way of Fire, with just one deity to worship. "the Gods. There are more gods but we don't need to delve in that." She concluded as they walked among the other visitors, guards and priests of the temple.

A chuckle came from him as she wasn't wrong, he would be the most expected one in a jail cell in their group. Although Dagrun might have him beat in that regard. The mind link was dismissed which was for a good enough reason so whispering it is. Yet it still unnerved him to be in a temple, wasn't a fan of the one god his family worshipped. So multiple gods was another story completely. Yet he nodded in agreement that it wasnt needed to delve into that.

"So we find our target, watch him and listen and then go report back with the others? That simple or could there be unforeseen circumstances here?" Madoc asked in a quiet whisper as he only grew more uneasy with all these priest around. Oddly enough it wasn't the guards that bothered him.

"Not exactly." Meilin replied back in a hushed tone. As they walked, she subtly pointed at some points of interest. Small hallways, isolated shrines and locations.
"We are just to scout ahead. Then we will head back to the others with a plan. The idea is that we oversee our target. And while Ardara might be different than Konohagakure or Hanaguro in culture, it is still a city. Many things won't be that different like streets and buildings. We can decide on an approach how to track and operate in the streets with the team together. But in this temple?"

Meilin dropped a pause on purpose to make her point somewhat clear.
"In here, the playfield is different. I am also not entirely aware of how it is layed out. So hench why I wanted to go together with you to take a tour around." She said as they continued to walk. There were quite a lot of people but they stay huddled in groups or walking around alone. Despite the number of people, it seemed quite calm and soothing for those who were without any ulterior motives.
"The Allthing will see that many feuding families and clans get together. I am not sure but it might be possible that our target will get assaulted in these halls. Which will be a very big crime. But I doubt I need to convince you that people are capable of crimes despite aware that it can anger more than just a few locals."

"Oh I'm aware but simple enough. Get the layout of this temple, oversee the person that others want taken down. Yet I should ask now and be truthful with me Meilin, why do they want to take our target down. Then what do we do should they try to attack him here? Sure we won't be the instigators but it's still a temple and a fight is a fight." Madoc asked his questions quietly as he mainly wanted to know the first one now as he felt he knew the answer and didn't want it said later where others might be upset.

Gazing around at the temple and while not a religious person by any means it was still a wonder why and how people decided the things they did such as gods. "On the way back… can you tell me more about your Goddess and Gods? "

She would remain silent for a moment. Formulating the answer first in her mind, weighing it, Meilin would then respond back to Madoc.
"They want to take him down as a message. Attacking an important lord means a hefty punishment. And the chance of success will be very slim. A minor noble, however? Sends a message quite good as well." Meilin spoke once more in a hushed fashion.
Placing her hands back, she would seem to be appreciating the place with Madoc. The tone, however, gave away that she was quite serious about their upcoming assignment.
"To not make it too complex, there are technically two type of Cho. There are the Cho who have stayed rooted in the traditions and such of our ancestors. Only another, smaller, part have adopted Taika manners and fashion. Which has sparked frustration and annoyance with the more traditional elements in the clan." Meilin shot a sideways glance at Madoc.
"Our target is what they call an Asiske, a Chonobi that has adopted Taika fashion and manners. If he gets attacked, we need to react swiftly. But try to avoid killing anybody. A few broken noses, missing teeth and such are fair game. The moment that somebody dies in the possible scuffle? That is just giving in to what the radical elements want."

There was a lot more to it but Meilin couldn't bring it in a different way without going into a long verbal essay on what more impacted this situation. The question that Madoc posed, for her to talk about her Gods, did surprise Meilin.
"I am just going to ask it to be certain. You want me to tell you about my gods?" A sliver of hesitation was present as she posed the question in return.
"I will say that I like you Madoc. You are a scumbag. But I like you. However, I have to say that I can't joke about my gods. They are," Meilin frowned as she tried to put her feelings into words. "Quite important to me and my kin."

It was as he figured in his mind, a difference in culture aspects. Something to not tell Aoi, she probably wouldn't take it very well if a Chonobi attacked a Asiske who had Taika culture along with their Cho traditions. It was enough to make him silent and nod along as she explained that broken bones was allowed but killing was not. Easy enough unless the assailants are juggernauts. Well hopefully Aoi didn't find out about the target being Asiske, cause that might make things more tense real fast.

As she started responding to him asking about her gods, stating she wasn't going to joke about them he nodded. "I know that. I could tell from the glare Dagrun gave me after my comment about that one lady talking about this Maker. I just wanted to I guess understand why? I'm not a religious person if you didn't already know, the concept of a god always seemed odd to me. Yet your peoples culture, these people lived once right? What got them to be considered your Gods? Your Goddess? Just curious is all."

Hearing the reply of Madoc, Meilin was confused for a moment. Only to realise where the misunderstanding likely came from.
"I didn't. Not that I mind much anyways. Live and let live." She rather casually replied back on learning that Madoc wasn't much of a religious person.
"Well, okay. I will try to explain it." She said as she subtly beckoned him to follow her back. They had seen quite a lot of the temple already. There was little use to hang around while Dagrún and Aoi could have perhaps returned by now.

"To explain it in basic terms, there are two sources that we worship or pay our respects to. Our revered ancestors and the Gods." She began, feeling more curious what had moved Madoc to try to understand her people's religion.
"When somebody dies, their body remains here. But their spirit and some value can be taken by the Valvravns. Beings that guide the spirits of the dead to the afterlife. There the spirits are judged. If they are allowed, they can enter the world of the dead. If not? They vanish into the black pits of Hella. Euhm," briefly Meilin pondered on how to explain Hella to Madoc. "Like the Darkness of the Way of Fire."

As they continued on their way back, Meilin continued. "Technically, our gods are very much alive. There are two types of gods, so to say. The most powerful are the Asynjur. They are our chief-gods. They are withdrawn from our world, bound not to fully influence it. Then we have the Vali gods. Lesser gods that actually do reside among us. They are less powerful but still influential."
Pausing, Meilin shot a glance at Madoc.
"That is kinda the summary of it all. Some of us like to worship certain renowned and revered ancestors. Heroes and such."

He followed her and listened to her summary of their gods and these Valvravns who guided the spirits of the dead where they get judged. Which they were either slowed into the world of the dead or basically sent to hell. Two types of gods though? Asynjur the chief gods and Vali Gods who live now. It was still so confusing as he rubbed his head over all it. Well it made sense but it was just confusing to him, he knew he wasn't going to get the answer he wanted but he could have hoped.

"Vali gods? So like the clan leaders? Like Zakito and Aiko? And the… what did you call them? Scydlings? Those important influential figures, would they be Vali gods? And what is a Valvravn? A raven of sort?" Madoc asked as he got the chief god part, it was basically the way of fires equivalent of their God. Yet a Valvravns sounded like what would be a raven but why did they guide the dead?

It still surprised Meilin to see this kind of curiosity of Madoc into the subject. It was also somewhat heartwarming, in a certain fashion.
"You need to see it like this." Meilin began as she would raise her hands. Her right was higher than her left. Flexing the fingers of her right hand, Meilin spoke.
"The Asynjur are indeed our chief gods. They are considered powerful beyond belief. But they are limited to how much they can and will interact with the world of the living."
She would then flex the fingers of her left hand.
"The lesser gods are the Vali. These gods hold dominion over certain things but are considerably less powerful. Unlike the Asynjur, they live in our world as they can't easily upset the balance of order. If the Asynjur are like daimyo, then the Vali are like their samourai."

Lowering her hands, she would consider for a second how to explain the Valravns.
"We believe that when a person dies that they need to be brought to the afterlife. But people don't know that road. To prevent those souls to become lost and wander aimless around, the Valravns come into play. They are indeed depicted as ravens that have certain abilities. Such as talking to the dead souls and guiding them to the afterlife."
Meilin briefly paused, considering how to word the other part about Valrvans.
"So if we can conclude that the Asynjur are the royalty, the Vali to be nobility then you could call the Valravn to be their retainers. Some Valravn even live among us. However, there have been plenty of people who made a hunt on them. It is, after all, bad news for a Taika daimyo to have wandering Valravns around that can perhaps convert his subjects. There even used to be a whole order of them. But where they are now?" Meilin lightly shrugged afterwards.

Well he was starting to understand it all a bit more or so he thought anyway. These Asynjur were basically the way of fire's "God" Then it differs with Vali which he was guessing highly skilled individuals whom could still be brought down by others. While Valravns still confused him.
"So Vali are really exceptional sorts of people then but not invincible. Yet how did Valravns come to be? Would you be considered one since you turn into a raven and such? Or is there an exception to what kind of Valravn you are? Like ones that lead your dead and ones that watch the world itself? But he think its bad news if anyone shapeshifted as a raven was watching you secretly." Madoc said as he rubbed his head and looked around this made some sense to him but some parts still confused him and he doubted she had the answer to them all.

There was a clear hesitation before Meilin replied to the new questions.
"No. The Vali are simply lesser gods. They aren't people. Though some origin stories do hint that they were once humans from eons past." Was her first reply. She considered how more detailed she could explain it.
When Madoc began regarding the Valravn, Meilin would turn her gaze to the direction they were heading.

"How Valravns come to be? I don't know the exact story for that one. As for me?" She threw a half glance at Madoc. "Perhaps it is easy enough to figure out why I am not keen on sharing that detail. If Valravns have been hunted before by Taika then I rather not end up being lynched either. Nor being used by some group that wants to use me for their own agenda."
Diverting her gaze from Madoc, she would keep her thoughts clear and clean. There was a certain wariness that rose up in Meilin, whispering to her that she should consider certain options.

"If you do want to know. I can't speak with the dead. Or, at least, not so far I know. I figure that your people are quite adept at doing that though?" Meilin replied.

So lesser gods but they still roam the world, well that sounds like a nightmare. Hate to be the one who accidentally picked a fight with a god. Her reply on Valravns and her wanting to keep it a secret made more sense now at least. Getting lynched for a possible reason that you can't control seems rather shitty. Yet no dead talk for her huh, wasn't sure if that was lucky or not but sometimes it was better not being able to talk with them.
So when she brought up that his people was quite adept at doing such actions he shrugged. "Not sure if they even can. I don't really speak to seers, not quite important enough for that, nor do I have any family that does such. Yet who am I to rain down on others if they think they can talk with a passed loved one. I'm a dick but not that much of a dick."

She frowned, clearly because of his words.But Meilin didn't react right away.
"I see." She became silent for a moment.
"You are kind of a dick though." Meilin would say, an amused tone evident in her voice. A grin crept on her lips, a faint attempt to mask her amusement.
"We should have more of these talks. Maybe you can teach some Yakimara in the process. I think we both know that I could use the practice and help to expand my mastery over your language."

"Comes with practice, gotta make sure you crap on everyone's plans even if they are good. Thats how one becomes a true dick." Madoc said with a small smirk growing which faded a bit as she said they should have more of these talk and her needing help on her Yakimara. Both very possible to do.
"Well preferably without a Asiske under threat of a beatdown but yeah we should have more of these talks, and I can also do that second part. Might as well teach the others while I'm at it."

The grin turned into a wry smile, though Meilin seemed quite amused by the first comment of her companion.
"I will certainly make sure to remember that. In case, I want to be like you." She replied on her turn. "And yeah. It would be beneficial. I do like how Yakimara sounds. Though I struggle with some words. Not to mention the grammar!"
A frustrated sigh followed as Meilin shook her head lightly. Turning her attention on where they were heading, she could spot the inn up ahead.
"But lets go back and get some rest. I doubt we will get much of a chance to take it easy for a moment, the coming days that is."
 
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