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

Docter Mei-San?~
[ Empire of Akino | Cho Clan heartlands, some distance north of the port-city of Aegir, at a fortified camp ]
[ A collab between Doctor Mei { @FrostedCaramel } and Meilin Cho { @Oetje } | Meilin is assigned to specialist training that includes medical training. This largely due to her having a certain basic skill in medical ninjutsu. While it has been a while since she has made use of it, she is still expected. And learns that she is required to work harder than she had before. ]


Heading towards the point, Meilin had her thumbs hooked behind her belt. The activity of the camp had grown on to her. In a perhaps odd fashion, it was somewhat similar to Keishi or Konohagakure. People were busy and had a purpose where they were going. Some people were huddled around a campfire or tent, enjoying their brief time of peace and rest before the next task or drill.
What further made Meilin liking the atmosphere was that nobody seemed to mind her. Nobody shot her a look that seemed to question her presence. Perhaps she wouldn't mind if this would continue on for a while.

Arriving at the spot, Meilin saw a few tents. Between the tents was a large open area. Similar to the fields outside the walled camp where she and the others had to do drills with their unit. For a moment, Meilin wondered why medical training required such a field.
Spotting a few others, Meilin decided to head over to the spot. She saw a few people that seemed around her age. Perhaps they were recruits of the new unit? The same that she had been placed in with the rest of the team. A few others seemed to carry themselves with more confidence, which made the Cho assume already that they were more known with the training. Or just had more experience serving in the military than she had.

Not even a minute after Meilin entered the group of soldiers the tent flaps to one of the larger tents in the training area would open as two soldiers bearing the marks of fully-fledged field medics and a third man bearing no such insignia would exit it and make their way to the group of waiting soldiers.

Wise to what was happening the group of waiting students quieted, and the more senior among them quickly herded the rest into a small formation to await whatever might be coming.

"Now I'm sure that I'm not mistaken about what time you were supposed to be here…" the man without any insignia began as he motioned to one of the field medics with him, "Sergeant Bo is there anyway I'm wrong?" the gruff Sergeant grunted and eyed the small formation before him with a hint of disgust before pointing to the barely rising sun in the background.

"Half an hour before sunrise Sir." Sergeant Bo stated before turning his eyes to the other field medic among the cadre of instructors, "What say they make up for this, Sergeant Sif?"

The female Sergeant smiled and pointed to the treeline at the edge of the camp, some three hundred meters away, "Sprint." she stated quietly.

Meilin's attention went to the motion, that revealed a few medics. And a man that had no visible insignia that revealed his purpose. Standing in formation, Meilin paid listened to what the man said.
Then as the sergeants spoke, a nasty feeling started to dawn on Meilin. It wasn't because of his accent, which she couldn't recognise. When it became clear what they had to do, Meilin dashed forwards. She attempted to move as fast as she could, managing to stay ahead of some. The sight of a few managing to keep up and even surpass her didn't do much to improve her mood.

Reaching the treeline finally, Meilin wanted to lean forward and press her hands against her knees. Instead, she would force herself to keep herself standing up right. Trying to regulate her breathing, she tried to understand what this had to do with medical training. Or was it just another excuse for a harsh drill?

The group of students reached the treeline about as quickly as the last class had, to which the cadre of instructors nodded silently to each other as they still stood back at the tents. Sergeant Bo was the one to speak up this time as he cupped his hands to his mouth and yelled at the group of winded students at the treeline, "Get back here you fucks we didn't say stay there!"

As the group of students ran their way back to the original meeting area, some began to stray behind, others kept their pace and a few of the more senior or in shape of the lot even managed to go a bit faster on the second length back.

As the final stragglers stumbled in to the loose formation that the veterans were once more corralling students into, the man without any insignia stepped forward.

"Now now I'm sure we all wonder, 'Why did we do that? Isn't this field medical training not drill?', and in that regard you're correct," his Chonobi was good for a foreigner, though the Franc accent made some words come off slightly differently than intended, "I'll tell you, it was really for our amusement. Also to show you that we have every power available to jus to make you into what you've come to us hoping to be."

Sergeant Bo and Sif quietly left the man and went back into the tents as he continued on, "I'm Doctor Mei, you will address me as such until you've earned your titles, if you fail to… Well the Sergeants will surely sort you out." he smiled and began to slowly move around the formation, "Introductions please. I like to know who exactly I'm dealing with before going any further than this." he motioned to the nearest of the students who shakily began a quick summation of who he was, where he had been and what he had done before passing on the spotlight to the next unlucky soul.

Panting as she had to sprint back, Meilin started to come back to her earlier thoughts. If every damn sergeant or lieutenant was going to make her sprint, vault or exercise all day, then she wouldn't feel at home.
When the man with the curious accent continued, Meilin frowned. Though she made sure to quickly wipe it from her face in case it would warrant another lapse of sprinting. Listening to the man, she could locate from which clan he had learned Chonobi - he spoke it better than most Taika. But the accent that pierced through was still a mystery to her. Perhaps somebody from the western part of the Empire?

Then he instructed them to do introductions. Something that Meilin dreaded. She was fifth in line, which gave her a bit of time to prepare. When it was her turn, she would attempt to answer as resolute as she could.
"Meilin Cho, Doctor Mei, sir!" The young woman would keep her posture as she had been taught at the first drills that she had experienced in the camp. "I come from Keishi. Served so far within the Shinobi corps and got recently mobilised with the 11th brigade, Doctor Mei, sir! I am stationed within the new battalion of the brigade. As sergeant of my squad, sir!"

Mei listened as the soldiers introduced themselves, taking note of those with leadership experience and those without as they went through their short stories. "Perfect," he pointed out the youngest and most junior of the bunch of soldiers, "You've got some serious competition among these more senior guys and gal." he joked before motioning for the group to enter the tent that the two Sergeants had entered into earlier.

"Run now, don't want the Sergeant's to think we're allowing fat bodies into our Medical Corps."

The students streamed into the tent and found an arraying of benches and tables in such a way that they all faced the front of the tent. With a nod from Mei the students all took places at seats and sat down to await what came next, some still panting from the earlier run.

Standing quietly at the front of the room Mei would lean back on the nearest table to the front and gaze about for a moment before starting again, "Now I know most of you new ones have probably never seen battlefield injuries, so try not to faint or anything." he shrugged as a pig was thrown through the tents rear entrance into the center of the front of the room. It was missing a leg and bleeding heavily from a large gash in its side. No squealing came from it as it gurgled on a spout of its own blood in the dirt before shivering and ceasing all movement.

A student fell from their chair and emptied their breakfast on the dirt while others simply stared on in shock.

"Now we may have done that to the pig abouuuuuut," he looked at the widening puddle of blood and back to the class, "Two minutes ago? Yeah seems about right. Battlefield injuries can be the death of you or your comrades in half that time if they're even more severe," he chuckled, "I know I know, that was pretty severe but it can get worse." With a start he stood and moved to the pigs corpse, "In this class you will learn how to save your comrades, or at the very least a few pigs. We shall give you the knowledge and the tools to make a real difference when steel clashes, but you must give everything to succeed both here and when it really counts. Anything less than your all and I will personally see you kicked and barred from the course."

There was a small pause as he took in the students before him and smiled again, "Now, who thinks there was a way to save this pig?"

The sight of the pig being gutted was anything but comfortable. What disturbed Meilin for a moment more was the fact she didn't feel sorry for the critter. Focusing back on what Doctor Mei said, Meilin frowned. It made her think of some situations and cause her to be happy that the others weren't with her.

For a moment, she wanted to raise her hand but halfway stopped the gesture. This wasn't the Academy where she could do that, was it? Lowering her hand and straightening her back, Meilin would just raise her other hand into the air.
"Doctor Mei, sir, wouldn't it be possible to apply medical ninjutsu to tend to the wounds? Preventing that the internal as external bleeding would cause death."

Mei frowned as the young Shinobi answered his question. A tsk would resonate for a moment as he motioned to Meilin, "For you perhaps, but who here other than the only Shinobi among us can use ninjutsu of any kind?" he asked as he raised his own hand, the only hand raised in the tent, "So no, not what we're here to learn, though I will certainly teach you what I can when I feel you're ready there Shinobi."

Another student stood and began to answer, before Mei shut the soldier up with a wave of his hand, "Wrong as well, don't even continue, I'll answer it since we're all apparently idiots."

The day had been long, some nine hours in total, with plenty of working out mixed in by the two Sergeants as the class ground through the finer points of "Why you need blood to stay in your body" led by Doctor Mei and the many ways to keep it there.

The students left the tent in small groups and alone, all utterly beat by the days class. Mei moved across the room to catch the Shinobi girl before she managed to disappear into smoke or something, "Shinobi, don't leave yet." he leaned against the table across from Meilin, "The Commander told me about you. Not much, just that I should expect a Shinobi. Not often that," he chuckled and said something in Franc before continuing, "I expect you to perform just as the non-jutsu inclined do. Show me that and perhaps you will learn some more interesting things. Otherwise I tell the Commander you were hot garbage and send you packing, which I don't know how well you know her but that probably won't go over well for you when you get back."

He smiled, "Questions?"

Meilin wasn't sure what was tougher. When the lieutenant of their unit rallied them with shouting and course language to then be drilled and exercising all day. Or being underneath the thumb of Doctor Mei who seemed just as stern. Trying to take in all the information and performing the practices as good as she could, Meilin felt her frustration growing and boiling at certain points. She felt like an idiot to just assume that others around her were able to perform ninjutsu. Remembering that moment, she once more hoped that the ground would just open underneath her and swallow her whole.

When the class was finally over, Meilin wasn't sure what ached more. Her head, her hands or any other part of her body. Being stopped by Doctor Mei, Meilin shot him a glance before 'jumping' back into the desired military form.
What he then said made her want to interrupt and give him a sneer or two. Instead, she would keep herself composed and nod slowly.

"Just one, Doctor Mei, sir," she began, her voice betraying an undertone of caution, "Where are you from?" Realising that she may have crossed a line, she would straighten herself as hastily adding to her question a reason. "It is because I haven't heard somebody before with your accent or hear somebody speak my clan's language so well."

Mei wasn't surprised by the Shinobi's question, it was one he was often posed by new members of the regiment, "Well, it's an island known as Lygos. Though it's not exactly an island in the normal sense." he shrugged and pointed toward the roof of the tent, "It's the floating kind. From the Aegean Republic in the Kanashi Ocean, to the South of the Water." he stated before taking a breath and continuing, "I've spent more time here than I have there though, so the language is from time, though my accent never seems to leave me."

He gave the girl a questioning look, "And you? You're certainly a Cho, but there's something slightly off about the way you pronounce things. Speaks of a life spent amongst Taika, so an Asiske no?"

That was interesting, Meilin mused to herself. She couldn't remember anything about a floating island. Perhaps he was just mocking her? She couldn't detect any sign that he was but normally islands didn't do such a thing. When he questioned her about her own accent and how it betrayed her being an Asiske, Meilin felt a sharp pain briefly.

"Yes, Doctor Mei, sir. I suppose you can take the girl out of Keishi but Keishi not out of the girl." She tried to joke and hide her own feelings about it. At least, he didn't call her Asiske as some other people had in the past, she thought to herself.
"I also want to apologise. For my wrong assumption earlier. I am looking forward to learning more from you, Doctor Mei, sir."

"Of course, nothing to worry about really." he moved to leave before stopping and turning back to Meilin, "Be careful though Shinobi, this Regiment is storied and old, they take themselves seriously, pridefully so. You have your background to fight against and your profession to only drag you further down in their eyes. As someone who had to claw my way up here, know it now. Though I'm sure you have an idea, as an Asiske you must." he turned and exited out the rear entrance to the tent without a goodbye.

Watching the man leave the rear entrance, Meilin didn't leave immediately. She wasn't sure what she felt more. Curiousity or a drive to prove this man something. But why? She wasn't certain. Exiting the tent, Meilin began her walk back to the tent that she shared with the others. During her walk, she would once more go over what she had been taught today in her mind.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Nim and Lesli
A Cup of Tea or Coffee? - Part 2
The Lightning Country | Kumogakure, the current 'capital' of the Raikage's forces and allies | Owazuni Teahouse | A collab between @ChromeHound , @conman2163 and @Lesli |

| Summary :
The current top of the Raikage force come together for a meeting. Spearheaded by Itagaki, the Sixth Raikage, and supported by his Raikage Assistant, Iri, and spymaster, Kaizen. The three speak of the situation that they are dealing with as various factors that are either in their advantage or pressuring them at the current moment. |


Part 1




Iri's eyebrows would rise but she remained silent for the time being. It wasn't that Itagaki disagreed with her that caused her to frown and visibly not approve of how Itagaki looked on the situation. It was more that the new order was something she foresaw giving a lot of issues. Kaizen reacted before she did, voicing his thoughts - or what she assumed to be Kaizen's thoughts.
"The jinchuriki are a vital asset. Certainly the tamer of the Hachibi. Not just only as military keypiece but also because of her reputation and the amount of legitimacy she can provide to whatever side she is on. Not to forget that she is also the half-sister of the Akinian Empress. A very valuable piece of diplomatic importance." Iri paused as she slightly cocked her head to the left. "I also need to advise caution. Just taking what may be in relation with the Sato clan will just provoke more people to be against your side. I don't know who the other jinchuriki is but now that I think of it, can we even take anything of the Sato clan? Do we know where Midori Sato is located?"

Then it dawned on her as she gave a glance towards Kaizen.
"No to mention, who else know of where the jinchuriki are located? Wasn't Asami Sanosuke the assistant of both the Fourth and Fifth Raikage?" Asking the question, Iri turned her gaze back at Itagaki. "Cause if she knows, I think it is best to just.." Then it dawned more on her as she stared at Itagaki. They didn't know where the jinchuriki were, did they now?

Itigaki considered Kaizen with careful regard before he spoke. "I cannot say with certainty what we will do once they are located." Kaizen was certainly inquisitive from the point of view of the Raikage, perhaps rightly so. "They cannot be lost to our cause, whatever move we choose to make." He then folded his hands. "I presume that you will share the location of the boy Kaizen? Certainly you understand the precarious position we are in currently? I cannot afford to delay even a moment to gain the legitimacy that having our lord Ranzaki here will give us." He sat back, now turning his attention to Iri. "I prefer open honesty, so I will be clear, I haven't any idea where the Jinchuriki are Iri. I haven't any idea who knows where the Jinchuriki are. I was not left much information by my predecessor. The priority is clear however, it is my opinion that while the jinchuriki are an asset, the true heir to the throne must be brought here to ensure his safety and our legitimacy."

Catching Iri's look, Kaizen found his respect growing for the new assistant. Her questions were valid and needed to be asked. It was clear that Itagaki had his sights set on getting things done, but in his haste to achieve results, it was quite possible that they could end up stepping on the wrong toes. In Kaizen's line of business that usually ended rather messily.

Letting both of them finish, Kaizen leaned forward slightly, taking another sip from his tea. "There's a saying," he began, glancing from Iri to Itagaki, "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast." Pausing, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It is a wise saying, but often forgotten as most overlook its importance." His attention focused mostly on Itagaki, Kaizen lowered his hand. "I understand that there is not much time to waste when it comes to taking action to prevent the Regency Council from gaining a hold on things. However, we do have enough time to plan so that we're always a step ahead of our enemy. The jinchuriki can be very valuable assets to the cause if the situation is approached properly. If we act with haste, we risk making the situation much worse."
Swirling the tea around in his hand, Kaizen took a moment before responding. "I am aware of the identity of both jinchuriki but, wherever they are, it is clear that someone wants them to remain hidden. That can either work in our favour or against it. As for the boy, I don't see why an operation would be required. If you wish his return I can assist with that."

Iri remained silent as the two men spoke once more. It became abundantly clear that they had little intel and no idea what they were going to do if they could even get their hands on the jinchuriki. Fair enough, a jinchuriki was a complicated matter of security and danger, all in one package. Then there was also the status that one of the jinchuriki, Midori Sato, had with her actions. Not to mention the connection that Midori Sato had with her supposed half-sibling, the Empress of Akino.
"How do you plan to find the jinchuriki?" Iri decided to ask Kaizen, instead of once more bringing up the fact that they had nothing to go off on or such. There were some thoughts that passed her mind but she didn't want to put any asset of her own to work for finding the jinchiki. Not yet, at least.

Itigaki considered the advice of the spymaster for a moment, and then nodded briefly. "Very well Kaizen, if you do not believe that interference will be necessary and you can handle this on your own, I will put my trust in you. Please help me bring Lord Ranzaki to the capitol safely." Itigaki decided that the mask was in the way of his drinking tea something terrible however, and he removed the article from his face, bringing the cup to his lips, happy to finally have the damned thing off. "I would second Iri's question in this instance." He said as he placed the cup back onto the saucer.

It appeared that they were finally getting somewhere and Kaizen was satisfied to hear that Itagaki would allow him to complete his work without interruption. Glancing towards Iri, about to answer her question, he noticed the Raikage finally removing his mask and smiled inwardly, though he showed no outward reaction that he'd even noticed. "While I do not wish to make myself redundant by giving away all my trade secrets," he began, a humoured smile forming on his face, "it is safe to say that there is one element to the jinchuriki that make them easier to find. Their chakra profile is significantly different to that of the standard person and much more potent." Leaning back slightly, Kaizen took another sip of tea before placing the cup down in front of him. "So that leaves us with two methods. One, if they are being hidden by someone who does not know how to mask their presence, then we simply have to cast a wide enough net and they will be easy enough to sniff out. And two," he said, raising one eyebrow slightly, "if they are being hidden by someone who knows what they are doing, then that limits the list of potential people with information on their whereabouts significantly. So we can begin targeting those who are familiar with the jinchuriki and it will be a rather simple process for my people to… collect… the information that we need."

Iri thought about it. It made sense to consider such methods as it would be hard to hide Bijuu chakra. Certainly if it was so rare and potent. "An average sensor can detect a chakra signature over a range of around a kilometer. A competent and experienced sensor can sense more than that, both in range and details. I feel that sending sensors would be a reasonable approach. But I must suggest a different way."
Locking her gaze on Kaizen, Iri spoke further. "We are in need of sensors to guard against a lot of dangerous threats that can approach us. Shadows send by the Regency council, utilizing methods that a sensor can detect. Not to mention that the Lightning country is quite large. And many areas are hard to reach with the current strife." She paused before giving her own suggestion. "However, if you know a person that has perhaps intel on where the jinchuriki are located, we might be able to persuade them. Or even turn to more draconic manners to get the information we want. Maybe even solving a different issue," the woman turned her gaze towards Itagaki.

"I believe that soon enough there will be an Imperial force on these lands to reinforce your side. In exchange for a rather hefty sum of resources to fund the Imperials expanding their maritime ambitions. Regardless of who promised, you are the Raikage. You are responsible." Iri spoke with an even tone, no emotion ringing through and no thought being betrayed by the blank expression. "Midori Sato is the half-sister of the Empress of Akino. She is a Hon, a Chonobi. I have some experience in dealing with Hyrlings, or more known as Sanosuke. If their manners aren't too far apart, I think it won't be far fetched that the Empress might be willing to send more troops and ask for less if you would allow Midori Sato to travel to the Empire. For, after all, how much worth is a jinchuriki?"

Itigaki considered the proposal for a few moments, allowing the table to lapse into silence as he sank into thought, considering the benefits. Certainly it would please the Empress if they sent along her half sister, but Itigaki wondered at this point how much it was really worth. Finally he came to a decision. "I do believe that you are right Iri, sending along the half sister of that Empress might very well endear her to our cause even further. Considering the debt that she is pushing us to pay for honoring the alliance, any relief in that regard at this point would be welcome." He turned his head to Iri. "If she is found, we will send her along to the Empire, barring any obvious considerations that will have to be taken into account at the time." He took another drink of his tea, then placed the cup down and folded his hands. "The Imperial force is one that I have given due consideration. Certainly the breadth of the commitment the Imperials have to our cause is as shallow as a puddle, and I fear that they are fickle enough to turn on us should their wishes not be met. Therefore we have been placed in a position where we must listen and carefully consider this force that the Empire sends. I should like it very much if their ranks could be infiltrated through some means, whatever they are Kaizen."

Taking a long moment before he would respond, Kaizen sipped his tea while considering what Iri and Itagaki had said. Setting the tea down, he tilted his head, addressing Iri's comments first. "Such methods can definitely be useful for retrieving information, however we'd need to ensure we had the right person first. Else we would be liable to simply end up on a wild goose chase when they inevitably tell us what they think we want to hear..." Scratching his chin for a moment, the spymaster continued, "I will have my people gather information on potential contacts and will keep you apprised of what they find." Shifting his attention to Itagaki, Kaizen nodded his head. "I would advise caution if there is any inclination to go back on our word with the Imperials. While their demands may be high, the price outweighs the cost of waging two wars."

Thinking about how one might infiltrate the Imperial ranks, Kaizen took another moment before continuing. "I will see what can be done to get on the inside, but if I believe that the risk of discovery is too high, I will not authorize one of my people to complete the mission. Should the Imperials discover a spy in their midst, the result of their wrath is likely to cause more damage to the Lightning than this civil war we are currently stuck fighting." Lifting his glass once more, Kaizen glanced inside, disappointed that it was almost empty. "It will help to remember that both the Empire and the Empress herself are quite young. As such, there is more for them to prove. We can use that to our advantage by putting them into a position where they feel they have won a victory in the eyes of their people. The bigger the victory, the more room we have to maneuver." Taking a last sip from his tea, Kaizen set it down and shrugged. "From what I have heard, the Empress is rather cunning for one so young. So it would not be advised to overplay our hand."

Iri was quite curious to learn how extensive Kaizen's network was. But she would hold such questions for herself while listening to the men. When Itagaki brought up to infiltrate the Imperial force, Iri wanted to advise caution. Transgression with a sleeping threat to the south was certainly something they couldn't afford. After all, the civil war wasn't fully going into their advantage at the moment. The Great Clans were more independent factions at the moment. Which could see to it that they could flip a side and turn against them. Creating multiple fronts and pressuring the Raikage's forces even harder than they could now.
"I think that is a nice idea. Then again, that relies that we need to understand the Empress better in order to figure out how we could play into such a situation." The woman glanced at Itagaki. "Last time, an emissary was send. If we ignore the mistakes that were made then, they weren't of grand enough importance to make an impact. If we send a leader of our own, we could very well try to figure out some matters. And use it in our favour."

Itagaki took in the counseling of his chief advisors regarding the situation. They were correct, it would not do if the Empress started pressuring them from the South as well, they had struggled to muster an army as it was, and if he planned to take the fight to the Regency, it would be far worse if the Empire fought him as well. He would buckle under their combined weight no doubt. He took a sip of his tea, then folded his hands. "My concern lies in that we seem to have little of a hand to begin with." He nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Kaizen I will trust your judgement in the situation. Do what you can to find those that we have spoken about, and Iri, consider who might be sent to treat with the Empire."

Nodding his head, Kaizen glanced to the side before looking back, an inquisitive look on his face. "I will have my people begin searching immediately. With luck we can locate these people before any further damage can happen." Glancing at Iri for a moment, Kaizen turned and locked eyes with Itagaki. "I do believe that Iri was already making a suggestion, Lord Sixth. Sending another emissary would not gain us any further information on the Empress or her forces, nor provide us with any tangible intelligence to turn things in our favour."

The fact that her subtle hint flew over Itagaki's head made Iri stare briefly at the Raikage. Only to refocus on her drink and gently blow on the warm surface. As Kaizen spoke, Iri took a small and cautious sip. Hearing that the spymaster got her hint caused the woman to flash a smile. Expecting already a certain outcome, Iri started to plan on her own with her own tasks and the obstacles she had to deal with.

Itigaki shrugged. "Ah. I believe that I had misheard what she had said then. My apologies Iri, there are some other matters pressing my mind at the moment as well, even as we sit here to speak of these." He took a moment to check the watch in the pocket of his cloak. It was one of his finest possessions, and it saved him many headaches from being late. As it were, it informed him his allotted time for the meeting was up. "I am afraid I must end my time with you both, I have a meeting with my war council to attend, and it would be poor form to ignore them it has been a pleasure, I look forward to hearing of the progress made in the future." Itigaki stood and returned the mask to his face. "A thought before I go though, perhaps it is time to call back a hero or two from the Eastern continent? The return of someone praiseworthy who joins our cause might just be the trick. It is something to think on, I believe." Kaizen turned on his heel and left the tea house for his next meeting.
 
Thoughts of a Yakimara
Lightning Country.
This post details the force that heads north to aid the Raikage's forces, according to the agreement made between the Raikage's diplomatic envoy and the Empress of Akino.

The force that is sent north exists out of 3.000 capable fighting men. The majority of them are mounted, while armed with either spear and shield or bow and arrow. A part of this force isn't just rugged fighting men that are used to harsh conditions but also have experience and capability to serve as (counter)shinobi operatives.
Accompanied by camp followers, the force is under the command of Caderyn, who hails from the tribe of Huor. Currently leading the '18th Brigade, the Oathsworn'. Though in reality, these men have sworn an oath to follow Caderyn and his captains under the name of the 'Warband of the Vetei'.

This post contains some information and thoughts that may provide depth into Caderyn and his men.

The host moved on. The trek towards the Lightning country wouldn't get any easier as they would leave the boundaries of the Empire. Passing from the province of Framí into the vassal state of the Frost, which was sworn to the Lightning country, Caderyn pondered on some matters. Not on what had transpired before. While he detested the presence of the Sworn Sword, which was of Taika origin, he detested the lack of discipline more. The fact she had shed blood of men that had sworn to fight underneath his leadership was bad but Caderyn wasn't a soft leader. If those men were stupid enough to challenge a Sworn Sword in a drunken fit? Then they deserved to die.
But for the sake to keep his officers in line, Caderyn had 'berated' the Sworn Sword. She was perhaps a pet of the Empress but she wasn't above the law. An Akinian that kills another Akinian is a criminal, no other way around it. So for some time, he would place her under some 'house arrest', though practically doing little do more than to keep his men satisfied and allowing the Sworn Sword to do her duty. After all, Caderyn did understand the hypocrisies used by some of his own folk and kin - to claim Yakimara heritage when it suited them but quickly turn to another nationality when turned into their advantage.

But now, the host was moving into a foreign land. And under Caderyn's strict orders, they were all Akinians. They marched, fought and if needed be would shit the same. As the host kept marching towards the north, there wasn't much of a civil war or any kind of conflict present in the Frost country. The vassal state seemed almost oblivious to the turbulent state that seemed to grab hold of its sovereign state to the north.
Some officers of Caderyn's force recommended or requested to take supplies in the Empire's name. It was, after all, one of their instructions. To commandeer and make sure that the promised supplies would be sent down south. Whether the Raikage liked it or not.
The other instruction was more to Caderyn's liking, as they wouldn't be forced to listen to any commander of the Raikage or the Raikage's command. They were bound to their own rules and instructions as they saw fit. And honestly? Caderyn saw little reason to see Yakimara blood being spilt for a land that wasn't their concern.

When the time came that the host moved from the Frost into the Lightning, Caderyn would adopt a different method to travel the land. Scouting as foraging parties were kept closer to avoid getting caught into any nasty situation. Without the provided aid from the Raikage's side, Caderyn also realized before that they were walking into a land torn by civil strife without knowing exactly where the fighting was taking place. Even if the grim commander wasn't going to throw the lives of his men away for a fight that wasn't his, he certainly didn't desire to be marching straight into an area that would force them to shed blood.


The maps that he had with him were useful. But not to the amount that a good guide could have been. Frowning, Caderyn cursed the cold and the lack of help that should have awaited them. Even within his tent, the cold managed to slip in and cause constant discomfort.
Reckoning that the civil war was most intense in the middle of the country, Caderyn wagered that the best course of action was to move alongside the coast. Either to the north-west or to the east.

Studying the few maps, Caderyn wasn't entirely sure what was the best course of action. Pondering on the decision, he would soon call his officers and the Sworn Sword to his tent. Awaiting them with a strong stance, the commander frowned.

"We are going to head eastwards. Make sure that the men are prepared. For the Empress demands we succeed in our tasks. We shall proceed as we have done so the last few days. Until we are certain what awaits us ahead, we shall move with caution."
 
  • Like
Reactions: FrostedCaramel
Swab The Deck
Claire Rose
Team 11 Genin
Leaving Eastern Dock of Kirigakure on the Junyo
​
Once everyone had arrived, Nishi went on to explain to them what their mission would be. Listening to the Jounin Claire would give a nod every few sentences to show she was paying attention. The fact ninjutsu would cause them to be thrown overboard made her question if picking shinobi would even be a smart move for the crew. It wouldn't be difficult to find a normal militia unit if they needed protection or even extra hands but she didn't question it further or aloud. Following behind her the genin looked up and down the ship. It truly was something a person could be proud of. The size was impressive and just being in command seemed to be a task in its own, let alone each individual worker.

Standing where their sensei instructed, Claire waited idle as she watched the woman speaking to presumably the captain of the ship. Glancing over when Hikari introduced herself she gave a smile. "Welcome to the team Hikari." She had just enough time to reply when Nishi approached and further explained their tasks.Those questions before began to trickle into her mind of why they were here if they were to just be extra hands. Surely the captain would prefer non shinobi on deck. It made her uncomfortable thinking about it and the consequences that would be given for using any ninjutsu. Gently grasping her own arm behind her back she spoke up. "Understood."Giving a slight nod to Nishi she awaited for any orders.

When her things were stored in the proper area of the ship she went to the deck to begin just standing guard in her instructed area. Her eyes seemed to watch the deck but mostly she was staring past it all at the ocean that splashed past. From where she stood she had a good view of some of the water. After some time she was broken out of her daze by a stern voice. A man who held some authority waved his hand in front of her face moments later. Being told to clean parts of the area Claire didn't complain as a bucket and sponge were provided, getting to work she just sighed. This mission seemed to be less than expected.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gerontis
Karma's 'Call'

[Empire of Akino | Fire Province | Near the City-port of Aegir]​
[Karma Minami | Ranker in the Akinian Military]​
Having been assigned to a specific role, Karma goes and begins her training for the new role. The first day includes understanding the expectations of the Lieutenant incharge, along with a personal session. ​

Being split away from the others that she trained with for some time, Karma did feel a bit worried. It was time for her to begin training for her specified role, and from what little she heard of the training, it was more intense than the regular training. And as she walked towards the designated spot, it appeared as though the people around her were mostly split into two. Those who appeared as worried as her, and those who appeared to be overly confident.

As more arrived, Karma wasn't sure what to make of the ones around her. Some were talking to each other, clearly friendly with one another. She could hear remarks of how some were happy to be there, and hoped they would later on serve in this or that Brigade. Some even mentioned their desires to serve alongside people they previously trained with. Karma did share the desire to serve with those she knew, but at the same time, she felt that expressing those desires out loud might not be the best idea, as who knew what their current training instructors would think of those kind of thoughts.

"Attention! All of you, form lines of six, four step spaces to each direction between each of you, and then move to knees!" A shout came, making everyone in the area look around for a moment "Did I stutter? Move!"

Everyone started to follow the instructions given, Karma ended up between a guy with short, blonde hair, and a girl with dark hair. She was in the third row, and it seemed as though it ended up being a total of 4 rows. Less people than she expected, but perhaps this meant better training for each one of them. Looking forward, she now saw a couple of figures, standing in front of the first row. One of them, who came a bit closer to the first row, revealed herself to be a Sergeant from the insignias on her uniform.

"Each of you were sent here because of two reasons. The first, you are Taika. It cannot get any simpler than that. The second is one that you are expected to understand as you keep training under us. Even if you know what this role you train for is, you can trust me when I say that you do not understand it. Now, your first set of instructions is to drop down and do 30 push-ups!" the Sergeant shouted, and everyone that were on their knees moved to begin following the instructions.

Karma started to count the pushups in her head, she noticed it was mostly silent. However, a couple started counting in a slightly audible voice, which made the Sergeant give out a whistle "Everyone stop! Those who counted out loud, stand up!" She instructed. The two stood up, and the second figure came closer to them, passing between the people, and revealing herself to be a Lieutenant.

"Both of you, state your names." Her voice spoke, clearly demanding respect, and expecting discipline. Even if she didn't look like it, the voice made it clear the Lieutenant was anything but playing around.

"R-Ranker Lee!"
"Ranker Gil!"

The Lieutenant looked them both over "All of you, hear me. Right now, you are getting an additional 20 push-ups thanks to Rankers Gil and Lee. If anyone at all starts counting out loud again, then you will receive an additional 40 push-ups. I expect to hear no voices whenever you do your physical exercises. Am I understood?"

Silence remained there, with no one being sure if they are supposed to respond now, or if they are meant to stay silent. After a few moments, the Lieutenant moved away, and the Sergeant gave out another whistle "Everyone! Back to your push-ups! Up to 50 now!"

It had taken an extra push, and some of the group now looked at Rankers Lee and Gil with some ugly stares, but they all finished the push-ups. Neither instructor gave any indication of being impressed, before the Lieutenant began speaking "Before we begin the official introduction, I have a question: What did you understand from what just occurred?" scanning the group, she clearly awaited a response.

The girl next to Karma raised her hand. The Lieutenant pointed to her "Stand up, state your name and then answer." She told her, before the girl stood up "Ranker Sael. I think you wanted us to know what kind of standards and punishments we can expect during our physical training, ma'am." Once done, Sael sat down.

The Lieutenant gave a brief look over, and seeing no other raised her, she shook her head slightly "Ranker Sael was only partially right. That is the standard we expect of you. But not just during the physical training. Throughout all different types of trainings. One of the things that are vital for people that come to train to the role of a messenger is, simply, to know how to hold their silence. Regardless of what they do, regardless of who they are around. Silence is, without a doubt, the strongest quality a messenger can have. So, each time we hear an uninvited voice throughout any group training, a group punishment will be given. If it is during a one on one session, then it will be a personal punishment. However, to make one thing clear, as long as you train, you are silent. Breaking your silence is like spilling your guts to the enemy."

Looking over all of them, the Lieutenant kept on speaking, her voice sounding a bit less threatening now "I am Lieutenant Toki, and I am the one in charge of your group training. Everything that goes on here goes through me. Any training, any punishment, and any request. However, I will tell you now, requests regarding anything outside of the training or outside of the military will not be approved. Any requests to have lessened training because of any background you come from will not be approved. And any requests to have further training," She paused and looked around "Will be encouraged. However, if you desire such, group up for additional training sessions. We have limited personal to train you, so it will ease things.

The Sergeant next to me," Lieutenant Toki pointed to the Sergeant "Is Sergeant Ai. She will be the one responsible for the majority of your physical portion of your training from this moment on. You have three more Sergeants will train you in other fields you are expected to know by the time you leave to fill your roles. I will be overlooking all of your training. Later today, I will be having a personal session with each of you. For now, I will let Sergeant Ai take over and complete your physical training of the day."

With those final words, the Lieutenant stepped back, allowing the Sergeant to take over. Karma couldn't help but feel slightly at awe due to the authority she projected, and she wondered if she could ever get to a place like that. But without any moment to spare, Sergeant Ai gave them the instruction to begin doing 100 meter dashes back and forth, 10 times.


With their first physical training session over, Karma felt exhausted. But, they didn't have time to start unpacking anything or get settled down just yet. Just as the Lieutenant said, they also had private sessions with the Lieutenant. No one knew why those sessions were meant to be held, and while a couple of them had tried asking Sergeant Ai about it, no answer came aside for "You shall see."

Once it was time, they were each assigned phrase. It was hard to describe it as anything with actual meaning, since it had no meaning in Taika or the basic Yakimara Karma learned. They were then told to wait until the thing they were assigned was called out, and they were required to maintain their silence, just as before. Only those who finished their session with the Lieutenant were allowed to go and start unpacking their things, and also speak, although they all did so in a soft voice. It did make Karma wonder if they were going to get any stricter on how much they can use their voice.

Hour and a half into the wait, Karma's assigned phrase was called out, and she stepped inside the tent. It was a decent sized tent, with enough chairs to hold all the people that were in her group. Most of the chairs, however, were next to the side of the tent, while two were in the middle of the tent. The Lieutenant sat in one, and looked at Karma as she stepped inside "Full name, Age, and then sit in front of me." She instructed the shinobi.

Seeing the full attention of Lieutenant Toki on her was certainly a bit unnerving. She took a step closer before speaking up "Karma Minami, 15 years old. Also a Chunnin from -"

"I didn't ask for a full resume, Ranker Minami. Sit."

Piping down as the Lieutenant interrupted her, Karma started getting the feeling this woman would not accept anything out of order, regardless of the intentions that the person held. Moving to sit down in the chair, she quietly watched as the woman jotted down something in a notepad, before looking back at Karma.

"Any former experience with any type of weapons?"

"Naginata. Trained for several years."

More writing in the notepad "Any former experience in actual combat?" The next question came after a moment.

"Some experience." Karma responded, and began to wonder what this was actually about. Was the Lieutenant not previously informed about those that came to train under her?

"Ever been captured by an enemy?"

"No."

After this, the Lieutenant looked over Karma for a moment in silence. It was an eerie silence, the type to make hairs shiver. However, the woman moved to write something in the notepad, before looking back at the shinobi once more.

"Ranker Minami. Whatever privileges you may have held as a shinobi, they do not hold here. Whatever disadvantages, they also do not hold here. As long as you are under me, during this training, you are not a shinobi. Everyone here is the same, everyone here is Taika. Whatever friends you have outside of here, you will not contact them. Whatever team you had, you will not contact them. Whatever family awaits you back home, you will not contact them."

Lieutenant Toki put her notepad on the ground "During this training, you will likely come close to breaking down. Physically and mentally. And that is to be expected, as the training is not something that is meant to be easy. It is meant to toughen you up. It is meant to test your resolve and your willingness to serve in this role, over and over. We may be starting with two dozen soldiers right now, but there is no guarantee that we will finish with that number. Now, having stated all this, I have one question for you. Are you willing to keep going with this training?"

Karma had to admit, that sounded like much, much more than she had expected. She certainly didn't want to break down, be sent away due to losing a few screws. And yet, something about the way the Lieutenant put it made her feel more determined. She didn't know quite what it was, but something made her want to push onwards. Prove to Lieutenant Toki that she will be among those to finish the training "I am."

Lieutenant Toki gave no indication of what she was thinking, with her expression staying the same, and the voice that came being neutral "Very well. You will now go and begin attending to your things. You are assigned to tent Etdal. You are expected to remember the actual location, however, not the name. For now, you can ask one of the sergeants for the location. You are dismissed."

With the session apparently over, Karma stood up. She offered a salute to the Lieutenant, before turning away. Leaving the tent, she heard the next phrase be called out, and she briefly watched as the next person went into the tent. Walking around, she saw the tents had signs that she could not quite understand. After asking one of the sergeants for the location, she went to the tent, and began setting her things next to one of the beds. It felt like it had been a long day, and something told her she was going to face many, many more days like this.
 
Last edited:
Karuko Meeting! - part 1
[ Republic of Kirigakure | Training field | Team 17 ]

[ Karuko meets the genin and the team gets a few tests. Soon enough, the genin learn that this jounin isn't much softer than Kukiko.]




A heavy sigh escaped his throat and lips. Inhaling afterwards, he watched over the empty field. The grass was still somewhat wet from the morning fog, gently hovering in the distance while creating a mysterious but tranquil scenery. If Karuko was a man more of art and decency, he would have perhaps considered it worth to project the scenery on a canvas - to immortalize it.

But he wasn't such a man and if anything, he found it less than noteworthy. It was a trivial thing, much like he found art quite trivial and a waste of his time as effort.


Thinking back to what he had read and learned, Karuko had send a message to each of Kukiko's pupils. They would be informed of the change and that he would see them. The time and place clearly written on the note. Having seen personally to that it was written properly, Karuko had prepared some matters.

If these genin were indeed ready to prove their worth, he would see it today. Else he would need to see how much potential each of them had.


Shion walked towards the training field, whistling a lullaby to herself. It was surprising for her to hear that Kukiko would be absent for a long time. Having grown attached to the jounin, it was sad for her to part way with her even if temporarily. Her pace slowed and her whistling faltered as she wondered if Kukiko would be coming back. Being a strong jonin and a member of the famed Yuki clan, it was possible that she was called in to handle extremely dangerous operations.


Shion shook her head of such negative thoughts as she continued on with her whistling. She knows how strong Kukiko is after all. The best she could do would be to pray for her safety and show some tangible improvements by the time she returns.


As she entered the training field, she noticed a shinobi in jounin attire waiting for someone and he seemed to fit the description the note described. She hurried towards him and greeted him with a bow, "Good day to you, sensei. I am Shion Kobayashi of Team-17. Are you perhaps the replacement for Kukiko-sensei?"


Yuyuko on her part was half jogging to the training field with her half mask on, her head wondering who could be the new replacement Jonin for the team. While Yuyuko at a number of times disagreed with Kukiko's methods or thought process, she had felt the Jonin at least had reasonable justification for having such reservations to her own thought process.


While it was unfortunate that she never did find the time to test her chakra nature so she could work on it, the genin hoped her new Sensei would help her be able to work on it so she can show Kukiko and her parents how much stronger she is. Hopefully with some long training, she might even be able to hold her own against chunin or a Jonin to some degree by the time Kukiko gets back.


As she arrived, she sees Shion and hurries over, with a skip on her step as she arrives, the eye on her non-mask covered side looking at her new sensei curiously.

"Ahh, Shion san,have you found our Sensei? That was fast. And ehm right. I am Yuyuko Takeda,Daughter of Instructor Masakage Takeda in the village, nice to meet you."


Heading towards the rally point where they would be introduced to the replacement of Kukiko, Neime took her time. She would arrive on time and didn't feel like to be first on the scene. Considering the situation, the investigation that she was to conduct on Kukiko was to be postponed. With Kukiko being moved to guard and operate as security detail of the Senate, it was much safer to lay in wait for when a time would present itself where the operation could be continued.

Arriving at the scene, she could already spot both Shion and Yuyuko, standing near an unknown man. Taking a second to eye them all together, Neime would then start to walk towards them.


"Good day," Neime said as she made a small but respectful bow with her head to the man, figuring much like the others that this was the replacement of Kukiko. If anything, the man was certainly less pleasing to look at it than Kukiko. And the Yuki even seemed pale and sick at first glance. "Hayashi reporting."


Karuko watched as the first arrived. A blank expression seemed plastered on his face as he eyed the genin that approached him. Shion's greeting provoked a small change on the man's features, his right eyebrow slightly perking up. He wasn't a big fan of bows, more of a man that could appreciate a salute. "I am, yes." Karuko simply said, deciding to not yet engage in a full-fledged conversation.

Noticing another approaching, Karuko stared at the genin with the mask. He had seen a lot of things in his service. Soldiers that had so many scars, that they were ugly beyond ugly. Shinobi with abilities that were terrifying or could be described as unholy. And while Kukiko had warned him, Karuko still didn't want to believe it. A genin that had no dysfunction at her eye and still covered it with a mask.


What confused him more was that she was the daughter of an instructor. Did her father condone this? Why didn't this behaviour got drilled into the ground in her time at the Academy? How the...

"Put that mask off before I will make you eat it." Karuko said, his tone even as his sight was focused on Yuyuko. Almost missing out that another person joined them.

The Hayashi didn't provoke much, safe it for the different garb. Karuko had served alongside Hayashi before. They were a disciplined lot but he wasn't sure about their objectives - much like other clans, they had their own agenda.


"Alright, you all got the memo. The previous jounin got assigned to another station. Will be likely temporary but that won't mean you will be allowed to relax." He began, "I spoke with your jounin and she seemed disappointed. Not content but disappointed. You," Karuko began as he threw a glance at Shion. "Take a spot over there." Karuko pointed to his right. "A good distance. The other two will attempt to land a hit on the back of your head. No shadow or elemental clones. Nor any weapons, in case you idiots didn't figure that out. Well? Get to it."


Yuyuko looked on quietly as her visible eye seemed to twitch before she took off her mask and slid it into her robe, which now held a pocket to accommodate the mask.

While originally her robe held no such pocket, due to Kukiko's insistence of keeping her mask off, for a moment revealing an eye patch underneath it as she removed that too as she was sure that her sensei would not approve of the eyepatch anymore than the mask. With the signal from the Jonin, she readied herself to start the spar.


Neime listened to what the jounin stated. He was certainly not giving a most cheerful or friendly impression. But that wasn't required with the job. Then the introduction was quickly wrapped up, followed by instructions. It was going to be a spar and Neime already disliked the idea. The fact that she had to face one of her team members didn't bother her. In fact, she couldn't care less at the moment. There were no attachments that made her feel bad if something happened.

What did make her feel less compelled to the imminent task was the fact it was going to be two against one.


Taking a spot, Neime would flex her fingers briefly. At least, the objective was simple enough. They just had to land a hit against the back of Shion's head. Glancing at Yuyuko, Neime did wonder about something before she would fixate her attention at Shion.

"Heheh, that might prove to be a tad bit difficult," Shion said as she took her stance, "But without challenge, one can hardly improve themselves."

Silence reigned the battlefield as the three genins judged each other, considering their first moves, before Shion finally said with a smug grin, "What? Not taking the first move? I thought you are the ones who's supposed to hit me. In that case..."

Shion circled around Yuyuko, putting her rival between her and Neime as she swiftly close the distance, "If you're out of the fight, then you can't hit me. You'll be the first to go down, Yuyu!"


Yuyuko blinks as she heard Shion's banter, her hand moving instinctively to her pocket but as she remembered the phrase no weapons, she was not sure if it equated to 'No pebble flicking'. While not one to want to find out what it meant, she too of course was not wanting to overexert herself Shion as she herself was not sure her injuries was fully recovered.

When Shion said in that case and begun to circle them, Yuyuko knocked one of her pockets causing 7 of the pebbles she brought along to fall onto the ground, taking 2 quick glance at the pebbles and then focusing on Shion.

Yuyuko had a hunch that Shion might go for her but was not sure until now. This meant that Neime was more problematic than her if they were to come to Taijutsu prowess. However Yuyuko did not intend to make it easy as when Shion begun to rush and close the distance, Yuyuko immediately kicked the ground along with 3 of the 7 pebbles in Shion's direction since they were in that direction at the time stirring up the dust from the ground while getting into a basic Taijutsu stance to either rush forward and attack or defend. In that instant, Neime can use that to join in as well and while the kicked pebbles are not as accurate as her flicks,if they hit or Shion tripped on them, all the better.


Neime didn't respond to the taunt of Shion, not one for either playful banter or taunts. Weaving a few handseals, Neime conjured two orbs. The Hayashi decided to remain on her spot as one orb soared through the air to the right of her while another moved in a curve - to avoid Yuyuko - towards Shion.


Shion brought up her arms, protecting her face with the sleeves, as she ran through the dust cloud. While the pebbles hit her body, they were not as damaging as her usual aimed shot, allowing her to continue charging forward.


Noticing Neime's scorch ball curving around Yuyuko out of the corner of her eyes, Shion dropped to one of her knees, sliding on it for a bit before pivoting, putting her on Yuyuko's left side before she attempted to tackle the formerly masked girl by lifting one of her legs and shoving her into the oncoming scorch ball.

Yuyuko on her part expected her attempt to do nothing more than blind Shion, she felt the heat from the scorch ball curving past her as she sensed Shion moving to her left side. In that instant when Shion attempted to tackle her,Yuyuko turned sideways and launched a straight kick with her right leg at Shion's shoulder using the recoil to reposition herself so she would not be shoved into the scorch ball.


Watching the scuffle take place, Neime narrowed her eyes as she made her scorch ball halt. Positioning it at the back of Shion, Neime moved the second to the right - allowing the second to close in. With her two team members now fully engaged, Neime would aim so far she could to let the scorch ball move on to Shion.

"Ngh!" Shion was stopped in her tracks as she received Yuyuko's kick. Luckily for her the kick was only aimed at her shoulder thus making it easy for her to minimize the damage somewhat by rolling it with the attack. It still hurt though she could still move her arm which was all it counts. She took a swift glance at her surroundings, confirming the two scorch balls' positions, one to the right and the other behind her.

Lowering her stance, Shion pushed off her front-leg as her hand grabbed something from the ground and her back-leg kicking up to send sand flying in Yuyuko's face. Then turning on the ball of her foot, she faced the scorch ball behind her and threw the stone in her hand towards it as she let her body fall backwards, onto Yuyuko.


Yuyuko was trying to catch her breath as Shion was already moving to attack. On Yuyuko's part, while she could continue fighting, she was not opposed catching her breath and letting Neime fight, as long as she could break the engagement as she knew that with the range she was at Shion, Neime either had to wait or else risk friendly fire.

So when Shion kicked up sand with her back leg, Yuyuko instintively brought her hands in front of her eyes as she fell back onto the ground. And then came Shion,her body falling backwards and so Yuyuko rolled sideways to her right barely avoiding the full weight of Shion falling on her but now needed a quick moment to stand but hopefully this created an opening for Neime to strike.


"And that's enough," the stern voice of Karuko pierced the air, the displeasement clear in his voice. Having watched the genin, the jounin had formed his opinion on the flaws of each member of the team. Waiting for them to break up, he would gesture them to come back to him. Once they all returned, he spoke again.


"You all failed, horribly." He first looked at Shion, his arms crossed as he did so. "You rushed in like a bull that got his balls squeezed. I got the idea that you were using some smarts when you attempted to single out one of two but then you forgot that you were actually facing four threats. Your rushed attacks lack finesse and your plan backfired."

Then Karuko looked at Neime. "Then you. You got an interest ability and I was curious to see more. Yet, you didn't communicate with your team member to coordinate the target. While I appreciate the show of a rare bloodline, I don't appreciate the prospect of somebody that can't communicate."

Karuko moved his gaze to the last one, Yuyuko. "And then you. You also lacked any communication and seemed that you were hoping that Neime would just be able to read what you wanted. In the chaos of a fight, that rarely ever goes well. You also failed."


"The three of you wouldn't last a day out there, dear divine," Karuko mumbled to himself as he pinched his nosebridge. "First what I am going to work on is your damned teamwork. You three will learn to communicate and work together. You lot got a few minutes to think and decide on a stratagem to take me out, with the current field as battleground. Your time goes in, now."

Shion opened her mouth in an attempt to defend her decision before she immediately stopped herself with a sullen expression, unable to find an argument. The jonin may be rough but he did have a point after all. Besides judging from his words, it sounded to Shion her plan was a sound one and it was just the execution that needed work. Though it was doubtful that that was what the jonin meant with his lecture but her optimism begged to differ.

A grin formed on Shion's lips as Karuko told the genins to fight him. He just handed them a chance to redeem themselves on a silver platter after all.

"Roger that," Shion replied as she beckoned Yuyuko and Neime away from him before huddling together with the twos and started whispering, "Alright, first off. Hayashi-chan shines in ranged combat while we shine in melee range and since she can control her scorch balls, it's far easier for her to avoid hitting us unlike most ranged-combatants."

"Well...as long as we work together, that is." she added at the end before she began her explanation, "Hayashi-chan, when you need us out of the way for your attacks or want us to create an opportunity, just shout at us. Yuyu, you and me will do the same thing for her. Granted, it will alarm Karuko-sensei of our moves but since we just met Hayashi-chan about a few days ago, we should stick with simple methods to make communication viable between us."

"Now, as for the tactics...I say, me and Yuyu charge Karuko-sensei while Hayashi-chan supports us from the rear,"Shion paused before looking at Neime, "Orrr...Hayashi-chan could attack sensei using her scorch balls while we protect her but that was too defensive and might drag out the fight..."

"I say we go with the first plan. Take him down hard and fast, preferably before he can pull out any trump cards," she declared with a smirk.
 
Karuko Meeting! - part 2
[ Republic of Kirigakure | Training field | Team 17 ]

[ Karuko meets the genin and the team gets a few tests. Soon enough, the genin learn that this jounin isn't much softer than Kukiko.]




Listening to the jounin, Neime nodded slowly. She understood why she had failed but was too proud to verbally admit it. In fact, she didn't feel like communicating so much for various reasons. When the new assignment was given, Neime would release a mental sigh before following suit as Shion beckoned her to follow.
Hearing what her team member stated, Neime listened, a frown forming on her brow as a result. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, she waited till Shion was done.


"No." She simply stated, at first. "You forget that we have no clue what he is capable off. That he is a jounin doesn't state much on how we can effectively combat him. With Yuki-sensei, we were aware that she had Ice release. We had a vague idea on what to expect. That guy?" The Hayashi gestured to the man with her thumb to emphasise her point. "I, for one, have no clue what he can or can't do."


She threw a sideways glance at Karuko.

"As for your information, I think I get what he is trying to do. For you are wrong that I am better at range. But you couldn't know that without asking or me telling you that. The major flaw he is likely trying to smoke out is that we assume things too easily." Turning her attention back at her team members, Neime was certain that they couldn't take on a full fledged jounin. "Other than that, your first plan won't work. To just charge him is as stupid as hoping the Empire folds territory to the Republic. My suggestion is to actually not confront him in a fight. If we can't win, then why even try to fight? We can try to use some diversion with smoke bombs or flash tags to cover our retreat."

As Yuyuko heard the Sensei call an end to the spar, her eyes focused on him and begun to catch her breath as the spar had tired her slightly. After Shion brought them to the side and begun speaking, Yuyuko closed her right eye and too kept quiet to hear Shion's brilliant plan and after hearing that and Hayashi's counter, she then decided to add her too cents. "I think plan 1 is good,since We are also running on the assumption that we can beat him in Taijutsu when we focus on Kenjutsu…..except when is the Ken in….kenjutsu when we cannot unsheath our swords…..and between us...i don't think so. But still we are still supposed to take him down to some degree…" the Genin said flatly keeping her right eye close and reaching down to feel the earth for a pebble, her hand finding a small pebble this time.

"Well, whatever the case is...if he really insists and says we are not allowed weapons ...i think we should go with plan 2…." the genin says slipping the pebble into her pocket and reaching down for another after taking a quick glance while mentally making a note that she only had 2 chances to flick them as while her sensei might have previously scolded her earlier...at least she knew this time she could try to flick one at his eye this time….that is if it even managed to hit him in the eye anyway...or at least it might open an instant for Shion or Hayashi to deal a decisive blow should they need the distraction "If i am able to grab some of the pebbles from earlier,i can use them as a distraction by flicking them at Sensei's eyes...not that it would work but like sand,it at least would open him up for secondary attacks if he dodges or blocks."

"Hmm...you have a point, Yuyu," Shion replied as she rubbed her chin, "If we are not allowed weapons, our fighting strength would be drastically reduced. In that case, a more defensive strategy, like Hayashi-chan's, would suit us better."

"But before we go any further..sensei!" the genin called for Karuko, "Can you clarify the rules a bit? Is it the same as our last spar or is it 'everything-goes'? And speaking of which, what would be the victory condition?"

The jounin had allowed them to take a bit of distance to come up with a plan. Arguably, he sincerely doubted that they could come up with any good plan. Waiting to see what could be cooking up, Karuko frowned slightly when Shion asked the question. A few seconds of silence echoed after the genin's question, as if the jounin didn't take the question seriously.

"Just conjure a plan and present it. Simple as that." Was all that the jounin would give in return, his tone even.

For a moment, Neime wasn't entirely sure what to think. Raising a hand, she would briefly pinch her nosebridge before deciding to keep her lips tight for a moment. Once Shion got her reply, Neime decided to speak up. "All we got to do is make a plan. There is no clear objective or anything that stresses we have to beat him." The Hayashi wondered for a moment about something but decided not to voice it.


"Harsh truth is that even we manage to combine all our skills and abilities into some odd perfect teamwork, we will be outclassed on every front. No amount of pebbles, bravery or numbers will help us in this case. Best course is to divert, distract and retreat."

Yuyuko's eyelid gave a twitch when Neime mentioned Yuyuko's consideration of using pebbles as the genin had personally wanted not to draw attention to it but at the same time, their new Jounin was probably going to test them so she felt it was wise to bite her tongue as she too decided to at least test if her team-mate was on to sonething as she replied.

"I am in agreement in this as generally it would be a challenge on it's own to take on any jonin, it would end up in death….." the Genin said while emphasising the last word and hoping Shion would go along with this. Not that she really expect Shion to do so.

"Yuyu! Not you too," Shion whined in protest before letting out a resigned sigh.

"Fine. I'll also go along with your plan, Hayashi-chan. Better to work together in agreement rather than doggedly pursuing my own plan..." she said before adding the last part with a pout, "Even though mine is better…"

"Alright, Yuyu," Shion turned to Yuyuko, "You and me will handle smokescreen and hold off Karuko. One of us will use smoke bombs or flash tags while the other holds him off in close-combat for a moment. After that, we retreat until sensei catches up to us again and we repeat the same tactic. Who handles which part will change depending on the situation so let's not fixate too much on that. Just don't forget to call out when you're smoking or flashing. You wouldn't want to be caught blind while you're tussling with a jonin, right?"

"Next, Hayashi-chan," she then turned to Neime, "You are the best ranged fighter in our team thanks to your Scorch Release which means if you go down, we're pretty much without ranged support. So I suggest not risking yourself in close-combat even you are really better than us. Still...judging from your confidence, it looks like you're pretty good in close-quarters yourself so we will be counting on you when needs arise."

"Right, that's it, I guess. And both of you, don't forget to give a shout you need something from each other; help, creating an opening, getting out of the way and so on. I will also be doing the same," she finished explaining the outline of her plan before adding, "Any objections or good ideas? If not, we will be going along with the plan as is."

Glad that they didn't decide to press on to present a plan that they could challenge a jounin, in whatever kind of fight, Neime's content quickly soured. This time, she crossed her arms out in front of her chest. A clear sight that she was anything but agreeing with Shion's quickly made plan.

"That's stupid. If we want to fall back and retreat, why do we need to actively engage in close quarters?" Getting a bit wary of it all, Neime decided to pull out a kunai and crouch down. "This is what I meant with not actually trying to one-up in any kind of way with somebody that has years worth more of experience or skill."
The Hayashi drew four circles, representing basically their current position and that of Karuko.. "If we were to be in this situation where he was our enemy, we got some distance. There is no need to endanger anybody here to get in close. Instead, it is better to use flash tags and smoke bombs to cover our retreat."

Drawing a few lines from the three circles, she would continue to explain. "Then we split up and move out. There is a large chance that our diversion won't do much to slow him down. As we don't have a clue on what he is capable off. Worst case in this scenario, he is a sensor. In which we can't stick together. We got to split off. Which means that one of us is unlucky and the other two will survive."

Rising up, Neime would effortlessly sheath the kunai away. "It doesn't matter how strong, talented or willing we all are. The plan is how we deal with it. Our skills won't matter if we don't get out alive."

Yuyuko shook her head as she considered the options that were presented and nodded.

"Alright, in this case...I would like to suggest in modification to the plan that Shion, you leave the area first, with Hayashi one step behind her, I will bring up a rear guard action not that we need to present this part to sensei..if things reach a point that we have to come to blows with him.. This is because I myself have ranged and close combat ways to deal with him and as i am not sure on my previous injury am liable to be a burden in the long run. You, Shion don't have a way to force and keep a distance so should go first. Hayashi can at the very least support my escape with your ability and as your ability is rare, is all the more valuable to ensure that it stays in the village. Hence, by process of elimination, that leaves me to do it.

While Yuyuko seemed to be speaking logically, Shion may or may not notice something off with her tone….it was something askin to how some people would casually disregard lives as figures on paper. But with how she spoke of it in regards to herself,it was almost as if she was either expecting to enter the situation with a kill or killed mindset despite how the odds are firmly stacked against her.

"Well...I was going to add my two-cents but Yuyuko puts it better than I could, despite some minor nitpicks I have but...they are not ones that affect our performances so no need to mind them," Shion replied, "Speaking of which, Yuyu. Are you...never mind. It's not like you're sick anyway."

"That said, you twos are better at planning than I do so I guess I will be leaving the future strategy sessions up to you, guys," she said with a grin before asking Neime, "Right, any objections, Hayashi-chan? If not, we will be taking on vote on who will be presenting the plan. It will be either you or Yuyu since you guys did most of the work."

Neime frowned as Yuyuko spoke up about the suggestion. For a moment, the Hayashi seemed to have something on her mind, only opting to not voice her thoughts. When Shion spoke, Neime nodded.

"No objections about that. I can pick at some things but the concept as matter won't change. So if this is it, we can present the plan and see what the outcome is." Throwing a sideways glance at the jounin, Neime looked back at Yuyuko. "If you feel up for the task, you should tell the plan to Karuko-sensei. All of it though, that is my only request. Cause I won't hold information back."

As Yuyuko heard that, there seemed to be a 'tch' in her voice as she shook her head. "In that case, I rather you give it as while you may feel it alright to be loose with that information,I would have held off a good deal of that...for reasons as your request while i like to agree with it….i don't…that small detail could mean us being in trouble later should he actually try to test that plan." The girl said focusing her attention on Karuko, her voice earlier having a touch of was it...annoyance or was it irritation to Neime's want to tell Karuko the plan in full.

Neime shrugged lightly as she would seem to discard Yuyuko's opinion on the matter. Turning towards the jounin, Neime considered how she would phrase the matter and then spoke up.

"Sensei, we came to a plan. As the situation stands, we got no idea on what you are capable off. We don't even know exactly what each of us is capable off. To formulate a plan to confront and win in a fight against you would be too flawed. Thus we decided that the best course of action would be to retreat. Yuyuko has offered herself to be the rearguard as she stated that she doesn't believe it is best to sacrifice my kekkei genkei. With her previous injury, it would be more of a loss to the Republic to see Shion being sacrificed as the rearguard. That is what we would consider the best course of action, at this point."

While Karuko couldn't hear everything and seemed far from interested to watch the genin, he had kept a close watch over them. The subtle signals in the body languages could hint to all kind of things and while it was true that he didn't know them on a personal level, he could decypher most signals by seeing how the others reacted to it. While the genin discussed, he was already getting aware that they weren't used to working together. Understanding that it was a slow process and matter of different personalities, Karuko wouldn't care for that. They would either work or break, no in between.

When Neime spoke up, Karuko listened. Briefly the man threw a glance at Yuyuko and Shion before nodding. Then he replied. "Good. You lot passed this small test." He stated with a tone that could almost be described as bored. "You would indeed be pretty dumb to try to tackle me in any kind of situation. None of you have the combat experience, skills or knowledge that I have. Even if you work together, I know much more about each of you. A rough estimation? I could take you lot down in less than two minutes."

Despite the phrasing seeming to hold a certain tone of arrogance, the man's voice growing firmer made it clear that he was far from joking. "Your strategy wouldn't have much merit. This isn't to belittle Yuyuko or any of you. But if you expect her to hold off a jounin or somebody of my calibre? Without her knowing a single thing about my own abilities or the extension of it? She wouldn't buy more than a second or three for you two," Karuko paused for a mere moment before he continued on. "Much would the case be with if you swapped Yuyuko with anybody else. However, you guys seemed to communicate. Whether it went smoothly or not, that isn't the important point. You guys did. I now only can hope you will do that further down the line. Sharing information with your team can mean the difference between failure or success."

Pausing once more, Karuko mentally sighed. "That is going to be all for now. You three are dismissed today."
 
Cloning Blues
[ Republic of Kirigakure | Training field | Karuko & Shion Kobayashi ]

[ In her attempt to continue her training in chakra flow, Shion discovered a harsh but effective training method, courtesy of Karuko. ]




Karuko inhaled slowly and would proceed to exhale as he let his gaze move over the training field. Today, it was planned for a session with Shion. In truth, Karuko didn't feel like training any of the three genin. But the harsh truth was that they could use a bit more training before being pressed into more dangerous affairs. Luckily, they weren't an experienced team or else they would be facing to be stationed in less ideal garrisons and cities.


Going over what he knew about Shion, Karuko already wondered what the genin would want from training with him. Judging by what Kukiko had told him and her report, he could make a few guesses. The last meeting and training with the team had cleared out a few things that also made it possible for the jounin to ponder on what the genin would likely request from him.


"Greetings, sensei," Shion greeted Karuko as she approached him, "Sorry for calling you out here but after that last little spar, I realized that I really should be accelerating my training from now on."


"As for why I called you out here, I've training chakra flow with Kukiko-sensei and I've reached this stage just a few weeks ago," the genin spread her palm flat as she poured chakra into it. The released chakra raised upwards, like a bubble still attached to the surface of the water, She held this position for a few seconds before she cut it off with a deep breath, letting the chakra dissipate into the air, "I was supposed to continue onto the next stage with her but she had to leave because of her mission. So I was wondering if I could continue the training with you."


"So sensei, what do you think? What would be the next step?" she added a question at the end, with an expectant smirk.


Karuko turned as the genin approached him. As the girl explained some matters, Karuko seemed far from impressed. The man's features showed actually little of what he thought or felt about Shion's words. Instead, he simply nodded to show that he had heard what she explained to him.


"Next step? More practice. However," he began,"If you are inclined on proceeding to the next step, you need to actually consider what you want. Chakra flow is a basic skill but quite versatile."[/color] Enlisting a pause to let his words sink into the genin, Karuko began to explain.

"Many techniques use the principle of chakra flow. But to use chakra to coat a tool, armour or weapon is to give it an attribute. The most common and basic? To enhance its killing potential. But there can be more to it once you have fully grasped that."


The jounin used his right hand to pull out a kunai. Holding the weapon aiming upwards, the jounin kept his gaze locked on Shion. "For example, range." Stating those words, chakra would swiftly form a cloak around the kunai. The deep blue energy started to radiate a hissing sound, likely due to the density of the energy being forced into. But without any motion required, Karuko would extend the chakra cloak way past the kunai's edge.

"If you practice and master the basics well enough, your chakra control becomes better. With doing so, you are able to do something like this. Another example that can be done is also range, but into another shape and utilization."


Making sure to half turn away from the genin, Karuko would do a somewhat lazy lash out with the kunai. The energy would move with the jounin's move, the hissing turning different as it was forced to move through the air. Only this time it would literally be separated from the kunai's blade, forming a crescent of chakra that moved forward - all the while, leaving a deep scar in the ground.

"So, yeah. There are various ways you can go about it all. All it requires is practice and chakra control. Not to mention, knowing what you want."


"That's….awesome," Shion said with sparkling eyes as she watched Karuko's demonstration.


As he asked his question, the genin answered, "Well...my mother said water nature is better suited at shaping their chakra. So I would like to focus on that, considering all the cool tricks I could pull."


"For example," she pulled out her katana and stepped back to a safe-distance away from Karuko before stabbing the air and pulling back as she talked, "Feint a thrust and pull back the katana in the scythe shape."


"Or..." she delivered a diagonal cut towards an imaginary opponent before stopping in the middle, "Shape the chakra into a flail that goes past the opponent's guard, those sorts of stuffs."


"But now that you mentioned the possibility of range attacks...I'm also interested in them, seeing as Hayashi-chan is the only genin with ranged abilities in our team," she said as she rubbed her chin in thought.


The admiration of Shion for Karuko's capability had a slight change in the man's composure. He frowned but didn't seem to look down on the genin's growing excitement. When she stated that water nature was better suited at shaping chakra, he seemed to ponder for a moment, almost if he wasn't sure if he had to agree or disagree.

When the genin pulled out her katana and showcased what she meant, Karuko sheathed the kunai and crossed his arms out front of his chest.


"The Hayashi brat is something you can't compare, to be fair." Was the first cryptic answer that Karuko gave Shion. "But yeah, you can try to do such things, what you described. All that it takes is knowing how to manipulate it, control it with chakra and of course practice. No technique is acquired without sufficient practice. See it like, a kata. But let us start with one thing at a time. I can try to help you grasp the basics of some techniques but I prefer to focus it on one at a time. Reduces the chances you screw up and get yourself or anybody on the team hurt."


Dropping his crossed arms, Karuko pulled out a kunai again. Enveloping it into the chakra cloak, he didn't extend it past the tip of the blade.

"Try to keep the cloak around the blade. The first we will work is called 'Rupture'. This is what the basic looks like."


The man spread his feet by a little as the chakra around the weapon seemed to flare up. With a lash out, Karuko would send a crescent of chakra to go diagonal. The arc of chakra would slowly fade away after a few meters.

"What you need to do is to generate enough chakra. More than you likely already are used to. This is tricky as you also need to condense the energy. It will feel like you are trying to rub two stones against each other with the force trying to push the stones away. Give it a try."

Shion nodded as she took a deep breath, enveloping the blade in blue chakra.

"Huh, that's actu-wah!" as the genin started talking, the chakra disappeared with a small pop, surprising her. It felt as if the chakra just jumped off her blade like a spring that was suddenly released. A slight blush formed as she felt embarrassed of her own failure before she shouted, "Once more!" as a way to psyche herself up.

This time, she tried securing the chakra close to the blade as if gripping it tightly with her mind but doing so only resulted in releasing a minuscule amount of chakra after putting an immense strain on herself. Realizing that her methods were in vain, she paused for a moment to catch her breath and recover.

A minute of rest later, she started enveloping the blade in chakra again. Her previous attempt taught her that keeping the chakra on the blade doesn't require much control, just concentration. As long as she focused her mind, she could keep the blade coated in chakra.

After nodding at her own success, Shion tried performing a downward cut but the moment she started her swing, the chakra immediately dissipated, leaving her staring at a naked metal blade, "Huh, how?"


Karuko said nothing when Shion seemed to make a small mistake, not controlling the chakra well enough at first. Remaining silent, he simply observed the genin doing the task. While she had managed it in a good time, it clearly seemed to be anything but easy for her.

"You lack control," Karuko remarked, as if it was clear as the sky being blue, "it is something that seems to be part of you. You grow excited and want to meet something head-on. Not a bad trait, kid. I like guts but you need to build it up and continue it slowly. If you master the basics today, only if it is by barely grasping, you already are doing it faster than the average genin. It might even be that you won't be able to grasp the basics today or next week, if your chakra control isn't up to the challenge."


Pausing for a second, the jounin pondered on a possible solution. If he had good enough idea of Shion's character, he doubted she would be eager to work it at a slow pace over a week or month. But he wasn't sure if she could double her effort.

"There is a way… but I doubt… No," he shook his head lightly, clearly dismissing the notion. "I don't think you are ready for that." Karuko said, very subtly trying to steer the genin into the desired motivation. "Only really motivated kids could pull something like that off."

"What do you mean I'm not ready for it, sensei?" Shion asked with a frown as she crossed her arms, clearly offended by Karuko's words, "When it comes to getting stronger, I can confidently say that I'm the most motivated out there. Just say the words and I will do whatever training you suggest, no matter how absurd."

"Besides, how are you sure if I can handle it before we even try it?" she added at the end with a grin.


And like that, Karuko mused amused to himself, she felt for it. "Cause I am not sure if you are able to produce a solid clone." Karuko reacted, not revealing his own amusement of pushing Shion verbally. "You have no doubt heard of them before. Allow me to demonstrate."

The jounin would produce a water clone, the chakra moulding the hydration in the nearby air. Gesturing to the clone, Karuko continued. "Basically, everything this pretty son of a bastard learns or experiences? I will get too. Together with some of the exhaustion and chakra loss."

Shion scoffed as Karuko finished his explanation, "Sheesh, sensei. Water clone, of all things? That's just mere child's play."


She then formed two water clones besides her as they started warming themselves. Gesturing at them with a smirk, she said, "See? Piece of cake. Will that be enough proof that I'm ready for your training?"


"So what will it be? Though judging from your explanation, I think I have a pretty close idea," she said, rubbing her chin.


Frowning slightly, Karuko nodded. "Only two? Oh." The man responded, not hiding his 'disappointment'. "I suppose two can make a difference. But try to use your water clones to work it out. If you can manage the exhaustion and possible threat of chakra burning yourself." The jounin lightly shrugged afterwards. "It is usually not that great of a way of training. Unless you are proficient with clones and can handle the stress that comes with it."


Shion raised an eyebrow at Karuko's suggestion but didn't say anything. After the jonin finished his explanation, she replied with a "Roger that," as she took her stance along with her clones.

Both the genin and her clones focused chakra into their blade and began their attempts to perform 'Rupture'. Shion and a clone focused on performing a perfect technique as they tried to keep the blade enveloped in chakra while the remaining clone disregarded technique in order to maintain the chakra.

Naturally all of the attempts ended in failure before the clones melted away as they ran out of chakra. One of the clones did manage to keep their chakra on the blade, perhaps a short while longer than Shion and the other clone but that was about it. Shion stumbled a bit as she felt the combined exhaustion from both clones hitting her at once. Controlling chakra is far different compared to what she was used to before. Though the exhaustion was worth it, as she also received the knowledge and experiences of the clones to help her identify where she was doing wrong.

The main problem was in maintaining the chakra as she swung her blade. As soon as she tried starting a swing, her focus switched from maintaining the chakra on the blade to perform the cut perfectly. If she wanted to keep the blade enveloped in chakra, she would need to maintain focus on both her chakra and her technique.

Though it was difficult for her to put the theory into practice right now with how exhausted she was currently, even to the point of sweating and panting heavily despite her cold weather. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking deep breaths, as she tried focusing her mind.

"My, my, so much for the bravado and guts that you showed before." Karuko remarked without hiding his amusement. "But not entirely unexpected. You lack the experience of many things, which is normal as a genin that hasn't been trained fully into these fields. Be glad that you haven't yet collapsed by the result of chakra burning." The man continued, a smirk growing on his lips.

"This training becomes only really feasible for those who have mastered good chakra control or some other factors. There is even some theory that jinchuriki should be able to utilize this training better than most jounin, if they were to open their seals and not be devoured. Another theory is that if one has good experience with clone techniques, chakra control and has experienced enough stress from the after effect."

"In that case, I'm going to grit through this until it's 'feasible' enough," Shion replied as she enveloped her blade in chakra and took a swing at the empty air. She smiled as she noticed that she could maintain the chakra until halfway through the swing, "With an ordinary routine, I would have to spend hours or even days to reach this level of progress and that's assuming I don't collapse from overworking myself."

As she noticed that her fatigue had faded away enough, she bounced on her feet a bit, warming herself up before she summoned two more clones by her side, "Well then, back to work."

The three of them took a stance and enveloped her sword in chakra before they started practicing 'Rupture' again. Though their techniques were in sync, the chakra on their blades faded away at different times as each of them adjusted their chakra control in slightly different ways depending on their feels. Soon the clones disappeared into puddles of water as the genin was hit with a large wave of exhaustion and collapsed onto her knees. She was panting heavily as sweat poured from her body like a waterfall, her body burning from chakra overuse.

"Huh, so that's your limit eh?" Karuko asked, the amusement faded from his voice. "In a true fight, you wouldn't last long. If you truly want to not get behind the likes of Yuyuko or the Hayashi, you best get on your feet." The jounin stated, a frown appearing on his brow. "Well? Or are you going to whinge and run crying back home?"

"Yes...that...sounds like a good idea..." Shion replied, panting heavily, as she shakily got up and enveloped her blade in chakra, "Just give up…when you are just...a few inches away from your goal."

She swung her katana at the empty air and grinned in excitement as she noticed that the chakra faded away just as she was about to reach the end of her swing, "No, thanks. I just can't stand to wait when I'm so close."

She summoned a single clone besides her this time lest she ran out of chakra before she could successfully perform the technique. Both of them then started practicing 'Rupture' in sync, their chakra fading away at the same point in their technique, with just a minuscule amount of difference only noticeable by them. After a while, Shion collapsed face-first into the mud as the clone melted down into a puddle. With the sweat drenching her clothes, it was as if she was dropped into a lake just a few moments ago.

Becoming silent, Karuko just watched how Shion started to push herself again. As the genin collapsed into the mud, the man snorted - clearly amused. Waiting for a second, the jounin would then take some action. Leaning forward, he would grab the genin by a shoulder and pull her so that she wouldn't suffocate in the wet mud and her own sweat. Straightening his back, Karuko looked down on the exhausted genin.

"You are a mess." He stated, but there seemed to be something different about Karuko's tone. "This suffices for today. You should get home." That having said, the jounin seemed to ignore the fact that Shion was exhausted from the whole attempt of mastering the technique. Turning around and taking a few steps, the man seemed to remember something. Throwing a look over his shoulder, he spoke up.

"Nice job, kid."
 
  • Like
  • Nice Execution!
Reactions: Aliceee and Gerontis
[fieldpost=World Events]
~ GM Post ~

Events in the known world.

This GM post serves to bring news and rumours of what happens in the world. While some events might be vague rumours, twisted by the many mouths that spin the tales into something unimaginable, there are many more occurrences that will impact the clans and nations across the known world. Some of these events might be orchestrated in secret or openly by nations and clans, in a bid to weaken their neighbours or rivals.

The current year is 477 ADS,
The current month is February,
This GM post is not without plots and secretive actions of others.~

* ADS = After the Death of the Sage.​

In the West.​

Vague rumours are heralding from the far and mysterious land of Galassa. Though perched at the border of the known world in the west and only known to be a wasteland of barbaric hordes, rumours are reaching various nations that the inhabitants are growing restless. Various whispers and rumours hint that the tribes of Galassa are readying themselves for war, of a scale never to be seen by the major nations. A war that will be declared on the more 'civilized' counterparts of the world. A war to bring forth the rule of the Galassian tribes.

Also, there are some vague whispers that the clansmen of Galassa are fighting with giants, to defend their sacred grounds.


One of the major nations on the western continent. The Earth Country has been posed to strike hard at the Iron country ever since their first failure of conquering the smaller nation to their east. Though having stationed troops at the borders with the Iron, there is some doubt that the Earth will be able to finally breach through the defence of the iron-willed inhabitants of the smaller country. These doubts are due to the rising unrest and concern about the growing intrigue that plague the country.

The current feudal lord of the major power is growing sick and unlike previous times, isn't likely to recover from his illness. This troublesome situation has sparked a rivalry between two feuding factions that have so far vied for power and succession in the shadows. One faction is known to be supporting Urano of the Konda clan, the wife of the sickly feudal lord. This faction has become known as 'the Konda Supporters'.
Their counterparts, opposing that Urano of the Konda clan succeeding their current lord, are known as the 'Dragon's Servants'. The Dragon's Servants support one of the lord's brothers, Hayate Hyuzu, which they proclaim will be a strong successor.

Despite the intrigue that has slowly taken over large parts of the powerful country, there hasn't yet been any kind of clash between the two factions. But since recent weeks, there have been a few assassinations that have sparked more unrest. The tension between the two rival factions have never been higher and fearful whispers of a succession crisis are becoming louder.


~The Rain Province~

The Omari Clan
@conman2163 | @Oetje​

Despite the large defeat that the Insurgents of Soru have faced at Amegakure, a large portion still managed to escape the wrath of the defenders of the city. While many groups have been hunted down in the following days and weeks, there are still disturbing reports incoming about insurgents and zealots lashing back at the Imperial provincial government. Various vassal clans of the Omari have been hit hard by groups of zealots and insurgents, disturbing trade and supplies - which are already lower due to the harsh winter season. Unrest is growing in the vassals of the Omari, as the subjects lack the means to prevent or react to the lightning-fast, surgical precision strikes at their lands.


~ The Fire Province ~

The Hanta Clan
@Jason Targaryen ​

Peace and prosperity have reigned for long within the boundaries of the Hanta clan. With little concern, there has been no direct threat of late at the clan. As various events have disturbed and caused both damage and unrest to various parts and clans of the Empire, the Hanta have been left alone by any turbulence.
However, a small group of foreigners have been intercepted at the northern border with the Rice country. They claim to be refugees from the far-away empire of Dilali, a realm that is known to be a mere mystery due to its strict isolationism. Wary, the Hanta that took the foreigners under their custody have made sure that this event hasn't caused any unrest among their people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Senju Clan
@Nim ​

The Senju clan has experienced growth and enjoyed prosperity, despite the activities and events inspired by the zealots. With their lands left unharmed, there has been no real reason for those dwelling inside the boundaries of the Senju clan to be worried or frightful. However, this has quickly changed with some disturbances of late.

Various places within the Senju clan's borders have been the target of attacks. While the Senju clan's security has managed to prevent much harm to befall on key positions, various small industries have been hit hard - mainly those industries that are affiliated with the clan's production of silk. Though this is unlikely to lead to a diminishing of the Senju's influence, power or wealth, it has sparked a rising concern. Many hints have been pointing out that the zealots are behind these fast attacks that seem to come out of nowhere.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Tokugawa Clan
@Oblivion666 ​

One of the Great Clans of the Akinian Empire, the Tokugawa clan has experienced a time of peace and stability. These times, the effects of their deal with the Cho clan has started to take effect. The absence of competition between the Tokugawa and Cho traders has seen larger profits and filling the coffers of the Great Clan much faster than they did before.

This prosperity has attracted even a few groups of Yakimara wanting to settle in the Tokugawa heartlands. While some claim that the promise of wealth and stability is attracting them, there are others who point out that the same is happening to the River province - thus stating that there is some drive among the Yakimara to settle in the neighbouring lands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Cho Clan
@Lesli ​

The Great Clan residing in the southern part of the Empire, the Cho clan have been thriving. Their trade deal with the Tokugawa clan has seen the annoyance of rivalry between their merchants vanish. More profits are reaching the coffers of the clan and stability is ever-present. The aftermath of the Allthing in Ardara has seen to it that the Cho clan is aiming to gain a stronger grip on maritime affairs. This aspiration has the coincidental timing with the Empire's own ambition to create a strong naval force.

Even as the clan has 'gifted' the Empire with supplies and workforce to strive for the nation's ambition, the Cho clan are making progress with their own goal. Rumours are spreading slowly to the other parts of the country that the Cho clan is starting to focus on several port-cities. Shipwrights seem to be buzzing with activity to complete the constructing vessels, both in order of their clan nobility as for the Crown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Uchiha Clan
@Oetje​

The Uchiha clan is one of the Great Clans in the Empire of Akino. Its prosperity and stability fiercely guarded, under the strict but fair rule of Shozo Uchiha. Though rivals dare to mock the Uchiha clan, it is a rare occurrence that they ever dare so in public. Save it for a few fur-wearing brutes, who lack the elegance and wit to simply know who their betters are.

The most recent event that has occurred with the Uchiha clan is the rumours of a marriage between the Uchiha main branch with the Hanta. Some rumours are pretty wild, stating that the Hanta clan is willing to see the heir of their clan married to an Uchiha noblewoman - even if it will cost them precious land. As these rumours are disregarded by many, it certainly holds a modicum of the truth of the Uchiha's prestige and current influence within the Empire.
Not to mention, the production and revenue coming from the precious and ferociously guarded Uchiha silk have risen. Some claim it is due to the larger demand of the luxurious, prestigious ware while others state that its the effect of Uchiha influence growing.


In the North.​

The Raikage's Forces and her allies
@conman2163 , @Lesli , @ChromeHound​

The civil war has raged for months, not even close to reaching a climax or showing a winning side yet. Worries of the conflict exploding into more fronts with foreign powers are spreading across the nation. Obscene rumours of barbarian raiders hailing from the sea and north are causing stability to decrease while others seem to be most frightful of the Great Clans poising to rip the country apart - rendering the innocent lives into casualties for their clan's own ambitions to see themselves as the rulers of the North.

Some of the rumours seem reinforced with the arrival of Imperial forces. Hailing from the south, a host of Imperials have been sighted to march towards the south-eastern coast. The few who got into interaction with the foreigners speak of a disciplined force, who speak with a strange dialect that betrays that they aren't Taika. Though few in number, clans and merchants are starting to complain about the arrival of these foreigners as they sweep into locations on the way. During these sweeps, these Imperials lay claim to various supplies and see to it that they are taken. Only a few casualties have been reported, those foolish enough to confront the Imperials in any kind of way.

As if that wasn't enough, supplies from the Frost country aren't reaching the Raikage's faction or her allies. Reports are coming in about nomadic clans taking up the spear and bow, attacking and raiding supply routes. Those fortunate enough to survive the encounters are saying that these nomads are from a few clans, their flags bearing the marks of the Uvas and her vassal clans. There are those who claim that the Uvas clan is preying on the supply routes because of the civil conflict. But more address this as proof that the Uvas clan has sided with the Regency clan, due to their attacks only aimed at supplies that are supposed to reach the sites under the control of the Raikage.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sanosuke Clan and her allies
@Aliceee, @Nim ​

The safety of the mountain ranges have seen to it that the Sanosuke clan is having an easy time to defend their heartlands from any attack, may it be the Regency or even the Hojo clan and her allies. The alliance that exists between the Sanosuke, Saemund and Sato clans have given hope to those in the far north that they will weather the coming storm that they expect from the Regency. The combination of the maritime power of the Saemund and Sanosuke has also seen that the cold waters of the North are dominated by the alliance. But even so, no attacks have been launched southwards to push the war into their favour.

Likely due to the civil strife, various small bands of nomads have been spotting to travel northwards to request asylum of the Sanosuke clan. With the possible routes into the Sanosuke heartlands being held firmly, it is a matter of time if these desperate refugees shall be allowed to hide from the imminent storm that will see more losing their lives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Alaricus Clan
@Oblivion666 ​

The Alaricus clan have managed to fend off the first wave and are reported to be poised to defend their heartlands against the impending storm that wants to subdue them. Various rumours are circulating that the populace within the Alaricus clan is growing more bolder and willing to see their lands defended. While not being targetted, the news of the Uvas clan becoming hostile to the Raikage side, there has been some concern within the Alaricus clan if the nomads soon will not turn on them as well - most certainly due to Alaricus enslavement of nomads in the past.

Even as a Great Clan, the Alaricus isn't enjoying many allies as the Hojo or Sanosuke do. But an opportunity has arisen for the Alaricus as large bands of mercenaries have arrived within their lands - promising to fight for the Alaricus side for a reasonable price. Some are wary of employing these sellswords and sell-sails, for there are subtle hints that these mercenaries aren't really what they seem to be. A few of them have been seen praying and practising rituals to a certain 'Miku'.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Hojo Clan and her allies
@Oetje​

The Hojo clan's influence have managed to gather some small clans in their vicinity to swear themselves to their cause. The addition of supplies and forces from the Iron country aren't well known as the Hojo's own forces, the Steel Sentinels, are performing operations to keep the presence of the Iron country forces and support a secret.

Concern and unrest are, however, rising as rumours have reached the Hojo about the changes in the south. The populace of the Hojo clan and her subjects have already been wary of nomadic clans but a growing part of the Hojo's subjects are voicing their disgust of the nomadic clans. This certainly has been strengthened by the news of the Sanosuke having allied themselves with the Sato clan.


In the South.​

The Republic has seen little activity of the so-called 'Suzu insurgents'. News of Republican forces squashing and hunting down these insurgents are bringing back stability. And with the return of stability, prosperity seems to dawn upon the Republic. Even as factions struggle for power and influence in and out of the Senate, the majority of the island realm is without much fears of late. Rumours about the succession and civil crisis in the Lightning country is viewed with some interest but a larger focus is turned towards the Eastern continent - mainly due to the concerning reports that originate from their forces fighting alongside the Imperial and Northern forces. Though Republican operatives work almost around the clock to prevent much of this news to slip, some unrest among the senators has slipped past and reached the commoners. This has manifested into people wondering about strange sightings. From stating they have seen weird vessels on the horizon to hooded folk wandering around at night.

There are, however, more frightening rumours arising from the very heart of the Republic. Even for the current winter season, a growing number of people have started to grow sick. Though this seems to be contained in a small part of Kirigakure, there are some that grow restless. Wild rumours are growing in volume that the Empire of Akino is the cause behind the growing amount of people turning sick. Others say that it is the sign that the Divine is started to become unhappy, a rumour that has caused some violence to erupt but without much more than a few wounded.
Others say that it is not a sickness but any that dare to speak enough about the illness in any depth seem to vanish the next day without a trace.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Oetje, Aliceee and FrostedCaramel
The Northern Fleet
[ Lightning Country - the Far North | The 'True Northern Alliance' | Yngvar, capital of the jarldom of Yngvar - Sanosuke Heartlands ]
[ A collab between @Nim and @Aliceee | The Sanosuke are sending out a fleet, combined with the aid of their Saemund allies. With this fleet heading to the western coast of the Lightning country, it soon becomes clear on what the goal of this naval force is.]


The drums echoed throughout the night. Earlier in the day, the vessels were loaded with the supplies and materials that would be required for them on the planned voyage. Now that the moon was rising on the horizon and the sky turning dark, it was considered time. Those who would descend on the crew had taken their goodbyes as they would walk through the streets to the docks. Their loved ones wishing them a final goodbye before they would set sail.

All the while, drums resonated from the docks. At the docks stood the jarl of Yngvar, Aldvar. The man had his fists planted against his hips, his stance betraying his pride upon seeing the scenery unfold in front of him. The many banners that were hoisted revealed that it wasn't just the people of Yngvar that would set sail on this night. But a collection of four clans in total. The jarl could recognise the banners of the Saemund and the jarldoms of Reistara and Langanes.
Inhaling deeply the breeze that seemed to descend from the sea, a big smile started to appear on the lips of Aldvar. If he didn't know better, it almost seemed like a whisper from Ergir, asking if they were hurrying up.

While Aldvarr's attention was towards the banners on the docks, Havarr had his attention to the sea. Many ships stood, ready to be boarded by the many brave Sanosuke and Saemund that would be sent off. And among those Saemund would be his own nephew, Cyrus. Although he was initially against the thought, Havarr eventually allowed his nephew to go with the other brave men and women. It would surely be a show of strength, and one that will help his nephew gain further ground as a future leader within the Saemund.

He turned to face the docks, and the sight of the 4 different banners that stood there. To be there, among his allies and his own kin, felt just right. Crossing his arms, Havarr waited to hear what the Sanosuke Jarls will have to say first. His own words were meant to be last, as they were meant to serve as words of courage and prayer.

The ships would be filled with the women and men that were about to move out. Aldvar inhaled slowly as he waited. Standing on a platform, he had a good sight on many of the large vessels that could brave Ergir's waters and even some of his moody storms. Slowly, the jarl would raise his right hand and as an effect, the drums would slowly stop their sound.

"They say that I like war," the sound of the man scalded over the silent dock in front of him. It was filled with people, both those who would remain in the city and in the far North as those who remained on the decks of the ships. "I don't like war," Aldvar said, his tone giving away his irritation at the false accusation. "I love war! I love war! For who can wage it better than we, the true sons and daughters of the North! For those who are known for their fury, to sweep in a tempest! My good people, I love waging war as long as I have a good axe and folk like you with me!"

No cheers came but a simple stomping sound. Aldvar nodded as the stomping continued, almost taking over from the drums.
"Who else here is ready for war?!"

The shout would be greeted with the stomping of feet on the decks of ship and the port, mixed with battlecries and the start of the drums.
"Then at it! Tonight we sail under the favour of Ergir! Tonight we shall set sail, knowing that the next days, we shall remind everybody in the Lightning that they picked the fight with the wrong folk! And once we are done, we will be back for more ale!"

Listening to the words of Aldvar, the Saemund Hofou began stomping his own foot, matching the resounding stomps of the many that surrounded him. When the Yngvar Jarl finished speaking, Havarr raised his right hand "All the beasts of the north know our strength! All of those present know our strength! By the time we return, everyone will know of our strength, and everyone will know of the grave mistake they made by choosing to stand opposite of us!"

After those words, spoken in Chonobi, Havarr switched to shout in Tunga for a couple of moments. However, every few words he spoke was greeted by a resounding yell from his fellow Saemunds, clearly reacting to something he was saying. Eventually, he talked in Chonobi again "The seas are with us! The wind pushes us forward! We will show them who rules the waters, and the north!"

For a moment, there wasn't any certainty on what was louder. The cheers, battlecries or the drums. All the while, captains would attempt to shout orders and slowly the ships started to move. In a most orderly fashion, even despite the constant cheers and sounds, the vessels started to row out. A large column could be seen from the docks as the fleet would go under the cover of the night.
Once the vessels were leaving the port, the cheering and shouting stopped. Captains managed to establish order back on the deck while drums resonated to instruct the rowers on what pace they were required to row. Oars pushed through the waves, causing the mighty ships to break the waters.

One of the largest Sanosuke ships would be breaking waves next to the vessel of the Saemund flagship. Standing on his deck, Bjarte stole a glance at the Saemund vessel. "Signal them," the younger brother of jarl Aldvar commanded with a calm tone, "that I will visit them later."
Two of the crewmen on deck would scurry to fulfill the order of their chosen admiral.


The mighty fleet continued in a slow pace. While the sea seemed easy and providing access for them to move faster, it was clear that the large host knew better than to rush and lose their composure. As fleet continued, Bjarte had managed to find a moment to board a small boat with a few of his guard and row towards the Saemund flagship.
Once aboard, Bjarte would roll with his shoulders and await the greetings of the Saemund Hofou.

As the Sanosuke members came onto the Saemund flagship, Havarr would be notified, and then come to meet them, appearing to have come from below deck "Welcome, Sanosuke brethren. I've been wondering when you'd have time to come visit, as earlier signaled." He told the younger brother of the Jarl. Havarr would then form a fist with his left hand, before grabbing his own left arm with his right hand, and keeping it that way for a moment, before letting go of the gesture.

The jarl's brother would return the Saemund greeting, showing respect towards the Hofou - though it was added with a bow of his head as their social ranks were different. "It is both a pleasure and honour to be once more in your presence, Saemund brothers. Certainly on your deck. Shall we discuss the plans? Preferably somewhere more quiet?" Bjarte requested on his turn.

"And my honour to have you on board. If it's quiet you want, it can be arranged. Come." Havarr said, and led the younger man to his captain quarters, before opening the door and entering it, with a Saemund soldier moving and holding the entrance open until Bjarte entered as well.

Moving to sit on one of the chairs, Havarr would gesture for the young man to take a seat as well. Havarr's captain quarters would be much more organized than one would expect, with only one exception, which would be the armor stand. The stand stood completely naked, with the armor placed next to it, in a well organized pile instead.

A subtle sign was given to Bjarte's guard who would simply wait next to the boat that had been pulled up by ropes and contraptions - to avoid it being lost to the waves. Following the Saemund, Bjarte would place himself on one of the chairs that was offered.
"Thank you. I am aware that you and my jarl discussed the plans. But I would like to review them again with you." Producing a scroll from the shoulderbag that he had with him, Bjarte would place it on the table. Finding some more comfort in standing, the younger man continued.

"The objective is to raid and light the coast that is under control of the Regency council. To deter them from moving north, where my kinsmen and Sato allies shall be awaiting for the right time to make an attack over land." Bjarte explained, leaving out the exact details as he was aware this was simply known to the Saemund. "Our first stop is here, at friendly shore. My jarl instructed me to share command with you, Hofou. And so I want to discuss the final target of our combined might."

Bjarte's finger would slid towards a place on the map, that designated a particular city. "The seat of the Jun clan. Though it is true that the Northern alliance holds dominance over the seas, the Jun harbour a large portion of the national fleet." Bjarte looked up from the map at the Hofou. "If we take it out or learn that the Jun are truly our allies in this conflict, we can return home with the spoils of war and stories of valour."

Remaining silent as Bjarte went over the plans, Havarr would only nod once the young man was finished reviewing the plan "That would summarize it well. We will also remain in contact with the north through the Saemund tamed Mafuree, so should anything happen on our way, we will be notified in a fast fashion, and be able to adjust our plans accordingly. Of course, we must hope nothing of the such would come to pass."

Bjarte nodded in agreement. "Good. Then it is all settled. We will raid at these positions," Bjarte pointed them out as they were already marked on the map, "and continue our way down south. Within three weeks, if the sea favours us well enough, we should be nearing on the city of the Jun clan. And settle who rule the waves."

"I believe you mean show who rules the waves." Havarr said with a grin. He then stood up "I hope you take no offence, but I need to attend to my crew." Havarr told him, before moving towards the door and opening it for the Sanosuke.

Leaving the map for the Hofou on the table, Bjarte would walk towards the door. "Good. For the North, Hofou," Giving the man a curt nod with his head, Bjarte would also return to the deck. With the rowboat being lifted back into the water, Bjarte and his guards would return back to their own flagship.
 
A Dragon in the Garden~
[Empire of Akino | Konohagakure, Royal Palace ]

[ A collab between @ChromeHound and @Aliceee | Hayate manages to summon himself towards Kiyomi, through the summoning technique. Surprised with the sudden visit, the two catch up. Hayate attempts to do his best to do what Koike has requested but doesn't get what he was hoping for. Kiyomi then sneaks Hayate into the gardens to gift him something. ]





The day had been long but rather productive. From the training in the morning to the meetings she had attended over the day, Kiyomi was more than grateful that she could withdraw back into her own quarters. Only a select few of Sworn Swords would come in to provide the necessities that she would have otherwise be forced to travel all over the royal palace to get herself - such as dinner.


After a pleasant bath and getting dressed, Kiyomi found herself staring into the mirror. Her right hand moved to the damp hair. Running her hand through her hair, the young monarch played with the idea to let the dye run out. Or perhaps to dye it into another color.

The green eyes moved Kiyomi's gaze to a nearby brush, which the teen took as she would continue her way to her chamber.

Taking a seat on her bed, Kiyomi started to brush her hair as she would let her thoughts run their course. The mere idea of coloring her hair went swiftly to some other, and more ambitious, plans.


That was until she sensed something. The sensation that moved down her spine alerted her, causing her to freeze in the repetitive motion of brushing her hair. Putting the brush down, Kiyomi quickly scootted from her bed as she hurried to get into some clothes. The sensation briefly vanished before it surfaced, again.

Inhaling slowly, Kiyomi half closed her eyes. Allowing the sensation to spread a bit further, she placed her hands on her hips as she awaited the small puff of smoke that would appear in front of her.


It had taken longer than he'd expected to get ready. After Koike had left, Hayate had set out to ensure certain matters were taken care of before he would make his journey. Then he had to set about the lengthy process of cleaning himself. It was not something he'd had to worry about as much out here as his focus had been on his troops and what their next course of action would be. After bathing and managing to find a clean set of clothes that actually still looked nice, Hayate informed his guards and sent word for them to summon Koike. It was time.


Standing in front of the small mirror in his tent, Hayate bit his cheek, still feeling uncertain. He was worried that he'd gone through all of this and she wouldn't be able to see him any way… Hesitating for a moment, Hayate considered canceling the whole thing. Shaking the thought from his mind, he glanced one more time at the mirror, wishing he had taken the time to cut his hair as it had grown slightly unkempt. Turning away from it, he began the process of sending Kiyomi the signal.


At first he felt no response and Hayate's heart sank. Clenching his fists to push away his fears, he tried again. After a moment, he felt a response and Hayate smiled. Closing his eyes he would disappear from the tent. When his eyes opened, the young Hyuzu was standing somewhere completely different. The smoke in front of him cleared and Hayate was met with the most incredible sight in the world. Kiyomi...


Watching the puff of smoke start to vanish, Kiyomi stared at Hayate. Her hair was a mess and the clothes she had put on were less than ideal. It seemed like somebody had attempted to wake her up from a nap, one taken in the garden. Her head tilted slightly to the right as she seemed to wonder if it was actually Hayate or not. Then her lips parted as she spoke up in a soft voice.


""You look like crap."


A smirk followed her words as a curious glint became apparent in her eyes. ""Like, really crap." Kiyomi added, seemingly holding back something.


He had been speechless for a moment, simply staring, hoping that this was actually real. When Kiyomi spoke, Hayate knew for sure. He waited for a moment before folding his arms across his chest. "At least I put on some proper clothes," he said, his tone amused. A part of him wanted to run forward and hug her, but it felt… wrong. It had been a long time since he'd seen her and Hayate was paralyzed in place.


"Your hair looks nice though," he added, one eyebrow raising mischievously.


Her lips parted, already a reply at the ready. Realising something, Kiyomi closed her mouth as she leaned slightly forward. ""Oh yeah? Well, at least I don't reek some of cheap soap." She retorted. ""And I will let you know," the young woman shifted her stance that seemed to hold a certain arrogance in it, which almost seemed too real to be feigned. ""This hairstyle is quite popular within the noble circles of the Grass provinces. I am just following fashion."


Letting her words echo for a moment, Kiyomi surged forwards with her arms extended. Wrapping her arms around Hayate's neck, she would lock him into a tight hug. A shiver moved down her spine as she was able to press her face against his, her cheek against his while being able to enjoy his presence. As a moment passed, Kiyomi would slowly step back. Her hands slid towards Hayate's shoulders as her eyes seemed to search for something.

""No scars, good." She seemed to conclude her search with.


When she mentioned the smell of cheap soap, Hayate's cheeks gained a bit of color as he realized it was true. She mentioned the haircut and he fought back a laugh, about to respond when she rushed forward and he was lost in the hug. Hayate wished the moment could last forever. Being so close, it sent sparks throughout his entire body and he didn't want to let go.


Reluctantly letting go as Kiyomi stepped back, Hayate watched as she searched his face. When she mentioned the lack of scars, he smiled, shaking his head. "Not up here," he said. "I'm not trying to compete with you or Koike after all."


""Wow now," Kiyomi's smirk returned briefly, ""I only got one visible scar. I rather not try to even start a competition with Koike or anybody when it comes to scars." Though sounding amused, Kiyomi briefly worried that he had acquired some scars that he just didn't feel comfortable showing. Deciding quickly to shift topics, she would speak again.


""As much as I do appreciate seeing you alive and well, I do reckon this visit has a reason?" Kiyomi asked, her hands slipping from his shoulders down his arms to his hands. ""And let us save playing cute for another time. Is something wrong in the east?"


Clasping her hands, Hayate nodded. "Things are going well in the East. For now." There was a slight hesitation in his tone, but Hayate continued. "We've gotten to an area that is easily defensible and all signs indicate that we are safe for the time being. The troops are resting but remaining vigilant. I..." glancing away for a moment, Hayate sighed before turning back and meeting her gaze. "I don't believe this will last for long, however. We had reports of another larger force, but we have not been able to identify whether or not they know our location. I've come to ask if it is possible to have the supplies and reinforcements reach us sooner."


Hearing that things were going good, Kiyomi felt some pressure of her shoulders. Releasing a mental sigh, she was happy that she wouldn't need to worry. Even if they had received news before, this certainly helped her to calm a bit down. Until Hayate stated that they had reports of another larger force. The request for the supplies and reinforcements wasn't strange but Kiyomi felt a certain sting. If anything, she felt more compelled to recall Hayate and the force back home. Certain advisors and clans would likely back her up on the decision, she was certain of it.


""The reinforcements are mobilising. The remaining force of the 3rd Division are making ready for the crossing over the seas to reach you guys. Together with setting up the supplies and establishing a route to make sure you all will want for nothing." Softly squeezing in his hands, she thought what else she could give as an answer. As words of comfort. ""Come," she instead stated as she gently pulled him towards her bed.

Taking place on top of it, she would sit cross legged, she waited for Hayate to take place as well. Realising something, Kiyomi smiled.


""You know, this would look really, really bad. If somebody came in and saw you here." The smile turned into a smirk. ""The gossip would be huge, you know that right?"


Relieved at the news that the reinforcements were already mobilizing, Hayate nodded again, a smile touching his face. That news was comfort enough and the young Hyuzu hoped it would bring a sense of comfort to the troops as well. Letting himself get led to the bed, Hayate sat down beside Kiyomi, tilting his head slightly as he looked at her.


When she commented on how things would look should they be discovered, Hayate blushed and reached up to scratch the back of his head nervously. Letting out a slight chuckle, he nodded. "You'd think the fact that we're betrothed would make people less antsy. Though… I imagine people would still be very gossipy."


""Oh, but the fact we are betrothed would mean that those gossips would be even juicer. But that aside," she said, to stop tormenting him on it. ""How have you been? Got any interesting to tell me about the eastern continent? And how long will you be here?" She decided to ask, wanting to dump more questions on him but decided against it, for now.


Relieved when the topic had shifted, Hayate smiled. "Despite being further from home than I've ever been and missing you, I've been good. There's a lot going on and it can be quite stressful, but..." shrugging his shoulders, Hayate continued, "It's been manageable. I've got a great team with me and they make things a lot easier." Thinking for a moment, Hayate wasn't quite sure how to answer the last question. Ideally, he'd love to be back now. To get away from everything and be able to spend more time with Kiyomi. But he couldn't say that. There was no way that Hayate could admit he wanted to get away from the East and so he simply smiled and continued. "We haven't found too many interesting things out there yet. It definitely hasn't been as fun as the Sea Country was," he said, a glint in his eyes, "though I have found out something very recently that was rather surprising. But… I don't know if I'm allowed to say."


She became more curious as Hayate continued. If anything, she wished that there could be a way that she could be there. Knowing what prevented her, Kiyomi opted to not voice those desires. Placing her hands on her ankles, she became a bit disappointed that there weren't too many interesting matters yet. The idea of another continent had brought the idea that there would be different things, both people and fauna. Though it could also because the send forces had been too occupied with other matters to really delve into such matters.


""Oh?" Kiyomi frowned slightly upon hearing that he wasn't sure if he was allowed to say it, ""I can try to keep a secret. That or I maybe need to find Jora. You know, he has some very interesting stories about you."


His eyes narrowed when Kiyomi mentioned Jora's stories. "They're all lies, I can assure you." Pouting slightly, he turned and shrugged. Koike's secret was not really his to tell, though he could use Kiyomi's assistance with finding out information on Haruka. "Well… if you promise to keep it a secret, I may need your help anyways…" Taking a moment, he glanced away, trying to figure out how to say it without it coming out like gossip. Looking back, he locked eyes with Kiyomi. "Koike may have a child. He… has not been able to see it and he asked if I could find out whether or not the child is doing well, along with… along with the girl." Chewing the inside of his cheek, Hayate tilted his head slightly, waiting to see how Kiyomi would respond.


A chuckle escaped Kiyomi's lips as Hayate proclaimed that all Jora's stories were lies. She highly doubted that they were but wouldn't argue Hayate now. Her curiosity piqued when Hayate began about a secret. But the shift of her facial features betrayed much that she wasn't surprised. Nodding, Kiyomi would reply afterwards.

""She is pregnant. When she attended a clan meeting, one of my Sworn Swords picked up a double signature. Which was concerning as we had learned that those zealots can have a similar thing going on. Before they shift into some odd shape of some bipedal beast." Kiyomi said, ""I was the one who informed Koike of her being part of an arranged marriage. The Tamiyo family is a very influential one. Not to mention filthy rich. And I thought it was best for Koike to hear it from me than have his hopes up while he would be east. As for the child? I am not really aware of its current condition or gender. Hmm," she considered something.


"Tell you what? I will do him a favour. I am going to try to figure it out and if its a boy or unhealthy, I will contact you or him back. If its a girl or healthy? You will not hear anything within a week from me. That way you can assure Koike of the child."


Flustered at first that his big secret was already apparently known, Hayate leaned back and shook his head lightly. Kiyomi knew a lot about what was going on and had clearly known for some time. Hayate was both relieved that he did not have to go far to find answers for his friend, but also disappointed that he wasn't really the one helping Koike at all… Turning back to Kiyomi he nodded, smiling slightly. "I am sure he will be happy to hear that, either way. Thank you Kiyomi." Glancing away again, he shrugged slightly. "I suppose there's no way to break that arranged marriage either, huh? Koike seemed to really care about her."


The expression on Kiyomi turned serious as she lightly shook her head to already indicate what her answer would be. "For me to meddle in such affairs, it would be upsetting the careful balance. The arrangement is already made and if I start to disturb that, I might upset both parties. And I prefer the Taimyo to be content and remain far from feeling scorned. I am sorry but while I care a lot about Koike, I can't risk something like that." Kiyomi replied, feeling a tad bad about the whole situation. "If he is recognised as the father though, I could pull some strings to see to it that he can claim the child as his own. It will be considered a bastard unless he would let me do him a favour of legitimizing the child. Though, that can only be done if Koike desires to take the child. Else? I fear there isn't much I can't do without upsetting some parties in this whole affair."


Biting on her lower lip for a moment, Kiyomi decided to speak about another topic. "I reckon that you are being the centre of having people asking favours. But mind if I ask you one?" She carefully began.


His heart sank slightly as Kiyomi spoke, realizing that his friend might never get a chance to raise his own child. The knowledge that Kiyomi could help legitimize the child, however, brought some small hope back to Hayate and he nodded. He would speak with Koike to see what could be done.


As Kiyomi inquired about whether or not he'd be okay with her asking him a favour, Hayate tilted his head and smiled. "You can always ask me anything."


Briefly a more playful expression moved on Kiyomi's features. "I doubt that. Seeing you already state that Jora's stories are lies. Anyhow," she continued, "Seeing that Hiron will be leading the reinforcements, odds are pretty huge he will take over the campaign. Or, at least, a part of it. Which should leave you free to attend to the Guardians or perhaps retain command over the host you were entrusted with." Pausing for a moment, Kiyomi weighed her words carefully as she wanted to clarify exactly what she wanted to ask of Hayate.

"I haven't seen or spend much time with Hiron. Reports are coming in from reliable sources that he is doing well. But could you keep an eye out on him? For me?" She opted to not extend the request, being sure that she wouldn't need to explain her reasons to him.


Chuckling as Kiyomi refuted his statement, Hayate scratched the back of his head. She had a point, he might not answer any questions based on Jora's stories. That would likely backfire on him. As she continued, however, Hayate felt a mix of emotions. Hearing confirmation that it would be Hiron coming had first filled him with relief and happiness. It had been a long time since he'd seen his former mentor and… soon to be father-in-law. Hiron was someone he cared very much about and having his experience on-hand would be invaluable. But then Hayate felt something he had not expected: a reluctance to give up command… He had no idea where it came from. The whole time he'd been at the front, he was wishing someone else could take over for him. He had not felt ready when he first got sent out and Hayate had not realized that a part of him was finally beginning to feel ready.


Shaking the thought from his mind, Hayate nodded slowly as Kiyomi finished her request. "Of course I do not mind." he began, taking hold of one of her hands. "I know how important he is to you. He's important to me too. I will stay with him whenever possible."


Kiyomi slightly frowned but with not knowing what was going in Hayate's head, she opted not to question him. A smile started to lightly touch her lips as he stated his last comment. "Thanks." She whispered back, enjoying the second of silence that followed afterwards. Her gaze lowered to their hands as she desired this to not just be temporary. "Hey, want to do something fun?" Kiyomi asked, a smirk started to become evident. "We could try to sneak out and get some fresh air outside. Likely have to be silent to avoid being spotted by the servants though. But I got to show you something, in the garden."


Hayate was also enjoying the moment of silence that they had. Things wouldn't be quite so quiet when he had to head back to the front, so he intended to enjoy every second he had back here with Kiyomi. When she mentioned doing something fun, Hayate raised one eyebrow curiously. Grinning, he nodded. "Sounds like old times to me."


Content with his answer, Kiyomi would pull her hand back and get off the large bed. Gesturing to Hayate to follow her, they would need to go to the spacious closet. In there, Kiyomi started to search for something in the back of the rather absurd large wardrobe. Finding something, she seemed to press a stone and then push some clothes aside. Revealing a small way that seemed to be a gaping maw of darkness.


"A secret way. Stay close and don't get lost." She said before snapping her fingers to generate some lightning around her hand. Using that as light source, she would go first but at a slow pace so that Hayate wouldn't be left behind in the complete dark. It appeared so far that they were going straight and then taking a turn to the right, which seemed to be followed by a staircase that went down.

"Once you are back, I will show you all the secret pathways. They are really nifty if you want to evade some people," Kiyomi said, no longer whispering seeing that there wasn't a reason for it. "Only a handful of people should know of this. But I can't recommend to try to read something in peace here. It ain't that comforting." Kiyomi further said, enjoying to ramble a bit about the secret pathways.


Curious at first as to why Kiyomi was leading him into the closet, Hayate was about to ask her a question when the back slid away to reveal an entrance. His eyes widening, Hayate's mouth dropped open and all he could do was stare. "It's so… cool." he whispered when he had finally managed to regain control of his facial features. Following Kiyomi into the darkness, he was glad when she brought up some light. Not that he was afraid of the dark, but Hayate wanted to see more of the tunnels and admire how they were built.


Listening carefully as Kiyomi explained all about the secret passageways and let him know that there were more throughout the building, Hayate found himself becoming more and more impressed. "Must make things a little easier when you're trying to avoid all those maids though, hmm?" Hayate said teasingly, truly looking forward to exploring the rest with Kiyomi when he returned from the East permanently.


"You could say that." Kiyomi replied, throwing an amused look over her shoulder, "But you wait till you get people flaunting all over you. Then we shall see how you will go about it." Continue leading Hayate through the hallways, Kiyomi needed little time to know where they needed to go or what turns they were required to take. Eventually, they came at a halt with what seemed to be a dead end.


Searching for something, Kiyomi pressed a stone and took a step back. The soft rumbling of stone and its slow movement was almost nothing more than a whisper but audible enough for them. It revealed a small way that seemed to go outside, judging by the cold that swept inside.

Going first, Kiyomi glanced around as they would step outside the palace complex, with the sight on the gardens in front of them. Various lanterns were lighted but nobody was in sight.

"Only the Sworn Sword and some ANBU are on and about. Doing rounds and what not. But they will not dare to disturb me," Kiyomi whispered as she dismissed the lightning around her hand.


Chuckling at Kiyomi's response, Hayate suddenly realized she was right and his laughter was cut off rather quickly. He did not wish to be pampered by a flock of scrambling servants, with no way to escape… it was funny to think of Kiyomi trying to fight off waves of maids, but to think that he could be stuck in the same position… Hayate shuddered at the thought and then continued to follow Kiyomi through the dim halls.


When they at last reached the outside, Hayate poked his head out, wondering how the place had been designed to allow for such creative paths to and from everything. Following Kiyomi outside, he admired the view, glancing over at the Empress before asking, "So how often do you have to sneak out here?"


"Not often, at all." Was her answer, hinting towards a bit of disappointment. "Nobody actually questions where I go or what I want to do. Only a few actually dare to really request something. But come," Kiyomi would grasp one of his hands and start to pull him towards the garden.


The faint moonlight gave them ample enough light to know where they could tread as observe that various plants and flowers that were present. A sooth and rather sweet scent seemed to be dominant but not in the amount that it overwhelmed one's senses and could be described as obnoxious. Despite the beauty and rarity of some plants and flowers, Kiyomi seemed to care little for them as she continued to pull and lead Hayate towards a place.

"There, I wanted you to see it." Kiyomi stated, a certain pride rising in her voice as she patted his shoulder and proceeded to point at a flower. It certainly was smaller and would have easily been missed if there hadn't been some clear but small boundary around it. The flower seemed rather bland in comparison to the other plants as the color seemed to be pale without anything special to it. Yet unlike the other flowers and plants, it seemed to blooming and basking in the little moonlight that was present.


"I forgot the Yakimara name for it. But it is a sort of moon flower. The Cho are huge fans of it. I got the seeds send as a gift. But most kinda, well, died," Kiyomi continued rather quickly as if she wanted to already make Hayate forget what she admitted a second ago, "But the last one seems to be growing. The legend goes that if you are able, then you should whisper it something special and nurture it with chakra. Once it blooms during a full moon, it can be plucked and shall not wither. Well, until something bad happens to the one that nurtured it."


Clearly curious for Hayate's response, she would give him a subtle nudge. "It is full moon. You should take it with you. I was hoping to give it to you once you came back. But well, yeah. Maybe it is better if you take it now, as a reminder."


Sensing the disappointment in Kiyomi's tone, Hayate opened his mouth to speak when she was suddenly pulling him in another direction. Following along, the Hyuzu tried his best to observe all of the incredible flowers that they passed. He had been the gardener for the Guardians for a long time before becoming their commander. A part of him missed those simpler times and Hayate had grown to love the peace and quiet of the garden.


Kiyomi led him past all of the colorful flora and they came to a stop near a flower that had been separated from the rest. The flower immediately caught his curiosity by the fact that it seemed to be thriving in the moonlight. Leaning forward to get a closer look, Hayate paused and turned back when he heard Kiyomi describing the flower. When she quickly skipped over the part about most of the flowers dying, Hayate smiled ever so slightly, remembering his initial difficulties working in the garden. When she continued however, Hayate's smile faded and was replaced with a look of pure fascination. Glancing back over towards the flower, Hayate tilted his head to the side. "Kiyomi, I..."


Taking her hand, Hayate pulled her towards him and kissed her. After a long moment, Hayate regretfully broke away from the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed. "I missed you." Hayate said softly.


A silence echoed for a second after Hayate's words. Releasing a sigh, Kiyomi spoke up. "I missed you as well." She whispered back, squeezing gently in his hands. Exhaling another time, she would relish the moment that they had together. Aware that it wouldn't last forever, Kiyomi decided to speak again. "Take the flower and don't forget that I will be waiting for you."


Pulling back, Hayate nodded, locking eyes with Kiyomi for a moment before smiling and letting go of her hands. Turning back towards the plant, he reached inside his pouch, withdrawing some of the metal so that it covered his hand. Flowing chakra into the metal, Hayate formed it into the shape of a small shovel.Kneeling down, he began carefully lowering the shovel into the dirt, digging a small trench around the flower so that he could pull it out with the roots attached. Once he was satisfied that he'd dug around it completely, Hayate placed the 'shovel' directly beneath the center of the roots and flowed more chakra into the metal, shifting its shape once more. This time, however, he formed it into the shape of a pot that settled around the dirt and roots, holding the flower in place. Smiling slightly, Hayate stood, holding the now, newly-potted plant.


Turning his attention back to Kiyomi, his smile widened. "I will keep a close eye on this, Milady."


Observing what Hayate did, Kiyomi felt a sting of envy that she had nothing that could do something like that. It once more reminded her of the painful fact that none of her abilities was able to create. But she couldn't continue the thought as Hayate spoke up, causing her to frown. "I dislike being called like that." She announced, the frown vanishing after a moment as she decided to talk about something else. "In any case, do you think there is a possibility that you could… you know, come again soon?" She decided to ask, though having a strong feeling what the answer would be.


Hayate's smile faded as he saw Kiyomi frown and instantly wanted to apologize. She continued, however, and Hayate's brow furrowed before he'd turn and look down. "I… I'm not sure." Looking back up at Kiyomi, Hayate's eyes held a hint of pain. "Things are calm right now, but I don't know how long that will last. If… if Hiron is really coming and he does take over some of the responsibilities, then perhaps I could slip away again for a short time, but..." Shrugging sadly, Hayate didn't finish the sentence. They both knew it would not be easy for him to leave the East any time soon.


Nodding slowly, Kiyomi was uncertain what to say. It felt like a painful goodbye and she didn't like it. Glancing at the potted flower that Hayate held, she tried a half-hearted attempt at something. "At least, you got something to remember me by this time. Though, I am sure that I am unable to remain silent as a plant can." Realizing that it was a dreadful joke, Kiyomi casted a glance to the right. "Make sure to pass my greetings and best of wishes to the rest. And you know, stay safe and all of that."


Glancing down at the flower, Hayate smiled, but the smile never reached his eyes. He looked back to Kiyomi, chuckling slightly as she tried to joke about the plant. Realizing something, Hayate cursed internally. He had nothing to leave for her… Opening and closing his mouth, Hayate tried to think how to respond. Stepping closer to Kiyomi, he took one of her hands and squeezed it gently. "I don't have to leave right away, if… if you want me to stay," Hayate said softly, locking his gaze with Kiyomi's. "Koike is watching over things in my absence and they won't exactly miss me until at least tomorrow..."


Flashing a smile, she wanted to say that he should stay then. "You left Koike in charge? And you are sure that he won't decide to plan to raid the entire continent?" She asked, though her tone giving away that she wasn't too serious about it. "And as much as I want to say yes, you shouldn't stay for too long." Wanting to add more, she doubted she needed to explain what effects could have if she would convince him to stay longer. Not to mention, she was certain that it would be even harder to let him leave back to the east if he was going to stay longer. Squeezing his hand softly back, Kiyomi leaned forward to plant a kiss on his cheek.

"Now go before I will let Hiron know that you tried to convince me of something bad."


Grinning as Kiyomi mentioned Koike raiding the entire continent, Hayate wanted to mention that he'd feared the same thing before she continued and his heart sank. She was right, but Hayate just wanted to spend more time with her and get away from all of the responsibilities he was stuck with in the East. Nodding slightly, he opened his mouth to respond when Kiyomi spoke about warning Hiron and Hayate's face instantly turned red and he began blubbering. "I… no that's… no I... " Blinking rapidly, Hayate had not even thought about…


He could feel his body temperature rising in embarrassment and the Hyuzu wished he could disappear. "He'd kill me." Hayate managed to squeak out.


"Most certainly. Probably do something horrible first. Like hanging you from your entrails and making you shit your own teeth. Something creative like that," Kiyomi replied, not hiding the amusement she experienced. "But go before Koike raids the east or something else happens. Or before somebody else finds you here and tells Hiron about us sneaking around in the night." Pulling her hand back, Kiyomi also opted to take a step back. Her lips parted as she wanted to say something else but instead, she would flash a smile.


Grumbling as she described all of the horrible things Hiron would do to him, Hayate pinched the bridge of his nose. "You know? Sometimes I think you enjoy seeing me squirm." Lowering his hand, Hayate raised a single eyebrow. "You'd better stay out of trouble until I get back," he said, a smile touching his face as his blush began to fade. Wishing neither of them had obligations that kept them away from each other, Hayate let out a sigh. "I love you Kiyomi."


An amused snort escaped Kiyomi, which didn't seem or sound much ladylike or befitting an empress of her calibre. "I thought you already knew that." She retorted, before letting her amusement vanish. The desire to hug and be near him was growing but despite that, Kiyomi took a small step backwards again.

"I love you too, Hayate. Now please, go. I start to think you are dreadful at leaving. But don't make me bad at it as well."


"Heh," Hayate started, a hint of amusement in his tone. "I've always been bad at leaving you. I thought you already knew that." Winking, Hayate took a step back himself, initiating the summoning request to Koike. He felt the response and locked eyes with Kiyomi once more as he felt himself being pulled back. "Until next time," Hayate said with a smile as he would disappear from the gardens.
 
  • Sympathy & Compassion
  • Spicy
  • Like
Reactions: Aliceee, Nim, Oetje and 2 others
{ Just west of the Cho Lands | Chu Omari| The Omari Battlion}

Newly married, Chu marches his troops to the South-East, orders in hand to join the 3rd Division there. With him come the Omari Pathfinders and a small group of officers from the Imperial Army.

Chu sat on his horse on a nearby hill as his troops carried on marching, enjoying the view. It was something that filled him with trepidation, fear, and pride. He was confident in the training of his men and of his own skill in combat, but he was concerned about his own ability to command his men. He had been assigned several excellent officers to assist him, but nonetheless, it concerned him. The pride of seeing his troops march in neat formation, the armor of their clan and the crest of the Omari on the right shoulder. The cavalry lead the column, followed by the skirmishers, followed by the infantry, the shining armor that had previously had been so pristine was flecked with some dirt from several days of marching. It had taken a while to reform his clan's troops into an effective force, but he was confident it was worth it. Not only that, but he was certain this would be a good chance for the Omari troops to forge a bond that would bring their vassal overlord and other clans closer together. While Chu had fielded a slightly larger number for the battle to come, as was expected as the overlord, he had made sure that the other clans had mixed their forces equally into each of the units. It would hopefully help them forge a bond that usually would only be possible in war.

His clan had been left in good hands, he hoped. It was currently being ruled by a council made up of his vassals, his newly wedded wife, and then a representative of the Omari clan to make up for his absence. He had left certain contengincy plans in place in case of his death to prevent the clans from splintering, and he had made his wife Lady of the Omari in her own right. He had even gone through the effort of getting his vassals to swear an oath to support his successor. It eased some of the fear to know his clan was taken care of in the event of his death. Still, it did not ease all of it. It would not be long before the Omari arrived at the rally point for the 3rd Division, and then it would be off east to war.


{ Kumogakure, Raikage's Office | Lord Raikage Itagaki}

As the Raikage prepares to make a few tours of the various cities, garrisons, and armies under his control over the next few months, he sends out a few letters to different folk in a few places. Additionally, he recieves a letter regarding losses being suffered in the Empire by the Red Swords.

Itagaki carefully stamped the last of the letters with his old, personal seal. Those he sent the letters to would understand who it was from, and the risk to the courier would be lessened. Of course, if anyone who knew his actual identity caught the messenger it wouldn't matter, but he was confident. One was to be sent to a certain Hyuzu in the Empire. A smith that Itagaki had his current sword and armor forged by. The next few were to the garrison commanders all over the territory he controlled in the Lightning, with orders to recruit and train new volunteers to fight the war. parceled with the letters were several different postings to be placed all over the territory, decrying the Regency and what they were attempting to do, and calling for able bodied men and women to join the military. Finally was a letter to the wardens of local prisons, ordering them to prepare the prisoners with physical exercise on a regular regimine, and to send back a report within the a month of the progress.

All of these Itagaki had taken out by various couriers. The more discreet letters he had carried away by personal couriers, who would then be tailed by shinobi from his personal guard detail to their destination, aside from the one being sent to the Empire. Following this, Itagaki leaned back in his chair and sighed, picking up the water mug he had nearby and taking a short sip before replacing his mask. He considered some of the reports that he had yet to reply yet. Reports from shinobi in the field, and reports from the small warehouse where he had begun work on something he hoped would be capable of wreaking destruction on any Regency forces that came South. The final report caught his eye. It was from the Red Swords in the Empire, bearing the seal of his former second in command. The letter was simple the Red Swords were being systematically eradicated in the Empire, and there was no way to escape en masse. Work was being undertaken to ensure nothing was left to the Imperials doing the destroying. Just one more thing he had to worry about.
 
Operation Safeguard
[ Republic of Water | Kirigakure, the capital of the Republic | At the eastern part of the docks ]
[ Nishi Hirashima | Jounin of Team 11 ]


The team didn't bother her with trivial questions and soon enough, they would experience the ship moving. The deckhands would be set to work and most of the marines would be assigned to stand guard. A few of them would be actually joining the deck crew in some tasks. And much to Nishi's amusement, her team would be instructed in doing some small tasks. Rubbing the deck and railing. Standing guard and be on the look-out for other ships.
Sure, it wasn't the glory that they heard of serving in the military. Neither did it seem rewarding or productive but Nishi wouldn't 'save' them from what the captain or his officers put her pupils through. If anything, they should consider themselves lucky. Nishi had already some ideas of her own to make the three work like they never had.

As the day passed, Nishi's team would experience that time spent on the ship seemed different. Much different than how time seemed to ebb away inside Kirigakure. On the deck of the Junyo, time seemed to be slow and the days long. A less hasty pace, even with the winter session making the days less long.
For almost a week, the Junyo kept breaking waves while the crew laboured away on the orders of its captain and officers. After eight days shouts erupted and the general pace seemed to be disturbed. The instructions seemed to shift as on the horizon they could see something getting bigger. With each wave, the ship would get closer as some of the crew grew more excited.
Soon enough, the sight of the port-city would be clear to all.

[ Republic of Water | The city of Shigaa ]

At first glance, the city of Shigaa seemed to be busier than Kirigakure. Despite the Republican capital being twice as large, the docks of Shigaa were packed with ships. A few sectors within the port were clearly restricted to the military but that didn't stop a group of kids running along the free part of the docks. The kids seemed amazed at the sight of the impressive vessel of war. Watching them, Nishi briefly thought back at her first view of a military vessel.

Before the Junyo would properly dock, Nishi would rally her team together. Actually saving them for the first time from being used by the captain or his officers to help with the preparation and manoeuvre.
"Welcome to Shigaa," Nishi said, her tone quite calm, "This is going to be where we shall be staying. Until we either get word that we are moved back to Kirigakure. Or being stationed somewhere else." The jounin explained as she gestured them to grab their own bag.
"Stay with me. You don't want to be lost to the vices of Shigaa. Chances are big that you will find a knife between your ribs if you don't watch out." Nishi told them, forced to raise her voice to make herself audible with the ambience around them.

Mere moments that the ship was done with docking, Nishi led the team on solid ground. With a steady pace, the jounin continued down the docks. Despite the buzzing activities that seemed more than overwhelming, there were an abundance of soldiers and shinobi doing rounds. Creating a weird atmosphere that hinted that the present soldiers and shinobi were expecting a siege or attack while the presence of many traders, dockworkers and such set a less grim tone.
Striding to a certain building, Nishi would lead them inside. There were plenty of troops around and the small team was halted. Papers were being checked and after a small talk with Nishi, the team was allowed to enter another room.
"Stay here," Nishi ordered them as she continued on her own. Within five minutes, she would return while putting something in a pouch. "Come, time to settle in our space."
Leaving the building, Nishi started to lead the team towards another place. They went somewhat further into town. Halting at what could be described as a small enclosed area - what seemed close to the likes of a fort with tall walls, towers and other stout fortifications - they would be checked again.
Passing the checkpoint, the team would enter the fortified area. It became clear that it was the site of the city's garrison or much like Kirigakure, one of the sites that a portion of the city's military was garrisoned in. Various facilities were easy to notice, such where blacksmiths hammered away while other soldiers were occupied carrying supplies into a few other buildings.

Nishi would keep the team close while leading them further to a building. Entering a large mess hall, they would be greeted with the sight of people sitting at long tables while enjoying a meal or each other's company. Despite the lack of decorations, other than a few banners of the Republic, it didn't have a bad atmosphere.
The team continued into one of the hallways where Nishi would halt in front of a door. Unlocking the door with a key, produced from her pouch, Nishi opened and gestured her students to enter.
"And this is where we will stay," Nishi stated once the chuunin and genin were inside.

The room could be described as spartan. Its grey walls lacked any sense of comfort or peace. The only present furniture were three bunk beds of two levels, a chair and one small, narrow closet out of wood. Dumping her small bag on one of the bunkbeds, Nishi inhaled and exhaled slowly. She felt returning to the true military after too long.
 
On the way back to Ame

[The Empire of Akino]​
[Yoshikuni Sadako and Yumi Hasegawa]​
A collab between @Nim & @Lesli ​


The first part of the trek would go rather smoothly. Guiding Kuni towards the west, towards the Rain province, Yumi would utilize methods like caravans and hiring mounts to speed their progress. The iron discipline and constant drive to push Kuni westwards seemed to be never fading from the Scholae. If anything, there barely seemed to be any room for breaks and if they were enlisted by the Scholae, the breaks were too short to be of much comfort.

As much ground was won, Yumi would eventually decide to let them stay at a small inn on the way.

Before Kuni was allowed to take a rest, Yumi would first search out the room. The young woman investigated every crook and part, only to seem content that she couldn't even find anything underneath the bed - a wooden plank that seemed loose. Gesturing to Kuni that she could finally get some sleep, Yumi spoke up.

"Before sunrise, we will move out." Was the neutral statement, which she almost repeated at every night they would dug in for some sleep.

The way the trek went felt rough on her. Not because of the pace, or the sleeping schedule, but because she couldn't find a chance to speak to Yumi properly. They remained quiet to not invite unneeded attention, walked consistently, barely any room to breath in the breaks. It felt exhausting to her mentally. When they came into the inn to rest, Kuni decided that she wouldn't let it pass another night without speaking up what was on her mind. She wouldn't let stay there any longer without Yumi at least hearing it.

"Yumi, there is something I need to tell you." She began speaking, locking her eyes on the Scholae "Ever since that day, during the rebellion, when we first fought together, you kept being in my mind. Not because of something you did, but because of what I did. We were fighting together, and then I just ran away. Without any words, without any explanation, and left you to fight. That was wrong of me to do so. That was wrong, and even if I had managed to keep living, somewhere, I knew I wanted to try and find you again, talk to you. Apologize to you about what I did."

Kuni bit her lower lip "You might have your mission, and you might not care at all about what I feel or think, but at the very least, I wanted to get it off my chest. I also have much more I wanted to ask you about, but this was, to me, the most important. I'm sorry. If there is anything I can do, at any time, to make it up to you, even with my restrictions." Finishing, she kept her eyes on the Scholae, wondering if any kind of response would come, or if she will face the same kind of response that she had gotten used to seeing from Son-Goku.

It remained silent after Kuni's words. The dark in the room made it unlikely for the jinchuriki to see if Yumi was even paying any attention to her. All that could be seen was Yumi sitting in front of her bed, her chin resting on her chest while her hands were together. The first sound that broke the silence was the Scholae exhaling slowly before getting up and sit on the bed.

"I doubt you would have found me," she stated, "seeing you ran once before. Or well, twice if we can count up the time you ran from that fight." The Scholae's tone was neutral, making it hard if she was bothered or simply gave little care about Kuni's guilt. "Besides, if I had died, what then?" The question barely left Yumi's lips before she passed on an answer herself. "Then nothing. Then you survived because you ran again. And I died fighting for my nation."

She wanted to argue back, but stopped herself. Kuni had no idea what she would've done if Yumi had died. And she couldn't argue that the Scholae was wrong "I suppose. But since I did get this chance, It only felt right for me to say it." She spoke in a softer tone now "But I still feel like I need to make it up for that day. Even if I survived while running away, I left someone I fought alongside behind. It is something that feels wrong for me. That's why I try and not run away from the people who stand alongside me anymore. I know it isn't always the best option, but I will always want to pick it."

"I'm not looking for you to accept my apology or anything. I was honestly happy to see you. And I know you have your mission to escort me back, but I was hoping that perhaps, it didn't have to continue with the same silence as it did so far? I have so many questions I want to ask you. I'm not asking for more time in breaks, or to perhaps talk during the treks. But perhaps, if there is a chance, then let me talk to you a little. Like I said, you have been on my mind. I did think of you, worry about you. Not saying I expect us to be super friendly, I understand you are on a mission, and I am your escort target. But at least, maybe let me know how the girl I met back in Konoha has been doing." Kuni finished speaking, giving Yumi a slightly hopeful look. She figured it might be a lot, considering the circumstances, and still not knowing why it was even Yumi that was escorting her of all people. But she still decided to try and ask.

This time it didn't stay long silent before Yumi spoke again. Her tone still didn't shift to hint towards any emotional reaction of Kuni's words.

"You say that you try not to run away from people. But you were rather easily convinced that you were coming with me. I also received the report that you didn't attempt to contact or try to get back to your team. But nice goals require nice words, I guess." The Scholae bluntly stated as she would roll with her left shoulder for a moment.

"People ask questions. I was hoping that with you being back into the force that you wouldn't be like a freshly graduated genin." Yumi shot a sideways glance but the young woman barely had any more success than Kuni had. "As for how I have been? Same as always. Doing my job and not running from it."

Hearing what Yumi had been informed, Kuni looked down "It's true, I didn't try. But initially, it wasn't from not wanting to try. It was because I couldn't I had been taken to somewhere I could not describe. Either that or they messed with my head enough that I had no idea where I was. Later, I suppose I could've tried and didn't. I guess somewhere, I was feeling a bit selfish and being happy that I was out of the confinement of Amegakure, for the first time in what felt like a long time. I didn't bother thinking about the team or the others back in Ame. Probably just shows that I barely even deserve the rank that I hold right now."

She moved to lay back on the bed "And I am glad to hear that. But if you are here, looking over me, on your own, at least as far as I'm aware," She briefly added "Then you must have a respectful rank. At least, I go by the different protection routines that were around me in the past, whenever I needed to move between places, since becoming a Jinchuuriki. But there I go, assuming things again." She moved to look in Yumi's direction "I'm sorry if I am being more childish than I should be. I suppose I still have a lot more to grow."

"So you were a missing-nin then," Yumi stated out loud, more reflecting her brief thought than wanting to rub it in. "The fact that you didn't try means that what you nearly said a bit ago was nothing but wasted breath." The Scholae stated, feeling a bit disgusted but keeping her tone neutral. Deciding to not respond to the later comment, Yumi would lay down and shut her eyes.

"Before sunrise, we will move out. Get some sleep while you still can."

Moving to lay on her side, Kuni remained quiet. Both remarks from Yumi made her think. She was being selfish to the point of being willing to become a missing-nin. And it also meant that her previous statement was nothing more than empty words. She slightly curled up, wondering when she had started taking all the wrong choices. She wouldn't be able to shut her eyes, as her mind kept throwing accusations as herself.


The next morning, Yumi didn't lie before. Before the sun had risen and could shed some rays of warm sunlight through the window, Yumi already woke her. A few minutes were given for Kuni to get ready as Yumi would move on - though clear she wouldn't with Kuni. But it was easy to judge for anybody that Yumi was ready to use force, if the need would arise.

As the two embarked again to travel west, Yumi had decided to go on foot. The hard paved way made it easier than the rough terrain that Kuni had traversed with the Cho Guard.

A break would be held at noon. Yumi would signal with silence that they could hold. Getting off the road, Yumi would gesture that Kuni could take her break. Despite the young woman taking it easy and grabbing her canteen, the dark eyes of Yumi never moved her gaze far from Kuni. Removing the lid from the canteen, Yumi took a sip before storing the canteen away. At that moment, sounds could be heard in the distance. It sounded like some singing but at a certain rhytm. As the sound evidently came closer, more sounds went with it.

"No danger," Yumi calmly stated as she would throw a glance into the direction of the sound. Before long, a group of young people were jogging as an older man seemed to keep up - even in spite of constantly moving back and forth.

The group paid no heed to Yumi or Kuni but just continued on their way.

"Perhaps you should ask if they would run away during their first fight as well," Yumi remarked, the phrasing sounding like a challenge despite both her tone and facial features still being void of emotion. "Good reminder as well that we are going again."

The morning felt rougher than the ones before. She hadn't been able to get any shut eye, and when it was time to get going, Kuni got ready, although the shadows underneath her eyes would give a very clear indication of just how much rest the girl had managed to get throughout the night. She tried to make sure her movements wouldn't be hindered, putting what felt like more effort than normal to keep her up her normal pace.

When it was time for a break, Kuni first went and leaned against a tree. She mimicked Yumi's action and drank a bit from the canteen she had, before the sounds making her slightly look in the direction they came from. While her mind was slightly panicking, she didn't feel like she had the energy to show it. Yumi was quick to reassure her that no danger was present, and once the group of trainees passed them, she even went ahead and threw a jab at Kuni's words from the previous night. The jab hurt her mentally, but still feeling rather exhausted, she made no indication of wanting to respond to it. Her facial expression, however, did become more visibly depressed than before, before she pushed herself off the tree with a bit of effort, moving to follow Yumi as it was apparently time to continue moving.

The trek continued on without any sort of pause. Then Yumi seemed willing to enlist another pause but giving no remarks on why they were holding another so soon compared to the days before. Before the sky had time to turn dark, Yumi made the decision to stay in a village that was on route. After bargaining with a farmer, the Scholae paid a small amount of coppers to let them stay in the barn. Though not as luxurious as an inn, it certainly was better than the freezing winter cold outside.

Making her own haystack, Yumi would investigate her gear. Checking her knives first, the young woman would store them away to briefly 'enjoy' some rations - cured meat and somewhat stale bread.

And another stop, one that led to Yumi finding them a barn to stay at for the night. While Yumi fixed herself a haystack to rest on, Kuni simply put together a smaller haystack to put her head on. It was far from being as comfortable as a pillow, but she figured it was better than the ground, which recently felt much less inviting than how it would normally be for me. While she did feel hungry, the Jinchuuriki also felt like she lacked any kind of energy to do anything further. Closing her eyes, she decided to try and at least let her body rest, even if her mind was still restless.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aliceee, ChromeHound and Oetje
At a new Location

[ Republic of the Water Country | The City of Shigaa ]​
[ Hikari Torimoto | Genin of Team 11 ]​


For over a week, Hikari felt like everything was much slower than she was used to. She was working and doing what the captain and officers told her to do, which included a lot of cleaning and keeping guard. Many small tasks that slightly reminded her of what her grandfather was trying to force her to learn once upon a time. The many labors of a proper lady, as he would call them. Not that she thought he would call any of these tasks labors of a lady, considering how things were looking. But she did understand someone needed to do these, and she was one of the people who were chosen to do them.

Finally, what felt like one of the longest weeks she had ever experienced passed, and they arrived at a port. Before they were tasked with more manual labors, Hirashima-sensei gathered them all and began to explain to them more things. They were then gestured to grab their things, before Nishi began leading them away. Hikari briefly glanced towards the ship. She hadn't made any friends there, but there was a wish in her mind to perhaps see more of the life at sea at some point.

Nishi led them to a room, which felt packed with soldiers, before being moved to another room and told to wait. Then the jounin came back, and told them it was time to go settle in their place. Following her, Hikari looked around as they went through a large mess hall. A lot of people were sitting, talking among themselves, and seemed to be able to slightly relax. It did feel a bit blank, but Hikari liked it. Less decorations means there was less to lose should anything happen there. And she knew just how much her family could easily lose if anything happened to her father's house or grandfather's mansion. Both were too filled with useless things anyway.

After walking through a more narrow hallway, Hikari follow Nishi until they stopped in front of a room that the jounin unlocked. Entering it once they were gestured to do so, the genin certainly felt like it was a simple room. Almost reminded her of her own room back at home, except for the extra beds. They were then told that this will be where they would stay, before Hirashima-sensei went and placed her things on one of the beds. Hikari moved and placed her things on the lower bed of one of the bunk beds, before sitting down on it. She glanced around for a moment, before turning to look at Nishi once again.

"Hirashima-sensei, now that we arrived, what roles will we fill while stationed here?" Hikari decided to ask. She had more questions she wanted o ask, but she felt it would be more appropriate to ask one at a time instead of swarming her with many questions as once. Not to mention, it was always possible that any answer to her first question will lead to other questions being answered too. So waiting felt like the right move to her.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Oetje
Loyalties and Conflict
[ Lightning Country - Kumogakure | Assistant of the Sixth Raikage, 'Itagaki' | Iri ]

It was all set and ready. But yet, Iri had doubts. Which wasn't too uncommon. The diplomatic mission would see her basically travel all over the Lightning country. Which was far from safe. Even with the areas of rugged wilderness and the harsh winter condition in some places, there was also now the constant danger of violence and wariness. For a moment, Iri wondered if she had even picked the right side to support. Her position as Raikage's assistant allowed her to have insight into many matters that were ongoing, which was further enhanced by her own networks of associates and agents. And after her curiosity grew, because the last meeting hadn't convinced her that they were doing enough to win the conflict, Iri had discovered one of the recent orders.

Though she wasn't entirely certain why Itagaki wanted to train prisoners. The purpose wasn't known to Iri but the fact that Itagaki was attempting to recruit more folk had given her a good hunch that it was something she didn't condone. Not in the slightest. It was true that they were far from winning but Iri didn't believe they were at this point forced to see prisoners becoming trained. It was already hard enough to keep 'normal' folk in check once they were armed and motivated to use those weapons. Folk that were put behind bars? A frown appeared on the woman's features as she didn't even want to think about how badly it could backfire on them.

And so she had decided to thwart some of Itagaki's plans. As his assistant, she would pass on various orders in Itagaki's name to either slow down or entirely halting the attempt to see prisoners and criminals being armed. Furthermore, Iri saw it needed that Kaizen should be informed and a request for the spymaster to support her endeavours. With her own network spread over most of the country, she was convinced that she could keep the attempt of Itagaki sabotaged.
After all, if they would manage to win from the Regency council, they should deserve to be allowed to rebuild the nation. Else? Iri didn't want to finish that thought.

Then she considered that fact that Itagaki had proposed to pull back a 'hero' from the ongoing eastern front. Not that knowledgeable about the events that occurred on the different continent, Iri decided to neither go through with that request. She doubted that those in command would appreciate it if they were to send a hero back for a Raikage that they hadn't grown any trust in. Let alone having any of their honour being diminished, just to serve a new leader's own favour.

Certain that she had done what she could, Iri would pack the few belongings that she required with her. Heading out with a few people that she trusted, the Raikage assistant left the city of Kumogakure. Mounted on a horse, Iri briefly halted her mount to throw a look at the city.
Considering what was at stake, she frowned once more. And then made her decision. If they would brand her as a traitor, she would just pick up her old life again. It wouldn't be the first time that a Raikage had attempted to had her be hunted down.
 
Free Of The Sea
Claire Rose
Team 11 Genin
Leaving the Junyo, docking at Shigaa
​
The time they spent on the ship was tiresome. The day's were spent with chores and tasks that grew old as time went on. Of course Claire would not complain and would take the duties seriously as a sense of growing as a person. Soon the ship would find its way to its destination. Upon docking Nishi spoke to the team then showed them to their many destinations. The thought of being stabbed did stay on her mind, making the genin be more aware of her surroundings as they walked. After going from location to location the group made their way to their room where Nishi explained this is where they would stay.

The first to speak up from them was Hikari asking what roles they would be filling while stationed. Placing her bag on a top bunk of one of the pairs she sat on a lower one and looked around the room. Her eyes looked at Yukimi for a moment wondering if she would like the room or not. She was curious since the girl was more used to a higher living experience. The room had reminded her of her sister's room after she left on missions more. It was empty and held little to nothing in it. Claire thought maybe this could be similar to a room her sister could have been stationed in.

Looking over at Nishi she waited a moment before she spoke up to ask a question. "You mentioned we would be here until going back home or being moved elsewhere. Will we be dispatched for awhile then?" She asked as she twiddled her fingers in her lap as she sat. If she were to be gone longe, would her mother begin to worry? She would make sure to send messages, if she could, as often to her mother. Hopefully it wouldn't come to be long, but she kept her hope at a lower bar.
 
On the way back to Amegakure

[The Empire of Akino]​
[Yoshikuni Sadako and Yumi Hasegawa]​
A collab between @Nim & @Lesli ​

The travel back to Amegakure went rather smoothly. As the days passed, the distance to Amegakure started to become smaller. It certainly seemed to go even faster as the pair reached the border of the Rain province, using the route to approach the provincial capital from its south. The usage of mounts, caravans and more allowed them to keep the pace relatively high.

Seeing that they were on the last part of the long trek, Yumi had decided to put some effort once more to acquire them some mounts - as they arrived near an Imperial fort. The garrison seemed small but they did have the facilities that Yumi was interested in using. After acquiring three mounts for a swift journey towards Amegakure, Yumi also decided to release the chakra constrictor from Kuni's neck. With the mounts ready, Yumi approached Kuni.

"Stand still, I am going to remove that contraption from your neck." Speaking with a calm tone, Yumi took a step forward as she already moulded some chakra in her right hand to disable the mechanism.

"Don't." Kuni's voice would be heard. Her hands would move to the contraption, and she shook her head "Don't. If in Amegakure they'll decide to do it, then so be it. Until then, don't. I shouldn't be free, especially if," Her voice faded away, with her gaze towards the ground. Her mouth still moved slightly, but no words were heard. After a moment, she looked at Yumi "Please. Don't." She repeated the request one final time, before moving away her hands from the contraption. The way she stood made it clear she wouldn't make any attempts to resist physically, though her facial expression spoke loudly of how she felt.

When Kuni spoke up, stating the word, Yumi frowned. The harmless bit of chakra was swiftly multiplied by Yumi allowed more chakra to gather and mould, readying it to enforce her decision if the jinchuriki was indeed going to try to put up a fight. Staying silent for a second, Yumi noticed that Kuni moved her hands away.

"Too bad," she stated, her right hand moving to the cold steel. Gripping it, Yumi would insert a bit of chakra to open the contraption. "Besides, you aren't free." The Scholae stated, her tone growing a bit stern. "You are under my command until I can hand you over. Now, I will ask what I asked you before. Will you comply or do I have to drag you to Amegakure? That is the only options that you're getting."

As Yumi spoke and removed the contraption, Kuni moved her gaze to the ground "I'll comply." were the only 2 words that came out of the jinchuuriki. She didn't make any indication of wanting to put up a fight or anything of the sort.

"Good. Get on that horse and then we can get going," Yumi ordered as she would proceed to hop on her own mount. The moment that they did, it started to rain. Aware of that the majority of the populace within the Rain worshipping and believing in a different god, Yumi threw a glance upwards. If anything, she was far from being a fan of the gloomy weather. Waiting till Kuni would get on her designated horse, Yumi would start to lead the jinchuriki outside the small Imperial fort.

The rain continued on as they proceeded towards the north. The lack of blue sky and sun irritated Yumi, causing her mood to plummet even further. Having Kuni ride next to her, the Scholae threw a glance at the jinchuriki. Realizing that the current situation was under control, Yumi muttered a curse underneath her breath as the rain continued to pelt them.

As the Scholae started leading her, both riding on horses, Kuni started feeling a familiar sensation on her head and clothes. Looking up, she saw the rain she knew well had welcomed her back. And yet, it didn't feel as though it was the happy welcome that she always enjoyed while under the rain drops. It only made her feel worse, as if the rain was weighing on her thoughts further.

The trek continued much like the previous days. Severals pauses were enlisted but Yumi made sure that their pace wouldn't slack. As it became clear that the day was coming to an end, Yumi decided to go a bit off the road to set up camp. A nearby formation of trees allowed them to find a bit of reprieve from the constant pelting of water from the heavens.

Ensuring that the horses were taken care off, Yumi would attempt to make a fire. Only to be reminded once more why she disliked the region and its infamous bad weather. Minutes passed before the Schole was capable of providing a fire. Forced to conjure a small construction of crystal to keep water from falling on the fire, Yumi would grab the wrapped rations.

"Your supper," Yumi said before tossing the wrapped ration towards Kuni. "Probably going to be the last supper before you will be back in Amegakure." she added before once more sitting down, happy with the warmth of the campfire.

As Yumi found them a spot that provided some shelter from the rain, and then made a campfire for them, Kuni moved to lean against one of the trees next to the campfire. The trunk was wet, stiff and overall uncomfortable. Moving to a sitting position as Yumi formed some kind of a crystal construct to protect the fire, she just watched in silence until a ration was tossed to her. With the mention of this being the last supper she'll have outside of the city, Kuni showed no reaction, instead just beginning to eat what the ration had to offer. Finishing it quickly, she moved her head to lean against the tree and closed her eyes.

Throwing a look at the jinchuriki, Yumi sighed and stared at the source of warmth and comfort. It remained silent between the two for some time. That was until Yumi's lips parted and she began to speak.

"I know not where I've been,

I know not what I've seen,

I know not where I am,

I know not what must be done,

And yet,," the woman paused for a moment. "He knows."

Throwing a look at the jinchuriki, Yumi let a second of silence echo the prayer to God. "You are pitiful. Running away seems the best that you can do." The unpleasant phrase was stated with a neutral tone, an odd contradiction of phrase and voice. "Humour me, jinchuriki. What do you think would have happened if you were firmly under the control of the Cho clan? That you would be accepted? Loved?" Frowning, Yumi would scoff and not allow the girl to offer an answer.

"If I am not mistaken, you were taken in and loved. Fair enough, that person is probably on his last legs by now. Hell, I am amazed if this Eiji is still alive after the last event in Amegakure. Yet, you were so willing to go with a couple of Cho to venture to the opposite side of the Empire. If God knows what we are, then I would love to know the answer on what you are. A coward or a naive idiot."

It would remain silent for a couple of moments after Yumi finished speaking, before Kuni's voice would begin speaking softly.

"He knows where I am,

And he knows who I am.

He knows what I must do,

And he knows how I shall do it.

Through him the fire shall shine bright.

Through him I shall know what's right.

The Fire guides."

Pushing herself away from the tree, Kuni opened her eyes and looked at Yumi "What's the difference between a coward and a naive idiot? One runs for fear of his life, the other follows without aim. I have been both. More than once did I run away for what happened to me, or what I have caused, due to fear of what I will become, or what will become of me. And more than once I followed others without questioning them. Those are my mistakes, and I know them. My sin, however, is that I ignore them. I chose to forget them, leading me to repeat them."

She turned her gaze to the fire "I don't know what would have become of me under the Cho clan, because I did not think of the Cho clan. I only thought of the one leading them. The one I knew that cares about me within that clan. One of the two who took me in, back in Konohagakure. That too shows how much of a naive idiot I am. Probably the biggest one you have ever encountered. I don't know anything about me right now, except for the mistakes I've made over and over. You showed me that truth, with just your words. Perhaps it has been long overdue that someone did that. Being shown kindness for your mistakes is far from the right approach to help a person grow."

Leaning her head against the tree once more, Kuni moved her gaze away from the fire and Yumi "I don't know what I'm meant to do now, or how to proceed from this point. But I do know not to ignore my mistakes. My sin. And I must carry them with me if I ever want to stop repeating them."

When Kuni would phrase the other part of the prayer, Yumi frowned. She wouldn't interrupt or feel any contempt for Kuni finishing the prayer. If anything, Yumi wondered what Kuni even was. If her own source of information was correct, the girl was nothing more than a bastard of some low Hon noble and a local of Amegakure. And despite being raised in the Rain province, she didn't believe in Taishaku? Most curious and confusing, Yumi concluded as she decided not to bring that up.

"Stop being such a pitiful creature, that would be a good start." Yumi replied on turn. "I am not angry or disappointed that you ran in Konohagakure. I don't care who cares about you. But I can't stand such dumb behaviour as cowardice and naivity. Combined? I prefer some insolunent genin over what you are now." She concluded rather harshly.

As Yumi spoke further, Kuni wouldn't change her position. She simply listened to the harsh words of the Scholae, not giving any indication of if she was even listening at this point. Though she did feel like responding back, she also felt tired. Perhaps tomorrow she would be able to show her.

"So much then for the jinchuriki of Amegakure." Yumi said, her voice carrying a clear sound of sarcasm. Deciding to take the watch, the Scholae would already consider her route back to the east once she was done bringing the jinchuriki to Amegakure.


The next morning broke early. As per usual, Yumi seemed more than fine with the bit of sleep she had taken. Cleaning the remains of the camp, to a degree, Yumi would prepare for the last trek of their journey. Despite the fact that the goal was near in sight, she didn't let her guard down near the jinchuriki.

Once they continued their way on the road, Yumi considered that the fastest way to the Fire province would be through the northern part of the border between the Rain and Fire province. From there she would be able to take a route towards Konohagakure and perhaps attempting to some of her own affairs.

Waking up after the not so comfortable sleep, Kuni stretched as she remembered Yumi's last words from the night before. Being pitiful over herself was simply that, and the Scholae was right in her opinion. Then again, Kuni didn't think she did anything for the title of 'Jinchuuriki of Amegakure' to mean anything special or great. But, if she ever wanted to have a chance at it becoming something of the sort, then she had to stop being so pathetic.

As they rode towards Amegakure, Kuni wouldn't appear to be as depressed as she had been before, but she wouldn't appear to be her energetic and positive self either. Her posture while riding the horse would suggest something was different. As if she had a goal in mind that she wanted to achieve. Though, something else that ran through her mind was a simple thought. What punishment would be held for her choices? Thinking that made Kuni feel a drop of sweat go across her face.

The journey went smooth and eventually, the pair would see Amegakure on the horizon. Approaching the city from the south, they had a clear view on the tall buildings that formed the city's skyline. The security around the city's perimeter seemed to be more than what Yumi had anticipated. But judging by the last struggles of the provincial capital, she wasn't too surprised about it.

The first ring of security gave them the most trouble. Only after making clear what her rank and position was, did the pair gain a smooth transition into the city. But right before they would enter, Yumi would hand over the horses to an outpost and its stable. From there, Yumi would ready for the very last step of delivering the jinchuriki. Holding a wire, Yumi would approach Kuni.

"Hold your hands out," the woman ordered, with the intention to bind and disable the girl's ability to try anything funny.

As they passed through the city gates, Kuni too felt like the security had increased in the time of her absence. She didn't know exactly what happened while she was away, only hearing the hints from the Cho Guards and from Yumi. When Yumi came and gave her the instructions, Kuni raised her hands "I would ask why I need to, but It wouldn't matter if I ask." She said, before deciding to add something more in a softer voice "I won't be a pitiful excuse of a person anymore. I'll work hard to make sure of that."

"It doesn't matter at all. Just keep those lips sealed and legs moving." Yumi stated, her tone colder, "You had your moment to speak. Now you only got to walk. What happens after with you isn't my concern." She said as she would bind the wire around Kuni's hands and wrists. Making sure it was tight, Yumi would wrap the wire around her left wrist before starting to lead the jinchuriki towards the Amekage office's complex. There were plenty of people on the street, causing Yumi to grow even more wary of anybody that got too close to her taste. Keeping the pace high, the Scholae kept a vigilant watch to ensure that her charge wouldn't try to run or break free.

Once they neared the Amekage's office, Yumi would release a sigh. A small team of ANBU was awaiting their arrival to take Kuni of Yumi's care. While Yumi didn't care much for how it happened, she became irritated that they had to go inside the complex to let the transition come to a complete end. As the ANBU took over, Yumi didn't bother to steal a glance at Kuni. Her mind was already set on the east.
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: Aliceee and FrostedCaramel
An Agreement!
[ Lightning Country| Hojo Clan heartlands, Kosami's Hold - the Hojo's centre of politics and administration ]
[ A collab between Mareo Hojo { @Oetje } and Iri { @Lesli } | Iri contacts the Hojo clan through her network. Managing to reach out to the Hojo leadership, she arranges a meeting at Kosami's Hold. Managing to travel in secrecy and good pace, Iri reaches the Hojo's capital. Upon meeting the leader of the clan, she engages in diplomacy to further the Raikage's agenda. ]


The travel hadn't been pleasant. Then again, the whole purpose wasn't it to be pleasant. She had to reach Kosami's Hold as fast as physically possible. All the while not attracting attention. Managing to do both, Iri was slightly worried on this meeting would go. The answer she had received hadn't been phrased negatively. And while she reminded herself that she had built a good relationship with the Hojo clan in the past, things were changing at a fast pace. Leaving little confidence that she could call upon her achievements when she last served the Hojo's interests.

With her small company, Iri would approach the Hojo citadel. Thanks to her knowledge and experience of the area, she was well aware of the Hojo's strict security. Presenting herself and going through the necessary matters, Iri would eventually find herself being escorted to the citadel - after a few days of waiting and talking to various officers and lower nobility.
Being led into the formidable fortified site, Iri didn't throw any glances at the wary Hojo that stood guard or patrolled. Noticing a small difference since the last time that she had been present within the citadel, Iri wondered how many men the Hojo would be willing to contribute to the Raikage's cause.


Walking through the hallway, Iri reached the entrance of where she assumed her meeting with Mareo Hojo would take place. The amount of security and the amazing details as pieces of art made it clear that she wasn't heading to the quarters of the servants or the guards. Several times she would be handed over to other guards and servants and allowed to take a pause in various places. Well aware that this was both to keep an eye on her and understand her reason of arriving at the Hojo's citadel, Iri was also familiar with the whole process of needing to wait in certain places along the way. The beauty of the Hojo's prime centre of control would display their wealth, culture and influence. And despite having experienced them before, Iri couldn't but feel both slightly intimidated and impressed.

The guards would open the doors for Iri, allowing her to enter a spacious room. The walls were painted with figures and sceneries, all combined telling a story of a certain important Hojo ancestor. In the middle of the room sat Mareo at a low table. On top of the comfortable pillow, the man had his fingers wrapped around the cup in front of him. The subtle sight of steam together with the soft scent betrayed the tea that the Hojo was enjoying. Only other in the room was a servant, that seemed to stand at the ready to serve the needs of both Iri and Mareo.

Making a deep and graceful bow, Iri kept her head down. "Lord Hojo, it is a grand honour to be once more in your presence." Staying in her bow, Iri would continue. "I hope that you have been well since our last conversation, good lord Hojo."

"Ima of Ogasawara," Mareo said with a friendly tone, "please, do take a seat. Would you like some tea as well? It is not as fresh as I desire. But with the winter season, it is far from unpleasant." The man would gesture to the servant, who would in an elegant but swiftly manner pour a cup of tea for Iri.

Straightening her back, Iri flashed a warm smile before taking place on the soft pillow that designated her place - across the table from Mareo Hojo. Making a subtle nod towards the servant, Iri would gladly wrap her fingers around the cup. The warmth of the liquid present in the porcelain cup was most welcome.
"Thank you, my lord Hojo. I shall inform you, however, of my reason to visit you. It has to do with the current situation that plagues the nation." Iri cautiously began. "I have heard that your clan is opposing the Regency's council. Even crushing the forces that were meant to harm your clan and people. Not to mention having offered a generous offer to aid the Raikage with the necessary steel and men."

Mareo listened as he brought the rim of the cup close to lips. Gently blowing on the surface of his tea, the clan leader listened to the woman. Once she was done, he nodded and flashed a polite smile.
"That's indeed true, Ima. The Regency dogs were indeed defeated by my kin and subjects. Much as I have also attempted to reach an agreement with the Raikage. However, this Lord Sixth thought himself to be in a position of power. Whereas he had suffered a defeat. And if I am right, those Alaricus slave drivers even managed to secure a victory. Providing thus the necessary evidence that this Lord Sixth is far from competent to deal with the current threat."

"I am most glad to receive words that confirm to me that the Hojo clan is still the strongest clan in the realm. Though I had no doubts about you or your leadership, I was still worried about you, my good lord Hojo," Iri would slowly lower her head in a bow. "As for the Lord Sixth, he is indeed somewhat inexperienced. But he is willing to put an end to the threat that is the Regnecy council. I have come in his stead to engage with you in diplomacy. If you would be willing, my lord Hojo."

Mareo was about to take a sip. But the man seemed to freeze the mere moment that Iri stated that she was present due to her being a dog of the Raikage. Lowering the cup, the body language of the man seemed to radiate a certain negative flow. With a frown growing on his brow, Mareo spoke back.
"I certainly must apologise then. I hate to bear seeing such potential wasted underneath the joke that is either the Raikage or the Regency. Is there anything that I can offer you to become once more loyal retainer of mine? If anything, you are already experienced in how well loyal subjects are treated here."

Iri actually considered the offer. She wasn't yet certain if Itagaki had caught wind of her actions to sabotage his attempts to empty prisons to contribute to the civil war. Or maybe Kaizen even decided to work against her, causing her gamble to fall apart. In that case, being under the protection of the Hojo would nullify the danger a lot. "A most generous offer, Lord Hojo. I am inclined to take it. But not before I have done my task and try to rally more in a unified force against the Regency. Instead, I would like to present the question of what it would take for the Hojo to align with the Raikage's forces to end this civil strife."

"A pity," Mareo said as he would release a sigh before he continued, "I would rather not side with those wretches. If anything, I am half a mind to defend these lands and see what I can do on my own. The Lord Sixth has not the forces to withstand me and the Regency, after all. It would be also rather easy to convince some more clans to fight underneath the banner of my clan."
Raising the cup of tea, Mareo would cautiously take a sip. Letting the flavour roll over his tongue, he slowly nodded.
"But I respect you, Ima of Ogasawara," flashing a polite smile, Mareo continued, "I shall send an army to support this so-called Lord and whatever number he desires to have. In return, I will demand the following." The man paused, issuing a silence to heralds his demands.

"First, we will decide how much troops we will send. They will remain under command of those who I assign. After this civil war, the Hojo shall no longer contribute men unless I see a good enough reason to do so. We shall continue to pay taxes but a quarter less than what we cone did. And we want a representation into the realm's court to prevent another situation of where inferior clans and nobility can't keep stability afloat in the nation. Those, are my demands Ima."

The demands were steep. Well aware that this was simply the product of some combined factors, Iri considered her options. It was abundantly clear that the Hojo and Raikage's forces should align. A unified front would present a bigger obstacle towards the Regency council. Besides that, if the Hojo would turn hostile to the Raikage, then Iri wasn't certain if the country could be saved.
"I approve of the demands, Lord Hojo," Iri answered, lowering her head once more in a humble gesture of respect. "I shall make sure that the Lord Sixth shall hear of it. And I am most grateful for your aid in this conflict."

"Good! I am most pleased, Ima. Now, shall we continue over most pleasant matters?"
Mareo's features softened as he would flash a smile.
"I have a few paintings that I wish to show you. I am certain you would be able to appreciate the delicate form of art and beauty that they represent."
 
Last edited:
To the North II
Yamada Suzu "Rabbit"| Alaricus Territory, Lightning Country
Suzu heads North to the aid of the Raikage with the contingent of Yakimara. Taking a break from the Vetei Warband she goes for a calm ride in the tranquil and ever peaceful Lightning countryside.
Suzu dismounted from her horse into the soft earth with little more than the splash of her boots in the puddle at her feet. She took a moment to tie the reins of her horse around the closest tree before moving to survey the sight that had stopped her ride North. A hand resting on the katana at her side Suzu let out a low whistle as she surveyed the remnants of some sort of a battle at the foot of the hill. It hadn't been any major engagement, at least not by itself. She reckoned it was a smaller part of a larger battle that had taken place in the area, though who it was between she couldn't tell yet.

Carrion birds had been her first hint of what she was riding toward, followed by a small camp of those that follow such events. Priests and body bearers, scavengers and reclaimers, all camped in makeshift huts and lean tos along a small wood. She had rode through them, not needing to ask what it was they were all up to and simply pressed on toward the endlessly circling carrion.

Cloaked figures moved slowly through the remnants of the battlefield at the foot of the hill, some pushing carts of reclaimed weapons and armor, others with stacks of dead from both sides being pulled along by lazy mules. Torn banners whipped in the wind where they had remained implaced, no doubt form the winning side, as she could only see one banner still aloft across the small area.

Picking her way down the mud slicked slope Suzu moved between the remnants of shield emplacements and earthen barriers towards the closest and most intact of the banners on the field. Stopping at the banner she took a good look at the Lion emblazoned on it before cutting it from it's perch and stuffing it into the satchel at her side.

Continuing to trudge through the mud of the battlefield she kept her eyes down, scanning the mud until she stopped and pulled another banner from the earth. This one emblazoned with the strange symbol of the Lightning Country. She took a moment to wonder which of the two Lightning Countries this banner really belonged to before deciding it didn't entirely matter. She turned where she stood and made her way quickly back up to her horse, caught looting a battlefield wasn't high on her list of priorities at the moment.

Back in the saddle she would turn herself North once more, she would find a village soon enough, and with a village came information to be garnished from it's people.
The sounds of the fishing pier were rather raucous, pulleys and chains making their squealing and straining sounds as the gathering of ocean birds added their hungry calls to the cacophony of fishermen and dock hands calling out as they went about their jobs. Suzu leaned against a stack of crates that reeked of fish and pulled her cloak in close about her face as water from the wind spray splashed across the peer.

"So if I was looking to dock a ship, say a ship with some damage… where would be the best place to do that right now? I mean," Suzu lowered her voice and leaned in close to the older peerman she had goaded into a conversation, "with the war and all? I don't want to get caught up in that… not with my goods." she leaned back out and motioned with her chin out to sea beyond the docks, "needs to be good too, got to get her repaired and out of here soon yeah?"

The older man nodded sagely at every word from Suzu, seemingly weighing his options as she spoke. When she let up he coughed a little and kept his voice low, "Now Miss, the Regency hold some of the ports North of here, my understanding you probably don't want to get your ehem cargo near them." he sighed. Glancing around for a moment he whistled as a younger man trotted past with a box in hand, "Shen psst, lady needs a safe port, one that won't ask no questions about her cargo."

The young man shifted the weight of the box in his hands and sighed as he rolled his eyes, "Try Okino, the Jun tend to do very little questioning." he smiled before frowning, "Tai you should know that of all people." He scolded.

"Okino doesn't work lad, word is the entire fleet is stationed there, far too many prying eyes."

"That would be just dreadful." Suzu agreed as she took note of that tidbit to bring back to the Vetei.

"I'd say Shinsaimei, small port city just a day and a half from here. Renowned for their discretion." Tai said with a wink.
Suzu nodded happily and flipped a silver piece to both men with a wink, "I appreciate the help boys."
Pressing the horse beneath her hard Suzu rode South with the news of the Lightning Countries fleet. The Jun Clan held the fleet, but they held no real standing in the Lightning ever since Nariko Jun had resigned from his post. With that considerable sway over the Lightning's now fractured armies lost… The Jun held a treasure trove behind walls defended by teenagers and elderly men if Suzu had to guess. Caderyn needed to know of this. The Vetei needed to be marching on Okino weeks ago, but tomorrow would have to do.
 
  • Spicy
Reactions: Aliceee and Lesli
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back