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

Autumn Song · Jun 13, 2021

[ The 11th Imperial Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Bad boy on the streets, a true mentor in the ... Dear god, no... | Mind Peeking! ]
[ A (an also amazing) collab with @Oblivion666 and @Autumn Song ]
[ Seeking out help in a more unorthodox fashion, Hylli comes across Madoc. The later agrees to help her but he has his demands. When the training actually takes place, the Yamanaka showcases that he isn't a bad teacher - surprising, I know right! ]

It had taken quite some effort to convince the quartermaster. But her bluff that she worked for an officer's order of the Axebiters had made the hesitant quartermaster decide to cede the two bottles of wine. She wasn't sure what it was but it was apparently of Scylding origin. Her curiosity wasn't big enough to take a taste. Instead, she headed towards the place where she was going to meet Madoc. The mere fact that he had requested this all made her wonder if he was taking the piss with her.
But if he did, he would regret it, Hylli thought to herself. Nearing her tent, she waited for a moment. Where was he? Was he setting her up to be caught and punished? Already, she cursed herself for attempting to trust a mind-reader. Hadn't the rumours warned her that they were hard to trust, for a good reason? Even so more, the quite apparently misschievous Madoc.
Waiting impatiently, her right tapped nervously against the ground as she hoped the Yamanaka wasn't planning anything funny.

Whistling as he made his way to the meet up spot, he had slightly wondered if she would pull it off. It came as a slight surprise that Hylli came to him in particular about learning something. Obviously the rumors didn't reach her yet about him but that was none of his concern. He gave her a reasonable set to get him if she wanted to learn.
Arriving he couldn't help but laugh and start clapping his hands. "Well color me surprised I didn't think you actually had the balls to do it! Here I was expecting to arrive to you flip the bird. Well then you already know lesson one. Prying it's great to pry. Prying is what snoopers like me love to do sweetie. So remember that rule when using it. Pry for details even getting them to roughly think about it is a win. Wanna know why?" Madoc said as he held out his hand and took a bottle. Pulling out his dagger and popping the cork. He would take a swig as he looked at her with a confused look.

"Cause anything that causes them to focus more on not thinking is beneficial. So lesson two. Be subtle when doing it as well. This is a jutsu you do with your eyes, not your hands. Why I say be subtle is cause it goes back to prying. Never let them see you being all weird with your eyes. Swerve them a bit. Look at the scenery. Look annoyed, interested, pissed off. You want to make it not obvious and just stare at them. Cause I don't think Kazumo will find you simply staring at him normal." Madoc said with a wink indicating he was reading her mind.

"Now don't fret, your mind is still a clusterfuck of words I still don't understand. Yet I got the gist of Kazumo and beat up. Weird goal, personally he's scary but hey good for you. Lesson three we will get to, first things first. What you need to do with your eyes. Now don't get disgusted by the eye. Sadly I have to show you how to do it." Madoc said, removing his eye patch showing the scar and pupil that seemed split in half. He would then show her the eye movements slowly for her to copy.

For a moment, Hylli wondered if she could still take it all back and leave. But the ability that Madoc could teach her would provide her something that could allow her to work better on her own project. Not to mention, being more useful on future missions.
"I can still flip you the bird," she mumbled as he would taste one of the bottles. Listening further to what he had to say, Hylli had her own thoughts but decided to keep them for herself, for now.
His explanation sounded odd but she wasn't experienced with the whole mind-reading and invading matter. It just sounded outlandish to her - but so was probably metal release in return for him. Memorising what he said about that the technique worked with the eyes and how to utilize it best, Hylli narrowed her eyes. Madoc talking about her goal meant he had invaded her mind already. Stepping forward to stand closer to the Yamanaka, she spoke up.
"Don't do that," she warned him, very uncomfortable that he had just decided to invade her privacy for no reason, "I will else see you pay back threefold," the Hyuzu promised as she crossed her arms out in front of her chest. Him showing the scarred eye did little to worry or scare Hylli. She wondered simply where he had gotten the scar and why he decided to hide it - considering that scars were a sort of trophy and proof of battle experience. Perhaps Yamanaka were less fond of them?
"That looks weird, but I swear. Do not pry or I will make sure you are going to be shitting teeth out for the next few days," she grumbled. Trying to do the same, she felt odd as both her eyes did the motion.

"Okay, I need to start at step one. How do I use it with one eye? Or is it both?" She asked, not hiding her confusion as she attempted again - only to feel odd about it.

He chuckled a bit as she got up in his face and threatened him about never doing it again. "I did it to show you how easy it is to invade someone's mind without them knowing. As long as you are sneaky enough they won't know until you are making it too obvious. Like a total prediction." Madoc then gave a wink "Besides pint size. Not the first time someone used that as a threat and it certainly won't be the last. Example A being my teammate Dagrun. You know, thinking about it, why is everyone's go to threat to knock out teeth? Honestly not terrifying."

Madoc said with a shrug as she copied him and then asked how to do it with one eye. "I mean technically it's possible to do it with one. Probably have to exert more chakra though. I just do it with both, the eye patch just helps make it look like I do it with one. So using both is easier, like I said, make it not obvious when you plan to use it. Think like a thief. Scope the scene, batter them, hell flirt with your eyes. You are an attractive woman, it should not be hard for you to trick a man with your eyes." madoc said rubbing the back of his head as he held the bottle out for her to take a swig.

"So step one pry. Always go in knowing what you want to ask. Major thing, forces them to think of it or focus too much on not thinking about it. Step two is the eye motions that I showed you, more you practise them the faster you can be when doing it. Step three involves your chakra. Think of it like…moulding it into a line in a sense. Cause obviously you are inserting your consciousness into them without them knowing. So you need to act like you are moulding your chakra into an invisible line to wrap around them. It's why Sensor's are our worst enemy. They can pick up on that kind of chakra usage. Once it's wrapped around them you want to…. in a way act like it's fusing with them if that makes sense. This is honestly the difficult part to master. Forcing your chakra into their being. Give it a shot. I'll even think of something cute like a bird."

Madoc said as he sat down back against a fence as he smiled, thinking about a chubby bird for if Hylli could indeed wrap her chakra around him.

Hylli paid close attention to what Madoc said. At the same time, she felt like averting her eyes - wanting to prevent him from getting anything else loose from her. When he brought up that people had threatened to knock out his teeth before, Hylli scoffed audibly.
"Because, it is going to look funny when you will try to talk shit with no teeth," she stated clearly. Realising that she was losing her composure, Hylli grew irritated. Was that his doing? He certainly had the air of bad influence, that was for sure.
Yet, as she listened, she could understand and actually appreciate how he explained it. It was straight to the point and without any or actual bullshit - so far she could deduce.
"That compliment would mean a lot more, if I hadn't heard of your escapades already, a shame, really," she half-joked back as she memorised the steps that he explained after the compliment.

When he said that he would think of a cute bird, she wondered if it that was some kind of code for a dirty innuendo. Looking away for a moment, she attempted to make the signs with her eyes. The odd sensation crept down her back, again. Turning her gaze back at Madoc, she attempted to do as his said; forming the moulded chakra into a line that she directed at him. For a second, it seemed like she could sense that she was moving closer to him but not making another step towards the Yamanaka. Only to feel awkward and the sensation rapidly dispelling.
"Okay," frowning, Hylli rubbed her eyes for a moment, "This is really weird. Does it need to feel weird? It is like I am about to ask you something I really don't want to know but yet am too curious about." She brought up, deciding to open the second bottle and taking a sip out of it - hoping that the taste of the alcohol could do something about it.

His escapades were that known? Huh bitchin. As he waited she suddenly asked a question to which he shrugged. "That's called curiosity you want to feed that. That feeling grows and you then pump more chakra out. This is very much an underhanded technique, if it feels wrong to do it then thats more of a mental issue than technique issue. You yourself fuel this. The more you want to pry from them the easier it is to use this. Thats why I'm a cunt. I have zero cares about using it." Madoc then quickly held up a finger to have her wait before speaking in case she gave any form of attitude about what he said.

"By that I mean people I don't care about. Obviously I can do it to anyone, yet when I don't need to I don't have to. For example I could easily keep using it on you, but why should I? You haven't pissed me off. So in a way it's easier to…. be detached when using it? It makes it easier if you are more emotion driven. Might be easier if I piss you off though. Really fuel your energy to want to see what I'm thinking about, so with that being said." Madoc as he raised his hand and then sent quick blasts of air that would hit but would be more of an annoyance than anything.

She wasn't sure if she wanted to feed her curiousity that much. Certainly not if that little, cute bird meant anything else but a bird. Her lips did already part but surprisingly, he shut her up effectively. Even more, he stated she hadn't given him any reason. Something that made her blink twice in a quick fashion. For a moment, she wondered if it was true that he was such a 'cunt'. Thrown off, Hylli required a second before she simply returned the statements with a slight but noticeable nod.
Acting as if she needed to push some strands of hair away from her eyes, her eyes performed the odd movements. Once more, her body started to mould chakra at her head - the sensation creeping upon her. Making eye contact, she directed it as a line towards him. This time, the line made contact and started to envelop him. It was a strange experience, that seemed to break as she felt unsure. But suddenly, she saw the projection of a small and rather cute bird.
"Wauw," she said, breaking eyesight and staring at the distance. "That was one angry looking, fat bird. Somehow cute but also as if someone had taken away its favorite toy. Or it had to share something with another bird, it really disliked..."
Frowning, she rubbed her eyes, the strange sensation lingering for a moment. So this was what the mind readers did? It was hard to put in words how she thought about it.
Raising the bottle she held, Hylli took a swig and released a sigh afterwards.
"Huh, I just need a second. That was really something else."

Lowering his hand he waited and smiled when she looked a bit startled and looked away. "Right? Saw one while I was taking it easy. Birds are quite the unique species." It was oddly amusing watching someone else do it for the first time, they acted all embarrassed about it like they just learned the best dirty information in the world. "See not that bad, just gotta practise the eye movement more and the speed at which you wrap that around someone. Then you pretend that stuff is like honey and keep your chakra sticking right on them. Honestly that's the hard part, but do be warned. I keep it at my level of simply gathering information and getting rid of information. I'm sure there are far scarier people with this technique that do way more disastrous things with it. Oh yeah I should tell you how to get rid of information. That's if you want to."

Crossing her arms, once more, Hylli wasn't sure if she could take him seriously. Him watching birds? Deciding to not question it. When he brought up that it was amusing, as if she had learned something dirty, she was ready to state her reason - knowing fully that he was likely going to mock her for it.
"I just don't like the idea to be seen as a perverted soul, like some of us here," she stated, though Hylli had to admit that he wasn't that bad of a teacher. Opting to not inflate his ego, she would nod as he further explained that she should practice it.
"That makes sense, yeah. And what do you mean? Ridding information?" Hylli asked, her brow once more gaining a frown. The mere implication was enough to pique her interest as yet making her quite wary. Did this mean that Madoc had the full ability to mess with one's memories? And what could a master of this technique inflict on a victim then?

"Perverted? Hate to break it to you, unless you start throwing flirts at people they aint going to consider you a pervert. Just an intruder." Madoc said as he took a sip from the bottle. "Exactly as I said it. getting rid of information. Every nation has someone like me, minus the amazing looks but they have someone like me who reads minds. Yet think about it, a top class operative that knows how to read minds gets captured. yet they know all the dirty information that the country has. Classified top end good stuff you would want. A really skilled Mind reader doesn't even need to ask. They can drill into that person and rip the memories out. That by the way is painful as fuck. Yet they have to find it first. So a Mind reader can both pry and delete. Even from themselves. They can wash away all that info and at that point all the enemy has is a hostage." Madoc tapped his head and then snapped his fingers.

"Okay an example. Hmmm. Okay the booze you got cause I asked right? Im going to erase that from my mind. You then search my mind for that. Obviously ask me about it first and try to look for it." Madoc stated as he closed his eyes for a few seconds then opened them. Giving an odd look at the bottle before taking a swig.

An intruder? How was that better, Hylli thought to herself. Mentally shaking it from her mind, she paid attention to what he explained. It surprisingly, made a lot of sense. She couldn't find any joke or flaw in it. And in all, Hylli actually found it interesting.
"So," she thought out loud, "this technique allows us to peer and destroy memories? That is actually very useful. I get what you mean. Though I got some questions after this," she said.
Waiting for a moment, she wondered if he just acted as he looked confused at the bottle. Once more, she attempted to pour his mind. While she knew what she was looking for, she felt like the chakra was prying into a thick web of other memories. It was certainly confusing but she couldn't either pry it out or he really had removed it.
"Huh," actually amazed by what he had achieved, Hylli wasn't sure what to say. "But if you remove a memory, it is forever gone? No way to retrieve them ever again?"

"Removing a memory is just as it sounds. I can't put something back that I don't remember. Someone else could if they remembered how it went down, yet that's more complicated cause In a sense you would remember from that person's perspective. Thats besides the point, I can teach you but its better to use it when they are asleep cause a not unconscious person kind of feels it in a sense? Obviously you would feel your memory suddenly fading. If you want to learn it is up to you, you can also ask those questions whenever you want there though." Maodc said standing back up and cracking his back as he took another swig, really contemplating asking people for booze at this rate.

Taking a swig of her bottle, Hylli wasn't sure. The temptation was there. To be able to mess with a potential enemy's memory. It sounded like something that could be handy. Yet, she had memories of her own that she cherished. The idea to lose them was terrifying, heartbreaking and felt corrupt. Considering the options she had, Hylli had made her decision.

"I really want to," she began but shook her head, "I just can't. Not yet, no. I don't think I am ready for that kind of ability. It is too much responsibility." Hylli said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I guess?"

Madoc gave a shrug but a smile. "No sweat off my back. I understand that, hence why I have only done it to myself." Madoc said as he took another swig and let out a belch. "Ahhh my apologies for that. Just some good stuff is all." Madoc would then look around, "Well if you ever want to learn it be sure to bring more booze. Unless you ever want to do anything else that is. In which case that choice is all up to you there sweetie." madoc said with another wink before starting to walk away.

Watching Madoc walk away, Hylli was left confused. She was grateful that he didn't mock her for the decision that she had taken? The somewhat flirty remark at the end caused her to sigh as she took a sip of the bottle, noticing that there wasn't much in it left. Considering what she had learned today, Hylli decided that she would show appreciation to Madoc another day. And in her own way.

FrostedCaramel · Jun 13, 2021

She stepped off the deck of King's Bane with a handful of Framían sailors and onto the dock before the ship had even come to a full stop. Were it any other port city, Suzu would have been more cautious about gaining such attention, but not in Havnav. Here she had been told by the Framians that had she waited for the ship to be fully tied down she would have garnered the attention of the dock wardens, of the local manpower, and most importantly though unknown to the Framians, whoever else was watching for the telltale signs of an outsider to the Saemund trade city.

She'd given the city a good look as they'd approached, and had found that the stories she'd heard of the place held their water upon seeing it in person. But now that she stood on the deck of the docks, she felt a new sense of appreciation for the city that the Saemund had managed to carve out for themselves in the perilous waters of the North.

Ships seemed to be coming and going without end, all manner of small fishing boats and larger seafaring vessels were moored to the extensive dock network around the island and it seemed there was no shortage of foot traffic to go along with the bustle of the ships. Wardens seemed to move from ship to ship, reviewing paperwork and checking goods as they were loaded or unloaded by scores of longshoremen, muscle employed in the grueling business of trade and fishing, and more often than not in controlling the rowdy crews that stepped aboard a dock.

Ducking around a group of swarthy longshoremen Suzu came to a sudden halt as a man stood before her unmoving, a small group of orderlies arrayed at his side as he tuttered at some paperwork and gave Suzu a once over.

"Ship name and port of origin Miss." the man asked in some clipped and guttural form of Chonobi, as if the man was simply incapable of pronouncing certain vowels that the language so desperately required as to not sound like some form of dying animal.

Pointing a finger back she gave the man what he wanted, "King's Bane out of Hyrlborg." she responded in the Framían dialect of Chonobi with only a hint of the Scylding accent she had been trained under breaking through at the edge of her words.

The Warden consulted some more papers as his attendants left to inspect the King's Bane. He turned to Suzu again, his eyes narrowing as he spoke once more with his disgusting dialect, "Papers then, if you please." he asked politely, though the false option to refuse was obvious as Suzu smiled slightly.

"Course." she responded as she offered the man a single leaf of blank paper.

The Warden took it, studied it for a moment, and then handed it back with a satisfied phrase in Tunga before waving her off, "Enjoy the stay Yrsa."

"Plan on it." she smiled as she shoved the blank paper back into her pocket and dropped the illusion of the document as soon as it was out of sight.

Once more plying her way through the constant commotion of the dockyards, Suzu managed to clear herself from the Framían's of the King's Bane and press on into the city as the crew stopped at some horrible smelling tavern with little more than a few catcalls and well-wishes from the few on the crew that felt brave enough to talk to the outsider.

Free finally of the press of humanity at the docks, Suzu found herself once more taking in the city, the island? Havnav. Three massive pillars rose from beneath the foundations of the city some distance away, rising into the sky and festooned with nautical flags and house sigils flying on lines stretching from the pillars themselves to the myriad of feeder-structures that wrapped around their bases like parasites at the feet of some massive beast. The pillars themselves, though bare at a certain height, were worked in ways that were hard to see at this distance, though the telltale wavering of torchlight flickered from uncountable slots in the pillar closest to her and she had to imagine it was the same in the other two pillars of Havnav as well.

Drawing her sight away from the closest pillar, she came to regard the buildings that now surrounded her. Gone were the warehouses, workshops, fish markets, and rundown taverns of the dockyards. Here there were other facets of life in a trade city. Guildhalls, some larger than others, lined the streets. All representatives of some obscure Northern Seas trade conglomerates or dockyard workers unions, all vying for space on the small island as their buildings grew so close it would be near impossible to pass between them in most paces. And though their size was impressive, it was the construction of these halls that most intrigued Suzu.

Each hall was unique. A combination of what she could only imagine was Saemund architecture and whoever else happened to be available when they were designed. Some of the halls shared obvious roots in Chonobi and Taika designs, while others seemed to be haphazardly put together in some strange combinations of every design option available to the builders. Sure they were all unique, but some were far more memorable than others, and the signs declaring proudly just what Guild the building belonged to were just as indecipherable as most of their design choices as Suzu brushed over the unknown Tunga script scrawled over the signs and banners of the halls.

After quite a bit of walking, and with the closest pillar now behind her, Suzu found herself entering into a more residential area of the city. The Guildhalls behind her, Suzu now found herself surrounded by equally as strangely designed inns and taverns. Though the most confusing design choices in these buildings were far from the architecture and instead the building materials used. Where the guildhalls had had normal roofs and walls, here the buildings proudly wore ships hulls, flipped upsidedown, and worked into the foundations of the wooden floor of the city as if they had always been present.

She passed by a ship of obvious Chonobi design, upside down of course, and came to a halt as she read the sign before it. Cap's Mistress, Inn n' Tavern the sign proudly stated, a well depicted and very lewd image of a woman lying across the top of the sign beckoning for Suzu or any other passersby to enter the establishment with an outstretched hand.

She laughed to herself, a surprising thing even for Suzu, and turned to enter the building.

The inside was dreary, wreathed in smoke from a fire lit further in that the chimney was almost certainly not working well enough for, and adorned with the low thrum of people in conversation. She floated through the place, barely noticed by those populating the tables and other odds and ends that were being used as seats up to the desk at the far side of the room.

"Welcome to Cap's" a man stated, his Chonobi certainly of Cho origin as he grinned a mouth of missing teeth at Suzu, "What can I do yah for?" he continued as he offered his grin once more.

"A room, and a drink." Suzu answered, her Framían accent dropped in favor of the Scylding dialect she knew far better, lest the Innkeep suspect her of something less than savory.

"Aye, can do that I can." he said as turned and whistle across the tavern gaining an almost instant whistle back from someone further into the haze, "Room'll be second floor, yah want a window for sunset or rise?"

Suzu pondered a moment, feigning importance in the question before she gave the man a thankful smile, "Sunset I think." she nodded as a young man approached out of the smoke and placed a pitcher of beer on the desk between them.

"My thanks." she added as the boy nodded and disappeared into the haze again.

Keys jingled as the Innkeep placed them on the desk and tilted his head, "Whereabouts from the mainland are you then?" he ventured, his head turning to regard something in the haze as he waited for the answer.

"Ardara," Suzu lied though her dialect spoke differently for her, "a farm, just outside there aye."

The man nodded understandingly, "A beautiful place Ardara." he watched as Suzu placed a number of coins on the desk and smiled his empty smile one more time, "Enjoy yer stay aye?"

"Plan on it." Suzu smiled before snatching up the key and the beer and starting up the stairs.

Autumn Song · Jun 15, 2021

[ The 11th Imperial Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Aiko's advice | Patience is a virtue]
[ A (an also amazing) collab with @Lesli and @Autumn Song ]
[ Hylli receives a training from Aiko. The two engage into a training regarding on how to deal with certain opponents. Aiko teaches Hylli the basics of how to make it difficult for an opponent to pull of techniques. The training ends with some commentary from Aiko regarding Hylli's perfomrance. ]

The note that Aiko could train made Hylli's heart jump a few beats out of joy. Then, having prepared the entire morning, she went to the training fields. Evading groups of soldiers, carts pulled by horses and patrols that just returned from duty, Hylli continued to the fields outside of the camp. There were some other people, but Hylli recognised the red-haired woman quickly from them. Closing in the distance to a respectful distance, Hylli came to a close and provided a resolute salute.
"Lady Cho! Thanks for your time. I am deeply honoured," Hylli stated, unable to hide her excitement.

Aiko stood and observed how others trained. It seemed that it dawned upon most that something big was unavoidable. Which was true, she mused to herself, as they would soon find themselves in a precarious situation - one where everyone's dedication and skills would be tested to the limit, even beyond perhaps.
Noticing the Hyuzu approach her, a small smile adorned Aiko's lips. But, of course, the truth was, she was a mere clone from the real deal. But that wouldn't matter - it was simply to aid the girl in her progress and training.
"No worries. I am glad to offer some aid. Now, the question is, what you exactly want to train."

Hylli had considered her question. On what she wanted to train. She could perhaps become a more effective fighter, one who didn't need to rely on others. Understanding that she would never defeat everyone on her own, Hylli had thought of something else instead. Hylli nodded slowly, her expression becoming serious. " I have heard you being called a shinobi-killer, Lady Cho. I wish to learn how I can learn the specific skills that make one. I want to be able to take on those Red Cloaks. Without needing my skin saved by others..."

The question was unexpected. Aiko thought about it, letting silence be introduced between her and Hylli. Then, finally, she spoke up; Aiko's tone was friendly but containing a serious incline. "I see. I could teach you the basics. The term of a shinobi killer is someone that possess skills that allow them to defeat or has allowed them to defeat shinobi. It is a somewhat interesting term, really," Aiko paused, "let me instead ask you. What is the primary motion of shinobi in combat?"

Hylli wasn't sure what the answer was. Pondering on it, she only had an idea. But while she didn't want to provide a wrong answer, she knew nothing else. "Handsigns?" Hylli brought up, not sure else what the primary motion was - perhaps moving? Breathing?

Aiko's smile became larger. "Exactly. You are spot on. Hand signs are what allow shinobi to perform actions with their chakra. If you deny them that, they are required to fight and defend themselves with other skills. If you are well trained or experienced enough, it allows you to beat them without even utilising a single jutsu in return. It is far from easy, but I am aware that your fighting style can work." Aiko gestured Hylli to stand still as she made some distance. "Let us attempt this. Prevent me from finishing the sequence of hand signs as long as you can. Use every trick you know to restrain me."
Once she had a comfortable distance, Aiko nodded. "Let us go, hm?" Already, as she asked, her hands moved together.

Comforted that her answer was correct, Hylli listened further. It made sense; to rob an opponent of using ninjutsu or genjutsu would mean that they were forced to defend themselves. And if they were unprepared, did that mean that just became easier? Remembering how her spar had gone against Kazumo, Hylli saw a lot of value already in training in this particular way.
Nodding, she would ready herself. When Aiko's hands moved together, Hylli rushed forwards - her hands pulling out two knives. Soft blue energy enveloped them as she threw the blades towards Aiko.

Aiko evaded the two knives with little ease as she slowly brought her hands closer together - seemingly uncaring that Hylli started to close in the distance rapidly.
"A shinobi killer is someone that observes their target," Aiko stated, a smile crossing her lips, "not as an enemy but as a prey."

Hylli pulled another knife as she formed the seal of confrontation. The two blades of before suddenly changed trajectory to fly back at Aiko again. With getting close, Hylli would attempt for a flurry of slashes with her handheld knife.

Without looking at the back, Aiko once more evaded the knives as she used a hand to defend herself. It seemed like a child's play for her as Hylli confronted her. "That is like it," Aiko stated as she hadn't forgotten about Hylli's particular knife technique. "You got promise and talent. That handy technique of yours is something else," the jounin grabbed the wrist that held the knife tightly, only to try to land a hard kick in the genin's stomach.

Hylli's eyes widened as the pain surfaced at her stomach, the firm grip of Aiko preventing her from being moving backwards. Grunting, she tried to avoid her stomach from throwing up her breakfast. Slightly dizzy, Hylli moved her free hand to grab Aiko's arm. She would attempt to jump up and land a knee against Aiko's face in quick succession.

"Ah, outstanding," Aiko cheerfully stated as she noticed the genin making use of the situation, But before the knee could reach her face, Aiko's other hand stopped the attack. Aiko used the momentum and her weight; the jounin dropped to the ground as she intended to smack the genin harder against the floor.

Smacked against the ground, Hylli slightly curled up. Her whole body was hurt after that move, her head even dizzier than before. She saw no way how she could prevent Aiko from doing one seal. Trying to get up, she panted - the pain refusing to leave her alone.
"But I can't beat you just in close-ranged combat," Hylli stated, unsure what she had to do. However, it seemed like Aiko had an answer for everything that she could throw.

Aiko raised her left index finger, her smile vanished. "Ah, that is not entirely true. You see, nobody is invincible. I have my fair amount of defeats. True," lowering her hand and placing both against her hips, "there is a huge gap of experience and skill between us. But that shouldn't stop you. Losing the will to fight because some attempts failed is what will get you killed. Instead, try to figure out how to prevent me from making a move. Cut my room to move smaller. React in a way that I won't expect. Be ruthless, small dragon," Aiko replied.

Taking Aiko's words in, Hylli wasn't sure how she could beat the jounin in even one department. A few ideas came to mind about how she could try to push Aiko into defence but for how long? There was the point where it was just pointless, and a finishing strike had to be given.
"Okay, I am ready to try again," Hylli said as she dropped in a fighting stance - her hands raised to defend her face rapidly and kept close to each other, while her feet were slightly parted.

"Good. Remember, in close-ranged fights; it isn't just about brute strength. You need to be fast and observant. Rely on instincts and lure your opponent in. If your opponent has more skill, do the unexpected. Take a hit, make them lower their guard. Don't let them know your play until it is too late." Aiko said as she would nod, indicating that Hylli could try again - her own hands slowly moving to each other.

Moulding chakra, Hylli felt something creeping up her arms but not revealing itself. She had a good idea of how she could surprise Aiko now. After all, the woman had seen her knife technique. She was prepared for that - knew how to counter it with her skills.
Dashing forwards, Hylli came in with a flurry of cautious punches and kicks. Yet, she seemed to be looking out for something.

Evading and blocking with ease, Aiko shook her head lightly. "This is more like it but not enough," Aiko stated as she deflected a punch. Instead of moving to the side, Aiko held her ground and retaliated with a punch of her own.

Narrowing her eyes, Hylli knew that this was a moment that the woman had talked about. Slamming her arm against the stretched out arm, Hylli managed to defend herself from the punch. But, instead of moving in, something slithered across Hylli's arm, its colour being dark grey.
"Thanks, Hayate."
The dark grey material would attempt to latch onto Aiko's arm and solidify itself.

Spotting the dark grey material, Aiko pulled her arm and herself back with a robust skid. Observing the material that had tried to latch on to her, the jounin whistled softly. "Hyuzu alloy," she said, thinking out loud. "Now that is what I meant. Surprise and overcome. Come on, and I will teach you a few more things then."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Breathing heavily, Hylli felt the pain aching over all of her body. This wasn't a woman. Aiko was a demon who could evade and counter each tactic that Hylli could come up with. Seated on her bottom, Hylli couldn't help but wonder how Aiko had managed to reach this kind of expertise and skill. How much training and talent went together to create the lethal combination that was Lady Cho? What kind of people did she train with?
"I am exhausted," Hylli somewhat bitterly admitted. She already could feel the bruises forming on her body from the constant attempts the past hour to try to 'fight' Aiko. But so far, only Hylli had tried to use ninjutsu while Aiko had calmly responded to each attempt.
"I just can't," she grunted, placing her hands behind her back, taking in that she couldn't even land a hit on Aiko.

Standing calmly, without even breaking a sweat, Aiko observed the genin. Flashing a friendly smile, Aiko approached the genin and sat across from Hylli. "That is alright. We can now work on the theory. And allow you to catch your breath," Aiko responded, smirking slightly, "also, don't worry. You did much better than most genin. I would rate your performance a solid 8 out of 10, for real."
Tilting her head to the left, Aiko's smirk stayed on her lips. "It is unfair to compare yourself to someone with more training and experience. But you are not half bad. Hell, I think you would even pose a problem to most people that underestimate your abilities," the tone became more severe as Aiko's smirk vanished.
"You have now experienced how hard it is to prevent someone from using ninjutsu. " Aiko began, "The best is to try to keep up the pressure. Even the best of the best will crack when they are constantly being battered. When they lose footing, focus or control, you can start to steer them where you want them to be. To then finish them off."

Crossing her legs, Hylli took in the words of Aiko. She couldn't resist a smile as Aiko stated that her performance was really well. It was quite something to hear that from someone of Lady Cho's calibre. Nodding slowly, Hylli wondered briefly about something.
"So, is that also how someone managed to beat you?" Hylli asked, unable to contain her curiosity. So far, Aiko seemed this beacon of wisdom, experience and a force that couldn't be broken.

The question made Aiko smile, her mind already bringing up some memories. Two certain faces flashed past her mind's eye. "Yes," Aiko began slowly, "I haven't always won battles. Much like you, I had to work my way up. I never was a prodigy child or something. And two students managed to defeat me before, by working together and using the lessons that I bestowed upon them." Pausing, Aiko managed to put that cherished memory aside. Her heart ached by the thought that those two boys were now growing into men, that were fighting in the more turbulent southern front.
"So yeah, even I can be beat, Hylli. Everyone can be beaten."

She was more curious and questions flowed in her mind. But something told her to refrain from asking. Perhaps it was better for another day? Not entirely sure what coerced her, Hylli nodded as Aiko stated that everyone could be beaten. "Well, yeah, I certainly seem to be a supportive argument for that. Ever since I have arrived here, I haven't managed to win a single fight." Unable to completely hide her frustration, Hylli briefly glanced down at her own two hands. "I just wish that I could be more. That I could do more."

Aiko became silent. In a way, she didn't see the Hyuzu. But a blue-haired boy had realised he hadn't done much in any missions or fights. That he had been nearly a liability for her, a hostage even. Her expressions softened as Aiko shook her head, providing a reply on her turn."It sounds like a weak excuse, but you are just a genin. You just arrived here. Give yourself some patience and time, Hylli. You are doing already great from what I have heard of others. Not to mention, what I have already seen." Aiko paused, considering what she should and could say. "Just keep going on and try to see how things go. It is frustrating but you are being way too hard on yourself now."

Nodding, Hylli felt her spirits lifted. Yet, in the back of her mind she was only growing more confidant: she had to prove herself. If everyone could be beaten, she was going to prove to Aiko and the world; she would climb and make it a tough job for everyone. Slowly, Hylli bowed her head towards Aiko.
"Thanks, Lady Cho. For everything."

Autumn Song · Jun 15, 2021

[ The 11th Imperial Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ A meeting between the newest Trio in the 11th! | The Determined Three! ]
[ A (an also amazing) collab with @RedFox , @RoranHawkins and @Autumn Song ]
[ Hideko and Mamoru make way to get some well-deserved lunch. Obviously that is going to be the totally amazing porridge that everyone has to overcome. But as they arrive, they come across Hylli. Joining the Hyuzu, the three engage into a conversation. With as conclusion that they should do a hunt together! ]

Mamoru listened closely, every word of what Hideko had to say. As she kept retelling the events, they replayed in his mind. The ambush, their earthen shelter, the pain of his face getting slashed. The fear, desperation, helplessness. He knew - or at least be thought he knew, that despite Hideko not saying a word about it, she felt the same way. Or a similar way. He remained quiet even after shde finished, unsure what to do. Acting on instinct, he reached out with both arms and made a step forward, hugging Hideko."It's okay, Hideko. It really is. When different people experience same pain, there can be no bad blood among us." He remained silent for a second or two before releasing her from the hug." I'm so glad you are alright. That's what matters the most to me. "

And suddenly there was a hug. Weirdly enough, despite that Mamoru should be a stranger to her - she'd met Mamuro like five times - it was comforting. The near-death experience of the past night made it so. At least, for a while. When they released, she felt a twinge of doubt about her assertiveness, but that too was reduced.

"Ehm... " She looked the other way, before looking into Mamoru's eyes. "Thanks. Really. Thanks." She looked away again, wondering what they were doing, standing in the middle of the camp road. her blush grew and she punched Mamoru slightly too hard.

"Come on!" She joked. "Let's get ourselves some lunch!""

Mamoru stood there, observing Hideko reacting to the hug. To his great relief, she didn't seem to mind. She even thanked. A smile spread on his lips as well, and then he was hit with a thud. He chuckled and nodded."Now that you're saying it, I'm starving! Let's go! "

PREVIOUS COLLAB

Seated at one of the tables that was set up in a large tent - to provide some protection from the weather, Hylli was 'enjoying' some porridge. The simple meal was far from anything truly luxurious but her mind wasn't with the food. In fact, her motions were slow and betraying that she was absent-mindedly busy with the food.
Considering what had happened the past few days, it seemed a bit of a rollercoaster. She had only one mission behind her and already this much has occurred afterwards. Chewing on a mouthful of porridge, Hylli leaned on the long table - her head supported lazily by her free hand.
There were a few ways that she could expand her project and gain progress in some other ways. What those ways were just plans for now as she had to carefully think them through. The worst results would have her gain a violent clash with him. And that was far from desirable.

Ugh. Why did the cooks have to serve them this? Porridge? Yuck. She'd always hated porridge with a passion. First out of a children's dislike, then out of a meal that was clearly destined for those outside the city, as she could at least afford something cooler, like white rice or okanomiyaki. Oh, how she'd long for those savory pancakes… Way better than this … stuff…

She passed together with Mamoru down the overstuffed line and she eventually arrived at a place where you were supposed to eat your food. Benches were lined with chair, most occupied with eating soldiers and shinobi alike. Hesitant as she was to actually go over towards eating that food, Hideko was searching for a place to sit, and - Oh!

"Hey Hylli!" She waved, almost dropping her food over someone's face. "Mind if we sit next to you?" She said, already moving towards her as if she'd said yes already.

Mamoru took the tray without giving it too much thought. What mattered the most is that it was relatively warm and freshly cooked. As they made their way between the tables, Mamoru was looking for a free spot - until Hideko excitedly took off after Hylli. The young Senju felt his stomach churn. While it was true that he also wanted to pay her a visit, he was still processing his encounter with Hideko. He was about to voice his objections, but she was already on her way. Sighing, he followed her and decided he'd wait before joining the conversation after Hideko picks it up.

His first encounter with Hylli popped up in his mind and his stomach twisted itself even more. He desperately wanted to avoid this one ending the same way. His fingers held the tray tightly to suppress a shake.Stay calm, dummy. And don't be like that, he thought as he slowly approached the table with Hideko.

Surprised, Hylli's eyes widened. Looking at where the familiar resonated from, she saw both Mamoru and Hideko. A bit surprised, Hylli made a subtle nod as she scooted over so that the other two could join her. Caught off guard and her mind scrambled, Hylli couldn't produce a proper greeting. Worse, she only realised that a bit of the porridge was sticking to her chin.
Her cheeks flared up as she would raise her right hand to sweep it away.
"Hey," she began, "you guys seem to be doing alright again, good." Hylli flashed a friendly smile, though she felt a tad awkward. Was it a topic that she needed to bring up? Why couldn't she just say something that did not involve any bad memories?
"Soooo," Hylli began, feeling more awkward with each passing second, "what do you guys think about the porridge?"

Yeah, she was hopeless...

Mamoru did his best to return the smile Hylli has greeted them with and sat down in front of her, putting his tray on the table. As she mentioned them doing fine, Mamoru felt his stomach churn from being nervous. He nodded."Y-yeah, I'm fine. How are you holding up?" He asked, his voice a bit shaky at the beginning of the sentence. A part of him regretted asking, but the other was genuinely curious and hopefully for Hylli's well being. In the end, he was glad the later half won. And then the question about the porridge. Mamoru grabbed his spoon and tasted it. After swallowing, he pondered about the answer."It's decent, and sort of warm. Under these conditions, I'll take it anyday. And I still think it's better than the mashed potatoes I had a few days ago. Tasted like it had sand in them."

She'd sit down right next to Hylli and trawled around with her spoon in the dish. They'd even given her a spoon. Ugh. Savages! "Ugh! Warm? Sure. But everything else? Yuck. Next time I'm cooking, because I certainly do a lot better than this. And mashed potatoes? Gosh. They weren't kidding when they told me 'that's another culture'. Really." She said with her eyes rolling. She ate some of the food regardless though. She was, as expected, starving, and it felt good to have something in your stomach.

"But yeah. I'm … like not totally over what happened yesterday night, but I'm like … cool with it." She said as she waved her bandaged hand around. She wasn't entirely over it, not at all in fact, but she wasn't going to put that on their noses.

How was she holding up? Hylli remained silent for a moment. They didn't likely know her gods. Her people's traditions. And once more, Hylli felt the bitter feeling of being alone. How ironic, she mused to herself frustrated, feeling alone in an Imperial brigade that was dominated by her people's culture.
"I am okay," Hylli carefully seemed to phrase her words, "It just was a lot, to take in that is," Hylli replied. She briefly felt something flaring up as she witnessed the bandaged hand. Growing self-conscious, Hylli glanced at her own hands - spotless from any signs of battle.
"So you can cook?" Hylli tried, in hope to steer the conversation, "You know, if you want, I could try to provide you a hare. And then we could make a stew? I know a bit of hunting and tracking. Master Scyldi-- Kazumo," she corrected herself, "showed me the basics of it a while ago!"

Mamoru listened to the conversation developing and he felt relief that it didn't turn awkward after the initial exchange. He looked at Hideko's hand and felt a slight itch on his face, under the bandage. Continuing to eat his portion of porridge, he took liking to the idea of a hunt with his teammates. He wanted to suggest using his fox summon, Tenkó, but the excited way Hylli suggested to handle the hunting made him reconsider.We'll see how it goes, buddy, he thought. He then realized that if Hideko would do the cooking and Hylli the hunting, he'd be useless to them as he felt like he couldn't contribute in a meaningful way. Still, the idea was appealing to him - it sounded like a perfect change of pace after the hectic mission they survived."That sounds like an excellent idea! I can already feel the taste." He was admittedly daydreaming about the stew, while his spoon twirled the porridge.

"I mean, not very well, but I can certainly cook better meals than this." Hideo said, once again comparing referring to the porridge. "I'd like to make some dumplings with a hare, sure!" She approved. "If you tell me where and when, I can disappear with the necessary ingredients!" Hideko said, before realizing that they were in plain public. "And thereby, I'd like to learn how to hunt. That sounds like a cool thing to do!" She continued more silently this time.

Seeing that the other two were onboard, Hylli already figured that she could perhaps get some hunting equipment from a quartermaster. Perhaps gain the approval from the lieutenant? Gazing upon the porridge, Hylli's food was already cold for a bit. Nodding, as if she agreed with herself or needed to, she spoke up again.
"Yeah, okay. Let us do it then. I am not as great as Kazumo. But I figure we can do it in our own way." She replied, remembering her awful misses with the bow and arrows.. "I suppose we should act upon this fast, right? Before we get plunged back into another drill or mission."

Mamoru was looking at both Hideko and Hylli, a small smile spreading on his lips. He took another spoon of porridge and swallowed, now a bit harder with the stew on his mind. Leaning closer to Hylli, he gave her a warm smile."I'm sure you'll do great, Hylli. If - if you would like. " He took a brief pause, pondering about a matter he thought about before."My summon, Tenkó, could help you. But only if you'd like to. He's - he's in a desperate need of a good hunt, as much as we are in need of some good meal. And I can help with the fireplace-my father taught me about them a bit."

"Good idea, Hylli!" Hideko said. "How about we gather the supplies today then? We'll be ready for a hunt tomorrow morning. Call it 'team building' if anyone asks." Hideko grinned with mischief.

"Team building, huh?" Hylli asked as her right eyebrow slightly perked up. But she couldn't help but agree. "Then let's hunt tomorrow. I will arrange some stuff with the quartermaster. How about we go early in the morning? Best time to leave, after all, for something like this."

Swallowing another mouthful of porridge, Mamoru nodded. He felt incredibly excited about the idea. Thinking about how he was looked at in his team, this was a nice change. Except Meilin Sensei, she's the best. This thought snapped through his mind and he nodded. She truly was. Turning his attention back to the discussion, he gave both girls a warm smile."Sure thing! Ill get the firewood. Early in the morning sounds good. I am not allowed to join any drills by Sen - I mean, Lieutenant Cho. Plus I think we could all use a change of pace." As he replied, nodding as he swallowed his last spoon of porridge, almost feeling the taste of tomorrow's meal.

Oetje · Jun 16, 2021

[ The 11th Imperial Brigade Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Meilin Cho | Chuunin squad lead of Team 4, lieutenant in the Axebiters battalion ]
[ Another day, another memory. ]

The constant training was paying off. In Meilin's opinion, the platoon was starting to work better. The difference was minimal with each passing day that they would come together underneath her leadership. The aid that she had gotten from Dagrún, Madoc and Aoi was already showing. Of course, some points could be improved. But she doubted that things would ever be perfect. Life was just not like that, Meilin thought to herself. After the training, she released a soft sigh. While most of the platoon was now given leave to rest out and prepare for the rest of the day, Meilin had quite the schedule to attend to.
What came first was the required meeting with the captain of the company that she served in. Captain Eòin was a stern man. He had the kind of aura that demanded respect and admiration from those serving underneath his command. His expectations were high and yet, Meilin hadn't found herself thinking bad of the captain. For while he was stern, he was righteous in his way. He offered constructive feedback and pointers, allowing Meilin to understand how to lead her unit better. What it meant to lead others in and out of battle. These meetings went together with the other lieutenants of the company,
While being the youngest and least experienced, Meilin actually enjoyed these meetings. She even started to consider them as a form of replacing what many had: a mentor-student bond. After all, she hadn't any real mentor so far and the experience with captain Eòin proved to be quite satisfying.

These sessions lasted usually an hour or two before the lieutenants were dismissed. But once more, Meilin found herself occupied. For once every three days, she was required to join others in the teachings of Corin Mei - the chief medical officer within the 11th Imperial Brigade. A man who seemed to stand out, with his accent in Chonobi, yet given respect by those who both knew and serve underneath him. He was a pragmatic kind of thinker and an excellent teacher. A few students, new to the brigade, had already attempted to try out and outsmart the man. Only to find out that medical study was just one of the fields that Corin excelled in. His sharp tongue and wit were as sharp as Dagrún's axe.
These pieces of training were exhausting. Not because they required chakra or medical ninjutsu to be carried out. No, in fact, Corin was adamant that they had to learn 'actual' skills. To learn how to sow a wound. To recognise what the damage was and be able to apply the right kind of dose of medicine or herb, in order to effectively combat the wound. In a few weeks already, Meilin had seen more pigs perished at her hands than she could have imagined. But she was getting better at it. Even if it was gradual and slow.

The sun was slowly descending on the horizon, its departure met with the sky turning into a radiant mixture and shades of orange replacing the cool blue of before. The day was coming to an end and finally, Meilin was allowed some rest. Instead of enjoying supper with her squad, she had opted this evening for something different. Having haggled with one of the quartermasters, Meilin had managed to acquire a few candles. And a small bottle of Pinedale Ale.
Retreating into her tent after finishing her bowl of warm, bland porridge, she would set up the candles. Snapping her fingers with fire chakra, the sparks ignited the candles one after another. Six small candles in total.
Humming a tune that her mother used to back in the days when the family lived in Keishi, Meilin proceeded to sit on her bottom and her legs crossed - in a meditation sit. Opening the bottle, she wasn't sure what to say as her mind went away from the current affairs and people.

"May we meet again," Meilin whispered softly before she took a sip. The sweet taste of the ale tickling her pallets as she closed her eyes - her mind drifting to certain memories.

Before her departure to the eastern continent.
A heartfelt goodbye but not a farewell.

Unable to resist a smile, Meilin had to increase her pace slightly. Ahead of her, Irene was running and halting. The younger Cho's expression said enough: she was having it with Meilin's possibly deliberate slower pace. Her one hand pressed against her side, the other sleeve wrapped in a knot.

"You are so slow!" The child whined, as Meiling finally caught up. "Come, come on!" Her small and tender hand reaching out to grab one of Meilin's wrist, only for Irene to use her weight and strength - all in a desperate effort to pull her older sister faster to their destination.
"We are going to be late! Meiiiiiliiiiiinnnnn!"

Grinning, Meilin did little to accommodate her sibling's demands. In fact, she feigned exhaustion and halted - easily causing Irene to just pull, to no avail. "I can't, little sparrow," Meilin said, her tone feigning a sadness. "You have to go on, without meeeee."
Clearly, far from amused, Irene halted her pulling and glared upwards to the taller Cho. "I swear on Audhil's Basket, Meilin, I will not bake any cookies! And I will... be very disappointed! Come, I don't want to be late. I want to show her my new tunic..."

Catching the genuine desperation, Meilin crouched to bring herself to Irene's height. The girl was dressed much nicer than before. Wearing a scarf with inscriptions woven of birds, in various vivid colours, Irene seemed to be most proud of her new tunic. A piece of cloth that was made of fine texture, dyed in light green with at the bottom runic inscriptions woven - a series of protections and blessings.
"You are right. I suppose there is only one solution then." Meilin whispered as if she was about to share a most delicate secret. Looking left and right before softly speaking further, Meilin winked at Irene. "You got to get on my back. It is time. "

The eyes of the young child widened as her hand shot to her mouth, clearly excited by the prospect of what Meilin's words could mean. Nearly hobbling to the back, Irene would jump on Meilin's back. Her arm tugging on as her small fingers trying to grab a good hold. Placing her head against her sister's back and base of Meilin's neck, a giggle escaped Irene.
"Ready! Go!"

Rising from the crouched stance, Meilin made sure to hold on to Irene. Once sure that she had a good grip, Meilin started to mould chakra at her feet. The rush of the energy, rapidly storing and becoming more noticeable in sensation was enjoyable. Without a proper warning, Meilin took off - her dash enhanced by the chakra. Much like her time in Keishi, Meilin vaulted and without much effort avoided colliding with people. A few shouted in an angry fashion as the two sisters dashed in a spectacular fashion through the street.
Noticing a cart being pulled up further of the street, Meilin whistled to gain Irene's attention.

"Holding on?"
"Yes!"

Instead of decreasing her speed, Meilin would only pick up the pace - flowing more chakra to her feet to gain as much speed as she could. In a sudden but swift manoeuvre, Meilin moved from the street to a nearby wall. Holding tightly onto her sibling, Meilin managed to cross the obstacle while avoiding windows and balconies.
A loud laugh from Irene escaped as she attempted to look over Meilin's shoulder, as the latter landed on the railing of a balcony. Before any of the residents could come out and berate the two scoundrels, Meilin already took off. Using posts and anything solid enough, she hopped from one point to another.

The rush and thrill came to an eventual stop after a short while. Landing on the ground, Meilin slowly bend her knees in order to allow Irene to hop off safely from her back. Staying knelt on one knee, Meilin watched with an amused expression as Irene pumped her hand into the air.
"Haha, did you see their faces! We went, wooooosh!" the child enthusiastically moved her hand to vaguely represent the way how Meilin had traversed the previous streets, "and people were clearly jealous." A big smile was on Irene's lips as she leaned closer to Meilin's face.
"You are the best."
The words were followed with a peck on Meilin's cheek.
"Are we going to do the same on the way back?"

Meilin shook her head lightly. "No, we don't want to get into trouble. Come, let's visit mom." Rising up, Meilin held out a hand. Irene nodded, her expression turning serious as she grabbed Meilin's hand. Together, the two sisters would head inwards to the small shrine present in the Cho compound - dedicated to the Goddess Audhild.
Luckily, the shrine was void of anybody, save it for the few birds that had taken residence inside the shrine. The walls closed off the sounds of the nearby street as a sweet scent of flowers and earth eased those who entered.

Releasing Irene's hand, Meilin crouched again. Pulling something out of her pouch, she held the small objects towards Irene. "You remember what I taught you?" Meilin asked softly, her eyes meeting that of Irene. The child nodded slowly as she reached towards the few objects presented in Meilin's palm.
Watching, Meilin felt her heart aching as the one-armed girl solemnly walked to the centre of the shrine. A statue representing the Goddess watched downwards, into a large but shallow pit, in which a small fire resided. The smile on the statute reminded Meilin of her mother, which made the whole affair more difficult to endure.

"I bring you this offer. Audhhild, I come to... ehm... ask," Irene whispered, barely audible for Meilin, as she knelt down in front of the pit. "My mom is no longer with me. But that is okay. She was very nice and I hope you... you two will be best friends. I really miss her, you see."
Silently, Meilin would thread forwards. Until she could kneel next to Irene. The child had her eyes squeezed shut as her head was slightly lowered in a bow.
"But it is okay. Meilin said that you welcomed mama. And that mama is at peace. Just so long I eat my veggies. I don't like brocolli, Audhild, I don't. They are green and taste weird. But Meilin said that mama wanted me, so I will eat them. Also," for a moment, Irene became silent as if she wanted to listen if she could detect her older sibling. A mischievous smile crossed Irene's lips as she seemed to briefly lean closer to the shallow pit and statue.
"I actually give Atsumichi my brocolli. He eats everything. Meilin doesn't know, so shhhh."

Amused, Meilin did nothing to betray her close presence. She briefly threw a glance at the statue. But nothing had occurred.
"But but, I do want to ask something else, Audhild. I am so sorry. Meilin says it is bad to ask for too much. But," the friendly and cheerful tone seemed to become stained with a sadness that surprised Meilin. The child shifted her weight, as if she felt uncomfortable and was debating herself if she should continue.
"Meilin said she is going to find papa and Okakura. She says that she will be fine. But can you please watch over her? I really don't want to lose her. She can be a bully. But she is my ... all... please, I offer you this gift."

Slowly Irene held her hand out in front of the pit but she moved her head. Her expression betrayed her fear of what was going to follow. But a soft sensation caused Irene to open an eye, as Meilin used a hand to help and support Irene's hand.
"On the count of three, okay? I am here." Positioning herself, Meilin wrapped her other arm around the child - as if that comfort was going to conjure a shield against the imminent growl of the embers.
"1, 2, and 3."
Counting slowly, Meilin watched as Irene threw the bits of composed fuel into the pit. The small fire grew slightly, briefly becoming brighter before it subdued again.
Holding Irene in the hug, Meilin placed her head on top of Irene's. That way, the tears that rolled over her cheeks wouldn't be seen by Irene.

Lesli · Jun 16, 2021

[ Kirigakure, Kimi's --- REDACTED | Jirou Authority ]
[ Kimi Iomsaki | REDACTED ]
[ New faces, new decisions.~ ]
A few weeks ago.

Reading through the profile, Kimi's right eyebrow perked up. Her head leaned against her free hand lazily, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. It was that time of the year. A new batch of the Academy would be released into full military service. Brats that considered themselves already worthy to bear the vocation of 'shinobi' or 'kunoichi'. It was disgusting to Kimi, who had served during the Great War. A terrible conflict that had actually seen proper shinobi rise. These snobby brats were nothing but insects.
And the current profile that Kimi read was nothing more than a disappointment.
"Awh, papa was mean to me," Kimi mumbled, half-amused as she read further, "I know how to fight. Sure, you do. Come back when you actually fight against someone that wants to fight back," she continued. The respective profile was one of the many examples of reviews performed by the Shiranui and Shinobi Academy of 'promising' genin that could be recruited to the more demanding aspects of the military.
"Sorry piece of shit can't even hold up against another genin," Kimi muttered, reading further. "Seriously, are we getting that desperate that we allow this kind of quality to leave? No wonder that we were so eager to accept an alliance with the Sayyadians."

Picking the profile, she would hover it over the bin. It felt satisfying to her. "If I could only make this one bleed," she mumbled. But perhaps in the future? Who knew? Dropping the profile into the bin, Kimi went to the next profile. Instead of some whingy boy, it was a girl. Interestingly enough, her profile already began in a different tone.
"Prison, hm?" Kimi's curiosity was piqued. That detail was more amusing but not too unusual. Some diamonds had come from prison - being shaped and formed into decent operatives. Well, before they got dismissed in the most gruesome way, Kimi thought to herself. It seemed that this girl had a medical background - managing to avoid the local authority for a while.
"And now deployed in the far east. What a shame," Kimi said, genuinely sad. The screening already revealed some potential. Of course, not enough that Kimi was going to invest resources to pull someone like this Alsanna back from the front. No, there was the matter that Kimi wanted certainty.

Raising a hand, Kimi snapped her fingers. Out of the shadows, a masked ANBU stepped forward and knelt down in silence. Kimi threw a sideways glance at the masked figure. "Bring a message to the east. It seems that I have caught something interesting.~"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few weeks later - Present Day
General Yuuki's Host encampment.

Leaning against a wooden post, he had kept an eye on the tent up ahead. The rumours that surrounded Alsanna had spread rather quickly through the ranks. A genin that had showcased abilities that defiled the light of the Divine. A devout man himself, Tamashiro Susumu, knew however of dark powers that didn't give a damn about the Divine's love and light. And funny enough, the amount of money he got for working for such a devil paid enough to make Susumu forget about the various tenets of his beliefs.
For a while, he had kept an eye on the girl. Using his own capability to remain hidden, he stalked her activities. And what he had discovered was most intriguing. The girl certainly was having a different kind of hobby and idea of leisure time than most genin. It also was now very clear why he had been instructed to acquire more information about this girl.

Having sent back a report, Susumu wondered briefly about the girl's fate. He had done this kind of tasks before. And so far, he only knew that the 'promising candidates' would not remain the same, once they were contacted by his masters. The way how his masters worked were brutal but Susumu was aware of his place. A mere pawn in a bigger game of assets. A frightening prospect for most but something he had come to accept fully.
Watching Alsanna leaving her tent, Susumu waited patiently. Noticing that the girl was garbed in the standard garb of her rank, Susumu wagered that she was going away on either a mission or perhaps a training. A perfect chance for the first kind of communication.

Pushing his back from the wooden post, Susumu would blend in easily among the Jirian soldiers and shinobi. His calm composure didn't betray his actual target, only to close in the distance with the girl's tent. Throwing a casual look around, Susumu saw nobody giving a damn about him. And as such, he entered Alsanna's tent.
The genin's tent was a standard tent, nothing special. But that didn't halt the man from rummaging through the girl's stuff. Finding an odd picture and ring, Susumu whistled softly.
"Doesn't seem this belonged to you, little lady," the man whispered as he put the objects back. Producing an envelope from his pouch, he placed it on the bedroll of the girl. "Now, let us see what happens next, little lady."
Moving out of the tent Susumu dusted his clothes off - as if he had just changed. Whistling a cheerful tune, he would start to walk away. The first step executed.

"Dear Alsanna,

Let me start off with that I am well aware of your past and current activities. I have been told even of your latest accumulation of renown. How dreadful, to not be recognised as a promise. But do not fret, love, for I am someone that can appreciate people with talents.
Shall we say that you keep this for yourself? I have eyes and ears all around you. It would be pulling my heartstrings if you wouldn't keep our contact a secret. Not that anybody would be certain who or what I am. Oh, I haven't introduced myself?

Call me 'Friend', how about that? Cause that is what we will become. The best of friends. Else you aren't a friend and I must dispose of you. That would break my fragile heart, Alsanna. In return, I will see much worse to you. Shall we try to prevent that? Good.

Before I will indulge you further on the why and how's, let's play a little game. I want you to continue your little activity. Over a week, place in your bag a short report on your progress. Do not worry about catching others that call me friend. They will know if you are setting an ambush or do anything not ... friendly.

Do this, behave and who knows?
I might give you a pony.~

Taataa.

Signed,
Your 'Friend'."

Autumn Song · Jun 16, 2021

[ Hittite, trade city of the Aegean Republic | Operation: Dark Insight ]
[ Miyoshi Yuki | ANBU of the Jirou Authority]
[ Part 1 ]

The journey southwards was one of comfort and relaxation. Ever since Miyoshi had left Kirigakure, she hadn't need to do much or worry. The young woman travelled from port to port - avoiding to stay on one particular vessel and obtain the crew's attention. And Miyoshi couldn't lie; it had proven its own calm and interesting scenarios. Haggling for a price and arranging herself to get closer to her goal would reduce her speed of reaching her destination. But it was worth it, in several ways.
Standing at the railing of the ship, Miyoshi watched at the port that slowly came further insight. She had never been this far south but stories had reached Kirigakure of Hittite and the Aegean Republic. It was a place reputed to be a centre of learning and culture. One that attracted people to travel southwards and bring back stories that only made it alluring for others - with enough wealth - to make the same journey.

Arriving in the port, Miyoshi already saw the large difference with that of Kirigakure. The style of the buildings was very different, not just in the materials but the overall looks of them. The fashion of the people also was wildly different, with the men seemingly favour darker tinted clothes as women wore dresses that seemed large - almost hilariously absurd to Miyoshi.
After her papers were checked, she was allowed into the city, after paying a small fee. Walking through the streets, she noticed the nice cobbled streets and the various waggons being pulled by horses.
The trade hub of the Republic, Hittite, was arguably the largest island of the seven that formed the Aegean Republic. Its location allowing it to become a major trade hub, for those who desired to flee from Imperial Akinian or Jirian control. An interesting place, Miyoshi mused, but as she proceeded further; a place that lacked defences that would arguably hold against a disciplined invasion force. There were no walls to stem enemy forces from flooding the streets. Few towers seemed to have a more artistic feature than a military one. If anything, Miyoshi wagered that meagre ten-thousand disciplined troops could sack and burn the city to the ground.
What did make Miyoshi halt in her tracks was when she saw the floating islands in the sky. She had heard of the legendary and mysterious islands that resided high up in the sky, apparently held in place by some divine or magical way. But someone had informed Miyoshi that a strange occurrence called 'chakra straits' were responsible for the anomaly.

Curious about how these straits were in place, Miyoshi decided that she needed a base first. There were a plethora of establishments that sufficed her needs. Some of them even had a band of musicians playing underneath a small roof, in hope of attracting customers to dine and stay. Curiously, their instruments were odd and seemed far from what Miyoshi had ever seen or heard.

"Yes, young lady?"

The way how the man spoke Taika was strange. Miyoshi was a bit fascinated by it.
"I would like to rent a room, for a week." Miyoshi replied, flashing a friendly smile.
"That will be seven silver franc, young miss." The man answered, his expression betraying that he doubted that Miyoshi had such an amount.
But Miyoshi produced the seven franc with ease from her coin purse, placing them on the counter. Patiently, she waited and watched as the innkeeper found it necessary to check if the coins were real. The man muttered something in the native tongue, which also was called Franc if Miyoshi remembered correctly.
"Alright, your room is the first on the right on the second floor," the man began, slightly friendlier as he explained the house rules to Miyoshi. Thanking the man, Miyoshi would head off to her new base of operations.

The room was far from luxurious or spacious. But it sufficed, she thought to herself as she dropped her bag on the ground. Inspecting the room for anything odd, she did uncover a small hole in the wall.
"Oh dear," Miyoshi thought to herself as she inspected the hole, "just large enough to peek through. So much for all that claim about culture and decency." After inspecting the room, Miyoshi decided to grab the small mirror present and with some handiwork hang it in from of the peeping hole.
"That should fix that problem," she mused to herself, already expecting that sooner or later the innkeeper would be likely annoyed. But she wasn't worried about that.

Now that she had some privacy, Miyoshi pulled out some maps. The knowledge that her people had on the Aegean republic was scarce. The layout of Hittite was known. But the traffic to the islands in the sky was guarded strictly. Important information on how these islands were guarded, who or what powerful families were key in controlling the Republic was what she had to figure out.
Studying the map, Miyoshi figured that she could attempt to take a tour around Hittite. Perhaps gain a few new friends, who could grant her a favour or two....

Oetje · Jun 17, 2021

[ The Northern Forces, Lagyre | North-West of the Eastern continent ]
[ A collab by @GlitchyBugger , @Oblivion666 , @Lesli and @Oetje ]
[ Operation: Crimson Sun ]
[ A small taskforce has been send to interrupt the Rongese, who have been up to some suspicious activities. Underneath Genji Hojo's leadership, a small squad is send to deal with a particular area. Dealing with the Rongese activity, the team discovers what the odd activity is - but not what purpose it serves. ]

Genji had wasted no time, once his squad was formed he had them get their gear and headed out along their destination. They were to mobilize quickly and he could tell them along the way, on what they would be doing. Looking back at them, still pretty close to their camp he would speak loudly enough for them to hear him. ["Alright ladies, we are going to be doing a lot of bloody work today. We are to kill off every scouting party we see, ambush them quickly and take care of them then rinse and repeat. Keep your eyes open and be alert, we may be trying to ambush them but that hasn't stopped them from pulling a fast one on us before. Don't do anything excessive but I also don't want any enemy to retreat and live another day. Questions now or forever hold your tongue." Genji would state as he scanned the distance and his surroundings. Nothing seemed off yet, they probably weren't too close, but that could change easily enough.

"Do we know how many parties we should be expecting?" Niji asked first, while expecting the answer to be akin to "we're done when we're done". There wasn't much to cover afterwards, after all it was just a seek and destroy style of mission.

Rolling with her left shoulder, Yumeji remained silent as Niji asked her question. Honestly, she wasn't sure what to feel anymore about their enemies. At least, this mission seemed far from complicated. The objectives were straightforward and Yumeji certainly had no problem with that.
"Other than what Niji asked, all fine and good with me," the Hojo calmly stated.

The mission sounded simple but if anything, it didn't make Kaya more at ease. The previous wound she had sustained still ached from time to time. A reminder that she wasn't on par with the chuunin, especially not in combat expertise. Yet, being outside and on her own legs did beat being forced to lay down and have some over concerned medic staff mothering her.
"All clear with me chief," Kaya stated. In fact, she was happy not to know how many parties or enemies they were facing. As long as they could just take one group on at a time, they would be doing fine, right?

Only one of them had questions which was nice, and the other one was simple. "Until we don't see anymore scouts to kill, and before we get too close to the main enemy force." Genji said as he would start slowing down as they began entering a more forest covered area. "Start laying low, if there is no enemy contact we move on my command. See any rongese, quietly inform and we take them out. Be quiet but be quick as well. Now follow me." Genji said as their fast approach to their destination slowed down a bit, to keep their stealthed position. Then sure enough two rongese scouts were also being quiet and moving along the trees.
Genji held up his hand to halt then pointed at Niji and Yumeji to take them out. He looked at Kaya and motioned for her to follow him as they continued on ahead, as when Niji and Yumeji would finish they would rejoin them up ahead.

Following Genji, Yumeij would sling her shield on her back. Glancing around, she only checked if the safety was off from her scabbard - allowing her to draw the weapon swiftly. Advancing on the signs of Genji, Yumeji came to a sudden halt as she noticed Genji's sign. It took a second but then Yumeji spotted the two scouts. Drawing her short blade Yumeji started to creep towards the scouts - moving in on their flanks.
Slowing down, Yumeji controlled her breathing. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she continued to move closer. Her attention was fixated on the scout on the left, the one closest to her. Exhaling softly, Yumeji wanted to throw a glance to see if Niji was also in position to take out the other scout. Instead, Yumeji kept her focus on the scout to the left.
"Ready to move in, when you are," she whispered, hoping that Niji would catch it. Readying herself to sprint forwards Yumeji already aimed the tip of her weapon towards the back of the scout. A quick slam and jab in the neck would suffice.

Upon the instruction to advance with Yumeji and eliminate the pair of scouts just ahead, Niji stalked up towards her mark, focusing her gaze on them the entire time. Her movements slowed the closer she was until it felt as though she was practically right behind them, listening out for Yumeji movements so she knew how close she was.
Though, Niji decided to belay the use of a weapon, instead preparing to lunge forwards and snap her target's neck whilst covering their mouth to muffle any noise they might make.
With no room for hesitation she struck, even a single cry from one of these two would alert any other scouting parties nearby and jeopardize the whole operation. Her arm would lock around her mark's neck, hand over the mouth and she would violently wrench their head to the side with a crunch, and hopefully with Yumeji striking in tandem.

Rushing forwards, Yumeij's free hand wrapped around her victim's mouth. Her blade found its mark quickly. Stabbing the man several times in the back, at the height of his kidneys, Yumeji felt her victim struggling heavily for a moment.
Holding firmly on to the scout, his struggle ebbed away as blood gushed out of the various stab wounds. Gently Yumeji would lower herself and the scout to put the latter on the ground. Her fingers moved from his mouth to his neck, checking for a pulse.
Satisfied with her results, she quickly wiped the blood from her blade as she noticed that Niji was done as well. It was time to return to Genji and Kaya.

As Genji and Kaya continued forth, they would soon stop when they came across what looked to be two scouts again. Yet they seemed more on alert, warily Genji held his hand for Kaya to pause as Genji unsheathed his sword. He had trust in Kaya but he could tell they were searching for something. Maybe hints of the main force, either way he would move out from the treeline while they weren't looking in his general direction. He moved in quickly towards them. However from another tree, almost blending in was a red cloaked who notched an arrow and aimed right for Genji's back.

Pausing herself upon sighting Genji's signal, Kaya wondered about something. Taking out her trench-knives, Kaya still waited for any further sign or motion of Genji. Her heart was skipping beats and a familiar aching started to pulse from her old wound. Preparing chakra at her feet, Kaya tried to remain calm and collected.
As Genji dashed forwards, Kaya didn't react instantly. A very small reflection of sunlight upon steel caught her attention - spotting the arrow and then a red cloak.
Dashing forwards, utilizing the genin would move towards Genji. Weaving three distinct signs, Kaya inhaled before spitting a volume of water - acting as a defensive barrier between Genji and the Red cloak archer.

With their own marks dead, Niji and Yumeji were able to head onwards to regroup with Kaya and Genji in much the same manner as when they moved in for the kill. Though it was merely the first encounter of likely many, so Niji's expectations for absolute success were still low.

And between the trees just ahead of them, the sight of Kaya rushing in to Genji's defence against a previously unseen attacker dropped her expectations even lower. "Cover me." She would mutter to her partner as Niji bolted ahead, using the rough position of where Kaya was looking as instruction to ascend the trees with some simple ninjutsu and acrobatics and engage.
It would be too close for her sword, and seeing that it was a red cloak meant she shouldn't risk an unarmed encounter even with the advantage of her target having a bow… No better time to put that knife to use then. Drawing it, Niji's main aim was to plunge this thing into this cloak's neck as soon and as hard as possible, pulsing a brief flash of chakra into it to bypass any possible protections they may have had.

The strike left the strangest sensation, as if any form of armour was nonexistent and the blade seemed to reaffirm itself in her grasp, enough so that it caused her to almost stagger in place as the world shifted in her vision.
In response she gripped the red cloak's now lifeless form as the dizziness faded, managing to just about keep both herself and the body in the embrace of the trees branches. Ripping the knife from the neck of the corpse, Niji made a more controlled descent to avoid making an excess of noise beyond letting out a grumble of disgust and spitting off to the side, though it didn't seem to make anything better. "All clear…" She'd utter as she laid the body by some bushes, blade still drawn for now.

He heard Kaya moving and peered enough too see a torrent of water block an arrow. Giving a thankful nod he continued forth and easily parried the two squints and claimed their life. Moving back to the cloak, Genji studied the man as he looked at the others. "From here on out? I want you to study this disguise right now and keep an eye out for it. Stick in twos and make sure you have eyes on the other group. If they are using their own as prey to take us out, then they already know that were hunting them down. Keep moving forward and remember quick kills, I don't want no bloody kills. Niji you are with me. Kaya and Yumeji I want you two to move on up. Take them out, then we switch and Niji and I will take the next group out. Rinse repeat. If were clear, then move on out ladies."

Niji gave a simple nod as she sheathed her knife, giving the corpse a once over to get a better idea on the disguise being used now that she wasn't rushing to kill them.

Remaining in cover, Yumeji had patiently waited and kept a close watch of Niji. The Hojo didn't think that Niji needed aid but understood why the other requested to be covered. Wary of any new enemy trying to ambush them, Yumeji stayed on guard. When the skirmish, however, ended, Yumeji came out of her cover. Hearing what Genji, however, stated as next stage of the plan was less pleasing to her ears.
Yumeji grimaced at the idea that she would disguise herself as the enemy. Understanding the tactical efficiency and that honour had no place in this mission, Yumeji did what was tasked without arguing back. Once she was appearing as a Red Cloak, Yumeji released a sigh.
"All good. You ready Kaya? Going to be a surprise if those smugs will learn how much better we look in their gear!" Yumeij spoke up, trying to sound somewhat more upbeat than she actually felt.

Staring at the dead enemies, Kaya suddenly realized something. She didn't feel much upon sighting the dead. No remorse that she had been a part to play that they were now dead. No regret or anger. Nothing.
Was that okay? Did she need to experience some emotion upon playing a part in someone's death?
The voice of Genji disrupted Kaya's thoughts, causing the girl to briefly appear wearily. Yet, she firmly nodded in response to Genji's instructions. Turning half to Yumeji as the Hojo asked if she was ready, Kaya wryly flashed.
"No, I am far from ready. But that didn't stop me before." Kaya replied as she would start to change, taking over the attire of a Red Cloak. It was weird to pose as the enemy but she understood the practical usage of it; certainly if it allowed them to ambush and gain the upper hand against their enemies.
"All ready, I suppose."

When their disguise was complete and they set out once more through the forest area, Kaya and Yumeji would find themselves in a certain situation. While most patrols had been relatively small in stature before. This one was a bit larger in size with no red cloaks seemingly in sight but a group of seven squints were in the area. Two of them seemingly sticking together while the other five were more spread out but not too far from each other. Yet the odd part was they weren't moving as one would expect of a patrol unit. In fact the five spread out squints were seemingly planting something into the ground, yet it would be rather unclear from their current position.

Kaya watched the Rongese plant something in the ground. It was hard to see what they were planting in the ground. But Kaya imagined that it wasn't something that they should let go unnoticed. Crouched in foliage, the genin bite her lower lip. An idea sprang in her mind. She would weave five handsigns - the last one being Dragon. Focusing on the moulding the chakra, a soft buzzing radiated as a light started to grow around Kaya's hands. Narrowing her eyes, the genin focused the rapidly growing energy as it latched out - various lines of what seemed to be liquid lighting moving at a fast speed.
One of the lines slammed against the ground, causing an explosion that started to cause other stones in the ground to explode - all the way up to the Rongese that placed the stones in the ground.

It did become evident that Kaya was taken back by this reaction, her eyes widened and expression surprised. As the explosions started to take out the Rongese, Kaya looked around - a bit stupefied by what just was happening.

Noticing that Kaya was preparing something, Yumeji would focus on their enemies. Much like Kaya, Yumeji started to mould chakra - but at her boots and blade. She wanted to be sure to ambush and cut down those who would remain standing, in case whatever Kaya was planning wouldn't work.
However, Yumeji found herself taken aback by the explosive reactions. Blinking twice rapidly, Yumeji wondered if it was planned. But instead of asking, the Hojo dashed off.
Approaching the two remaining and terrified Rongese, Yumeji didn't hesitate as she struck them down in quick succession. Skidding to a halt, the Hojo did turn around and threw a curious look at the torn ground.
"What were they planting that just exploded? Were they preparing mines?" Yumeji thought out loud as she crouched at the edge of the torn ground, unsure if it was fully safe to investigate whatever their enemies had been planning.

The sun would start to sink in the horizon just as the group had finished up their end of the plan. Taking out all rongese that they spotted, they were able to uncover a good bit of intel and should have made good work on the main army not being hindered by any pesky units. The question was still odd on what they were planting in the ground, if it was indeed mines then it had a very odd pattern and poor placement. A mine didn't need to be super close for the rest to trigger, just close enough to detonate the rest. No something else was going on with them, yet the fact they could double as a mine was still dangerous itself.

It took a bit of travel but they would arrive back at camp where Genji would give them a smile. "Good work everyone, make sure to get some well earned rest. I'll go report our work and findings to the commander." Genji said short and sweet as he would give them all a wave before making his way to the commander's tent to report on today's events.

Aliceee · Jun 17, 2021

[ Kirigakure, capital of the Jirou Authority ]
[ A collab between @luelle , @BlueFlameNikku , @Oblivion666 and @Aliceee ]
[ An Adventure: Part 1 ]
[ Mika assembles her team. The team is gathered but the purpose isn't shared by the stoic jounin. All that they are being told is that they have to hide their identity as shinobi, particularly being those from the Jirou Authority. Then they seem to travel northwards before a certain event strikes them. ]

The day would start early, again, for those affiliated with Mika's team. Mika, herself, woke up Aya. A small note had been sent to Sugi and Kayleen, where the two had taken residence or lived. Their instruction had been to pack a small bag and take only useful items. Rations, their gear and anything to keep it in tip-top shape.
With the Dictator's meeting and Aya's promotion, Mika had wondered what should be done next. Understanding the options that they had, one had been very tempting. It was a gamble but one that Mika wagered to be useful if it could pay off.
Using her contacts, she had managed to get them the ability to travel per ship to their destination. Not bothering to tell Aya about where they were heading, Mika made sure to pack a bag for herself. Reviewing her gear, she would then usher Aya to hurry up. Knowing that a squad of ANBU, if not more, were watching them, Mika decided to shout that she would head to the rally point - at the port.

The city seemed far from different this morning. People were busy heading to their work or preparing to open their establishment. Nothing indicated any remains of unrest or signs of the Crystal Blight that had terrorized the city a while ago. Deciding to focus on where she was heading, Mika arrived at the rally point before anyone else did.
The port itself was teeming already with business and activity. Ships that sailed in or left the protection of the large port, sailing into the open blue.
Hopefully, Mika mused to herself, they could head out soon. She actually was longing back to the smell of the sea and gentle motion of a ship.

Sugi awoke at the crack of dawn like most days. Only instead of leaping out of bed, he did so more slowly with a light grown. Despite the extra bandages decorating his body he assured his folks and his neighbors that he was fine while on his way to the rally point. He wanted to help out like usual but many shooed him away, demanding he not be late like yesterday. Hefting his bag of essentials and his pond scroll behind him, the genin wasn't ecstatic about his new team. He had plenty of misgivings, probably as many as they all had about him. He brushed those thoughts aside after a heavy sigh as he reached the port, not living far from it in the first place.

Noticing the team leader, the genin weaved through the crowds with relative ease. Sugi approached her with a dour look and gave her an odd poor excuse of a formal salute before stepping to one side, away from her. The genin appeared far more docile than the previous day, almost subdued even.

Aya was far more chipper this morning even after Mika had woken her up. The Jounin wouldn't tell her where they were going, just where to go. Which was fine, sometimes surprises were nice. Aya made sure to pack what Mika told her too, taking her sword with as she made her way to the port. Even the city itself seemed more full of life than before, maybe things were finally getting back to normal in this place?
When she arrived though her happy feeling lessened a bit when she saw that it wasn't just Mika but Sugi that was there. Which meant Kayleen was also probably on her way over. Guess that meant a moment away with just Mika wasn't going to happen, this wasn't a mission right? They didn't pack for a mission, that's for sure.

Aya would arrive on scene and give both of them a wave as Aya stared off at the ships waiting at the port for their cargo. She wondered which one was meant for them, they were just four people surely they didnt need a large ship.

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Having her face mushed by the backside of something furry, Kayleen shot up from her sleep to see racoon eyes staring straight into her face. "Bleh, Tuengo… I was having a good dream for once…" The cheeky raccoon hobbled off of her stomach to investigate Kazua's turtle shell. Kayleen crumbled back down to sink into the pillows, and remained that way for a moment after wiping her mouth. Eventually raising up, Kayleen rolled out of bed to collect her things. "I did ask you to be my alarm clock, didn't I?" Kayleen gave a sleepy smile, as she fastened on her equipment. Next, she quickly scribbled down a note onto a piece of paper. Hoisting Kazua onto her back, she left the guest room. Kayleen passed by another room with a dark haired girl hanging halfway off of it in a snore.

Before stepping out of a homely minka, Kayleen tossed Tuengo a butter cookie and pinned her note for Ameya in the crack of the sliding door. Ameya happily let her stay with her while she was adjusting on this side of Kiri. After taking a peek of her own note from Mika, Kayleen gave a gentle pat to Kazua's shell behind her shoulder. "Looks like we might be going sailing, Kazua..." Tying a carrying sack to her belt with an anxious smile, she made her way off into the direction of the docks. The morning was refreshingly cool with fishermen setting up their markets and other villagers going about their usual business. By the time she reached the rally point, the rest of her team were already standing there waiting for her. "Morning everyone," Kayleen offered her cheery smile to them. "Are your wounds healing well?" Kayleen politely asked Sugi, upon seeing his bandages.

The team gathered but the dynamic was quite different than the meeting and training before. Quite aware what could be the source of changes, Mika was actually content. The change of behaviour meant that they understood that they had much to learn. Clearing her throat, to gain the attention of her pupils, Mika would speak up.
"I assume you all have prepared as I requested in the message," Mika began, "cause we aren't departing today on a mission. Yet, this journey will be shaping the rest of your life, if we manage to reach the destination."
Pausing, Mika's tone became more serious - than it already was. "We are going to a destination that lies outside the authority of our nation. We will be posing as travellers and when we are on the boat, I want each of you to hand me your headband. No arguments, it is vital that you do as I say. Else I will be forced to take measures during this journey that will be most unpleasant."
Quite aware that she perhaps didn't need to emphasise that she was going to be brutal with her punishments, Mika wanted to be certain. This wasn't going to be a trip for the fun of it.
Gesturing the genin to follow her, they wouldn't board one of the large vessels. The ship that they approached was small in comparison with those that were docked at the port. A small crew were busy on the deck as an old captain surveyed their work.

Upon approaching the captain, Mika gestured to the genin to wait for a moment. Engaging into a conversation, the two seemed to be on amicable terms. After a minute, Mika would turn around and gesture the genin to follow her. The captain started to shout at its crew - to prepare to leave. Unlike the other ships that were larger and sleeker in design, the vessel they were on was broad and short. Opening the door that was followed by a staircase, Mika continued to lead them to a small room - where a few hang mats were positioned.
Placing her bag in the corner of the room, Mika gestured to what was now going to be her team's 'beds'.
"Good. Settle down and let us set some ground rules. We stay on the ship and don't tell the captain or its crew what we are. Moment that someone is starting to ask you questions, you avoid them and report to me." Mika said, her gaze moving over the team members, "Later on, I will explain where we are going. For now, know that this isn't supposed to be a combat mission. That doesn't mean that we will lower our guard. If something suspicious happens, alert each other in any kind of way. Well," she flashed a wry smile, "without sinking the ship. Any questions for now?"

Sugi snapped back to reality when Kayleen asked how his wounds were doing. He glanced at her before looking away, rubbing the crook of his neck. "Ah, yeah. They are healing just fine." Just a simple answer to a question with no fanfare. The genin took note of Aya around this time as well, noticing the sword she now carried. Sugi squinted at it curiously. Historically inclined as he was, the look of that blade was familiar to one he'd read about. Scratching his head he couldn't remember the book so he just let the thought fall to the wayside.

The red head's ears perked up with how serious Mika was sounding. The notion of operating outside the nation's authority especially peeking his interest. Though something was nagging at him as he watched and listened to their team leader. He waited until they were in their quarters, claiming his hang mat by taking a seat on it as Mika finished up. The entire time Sugi stared at her unflinchingly. The young man had no issues with their current precautions. Though something still bugged him. Heck it could just be his paranoia acting up again. He hid his suspicions for now and said nothing as he casually tossed his headband to Mika. Sure he could ask questions he wouldn't get answers to but what'd be the point.

"Good news…" Kayleen said softly, noticing Sugi's evasiveness. She gave a simple nod to Mika who asked them if they had followed directions. Shaping the rest of our lives?... I wonder what we'll be dealing with… thought Kayleen, allowing a sigh of relief to escape her silently upon learning that they wouldn't be taking on a mission. They definitely were too out of sync to be taking on anything life or death together. She's not playing around… Kayleen said, acknowledging the firmness of the vague details she gave. When their sensei gestured for them to follow, Kayleen followed at her heels across the dock.

They stopped before a wide ship that dwarfed the others and had a notably sparse crew. Waiting as Mika made an exchange with the elderly captain, before continuing onward behind her footsteps. Stepping into a small compartment of the ship, Mika would introduce them to their new sleeping quarter. Taking a hanging mat across from Sugi, Kayleen next would pull loose the tie of her headband from her upper arm. Pulling it free, she would first hold onto it until Mika finished the details on the ground rules. "Yes, mam!..." She quietly exclaimed in acknowledgement when she finished. "No questions from me." Kayleen said, handing over her headband to her.

She says that but the odds are the Authority is watching them anyway is still pretty high considering he stated he was going to have ANBU watch them. Yet it wasn't a mission but a trip of sorts which didn't seem horrible. Even with the implication of threat that Mika stated to them she still smiled at her sensei, it had been many times she had heard these lines over and over again. It had almost become part of her daily routine to hear these things. Aya did notice Sugi looking at her sword almost as if he knew it which only caused her to grip the sword tighter as they got on to their boat.

First thing Aya did when they entered their sleeping quarters was hand Mika her headband, before picking the mat away from the other two. She didn't need to hear them flirting all night long. Aya listened to her sensei and shook her head when they were asked about any questions. Non combat and they would be told later what it was, nothing warranted any questions to be asked. She didn't plan on speaking to anyone else on the boat anyway.

Gathering the headbands and other symbols, Mika would put them in alongside her own belongings. Soon enough, she drove the genin to the deck. The ship already started to move out, the rocking of the ship subtle but distinctive.
The sails were soon rolled out and the wind seemed to favour them as they started to make distance from Kirigakure's port. Even from a distance, they still kept encountering all kinds of ships. From fishing vessels to the large and rather intimidating warships - that patrolled the nearby waters with a nearly zealous diligence.
The vessel they were on, however, calmly continued its way. Within a few hours, the crew and Mika's team couldn't see the port anymore. In the distance were several islands visible, giving a sense that they were still at home.
Food was given by the crew to the jounin and her team. The food wasn't the best but it was significantly better than any military ration that lacked a lot of taste. Mika kept a close eye on her pupils, ever watching to make sure that they left the crew of the ship alone.

Eventually, the day came to an end. No strange or dangerous occurrences would take place. This rhythm continued for days on end, with nothing noteworthy happening to disturb it. Then in the distance, more islands started to dot the horizon. And with it, a change seemed to come.
The crew, captain and even Mika seemed to grow more cautious. The ship gently crashed through the waves but stayed far away from any vessels that anyone could spot.
The tension seemed to increase but nobody willing to speak of it, as if bringing it up could bring a potential disaster upon the ship and crew.

Then on a certain morning, shouts would erupt. The voices of the deckhands and captain were loud enough that they could be heard in the cabin in which Team Mika was laying asleep. But then something else resonated. The sound of it being so loud that it seemingly rocked the entire ship.
Waking up, Mika would hop out of her mat and quickly adorn her weapons belts as pouches. Another loud sound resonated, deep and alien, before followed by a vibration. Heading to the deck, the jounin looked around as the crew was occupied to keep the ship stable. The captain shouted orders as Mika then saw what had caused the disturbance.

Jumping out of the water, the large entity seemed to be the creation of nightmares. The dark grey blanket of clouds seemed a fitting background as the massive jaw of the beast opened to release a loud roar, only to dive back into the water.
The first of the beast was followed by a smaller version, revealing a large shell and odd claw as it moved in behind.
"Oh fuck," Mika whispered, realising what kind of creatures were moving around the ship. Going to the railing, she could see the large shadows briefly before the dark clouds prevented any sighting.

As the days went by on the vessel Sugi did as he was asked. He didn't communicate with any of the crew much to his dislike and only had the occasionally small talk with Kayleen most likely. However, on one of those uneventful days the genin would recall why Aya's sword looked familiar. It was when he was gathering information on more known nobility, that the sword's design was reminiscent of Oda designs. Put that together with how he say Aya using fire style techniques well, in short, she was certainly an Oda. "Just more noble trash with special toys."

When the chaotic morning came about, Sugi awoke only to smash his head into a wooden beam as he awoke, tumbling off of his mat with a thud before stumbling to his feet. "Fuckin'... ow!" Shaking it off he grabbed his scroll and other tools before hurrying after the team leader. He sprinted over to the railing past some crewmen. Sugi caught a glimpse of the large sea beast and rolled his eyes and cursed in anger. "Come on, not again!!!" "What am I fucking cursed!?" Speaking as if he'd dealt with this kind of situation before. He took note of the beast's large shell and odd claw, ruling it out to not be another sea serpent.

Sugi turned to look at Mika and asked..."Aside from the obvious, what the hell is that?!"

The days were pretty uneventful, she did her own thing for the most part. So far it was a new record though. These two lived longer than she originally thought, granted she wasn't sure if ANBU were actually watching them, or if the Akechi had lowkey sent out people to make sure Mitsuhide's daughter didn't die. Aya could only imagine what repercussions might come from something like that. As the days went on though she began to loosen more up until one morning was a rather abrupt awakening. Almost like the ship collided with something big. Much like the others she got out of her mat and grabbed her gear and followed in pursuit. She was able to see just what was causing the scene and was it enough to make Aya stand in awe. That thing was freaking massive and she sure to hell hoped it was just angry at people near its turf cause she didn't see them all killing that thing. It looked like one smack would be enough to capsize the ship.

A song from the deep blue sea caused Kazua's purple spotted head to peek out of his sharp layered shell. His human companion had been sleeping soundly in her hanging mat, having had a laid back week or so free of social engagement other than with Sugi here and there. When Sugi smacked his face into the beam and tumbled over, Kayleen herself stirred awake. She quickly became alert upon feeling the vibrations that almost shook her out of her hanging mat.

Watching as Sugi collected his gear and shot out of the room, Kayleen followed suit flipping upside down out of her mat and nearly face planting. After shaking her head to wake herself fully, she picked up Kazua upon noticing his odd reaction as if he was almost in a daze. She quickly hurled him onto her back with his flippers arching over her shoulders, as she sprang toward the deck. Just as Sugi exclaimed his question to Mika in a panic, Kayleen already knew the answer for him.

"Dragon turtles… Looks to be a mother and her baby…" Kayleen peeped, adoringly gazing out onto the open water as the monstrous beasts sank below the dark waves. "She's protecting them… That, or teaching them how to hunt… Whatever the case, we're interrupting." With his beak fallen agape toward the lively waters, Kazua exhaled a small, barely audible whining with a pitch that only other reptiles would hear clearly. Kayleen's face shrank a bit, staring back at Kazua perplexingly.

RedFox · Jun 18, 2021

The Call to Action

[ Hiroshi Hon │ Captain-Commander of The Tiger's Claw ]
[ Konohagakure │ Headquarters of The Tiger's Claw ]

A heavy sigh filled the office as Hiroshi leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his back.Paperwork never gets easier, I guess, he mused to himself as he leaned back forward and placed a stack of documents at the edge of his table. He stood up and walked to his window, looking over the compound that was the headquarter of The Claws. Some units were practicing in the courtyards, others were resting, or on their leave. A small smile crept to his lips, that was immediately replaced with a frown as he remembered that a detachment of his unit was fighting in the ongoing war. He had no doubt about their leadership.Saki is leading them, perhaps better than I could. The young Yamanaka was shaping up to be an excellent leader, and perhaps in certain ways, she already surpassed Hiroshi. As he pondered upon the thought, his train of thoughts was interrupted by a knock on his door.

" Come in. "

The door opened and an Imperial courier walked in, holding a scroll that bore the an Imperial marking. The courier approached his table and placed it on it. " Urgent message from the palace, Captain-Commander. " Hiroshi walked up to the table and reached for the scroll. " Thank you. Dismissed. " Hiroshi unfurled the scroll as the door closed and read through it. He was frowning more and more as he reached the end and with a heavy sigh, he placed it back on the table.There's a war going on, and they are still squabbling, he thought. There was no time to waste and he decided to set out as soon as possible. Leaving his office, he went straight to the barracks of the 7th Company, the unit he spent the most time with. Upon entering their building, he went straight for the room of Lieutenant Reiko. He was called in immediately after knocking and was welcome with a salute.

" At ease, Lieutenant." The man dropped his salute immediately and gave Hiroshi a questioning look. " How can I help you, Captain? " Hiroshi sighed again as the matter already troubled him a great deal. " Unrest between the Tokugawa and Senju. At a time like this where everyone should be working as one. The Empress wants us to go there and investigate the matter. I will assume command of the 7th Company for this mission, and I want you as my second in command. Round up your man as fast as possible. " Reiko received the order with a salute and with a nod of his head, Hiroshi left him to his task, going to his personal quarters to gear up for the mission.

It was some time since he was out in the field, but he felt up to the task at hand. Taking off his usual office attire, he changed into his armor - a set of custom made leather armor that he preferred to the standard plate and mail armor of his unit. It took him about twenty to thirty minutes to get ready. As he tied the blue scarf, typical for the unit around his neck, he reached for his father's tanto and upon looking at it briefly, he strapped it to his waist and closed the storage cabinet that held his armor. Having walked up to his window, he noticed the commotion in front of the 7th Company's barracks. The unit was quickly forming up, with his guess that about two thirds of the unit was already assembled. He turned away from the window and checked his ninja tools and finding everything in order, he attached the pouch holding them to his waist. He than grabbed a large leather saddle.

Standing in the room for a minute, he wished there would be time to meet Zakito before leaving, but knowing how busy he was he knew it wouldn't happen this time. He left his quarters, his mind trying to figure out what could be the cause beyond those two clans escalating tensions between each other. By the time he reached the barracks of the 7th Company, they were assembled in front of Lieutenant Reiko, waiting for his arrival - eighty two men, including Hiroshi and Reiko. Taking up his place next to him, he saluted the unit and they, as one, returned the salute. "At ease. " The unit dropped the salute and looked at Hiroshi, who was gathering his thoughts on how to address his men.

" I am sure Lieutenant Reiko already told you that we are ordered to go and investigate the recent tensions between The Tokugawa and The Senju, and if need be, help deescalate them. By any means necessary. The best outcome would be peaceful negotiations, but I want every one of you to be prepared to use force, should we be pushed to it. Should you notice anything that could help us solve the matter, I want you to report it to me or your Lieutenant at once. We'll head out immediately to get there as fast as possible, despite already being late as several lives have been already lost. You'll receive more information once we arrive. Get ready to head out in five minutes. "

The unit saluted as once and they rushed to their steeds, in an incredibly organised fashion. Satisfied with their promptness, Hiroshi bit his thumb and upon forming a quick series of seals, he placed his palm on the ground. A large poof of smoke followed and is it slowly dispersed, members of the 7th Company could witness his personal summon from up close. Hiroshi took a step forward and placed his hand on the right jaw of the tiger's face, gently caressing his fur. Leaning his head forward, he rested his forehead against that of Hirudora for a brief moment. A small smile spread on his lips and upon pulling away, the tiger crouched, allowing Hiroshi to secure the straddle around it's body. He mounted Hirudora as soon as it was secured and he turned back, finding the company prepared to head out. He nodded his head at them.

" 7th Company, follow me."

The unit moved as one. He gave a brief look towards the Imperial Palace.

I won't fail you, Your Imperial Majesty.

Lesli · Jun 18, 2021

[ Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Saki Yamanaka ]
[ Second in command of the Tiger Claws | Specialised Jounin | Captain Major of the Guardians ]
[ A silence ]

"We are sworn to protect and serve,
To give our lives,
To forfeit glory,
To endure and embrace pain,
To remain valiant and true,
May we succeed in our task,
Or find peace in death,
Having served to the fullest."

The prayers were said in unison, soft but audible. Nearly all of them were down on one knee. Their attire was blackened to prevent them from being spotted if the light would shine upon their gear. Each of them had their weapon in front of them, leaning lightly on it as they uttered the words together. The dark of the night started to overtake the waning light of the day as the Tiger Claws would slowly rise.
Sheathing her sword, Saki watched calmly at the sight in the distance. The Rongese had managed to lure out and defeat the entire Omari battalion. That meant more than a thousand Omari and their used to be subjects were killed. All in the span of a day without them being able to do much in return.
Saki didn't feel remorse because they were Omari. Their leader and officers had allowed themselves to be outsmarted. To give chase and bring the battle to what they considered easy glory. Only to found out that it was a trap, to become encircled and pelted to death with projectiles. Their heavy armour and large shields did little against the odds. No, the remorse that Saki felt was because they brought a stain upon the 4th Imperial Division.
Throwing a glance over her shoulder, most of the Tiger Claws she led were ready. The plan that they would execute was simply but was going to deliver a firm message if they would be successful.

Their numbers were roughly fifty, for Saki wanted to keep a portion behind. The goal wasn't to annihilate the enemy but to send a message. Keep them on their toes. After all, the Rongese had acquired a debt. A gruesome one, that Saki intended to settle.
Mounting her mount, she saw the crimson eyes of Hitoshi lighting up. He had been remarkably silent ever since the demise of his twin brother. But every time he could dirty his weapons with Rongese blood, he had done so without a sliver of hesitation. Saki could relate to it, remembering still vividly the sight of Hideki screaming in pain and agony. How he was stabbed in the back and then cast aside. The memory brought Saki to another night, almost losing herself in it.

"Ma'am," a voice broke Saki's thought, as the Yamanaka blinked with her eyes.
"We are ready, ma'am," the voice of Hilde softly resonated as the Hon halted her mount. "Just waiting on your command to get going," the woman stated.
Saki nodded slowly as she moved her sight on the outpost up ahead. They had already scouted on how many enemies were present. There couldn't be more than a hundred heads, stationed to keep an eye if the Imperials dared to cross the river. Perhaps even stationed to remember the Imperials of their recent loss and foolish countrymen dying, all for some vainglory.
"We are going now, it is time."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most of the men were sleeping in their tents. The officers were together in a spacious tent, laughing, drinking and playing some gambling game. It involved some dice and the rules were pretty simple: the winner had to throw the highest set of dices in order to win a bid. Shouts of triumph were mixed with cusswords in Rén. A few Red Cloaks were silently keeping watch - their discipline outweighing that of the footsoldiers in the outpost. One of them was seated on his rear, holding a sign as his chakra kept stretching and searching for oddities.
Frowning, the Red Cloak seemed disturbed. But before he could speak, shouts erupted in the camp.

From the dark they came, the thundering hooves bringing their revenge. Oddly enough, the riders seemed like shadows in their dark attire - shadows that came from various sides into the camp. But the sounds rapidly were drowned out - as a soft breeze moved through the camp, confusing the Rongese as none of their screams seemed to leave their throats.
The riders themselves moved with a swift speed, hacking and stabbing those who crossed their path. A few of them had torches or used a flurry of signs to set tents as well waggons aflame.

One of the Red Cloaks opened his mouth, his lips moving but with no sound to give life to the words that he wanted to tell to the sensor. Before the sensor could even rise up, a few arrows slammed into them from the side - followed by a rider on horseback. The last that the sensor saw was a cloaked face with pale blue eyes. Pale blue, filled with intense hatred.
Directing her mount, Saki notched another arrow. Spotting a soldier attempting to run in the dark, she didn't shoot the man in the back. Instead, she saw a man reaching for some spears leaning against a waggon. Aiming rapidly, she unleashed the projectile - which hit the man in the leg. His lips parted as he tried to scream - only for no sound to leave him.
Notching another arrow, Saki didn't decrease the speed of her mount. Instead, she spurred the horse to continue to gallop. While there would be no sound of flesh and bones being shattered by the heavy animal, Saki watched with a smile as the blood spurted upwards.

The raid didn't last longer than fifteen minutes. The odd breeze seemed to subdue, bringing the sounds of the wounded and dying with its departure. Still seated in the saddle, Saki watched as some of the wounded survivors were rounded up. A few smoke columns rose into the dark of the night, some of the Tiger Claws throwing corpses and broken remains of tents as other material on the fire.
Watching the rounded up Rongese, Saki studied their expressions. Fear, confusion and dread. It did her well to see the enemy be terrified. To not know what had hit them and still be in shock of what had happened.

"Hitoshi," Saki began, "pick three. The rest," steering her mount away as the Uchiha drew a long knife, "make it quick."
Screams started to fill the night for a brief time. By the time that the reinforcements had arrived on their mounts, they were greeted with a grim sight. Heads were set on spears, the area reeking of burnt human flesh and hair as three men sat on the ground. Their eyes were missing and several fingers were cut off. But no trace remained of the culprits, who apparently were demons according to the survivors. Only some traces of chakra usage, leading back to over the river - the side held by the Imperials.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun was coming up at the horizon by the time that Saki and her force moved over the river. The Senju, who had been stationed to guard the crossing, watched curiously as the unit of Tiger Claws continued forwards. Their gear still dirty and blood splatters still cooked with mud on their clothes, gear and mounts.
Once safe and in friendly territory, Saki and the Tiger Claws took their rest. Back at their tents, they would split off. Many would simply wash themselves, their mounts and gear before taking a rest. But Saki didn't want to seek sleep. She washed and scrubbed the dirt from her gear. Inspected her weapons and then sat in her tent.
Once alone, the woman pulled her legs and wrapped her arms around them. Exhaustion slowly crept but still, she refused to give in. Sleeping meant that she was going to face those nightmares. Or worse: the dreams of a better time. She didn't want to face either. Staying awake kept both the nightmares and dreams away.

Yet, Saki knew it was a losing fight. There was little to nothing that she could do. Sighing out loud, she placed her forehead against her knees.
"God, you are my refuge and my strength. You are my sanctuary and hope," she whispered the prayer, her hands squeezing as she did so, "My world is crumbling around me and I am thrown around by the storms of my life. Take away my fear. When I am weak, you are my strength. My light in the darkness."
It stayed silent as she seemingly awaited a sign. Something that made her feel not alone anymore. But nothing came after the words. All that replaced her exhaustion was anger. As Saki opened her eyes, she rose up and was outside before she even could register it. Looking around, she saw the other Tiger Claws not paying much heed to her. Some looked up but none dared to make eye contact.
Stomping towards the nearby cache of supplies, Saki search for something. It was either that or yelling. And she frankly was too tired to yell at God. The sleeping God. He who had abandoned her.
Finding a bottle of sake, Saki didn't bother to wait until she was back at her tent. Uncorking the bottle's opening, she would take a swig. The taste ran over her taste pallets as she moved back to her tent. Pushing the canvas away, she took another swig. The effect of the beverage starting to cause a tingle down from her toes, creeping up to her body.

"Fuck you," Saki mumbled as she narrowed her eyes. A single candle burned in the safe space of a glass lantern - preventing the tent from burning down that easily. "Where the fuck were you? I pray and fucking pray," the Yamanaka slurred out as she paused, only to take another swig.
The candle didn't seem to do much to defend itself. Even as Saki moved closer, she bends through her legs to observe it. Fire, the holy symbol of her God. Light, the gift of Him who loved all. "I hate you," she whispered, leaning forwards to blow the candle out.

Aliceee · Jun 19, 2021

[ 11th Imperial Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ A collab between @Oetje and @Aliceee ]
[ Bonding while being jabbed with a needle? How fun! ]
[ After another day of training and exercising, Meilin and Dagrún spend some time together. The two discuss briefly the team as well some other minor matters. With a conclusion that Meilin gained a new, amazing tattoo from none other than your favourite axe-wielding Hon! ]

Returning to her tent, Meilin's mind and thought didn't spin because of what tomorrow could bring. So far, the day by day activity was relatively simple. Predictable even. And honestly, she enjoyed that about army life. Unlike the missions back at home, it was clear who the enemy was. Where they most of the time were and what they wanted. It wasn't some kind of cat and mouse game anymore. Of course, the killing was tedious, in Meilin's opinion, but her revenge was sated briefly at each time she managed to bloody her blade with Rongese blood.
Arriving back at her tent, Meilin sat down on the poor imitation of a stool in the form of a cut block of wood. Now that she could rest her legs, she leaned forward, her arms resting on her knees. Relaxing for a moment, Meilin considered her options as she basically had nothing else that demanded her presence or time for the rest of the day.

Whistling a cheerful tone, Dagrún had her thumbs hooked behind her belt. The blonde Hon seemed most pleased with today had brought. The drills that she had aided with showed that the platoon was increasing in promise. Fair enough, some of the newcomers were a tad green behind the ear. But their determination was there. That was, for now, enough for Dagrún. Even if the prospect of a large battle was approaching rapidly, she didn't worry about those greenhorns. In fact, Dagrún was convinced that some bloodletting would do them good.
Spotting Meilin up ahead, Dagrún raised one of her hands as she closed in the distance at a leisurely pace. "Ah, cap, feelin' a tad sore after today's exercises, eh?" Dagrún asked, as she lowered her arm.

Noticing Dagrún's approach, Meilin waited as the blonde Hon approached her. The question was initially met with Meilin subtly shaking her head before responding.
"Just a bit. How about you though?" Meilin asked in return, "You seem to be in a remarkably good mood. Any particular reason why?" She further inquired, as she was genuinely curious.

Dagrún shrugged lightly as she spoke up. "Honestly? Nah, I am have no real reason to be cheerful. Just enjoyed myself, I suppose," she said before considering something. "Though, if you want to give me a particular reason to be cheerful, I can think of something." A grin crept on Dagrún's lips as she gestured to the tent she had to share with Aoi and Madoc. "I can give you a good looking tat, if ye want. Already did one on our Pretty Face, Madoc. He seems most happy about it."

So that was how Madoc had gained a wrist tattoo, Meilin mused to herself. It was a bit surprising but the dynamic between Dagrún and Madoc had increased steadily ever since their arrival in the east. Raising a hand, Meilin scratched her right cheek as she pondered her options. Only to sigh and raise herself upwards.
"I suppose I got nothing to lose. Know what? I will take a wrist tattoo as well. Seeing how well it fits Madoc, I will leave you to the design and all." Meilin decided.

The decision of Meilin caused Dagrún to chuckle. In a jovial manner, Dagrún gently patted Meilin's shoulder twice. "Aye! That's the spirit, cap'! No need to fret, though! I will make sure that yers is going to be as grand as that of our Madoc-y, I promise ye!" Dagrún said as she gestured Meilin to come with. Approaching the tent, Dagrún pointed to one of the wooden blocks on which Meilin could take place. "Take a seat, cap' and give me a wee moment!" Vanishing into the tent, Dagrún would exit with a small box and the widest smile she had shown so far.

Taking a 'seat', Meilin would wait. She wondered briefly she hadn't made a mistake. In fact, it just came to mind on how tattoos were applied. Didn't it involve needles being hammered? Realising the error, she also was aware that it was too late to back out. Madoc had sustained through it, so if she backed out then neither Dagrún nor Madoc would let that pass. Seeing Dagrún exit the tent with a wide smile, Meilin realised she was needing to steel herself now.

Taking a place next to Meilin, Dagrún set out her tools. Picking out a large needle, Dagrún would also dip it in ink before turning and gently grabbing one of Meilin's arms. Lightning jumped around the tip of the needle before Dagrún spoke up. "Nah worries, cap', I gotcha all covered. This will be painless. I even had a pleasant talk with our Madoc-y, I swear." Licking her lips, she seemed to stare at Meilin's arm, visibly pondering on what kind of artwork she was going to imprint.

"I trust you," Meilin said. But a near panic sensation moved through her body and mind upon seeing the set of needles. Closing her eyes for a second, Meilin made a prayer to the gods in her mind before opening her eyes again. Sighting the brief jump of lightning, her expression gained a frown. "Why are you releasing lightning chakra?"

"Oh, simple," Dagrún began as she tapped Meilin with the needle. Another jolt of lightning crackled and spread over Meilin's skin - surprisingly not causing any feeling to accompany the motion. "I use my lightning to numb ye arm. Makes it more comfortable for ye and easier for me to do my work. A win-win for all, eh?"

"I suppose so, yeah," Meilin replied as she watched how Dagrún started to use the needle and lightning to start her work. It was actually a smart application and made Meilin wonder if more people made the same usage of chakra, to conduct easier work. It seemed unlikely that capable people would refuse to do so. Relaxing her arm, she released a sigh.
"I was worried that you were going to hammer it in my arm, to be honest."

"Now, cap'," Dagrún began after she finished chuckling, "I ain't going to be a brute. I actually like to draw and make art. Granted, this kind of art isn't always appreciated. Some folk tend to dislike tats, ye know?" Dagrún paused as she seemed to consider something. "It surprised that Madoc-y seemed willing. But he enjoyed it, so who knows? He might want another one. I am even willing to indulge into Yakimara kind of stuff, ye know?"

"To be frank, I didn't expect him showing up with that kind of tattoo." Meilin responded. She did frown as Dagrún brought up that not all liked tattoos. "Don't your people like use them all the time? No offense, but I have heard stories of your kin. And they are always described with many art on their skin." Meilin did consider to ask what kind of drawings Dagrún liked to draw. Seeing her own interest and attempts, Meilin's mind briefly went to Kazumo.

"Nah, it is all dandy, cap'," Dagrún responded, "my folk indeed use tats for various reasons. To showcase achievements or a certain status among their family or hird. It is a complicated matter, but we use them for more than just art." Pausing, she gestured to the blue tattoos that graced Dagrún's arms. "I gained these for my bravery and showcasing the ability to harness my ancestor's ability." Dagrún briefly explained before she continued her work.

"Interesting, really," Meilin began as she thought about it. She had more questions but was more intrigued about something else that crossed her mind. "What about the others? Are you willing to give them tattoos as well?" She asked, genuinely curious. "Not that you have to. It is your free will, let me make that clear." She felt like she needed to add.

Dagrún remained silent. Her focus seemed to be on the arm that she punctured repeatedly with the needle, only several times dipping in ink. "I don't know. Mamoru? He seems a tad reserved. But also a big dreamer. So I don't know for sure about him. If he wants it, sure." Dagrún paused as she continued working on Meilin's arm, apparently filling in a line already, "Aoi? I don't think that one likes me. I certainly remember ye telling me that she felt annoyed. Or well, more than annoyed, eh?"

Remembering that conversation, Meilin remained silent. Truth be told, she had gained the idea that Dagrún and Aoi were starting to tolerate each other. Which seemed to work fine on missions but it was still a bother outside. And Meilin wasn't sure how she could act as a component to bind the two together - other than her leadership role.
"You can always suggest it?" Meilin began, a tad cautious, "Aoi does tend to have strong opinions. But she means well, I am sure."

"And I don't?" Dagrún calmly responded in return. "I know ye try to be helpful, cap'. But I already had to change myself, cause she didn't appreciate how I behaved. It is just a constant, ain't it?" Frowning, Dagrún shifted her attention at Meilin. "Aren't ye totally sick and done with it? We got to adjust to them. Their language, their desires and preferences. Ye do know that Vythling blood runs through yer veins, eh?" Dagrún posed as she shook her head lightly. She seemed willing to go on but just focused back on her work.

"I do mind it," Meilin said in a softer tone after a pause of silence between them. "I just care a lot about Aoi. I don't try to pick sides between you. I don't want to be seen as an Asiske. Or take over their ideals or manners," Meilin began as she tried to form her thoughts and emotions into words. "But I have been part of a team that was divided as ours. And it ended up terribly. I don't want the same. I am genuinely sorry if I upset you. Much like Aoi, Madoc and Mamoru, I value you a lot more than I show, Dagrún." Flashing a wry smile, Meilin continued, "I am just horribly bad at showing it. Sorry."

Dagrún continued her work. Her gaze was focused on Meilin's arms. Her lower lip trembled a little but she didn't speak up until a few seconds of silence echoed after Meilin's words. "Thanks, cap'. I am sorry, I don't try to be a bother." She said, her eyes not lifting up to meet Meilin's. Gently guiding Meilin's arm to work further on another part, Dagrún spoke further. "I just feel sometimes out of place. And I don't know to place myself, ya know?"

The wry smile turned into a softer one on Meilin's lips. "Trust me, I know. Both of you trying to avoid trouble. As the whole not knowing how to place yourself. I have experienced enough of that, that I just don't tend to show it enough to others that I am troubled," she began, "the first mission with Madoc and Aoi, for example. They seemed to hit it really off. And I mean, really off," Meilin said, placing a certain emphasis on it as she could barely hold back an awkward laugh, "I was just there. Unable to really find myself responding."
Considering also the situation that she had with Kensuke, Meilin wondered if there would be a day that she could sit down and talk with him. Ironically, she fully understood his position more than ever now.
"But you do belong with us, Dagrún. I wish I could say it better. I hope you can trust me when I say it."

Dagrún nodded, no words leaving her lips. Focusing on the tattoo, she would speak up nearly a minute after Meilin's words. "Ye know. I do wonder. What is ye dealing with that Scylding? I caught him a few days ago watching our platoon's training. He seems to like ye, ye likes him back?" Dagrún asked, a curious tone evident in her voice.

Meilin considered how to answer in return for a few seconds. "To be honest? I like him, yes," she was, however, quick to add more to her answer. "He is just a bit going fast. Too fast, for me. He means it well and I have a genuine feeling I can trust him. More than most guys, I think," Meilin paused as she thought about Kazumo. "I just don't want to bind myself yet. I first have to focus on my tasks and goal. Perhaps once this whole ordeal is over, I can try to give in." Her cheeks flared with a soft red tint as she tried to gauge Dagrún's reaction.

"He seems a fine lad. At least, I can respect his abilities. Showed so far nothing that I doubted, concerning trying to protect himself or others," Dagrún calmly and friendly, her tone as expression void from anything that seemed amused or finding Meilin's response funny, "I hope he will show ye appreciation. Ye lucky that someone in this shithole is willing to give such a damn about ye, cap'."

Slightly surprised, Meilin couldn't help but smile upon hearing those words. Yeah, she should consider herself lucky. Looking at the tattoo that Dagrún was placing on her arm, Meilin still found it weird that she didn't feel the sting of the needle. "Who tattooed you actually?" She decided to ask, wondering if Dagrún had made those herself.

"Me gramps did that," Dagrún said, a hint of pride in her voice, "I got it when I managed to master the technique passed down in my kin. Tryggve's ability, heh," halting her work for a moment, Dagrún grinned. "I ain't so good as my brothers, I admit that. But I got the basic down. Ye could call it like the berserker of yore. Though I am not immune to pain or such. It just helps me to endure more stuff, ye see. Because of that, I was granted these markings, to showcase what I managed. Actually, I know a funny story, that ye might appreciate. I once decided to bring booze to me bear, Einar..."

Oetje · Jun 19, 2021

[ Operation: Savage Strike ]
[ 11th Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Team 4: @FrostedCaramel , @Oblivion666 , @Aliceee and @Oetje ]
[ Meilin is assigned to lead the veterans of her team, together with Kazumo Scylding aiding them, to acquire and extract a VIP target. The mission, however, sparks some emotions already at the start. Despite that, the team moves out with the full intent of succeeding the mission. But things aren't going that smooth as unknown factors start to butt in. ]

Part 1

Returning to her tent, Meilin pondered just on what kind of briefing she had received. The upcoming mission was anything but ordinary. Yet, what had been ordinary ever since she had left Keishi? Rubbing the bridge of her nose, she continued to her tent and rally both her team as Kazumo.

"Now that you are all here, we have been assigned to Operation Savage Strike," Meilin said, placing her hands behind her back. The cracking of the campfire nearby was drowned out by the ambience of the army encampment. Yet, the campfire failed to fully enlighten the features of Meilin as she stood towards the four assembled operatives.
"Our goal is to intercept and take out Rongese in a nearby village. The enemy has grown suspicion that there might be an enemy force, aside from the 10th and 12th Imperial Brigade." She continued, briefly pausing, "To prolong the discovery of our brigade, we will need to prevent the enemy from acquiring information or whatever they are planning from the nearby villages. Usually, the enemy is lazy enough to send their grunts. This time, they have grown more wary."
Moving her gaze over those that were present, Meilin had a hunch on who was and wasn't looking forward to the mission.
"A unit of Red Cloaks has been sighted and made their camp in a village. Scouts have come back with the report of people being tortured and likely questioned. Our goal isn't to stop these interrogations or to annihilate the Red Cloak unit. We are going to move as a small strike force into the village, locate the village elder and evacuate him. As he is our VIP, our first priority is making sure that he survives. If we are unable to evacuate the VIP? We are ordered to terminate the VIP and vanish into the night."
Pausing, Meilin waited before she would continue with the second part of the briefing - in order to let the others pose a question, if they had any.

"I thought we were supposed to be the good guys?" Aoi ventured quietly as she shifted in her seat. It was strange to be around everyone again after she had pulled so many shit watches and duty assignments in the past month that she'd not seen them since the ambush with the exploding barrels. Part of her wished to be back atop a guard post or patrolling the outer perimeter with a team of normal soldiers and bloodhounds, but another part of her was happy to see her team again. So long had she spent avoiding the others to try and sort her own mind out that she felt she was losing her grip on everything, like the Aoi she knew was simply fading away to some paranoid girl that couldn't reign in her own mind to save her life. But here, listening to Meilin and surrounded by the others there was at least a sense of normalcy, of a time before she'd crossed an ocean, if she could just ignore the sounds of the war camp around her.

Her arms crossed out front of her chest, Dagrún listened intently to the briefing. Her expression was neutral, not betraying the Hon's potential's thoughts about the mission they were assigned to. As Meilin introduced a pause, Dagrún spoke up.
"Sounds clear. Do we know how many Red Cloaks are lingering around? Any lay-out of the village?" She asked, her eyebrows slightly perking up, "That and why is the Scylding with us?" Dagrún brought up, pointing only to Kazumo but keeping her gaze locked on Meilin.

Madoc let out a sigh as he sat on a crate while Meilin would explain why she had gathered them all up, plus an extra in Kazumo. Grabbing an old man and getting him back here. So the old man was important and they were now starting to deem us as threats by sending in the Red cloaks. So far this seemed like he would be made to do a lot of sensor work. Shame they didn't just give them a list of questions. He could have just as easily pried it from the man's mind and left him. Well he wasn't in charge so not his problem. Madoc just gave a thumbs up signalling he had no questions despite Aoi wondering if they were the good guys or not while Dagrun had her own questions.

Kazumo was also a bit confused as to why he was here, Team four so far demonstrated to be competent enough to not require his aid. Granted he did have the Void technique so maybe that was why. Kazumo however just looked at Meilin as Dagrun had valid points about the numbers and possible layout of this place.

"Scout reports have stated that there are roughly two dozen Red Cloaks. Too much for us to handle," Meilin answered, at first, "It is best that we move in the cover of the dark and find the VIP without triggering a fight. The village layout will be given once we depart. The scouts have managed to retrieve a resident from the village. He will be able to give us the information."
Meilin briefly glanced at Kazumo before back at her original team.
"Kazumo is with us, cause we need experienced operatives. Not genin. He is to basically replace Mamoru, that should be all."
Now that the questions were answered, Meilin decided to advance to the second point of the briefing.
"This is an A-class mission. If the enemy manages to uncover the VIP and our camp, we are screwed. For this mission, I want you all to be geared for stealth and fast travel. We will use the dark to infiltrate the place and avoid using anything that can betray our position. Seeing that we will be fighting perhaps in small places, if it comes to a struggle, I advise that you all gear up for such situations. Knives and such that don't have a long blade that can hamper your swing or stab."

Once more she moved her gaze over the four other operatives before raising a question in return.
"Anybody questions or qualms?"

Jumping slightly in her seat as she surprised herself with her own voice Aoi raised a single finger into the air, "So there's only one VIP?" she shook her head slightly, "I don't know much about these people, but only one? What about a wife," she added a second finger, "Maybe a kid or two?" she added two more fingers to her hand and felt a chill run down her spine, "What about this VIPs family? If we take him out and the Rongese learn of it surely…" she let the implication play out for a moment before she dropped all her fingers.

Dagrún nodded as Meilin brought up more details. Then Aoi spoke up, which caused Dagrún to frown. She understood that there were some moral qualms and this wasn't some clean mission.
"So ye want to save one family? Then we could try to save them all, aye? That and probably only the VIP knows the information." Dagrún brought up as a counterpoint, though the glance she gave Aoi made it clear that Dagrún wanted to persuade her to drop her points.

Ahh moral dilemmas. Things that can split a bunch of friends in seconds. Madoc however just remained silent and waited against the crate. Giving Meilin a shrug, he was simply here because she requested him. He understood where both sides were coming from though, Aoi wanted to save as much as she could but that meant more risks and possible chances they could die. Meilin's meant they got one man out but obviously Red Cloaks might just start offing people because of it.

Ahhh soo more experienced backup was his reason for being here. Yet it seemed two members were squabbling over what was right or wrong in this scenario.
"Good guys and bad guys don't exist in war. To them they are the good guys in this war and we think we are. You need to lose that way of thinking. War is war. If we need to grab a man and only that man then that's what we do. If they start killing families or even children. Well that is sadly the downside that comes with this job. That however is not our fault." Kazumo stated to Aoi as they couldn't save everyone, hell some of these villages thought them to be the warmongers here.

Raising a hand to gesture everyone to be silent, Meilin shook her head lightly. "We got picked out to do this. We will act upon these orders and that is the end of the story," Meilin said with a firm voice, "if you disagree, you know who to approach. Right now, the sooner we have dealt with this issue the sooner we can request perhaps a mission to save the other families. The priority is, however, our mission. Gear up and meet me here in thirty minutes. We will be moving out in the dark. Make sure you are ready then."

"I never said all of them, Hon." Aoi responded before turning to Kazumo with disdain on her lips, "You ought to listen to yourself sometime there, Muscles." she added incredulously before shrugging, "We leave a possible family and now they've got us. They see which way we left, when we came and went, how many we were, what we carried and how we acted. Now there's something to tell the Red Cloaks when they come knocking. So we either take them, if of course they even exist in the first place. Or you two are more than welcome to tie up those loose ends. After all it's just war," her eyes narrowed on the Scylding as the last words rolled from her tongue, "what're a few children's bodies on your hands right?"

Slowly, Dagrún turned to Aoi. The neutral expression shifted in one that betrayed some more emotion; frustration and anger. Turning her head slightly, Dagrún spat some saliva at the ground before focusing her gaze on Aoi.
"Dag-rún," she said, loud and clear, her right hand clenching into a fist. "And besides, what do ye know of the situation, 'Princess'? Must be nice sitting on a high horse, eh? But we know literally nothing yet about the situation. Our orders are to secure one VIP and yet, here ye are. Whining like a newborn pup. Claiming what is right and wrong. Do ye know if the family is even with the VIP? No, none of us know right noaw."
The accent briefly became stronger as Dagrún spoke in return.
"But I am done most with ye referring to me like that. I ain't a nobody."

"That is enough," Meilin said, raising her voice. Stepping in between the two, she made sure that it wouldn't escalate. Or in any case that the two wouldn't be able to go at each other's throats. Knowing fully well how capable both Aoi and Dagrún were, Meilin wasn't intrigued to see which one was the better fighter right before they had to depart.
"Like I said, prepare for the mission. We are given an order and that is final." Making sure to have made eye contact with both, Meilin readied herself mentally if neither of them would budge to her orders.
"Now prepare and let's meet again in thirty minutes, max."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sky was obsidian dark with only the stars and moon providing light. The camp seemed to, however, not come to any standstill. It was only somewhat more quiet, yet there was plenty of noise and activity. Something that briefly amused Meilin. How had the enemy not found them yet? Having a few hunches, she just made herself focus again on the mission. There was, after all, plenty of matters that already seemed to complicate the mission.
Garbed in the Imperial Akinian attire for shinobi, Meilin made sure that her gear was all proper. It did pain her that she had to leave her longsword behind. But this mission required them to go in fast and not aim for a full prolonged fight.

Now forced to wait on her squad and Kazumo, Meilin briefly already began to consider how they could approach the mission. An idea started to form in her mind, based on the abilities of everyone present on the mission. Aside from not knowing all details, there was one other thing that did bother Meilin.

Having geared up, Dagrún's expression seemed to turn once more neutral. Upon sighting Meilin, Dagrún would subtly nod her head before hooking her thumbs behind her weapon belt. Dressed much like Meilin into Imperial shinobi wear, the typical blue lines adorning Dagrún's face were slightly different. Rolling with her shoulders, she seemed like she wanted to say something before opting to remain silent. Despite trying to hide it, there was something that had caused Dagrún to appear to be a bit restless.

Kazumo had followed in a bit after Dagrun, dressed in the garb for the Imperial shinobi. Only minus his bow and sword which did make him feel a bit out of place honestly. So far he didn't have high hopes for how Aoi would go about the objective. He also wasn't sure how well Dagrun and Aoi would even operate, they hadn't even left yet and already almost come to blows. Kazumo simply stared at Meilin, then to Dagrun who looked like the situation was still bothering her pretty badly.

Slapping a hand on Kazumo's shoulders, Madoc would also be dressed in the same gear as Kazumo. Only Madoc had his holster filled with his daggers and knives. seeming the most ready for any possible assassinations. Looking among the three he let out a whistle. "Here I thought I was the pessimist of our group." Madoc said before a voice entered Dagrun's mind and only Dagrun's
"Just saying if you wanna rant. This mind link is only between us so far. So any profanity you wish to throw out there will be kept off record." Madoc's voice would resonate in Dagrun's skull as he proceeded to sit down on a crate as he stretched his arms out with a big yawn.

"Thanks, I will be fine. I just want to get to work, that is all," was what Madoc would be given as a response, from Dagrún.

Simple black Imperial shinobi garb seemed to be the go to for the group as Aoi entered last. She lacked any of the obvious weapons stowed on her body by her teammates, though by now they all knew better than to think her unarmed save for maybe Kazumo. She gave a slight nod to Meilin and took a seat, relaxing against a crate without a word, her face set in something between serious and apprehensive as she waited for whatever it was that came next.

Everyone had arrived and seemed prepared for what was to come. Throwing a glance at each person underneath her command on this mission, Meilin decided to not spill any words over anything. They had their orders and that was it. Nuances and possibilities were something she wasn't interested in discussing.
"We move out."" Was the sole command as Meilin turned around.

The travel through the dark was far from comfortable but Meilin kept the pace up - clearly expecting that the others would be able to keep up. The dark of the night made it difficult to really estimate how far they were going from the 11th Imperial encampment.
What seemed to be many hours eventually came to a crashing halt as Meilin slowed down and signalled with a soft command for the group to halt.
In the far distance, there was something that burned light. The faint sounds of distress could be picked out - making the 'silence' among the squad even more painful.
"Madoc, I want you on sensory duty," Meilin began as she threw a look over her shoulder. "Lay the link with me. I will go and try to see if I can scout ahead." A pause followed as Meilin turned her head, her gaze back at the odd beacon of light. "Everyone else, wait for my command."

That said, Meilin moved forward, the darkness rapidly devouring her from the sight of the others. Embracing that darkness for a moment, Meilin soon enough felt the wind carrying herself high into the air. The raven technique was certainly an advantage as she started to gain a better sight of what was happening up ahead.
The village that she saw wasn't too large. Much like the information that she had gained, it couldn't count more than roughly fifty or so families. Yet, people were still outside at this ungodly hour.

"Madoc, lead the others to the south. There are rice fields there with some vegetation," Meilin gave through as she continued, "I notice a few Red Cloaks from here. Most of the enemies are busy with burning a building at the opposite end of the village."

The travel was far from a joyous experience, the pitch black mixed with the fact they were on unknown land? Well it was far from something he would write home about, the travel though eventually came to a halt with a bright light in the distance ahead of them. Madoc would wait as Meilin would give him an order to which he gave a thumbs up. Setting up a link with Meilin as he performed his sensor duty. Sure enough they would have been in a clusterfuck for sure. He had count of about thirty of the cloaks some spread out but most were at the bright source.

What was slightly off was that most residents seemed to be crammed into one house while one house seemingly buried under it was one chakra source. Certainly odd indeed, as he was keeping a track on movement Meilin told him the best path of travel. "Gotcha, I have a count on thirty of these guys, most residents holed up in a house while one person seems to be underneath their house but deep underneath." Madoc stated through the link, as he looked at the rest and set up a link in their minds
"Alright you three lets get going, follow me and for the love of everything kids be quiet. I'd prefer not to have my ass whooped by thirty people today." Madoc said through the link to the three with him as he began to move through the forest as Meilin described and then into the Rice field where he began to lay a bit more low.

Waiting patiently, Dagrún kept her mind focused on the task ahead. With Meilin advancing further, the Dowhon wasn't feeling entirely comfortable with it. Hadn't she said that the layout wasn't entirely secure or known? Despite her worries, Dagrún kept her lips shut.
Upon Madoc's instruction, Dagrún moved silently behind the Yamanaka. Her eyes peered through the darkness for anything that could betray an enemy or a sight upon the village. The mentioning of thirty people made her wonder if the Yamanaka was just exgrattating or stating how many enemies there were.
Confident that she could take out a few, thirty Red cloaks would be quite the ordeal. Certainly if they would uncover their position. Even if the fight would be glorious, it wasn't something that Dagrún expected to end well.
Reaching what seemed to be rice fields, Dagrún mumbled a curse as she stepped into the cold water with her right boot.

With a better mind than to whistle at the mention of thirty enemies, Aoi simply nodded and followed from where she had been keeping watch of the darkness. The sounds of the events taking place in the town grew as they neared wherever Madoc was leading them before the soft sound of Madoc and Dagrún entering water broke what silence stood between the group. With a grimace Aoi lowered herself into the flooded paddy, the cold biting at her limbs as her iron grew taught around her core keeping the worst of the cold at bay.

Surveying from the sky, it was hard to spot her team. But as she lowered herself, Meilin could see the figures moving through the water - avoiding using chakra to alert potential sensors. Content with what she saw from her team, Meilin focused on the area ahead. The direction that they approached the village was barely guarded. Two Red Cloaks were standing guard, but in the light. A silly mistake, Meilin thought to herself, for that would reduce their vision with the light source nearby.
"Those two Red Cloaks up ahead are alone. Move further but wait before taking them out." Meilin instructed Madoc as she soared over the village. As Meilin looked out for more, she saw a duo of Red Cloaks patrolling the streets but their casual attitude and stride betrayed their confidence.
"Seems that we are facing fresh cloaks, some of them lack the discipline that we have encountered before," Meilin reported, her disgust noticeable in the message back to Madoc.
Manoeuvring herself to perform a circle motion in the air, Meilin then became surprised. Sighting something, a worry crept down her spine. Beating her wings once, the raven sends her thoughts back to Madoc with new instructions.
"I … I think I saw motion… Madoc, perform a sensory scan. Aoi and Dagrún take out the first two Red Cloaks. Kazumo on the standby."

Moving through the cold water that supplied life to the rice, Madoc kept up his sensory on the area, yet he picked up something odd. He heard Meilin's orders and when they got close he stopped moving and held his hand up slightly for his allies to see and pause. He saw nearby chakra sources that seemed very lax indeed, yet that wasn't what was bugging him. Meilin then mentioned seeing some form of motion to which madoc chimed in on it. He looked at the other three waiting in the cold waters with him. "Meilin wants Kazumo on standby while Aoi and Dagrun you two take out those two cloaks. No brutal sounding kills." He relayed to them before focusing more on this…. thing yet after a couple seconds with his nerves on end his voiced chimed in meilin's head.

"Whatever it is, either is scary as shit. With also the possibility of something scary as shit going down. Can't peer at it. Its a…. black mass. If something was hiding from me it simply wouldn't be there…… this…. this is actively keeping my ass out, and its feeling…… I strongly recommend avoiding it."

Hearing the message of Madoc, Dagrún kept her gaze locked on the village. Pulling out an axe, a grin dawned on her face. She was aware that brutal kills weren't allowed but the blonde Hon had a plan in which she could have some fun, at least.
Sneaking forwards, Dagrún became much more silent. Her pace betrayed a focus that seemed to contrast her enthusiasm in the difficulty that they were facing. Staying out of the light, Dagrún narrowed her eyes. Why were these Red Cloaks so careless? Standing guard in the light of a torch? It was so unexpected. Did they not expect any resistance?
Waiting for a second, Dagrún would raise her axe as she aimed the weapon. Using chakra was perhaps not ideal but seeing the stationary target, Dagrún didn't expect to miss. From her angle, the axe would fly from the side - harder to spot for a person, in the situation that the Red Cloak stood in.
Throwing a glance, she wanted to be sure that Aoi was ready. Noticing that was the case, Dagrún threw the axe with all her might. Watching the weapon flying towards the throat of her target, she started to move forwards.

The water flowing around her, Aoi pressed herself up out of the rice paddy and onto dry land once more. She gave herself some time to shed the worst of the water dripping off her body before she began to move through the darkness at the edge of the torch light. The barely visible form of Dagrún a bit further ahead was enough for Aoi to figure the woman was ready to make her move as she noticed what must be the outline of an axe rising through the air in the girl's hand. She slipped a pair of kunai from her own pouch and waited for the Hon to toss her own weapon. Just a fraction of a second after Aoi caught sight of the axe flipping through the light from the torch she let fly both kunai at the other Red Cloak.

The two Red Cloaks seemed to be unaware of the shadows creeping closer with murderous intent. It wasn't until the projectiles came flying that the two were shocked at the sudden hostility. Before they could respond, blood started flowing out of their wounds. Gurgles escaped the two as they sank towards the ground - remaining motionless there as the crimson liquid flowed gently from their bodies.
High in the air, Meilin kept an eye on her team members. Beating her wings twice with force, she attempted to climb higher in the air. Before she could start to use the bond with Madoc to give the next instructions, a strange sensation moved through the air. A soft breeze seemed to pick up but it had a particular experience with it. Frowning in her form, the raven started to circle back to the area where she had spotted odd movement before.
"Madoc, you stay behind. Keep sensorying and an eye for anything weird. Dagrún and Aoi are to advance further. I will direct them with your help. Kazumo? Try to figure out what the source of worry is. But do not engage." Meilin instructed as she would use her high position to spot any safe path towards the building where Madoc had sensed a sole chakra signature, but below ground level.

As Madoc layed out the order to Dagrún and Aoi, the strange breeze kept flowing through the village. Then chaos seemed to erupt but without a single soul able to formulate a shout or even a whisper. From the west, shadowy figures slipped into the village - surprising the Rongese with brutal force and speed. Alerted by this sudden attack and strange occurance, the Red Cloaks would engage in return.
Able to follow some of the engagement, Meilin couldn't recognise who the shadowy figures belonged to. Lowering herself, she would circle twice above Aoi and Dagrún before guiding them towards the building.

Pulling her axe out of the dying Rongese, Dagrún made sure that the man was dead. Once more jerking the weapon's head out of her victim, she was about to say something. But found to her surprise that words didn't leave her mouth. Frowning, she rose up but Madoc's thoughts resonated clearly in her mind - instructing her on what Meilin wanted.
Confused, Dagrún threw a sideways look at Aoi, wondering if the Miyazato was aware what kind of technique prevented speech. Was this a new one from Madoc or Meilin?
"Suits me," Dagrún responded back as she noticed the raven a few moments later. "By the way, neat trick. If nobody can make a sound, we can hurry up, aye?" she further brought up as she started to follow the raven to the building.
Approaching the door, Meilin's orders were something that Dagrún had doubts about. Where was their leader, actually? The Hon threw another look at Aoi, but seeing that they couldn't really use sounds to communicate, the blonde woman gestured to the door as she readied her axe - to follow Aoi when they would barge in.

A kunai in hand Aoi opened the door as quietly as she could, the fight now starting on the other edge of town, plenty cover enough for whatever noise the door made as she pushed it open and entered into the room. Her raised weapon lowered slightly as her eyes adjusted to the gloom of the room and found that it was all but empty. Sparse furniture adorned the space, a meager and cold meal still lay at its place at a small table on one side of the room. Aoi looked to Dagrún and shrugged as she lowered her hand and began to look around.

DeliciousFood · Jun 19, 2021

[ Sevudia - Authority's Encampment: Alsanna's Tent ]
[ Alsanna Shirafuji - Resident Friend ]
[ A letter arrives informing Alsanna that she has a new, curious friend! She replies as a friend would, even proposing a fun game! ]

Re: My Dear Friend

It was a quick restock, nothing too fancy, no strange encounters with Nishi. Alsanna just really wanted some water, and this departure into more perilous grounds gave a certain interloper a prime opportunity to infiltrate her small domain. Before long, barely ten minutes or so, she would return to her seemingly unchanged tent. There were no outward signs to leave her concerned beyond the sporadic glance from those that likely sought her ill will.

Upon entering with a pack of water bottles held by her left hand, she'd finally notice something. Having served time, she was rather keen when it came to sniffing out potential changes when many inmates did anything to steal the pettiest of things from another person's cell. The water bottles were gently dropped, her grasp now dedicated to her custom feather-kunai.

Another scan of her surroundings did confirm there wasn't anybody around, but there were two changes. The first was of her 'stolen' mementos. The ring was slightly displaced, although the fact that it wasn't taken left Alsanna with a confused expression. Her attention was then dedicated to the envelope over her sleeping bag. The tip of her blade was brought to gently prod the package, and even flip it over as to see if there weren't any outward signs of a trap.

So far so good. Her guard was lowered, for now, as she'd kneel to grab the sealed letter. No signs of tampering, she couldn't pinpoint any fuinjutsu or juinjutsu elements, which likely made the container itself safe. Using her kunai, she'd cut open the envelope to reveal a simple letter left inside. Again, she scanned it thoroughly, even going as far as utilizing her experimental approach involving weak jolts to potentially fish out a reaction. Still nothing.

The letter was pulled out, and with its simplicity came a rise in suspicion. Was the paper cursed? Made of a unique substance? What about the ink? All these potential paranoia factors seemed to drown away when she actually started to read the contents of the letter.

"No way." she muttered to herself, squinting at what she was reading. Her eyes ran the same trails at least three times. "Is this … A joke? Some sort of ploy?" her head was quickly guided to her tent's entrance, only for her frame to just freeze as she got pensive. There was nothing, this wasn't some trap at the very least, and now she was left to wonder what she'd do with this correspondence.

For a fourth time she read through it, this time with a smirk taking shape on her visage. "Tsk. Cheeky cunt." with a couple of titters, she tossed the piece of paper over her crate-desk whilst fumbling into her things to whip out a piece of virgin paper. "Let's see. High chance you're a high ranked, interested party ..." the paper was carefully placed over the thin layer of wood. "Minimal chance it's Rongese intelligence, too convoluted for just me." she continued to mutter to herself as she then reached for a pen stored inside the actual crate. "Moderate to low chance it's rival nation espionaaaage. That'd be funny."

Her head shifted to the left, and then to the right, prompting little cracks each time. The pen was readied right at the top of the paper but remained idle for a couple of minutes as she blankly stared at the paper. "... Hmmm. I suppose if we're friends, let's be friendly~"

My Friend,

I hope this letter finds you well! And, awwh! It warms my vacant, little witch heart to read such kind recognition. So few would claim themselves friendly and then send their loyal, uninvited dregs to my dwelling for a surprise correspondence. Help yourself to some water next time!

Now, now. No need to be sinister and intimidating, we're friends! And by your own admission, the best of friends soon enough. I do not think I've ever had a best friend. I've had acquaintances. Some brighter than others. But a best friend? Now that's a thrilling prospect, especially one that so keenly recognizes my genius. So ominous. So fun!

See, friend- actually, may we perhaps agree on a nickname? I feel like one of those drunkards that condescendingly calls someone "friend". No no, we are friends! We definitely need pet names of sorts. Anyway, this game is lame. I'm being frank because that is what friends do. A game needs to have stakes for both sides with something to gain, even if it's small and meaningless.

How about this: I can provide your anonymous, friendly butt with what you request. In exchange I get to pose a question AND have a reasonable request of my own. I think the labour to return ratio is quite fine here! Of course, since we're friends, it's all about having some harmless, joyful fun, right? Heck, ask me a question you may not even know! Or share some bad song you wrote, whatever. But one rule! I can't ask about your actual identity. That would be cheating.

Let's start with a simple one. What's your favourite kind of hairdo? I tend to like to leave mine flowing out, but that's not exactly ergonomic when working. But the natural curliness does actually go well with my face. I think. Maybe one of our common friends could tell you all about it!

As for my request. I would like some higher end medical supplies. Maybe a nice massage bed I could probably fit in this tent since I lack a roommate … Oh! And a small crate of those cereal bars they keep sneaking in here. I actually have an idea involving those. I promise it's smart.

Hopefully my first offering will suffice! I've got more, but I do not wish to spoil my dear, precious friend. I've set it as an annex to this letter.

Keep that pony for now! Don't want any pooping in this muddy mess.

Toodles~

With Love,
Alsanna Shirafuji

As indicated in the letter, there would indeed be a page-long report. It held various details on Alsanna's first scientific venture since her arrival in Sevudia without going too deep in the technical aspects or the conclusions. Although given the lapse of time since her last work, it wasn't reasonable to expect a full blown thesis just yet. Nonetheless, clear knowledge of the nervous system, the relation between the state of the body and chakra flow and potential applications of various abilities impacting the human psyche to engender physical results were put forward. However, without Alsanna's specific tools and input, the use of this data remained questionable, as if ensured she remained the valuable asset and not the knowledge itself. It also made potential espionage far less efficient.

Oetje · Jun 19, 2021

[ Operation: Savage Strike ]
[ 11th Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Team 4: @FrostedCaramel , @Oblivion666 , @Aliceee and @Oetje ]
[ Meilin is assigned to lead the veterans of her team, together with Kazumo Scylding aiding them, to acquire and extract a VIP target. The mission, however, sparks some emotions already at the start. Despite that, the team moves out with the full intent of succeeding the mission. But things aren't going that smooth as unknown factors start to butt in. ]

Part 2

Entering the home after Aoi, Dagrún looked around. Her eyes had to adjust to the darkness within the place. But upon nobody storming at her or Aoi, Dagrún lowered the axe she held in her fist. Nearly disappointed, the blonde Hon looked around. Approaching the table, Dagrún observed the meal briefly. Using her free hand, she picked up the piece of bread.
"Huh," she looked around again, only to realise something, "oh, we can talk? Weird place, this is," dropping the piece of bread on the ground, Dagrún walked around. The floorboard creaked underneath the Hon's weight but something caused her to halt. Slowly, she turned half around as she sought eye contact with Aoi.
"Ye know," Dagrún started as she subtly gestured, "ye never told me. But do ye like riddles?" The innocent question went with the Hon taking a step away from the place that had made an odd creak. "I always found myself fond of puzzles and the like."

Aoi found the sudden addition of the Hon's voice startling as the sound was once more free. She paid little mind to the idle rambling of Dagrún, only stopping in her search of the random furniture spread throughout the house when the Hon brought up riddles. An eyebrow raised curiously, Aoi cocked her head and let out a small laugh, "Not particularly. Though go on, I imagine you really want to say whatever it is." she stood as she finished searching a small drawer, "Madoc can we get some sort of update, on what's happening outside?" she asked over the mind link.

"Eh, don't worry your pretty head about it," was the first response. A pause occured before Madoc's voice once more resonated in both Dagrún and Aoi's mind again. "Just know that you girls better hurry or I have to come and be a hero." Despite the usual modicum of mockery and teasing, there seemed something off about Madoc's tone. Something that hinted to panic.

Holding her axe with both hands, Dagrún watched as Aoi searched a drawer. Nodding slowly, the blonde Hon's gaze moved to the wooden boards in front of her boots. "Well, his words, aye? Guess, we ought to hurry then," she mumbled before raising her axe. In a swift motion, Dagrún knelt down and slammed the steel edge of the weapon into the wood. The cracking of wood was loud but did little to stop Dagrún from jerking her weapon free and hacking more wood away.
"Well, would ye look at this," the blonde Hon said with some pride in her voice, "a rabbit hole. Ye wanna go first or want me to explore first, eh?" She asked Aoi, a grin visible on the Hon's features.

Aoi sighed and shrugged again, "I would have preferred the riddle." she admitted before she lowered herself down into the hole. Her head disappearing into the darkness for a few seconds it would suddenly return as she looked up at the Hon, "Let me know if you need back yeah?" she said quickly before disappearing once more without waiting for an answer.

Entering into a small chamber lit by a single candle Aoi turned where she crouched and started off down the only tunnel dug into the place. "I imagine I am getting closer to the thing beneath the house yeah?" she asked Madoc as she spun the kunai anxiously in her hand.

It stayed silent for several seconds before Madoc's voice responded. "You are getting warmer, yeah," was the first comment that responded to Aoi's question. Another few seconds seemed to pass before the Yamanaka's voice cracked softly in Aoi's mind once more. "It is human. Perhaps see if he got any booze. Preferably red wine. Not that weird stuff I fo--... never mind that," his voice trailed off at the end.

"Okay then." Aoi respond over the link as she pushed further down the tunnel. After another handful of tense breaths she found herself staring at an older man, his clothes dirty and his features disheveled. He cowered against what looked to be the end of the tunnel, shivering and whispering to himself in his own language as Aoi neared.

Cautiously she reached out, a hand grasping the cloth of his shoulder firmly as the other held the kunai low to defend herself if need be, "Akino." she stated in the darkness, not quite sure if the man really even knew what that meant.

The frightened man stared at Aoi, the name of the Empire in the west, briefly seeming to draw blanks. Then the man nodded as his lips parted, words in his native tongue flowing in a rapid pace. He pointed one of his arms up, likely to the village that was still above them. Waiting for a second, he seemed to swallow only to have realisation dawn upon him; they didn't understand each other. The man spoke a bit slower, his eyebrows forming a frown on his brow as he waited for Aoi's response.

Smiling lightly, Aoi shrugged and motioned for the man to follow her out of the tunnel with her kunai. "He's jammerin on but I don't speak their language…" she thought through the link before turning in the tunnel to head out. Briefly, she thought better of leaving her back to the stranger, but only briefly.

Emerging from the tunnel and back into the small house, Aoi gave a confused look to Dagrún before she turned around to help the man out of the tunnel. "Back the way we came then?" she asked the Hon as she turned to look out one of the small windows the building had.

The moment that Dagrún detected some sounds from the hole, she pushed her back from the wall. Her grip on the handle of her axe became tighter. Upon seeing the blue-haired Miyazato, a visible expression of content was rapidly replaced with confusion as Aoi turned around and aided a man out. "Oh?" She began, observing the man for a second before turning to Aoi, "ye found the guy. Nobody else with the old fart?" She asked before shrugging lightly to answer Aoi's question. "I honestly don't know. If ye listen, ye can hear that some ruckus is going on."
As if to emphasize, they would hear a shout piercing through the night followed by others before the ambience of combat became less audible.
"None have yet came in sight though," Dagrún said as she observed their 'VIP' for a second. "Right behind yous, though."

From above, a raven would land in the doorstep for a moment. The bird tilted its head before Meilin's voice resonated within that of Dagrún and Aoi's mind. "We will avoid what is going on in the centre. Our priority is that man," the voice of Meilin trailed off as the raven turned around and hopped outside. Only to spread its wings and move back up in the air.
"Just follow the raven. It is best to not get tangled with what is going on up there," Meilin's voice instructed as the bird started to circle - waiting for the three to come out and follow its directions.

"Just him." Aoi confirmed as she gave the man another look, the glint of a chain visible now that he was in better light. Paying it no mind she turned to regard the outside again as the sounds of combat seemed to dim. "Should get going before someone wins yeah?" she asked as crossed to the door. "Lead the way." she gestured to Dagrún as she took the man with a firm grip and place him in front of her.

For a moment, Dagrún stared at the raven but she didn't pose any questions. Instead, she seemed more than usual, awfully willing to cooperate with the instructions - not even a jovial comment or witty retort flowing from her lips. Moving out of the house first, Dagrún threw a look around before she subtly gestured to Aoi that it was safe. Following the raven, all that Dagrún could detect was a constant breeze. Realising that they were being deafened, she did wonder who else had beef with the Rongese. Perhaps some local rebels that were willing to take a fight with thirty or so Red Cloaks? Daunting task, Dagrún tried to think to herself, realising that the Chonobi words flowed into the minds of others now.
"Woops, my bad," she followed the thoughts as she continued to follow the raven in the night, out of the village.

"Stay focused," Meilin's voice gently sounded in their minds, "you three are nearly safe." It then stayed silent before Meilin's voice resonated again.
"After that, we are going to save those other people," this time her voice a bit firmer, around the same time that Aoi and Dagrún escorted the man out of the village and into the darkness of that they had came from.

Madoc's voice then turned up as he would move out of the shadow, raising a hand to attract the attention of the other two escorting their VIP. "I will guard him. You two can now do the heavy lifting, I suppose." He instructed, before the three would hear the old man starting to jabber in his native tongue, pointing back at the village. Even the dark couldn't mask the sheer terror and panic in his voice or expression. Madoc audibly sighed as he made a waving gesture at Aoi and Dagrún before turning to the man.
"Uhu, yeah, uhu. I totally get you, my dude," Madoc responded, even crossing an arm out front of his face while bringing his other hand to cup his chin, "No, you don't say? I got something similar back at camp. Though probably less fancier..."

"Right," Meilin's voice sounded as the raven landed on Aoi's shoulder. "We are going back but I want this to be as clean as his extraction. Anybody that resists must be subdued and we will come back later for them, is that clear?" Meilin's question posed as the raven turned its gaze at Aoi and afterwards at Dagrún.

Aoi turned her head to the raven, confusion obvious on her features as she looked back into the village, "Is that wise? We already have him, and we've not been found out yet…" she asked her own wants versus their mission now threatening to fight over which came first like before.

Dagrún remained silent. Ignoring the exchange between the old man and Madoc, she focused her attention on the raven and Aoi. Sheathing her axe, Dagrún threw a look back at the village. A few columns of fire seemed to reach into the obsidian coloured sky. "Well, I am good to go back to camp. But if yous want to risk it? Then it is best to be cautious…."
Only then did she notice something. Where was the Scylding? Frowning, she looked around, not seeing the archer that had been with them since the start of the mission. "Where is that Scylding lad, eh?" She decided to bring up, looking confused at the raven and back at Aoi.

Meilin's answer didn't come right away. The raven did throw a long look at Aoi but remained also surprisingly calm on the Miyazato's shoulders.
"Kazumo linked up with those that attack the Red Cloaks. We achieved our objective but we can achieve something more," Meilin's voice sounded. "I don't know if the Rongese will win or lose but those people are leverage. I want to take that away from them. Perhaps even add it on top of their village elder's gratitude," the raven turned its head and threw a look at the Yamanaka and elder. The two were still in a conversation, with the elder seemingly convinced that Madoc was in charge of the gang.

Aoi would feel the soft squeeze of the raven on her shoulder before Meilin's voice spoke again. "It is best to do our duty to the fullest. And we can do it quickly, so let us not tarry."
The raven jumped off Aoi's shoulder and with the beating of its wings started to gain altitude, to serve once more as a guide for Aoi and Dagrún.

"Fine then," Aoi stated, reassured by the squeeze at her shoulder, "Quietly then, and let's get this over with as quickly as we can." she began to follow Meilin as she disappeared into the darkness, a nagging feeling at the back of her mind telling her they were inviting danger as she did.

As both Aoi and Dagrún followed, the raven led them back through the village. Once more they would hear a breeze constantly moving through the village - the source that every other sound was void. The raven would land on top of a larger building. The difference in size with surrounding buildings and closer to the centre gave away that the complex had a certain purpose.
"The people are inside. You guys go in. Remember," Meilin's voice resonated in Aoi and Dagrún's mind, "try to do this quickly. I will have to check on Kazumo and his progress. Follow the way back and make sure that nobody tries to go to the centre of the village. We don't want any innocent blood flowing."
The raven would then jump and dive from the building, vanishing into the night.

Listening to the instructions, Dagrún wanted to respond back. Her lips parted but then she remembered that something prevented them from making any sound audible. While seeing the usage of such a technique, it was really starting to frustrate Dagrún. Gesturing to Aoi to follow, Dagrún turned back to the door in front of them.
A solid kick was enough to slam the door wide open. Stepping inside, Dagrún glanced around but what she saw was far from her liking. With a disgusted expression, she saw people clinging to the far side of the place as if they were some rats hiding from the sunlight.
"Well fuck," Dagrún mumbled as she tried to quickly count them, only to stop at thirty. There were people from all ages, so far she could see in the dark of the place. Raising a hand, a jolt of lightning jumped briefly into the air - bringing light into the place. It revealed much more frightened faces than they could see initially.
"This is going to be fucking difficult," she grunted, displeased with so many people. Turning half to Aoi, she gestured to the villagers. "So, any plans? Cause right now, I am not having any. Other than to drive them as a pack of cattle to the place with the elder."

Dumbstruck by the number of people present, Aoi found herself lost for words as Dagrún sparked up some light. The Hon's attention turned away from the villagers Aoi found herself needing to answer in some meaningful way as to what to do in this situation, but all she could muster were a few choice words, "Well fuck." she echoed the Hon as she looked through the building. Stepping in front of Dagrún she moved to approach the people, raising her arms up placatingly as she neared them, "Akino." she stated loud enough for the closest to hear her, "We're with Akino." she continued as she gestured from herself to Dagrún.

She cocked her head back to the Hon and shrugged, a lost expression on her face as she did, "I see no way we get them all out without something going wrong." she stated flatly before turning back to keep repeating who they were to the villagers.

The villagers seemed to be still terrified, refusing to budge from their spots. Mothers gripped their children tighter as fathers refused to move away - despite the clear fear plastered on their faces. When Aoi addressed them, a confusion settled in but none of the villagers seemed to move forwards or speak the same language in return. With the group inside, the odd breeze didn't impact them. A loud explosion ringed close, its light briefly shining through the blocked windows - through the cracks of the wood. Several of the children started to cry, as if the tension wasn't already tangible inside the space.

Waiting, Dagrún seemed far from willing to trust the people. Her right hand moved to the ring in which her axehead rested. When none of the people made any word or motion that they trusted them, Dagrún threw a look at the door. The sounds outside were far from comforting.
"Talking isn't gonna help," she grumbled, her frustration clear as she eyed the crowd. Shaking her head, Dagrún stomped off towards the line of people. Her gaze rapidly moved till she saw a somewhat elderly man. Crouching in front of him, she would frantically start to unhook her weapon belt. Holding it up, she pointed at it.
"Ye see this, ye cunt?" Dagrún angrily stated before dropping it, while keeping her gaze locked with the likely terrified man, "not armed. See?" Raising her hands up briefly, she then patted the man on the shoulder.
"Now be an absolute fookin' peach before I will start pounding ye harder than a blacksmith hammer would on some damned fookin' iron."

The man that Dagrún approached tried to move away as did others that the Hon moved close to. A few people shouted something but silence quickly returned upon Dagrún's angry words. Completely baffled and confused, the man's gaze moved from the dropped weapon belt back to the blonde woman. He said some words, the confusion and fear audible in his voice. Only to end up shaking his head as he started to point outside, more foreign words flowing out of his mouth - the content unclear but the intention of not wanting going outside evident.

Aoi watched as Dagrún tried to reason with the villagers without any seeming success. Her patience running thin as the sounds of the combat outside grew more intense, Aoi moved to stand next to the Hon as the man babbled in his language and pointed outside.

Slowly Aoi crouched to be level with the man's eyes. Frustration painted her features she pointed at the man and then at the ground before running a finger across her own neck. Taking a few moments for the meaning to hopefully strike home she then pointed at herself and Dagrún then outside, turning back to the man she made the motion of running with her fingers and stopped. She repeated the first set of motions to the man and then stood, grabbing the weapon where it lay, "We're going Dagrún, whether they come with us or not." she said reluctantly as she handed back the Hon's axe.

Dagrún did a step backwards, to give Aoi some space as she buckled her weapon belt back on. Watching what kind of gestures Aoi made, Dagrún showed visible confusion as Aoi stated that they should go - regardless what the villagers decided. Gesturing already to them, Dagrún's lips parted as it was clear that the blonde Hon wanted to protest. All that did happen was that Dagrún's arms lowered and no word left Dagrún's lips. Throwing a glare at the villagers, Dagrún accepted the return of her axe.

The man frowned but a certain glint of understanding seemed to dawn after Aoi's series of gestures. But instead of responding directly, the villagers started an exchange that started to blow up. Some shook their head and seemed unwilling to move. But a woman rose up with a determined expression. Two children, barely older than six or seven clinged to the woman's skirt. The woman spoke up in a sharp tone but it was unsure if it was aimed at Dagrún or Aoi. However, the woman led the children as she approached Aoi and Dagrún cautiously. She spoke up as she pointed at her children - tears welling up in her eyes. She gently shoved one of the boys forwards as she then patted on her chest, repeating some words over again.

Aoi watched as the villagers seemed to have an argument over what to do, her expression pained as she watched more than a handful of them seem to want to stay. "Dagrún, we can't stay any lo--" her words ended as a woman approached the two from the crowd, pushing a boy in front of her as she neared.

"Well that's at least one saved? Three maybe?" she asked confused, unsure if the mother and other kid would be coming. "Let's go though, if they want to live, they'll follow… The rest…" she scowled as she turned and headed for the door.

Staring at the woman with the boys, Dagrún stayed silent. She wanted to say something but Aoi already moved towards the door. Nodding slowly to the woman, Dagrún took a step aside and gestured to follow Aoi.
"I will keep the rear under control. Ye go at the lead and keep going," Dagrún said as she threw a curious look to see if more would follow. But if this was all, then Aoi was right; they shouldn't keep Meilin or the others waiting forever.

The mother with the two sons seemed relieved. Whispering something to the children, she followed Aoi with a small but clear distance between them. A few more people rose up as they made their way to the door, a few of them making a bow with their head as they passed Dagrún to join Aoi and the mother with her children. Soon enough, all within the space rose up and shoveled towards the door - the fear still present but nobody daring to stay behind. Outside, however, a few more fires seemed to be approaching the site. Surprisingly, there were no culprits visible that had caused the ambience of combat. All that remained was the constant sound of a breeze.
The moment that Aoi would step outside, a raven landed on her shoulder. The animal seemed far from uncomfortable or intimidated by the large group of villagers that anxiously followed the blue-haired girl.

Leading the way at a quick pace but conscious of the age of some of those following, Aoi began the trek back to Madoc and the relative safety of the dark rice paddies. She kept her head moving, every few seconds checking one side and then the other, surveying the shadows around them as the light of the silent fires cast figures and shapes in places there shouldn't normally have been any. With a meager smile she turned back to the woman and her children, hoping to be somewhat reassuring before she turned her head forward again to continue her lead.

Staying at the rear, Dagrún felt an odd sensation moving through her body. Yet, she remained focused on their surroundings. Several times already did the blonde Hon turn fully around to spot any possible combatant that would aim to attack the group. But it seemed that things were going well.
"This is going rather decently," Dagrún thought, wondering about something else, "though, what will we do when we have them outside? Lead them just away from the village and then that is it? Or take them all to the 11th camp?"

It stayed silent for a good ten seconds before Meilin's voice responded in their mind. "We will see what happens. It is too late now to turn back. Besides---"
The voice of Meilin was disrupted as one of the nearby buildings caved in. The small wooden structure seemed to become engulfed in flames as two figures seemed to escape narrowingly from the complex collapsing. The sight of an unknown combatant in dirtied gear fighting a Red Cloak was enough to invoke panic among the villagers. While their screams weren't audible, their expressions and motion spoke volumes on their own. Suddenly, instead of anxiously following Aoi, they rushed forwards as a rampaging herd of cattle stirred into a frenzied panic.

And like that everything fell apart.

"Oh fuck." Aoi thought through the link as eighty frantic people surged toward her. She side stepped the first few before herself turning to run with the crowd. Sprinting she easily passed the furthest forward of the group and waved her arms frantically hoping they would realize she wanted them to follow.

"Maybe a ton of us coming in hot here soon Madoc, or only a few." she thought quickly as she tried to navigate the village back to the rice paddies.

The sudden change caused Dagrún to whip out her axe. A sharp blue energy encased the steel axehead as Dagrún wanted to butt into the fight. Only to realise that she had more pressing matters. Staring at the sight of the villagers rushing forwards, Dagrún muttered a few curses as she gave chase - sheathing her weapon in the progress.
"Damn these folk. Perhaps we should keep them together with something? I can whip some lightning to keep them going where we want them to go." Dagrún suggested as she tried to keep any stranglers from getting seperated.

The raven on Aoi's shoulder had taken off and was circling above the chaos. The two combatants seemed surprised about the crowd but their attention was back at each other, their lethal dance continuing without any empathy to their surroundings.
The crowd of people barely slowed down as Aoi moved back in front and tried to make them follow. A few tried but the crowd seemed to just push everyone moving forwards. The way ahead ending in a split of the road, which would be far from beneficial.

But as the group moved to the split and threatened to split up into two groups, a torrent of fire would prevent anyone from moving into the wrong way. Standing on a rooftop, Meilin kept the fire ongoing.
"Go," she simply instructed, as the crowd didn't hesitate to take the other path. However, another split would threaten the group once more from staying coherent.

Thankful for Meilin's intervention, Aoi kept ahead of the group and found her anxiety heightened again as she neared another fork in the road, "Dagrún, Dagrún do something flashy with that lightning now!" she thought frantically as the crowd boiled at her heels, her own magnet release as hard as it would be to see at night would only threaten to get someone hurt if she put it up to stop their stampede, but the far more flashy release of lightning may be helpful, if the Hon could manage to do something from her current position.

No response came from Dagrún upon Aoi's request. Instead, the dark of the night was driven back as a trio of large hounds of lightning rushed past the crowd and started to circle around the path that would lead the crowd from the right way. Focusing on her technique, Dagrún felt the heavy vibrations going through her arm as she poured a lot more chakra in the technique than she had done before. The vibrations started to instill a numbing sort of pain that made Dagrún decide to 'speak' up.
"Make those fookers hurry," she urged Aoi, "By Signý's spear, this is murderin' my arm!"

The sight of the large lightning creatures was enough to drive the villagers away, steering into the right way: straight to the darkness where they had entered the village several times. As people ran into the dark, their pace started to slow. A few of the villagers stumbled into the cold water of the rice paddies, causing others to adapt to a slower speed as well. Not long, Madoc's voice shot through the mind link.
"Okay, what the fuck?" The Yamanaka's voice betraying his surprise, "So, wait, okay, what now?" Madoc requested as the people started to huddle in the dark. Outside the village and the odd breeze, the sounds of dozens of people being afraid and confused became clear and audible. The older man that Aoi and Dagrún had extracted before, however, spoke to the small crowd and managed to get them to silence. He gestured heavily to Madoc, which made many of the people bow their head subtly as some of the elderly moved forwards - desiring to plant a kiss on the blonde man's forehead.

The raven from before landed once more on Aoi's shoulder. Perched atop the Miyazato's shoulder, the voice of Meilin rang through the team's mind.
"We will guide them back to the camp. We will stay with the villagers. Kazumo is going to make sure nobody follows us."
The raven seemingly turned its gaze to Aoi, apparently winking before once more taking off to the dark of the sky.

Aliceee · Jun 20, 2021

[ 11th Encampement, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ Aoi Miyazato, @FrostedCaramel | Dagrún Hon, @Aliceee ]
[ After the mission that Team 4 has been on, Aoi and Dagrún's frustration hasn't been resolved. The two start to go at each other, nearly at the point of fighting one another. However, this confrontation seems to be just the turning point that they were needing to resolve matters. ]

"I suppose it is just hard to admit when someone is wrong,"

Her gear dropped to the table with a solid thud as Aoi entered the tent. Turning where she stood she took a moment to try and sort her mind before giving up in frustration. Quickly stepping from the tent she made her way to the form of Dagrún in the haze of early morning.

"What about we figure this shit out yeah?" she asked as she approached the woman, annoyance clear on her face in the gloom as she spoke.

Half turning around, Dagrún didn't hide her contempt upon being approached by Aoi. There seemed to be a brief and clear desire that the blonde Hon wanted to just ignore the approaching Miyazato. "Figure this shit out? Ye approach others in a funny way," Dagrún replied, the mockery clear in her voice as she fully turned to Aoi, "But sure, what do ye want now? Preach more about yer high and divine morality and shit?"

"My high morality? You're one to talk, calling me 'Princess' and acting like I'm some nobles kid coddled from birth." her frown grew as she stopped, "You act like I owe you respect like I should know who the fuck are. Like you tell us anything about yourself," she couldn't help it as her voice began to rise, "What the hell do you care if I call you 'Dagrún' or 'Hon' what the hell does it matter huh?"

Suddenly Dagrún burst into laughter, one that lacked any joy. Focusing her attention back at Aoi, Dagrún seemed ready to spit right at the Miyazato's face. But instead, she spoke back.
"Oh, ye are funny at times. Guess what? I did tell the cap' stuff. I learned more about her than ye probably know. Madoc? I frigging told him stuff too. Oh, that is right," Dagrún raised her hand and gently tapped her forehead, "ye didn't know. Cause ye didn't bother asking right? Ye probably go crying to Madoc when things go wrong. Or quick to question the cap' when things ain't going as ye desire."
Scoffing, Dagrún shook her head lightly.
"Ye are an uptight cunt, aren't ye? Fucking tried to smack cap' in her teet' cause I forgot yer name. And now questioning me why ye should use my name?" Dagrún replied, her accent becoming more noticeable than before.

"I did push her shit in." Aoi growled as the Hon went on, "And you only confide in your own. Meilin is Chonobi like you, and Madoc is neither of us. Yakimara are so fucking neutral in our hate for one another we both get along with him." she found herself letting out a small laugh as she continued, "You only open up to your own, and you've made it clear from the start that I'm not one of them. So what then, you want to tell me about yourself? Maybe let me know something? Or should I push your shit in like I did the Cho?" her scowl grew as she waited for Dagrún's response.

Slowly, Dagrún's right hand flexed. Her body language radiating that she was getting more ready to lunge at Aoi's throat. Once more, Dagrún scoffed at the reply of Aoi. "Yer are more twisted than I fookin' thought. If ye want to throw hands, then don't torture me with yer bull. Maybe if ye would step off that horse ye would learn a thing or two. Like I am warning ye, one final time." The cheeks of the blonde woman started to flare up more than before as she took a step closer to Aoi. "Call me or the cap' like that again, and we got a real hindrance on our hands. I don't fook with your Asiske but don't you start fookin' back."

"As if you're some peasant girl right?" Aoi began, "We all saw what you had in that tavern, you're no commoner yourself." she scoffed, "And what the hell do you mean fucking with the Asiske? I don't fucking follow your mind sometimes, so fucking caught up in protecting whatever it is that you all protect no one ever knows what the fuck you're getting at." she took a measure of Dagrún before grinning, "So enlighten me."

"Ye are an Asiske, like" frowning, Dagrún paused as she seemed to ponder on something, "like what yer culture is. And don't start about me. Ye were never interested in me, so don't start to play games now. All ye seem to care about is what is right and wrong."
Despite responding defensively, it became apparent that Dagrún was confused in the shift of Aoi's body language.

A flutter of confusion passed through Aoi's mind as Dagrún responded, "I'm not Asiske, I'm Taika…?" she began, her voice uncertain as she went on, "And whoever said I'm not fucking interested in you huh? We're on the same fucking team, working with a ghost of a person that keeps everything secret helps no one." she paused for a moment shifting slightly on her feet, "I don't give a damn what you think of my morals, they're fucking mine. I may not always agree with the things we do but I've not once gone against our orders. You're just too caught up seeing me one way that you're no better than a blind man."

"Yeh, that," Dagrún responded in an irritated fashion. She took a second before responding again. "I ain't keeping no secrets, ye damn milksop. Ye never once asked or approached me. Yet, ye are one that just throws her morals and desires into all faces. Like this past mission. We didn't know the situation and ye were ready to condemn me and the Scylding already. Because what? We decide to trust the cap and go with her leadership? Ye say about me what yer actually are yerself."

Aoi felt the scowl return to her face as Dagrún prattled on about things she didn't seem to understand. With a start and a finger pointed at the Hon she responded in kind, "The fuck are you on about? I asked a goddamn question when we were told to. I didn't beg to save anyone, I didn't even insist it! You're just too fucking dense to understand that this shit we do isn't always black and fucking white! What do you do when your orders don't lay out everything to the tee? What do you do when you refuse to think of the possibilities and end up fucked over and bleeding out alone in a ditch somewhere because you overlooked something we could have handled before we left. Or better yet? When something you fuck up because you're too blind to think for yourself gets Meilin killed!"

She took a step forward as her face flushed, "My morals are fuckin mine, and sometimes they coincide with shit we need to face in what we do." she scoffed, "You can continue being ignorant to reality and trust some bullshit orders mocked up by some asshole who's never left the goddamn encampment, or you can think for your fucking self. Unless you want to return as the girl who just followed fucking orders to whatever keep you call home when this is all said and done." she heaved as she took in a breath, her body hot as she vented her frustration with Dagrún.

Despite it being clear that Dagrún was growing unhappy with the exchange, she simply stayed silent. "Ye are quick to call people dense, eh? Or eager to call them a lot of stuff." She said, wanting to say more before Aoi interrupted her.

"Don't even start with acting like I'm the only one doing any name-calling here." Aoi cut in.

Spreading her arms, Dagrún took two steps back. "Oh, that is right, 'Princess'. I merely forgot my place. Does her royal fookin' highness want an apology from me? Or does she want to scamper to the 'Yakimara', who she probably doesn't even fully know or understand." Scoffing again, Dagrún continued. "I bet ye even didn't really care that ye let down that one girl. Do ye remember her name? Or did you just call her Cho when she died?"

"Don't you fucking dare." Aoi rumbled as the Hon pushed.

"Dare what? To say how it is? I thought that the world wasn't black and all white. Heh, wasn't it? Fooker." Dagrún sneered the last word with more emotion than the others. "Ye probably won't fookin care either if the cap' gets mowed down. Ye call her Cho, ye question her easily but when the tables turn? Ye are quick to point and cross. I doubt ye even truly care about Madoc. Or do you call him Yamanaka when ye are going to let him down too?"

Aoi felt like something shifted inside her, some painful movement that sent fire through her veins as Dagrún had the nerve to say the things she was saying. "You're a fucking heartless bitch." she spoke under her breath. Her hands curling into fists she spoke through gritted teeth, "What fucking right do you have to talk about Dea? What goddamn right?" she started as she closed the gap with Dagrún to just an arms-length, "You really are insufferable you know that? Some stuck-up bitch from the backwaters of god-knows-where thinking she knows better than everyone else. So what is it then? What blinds you Dagrún? What made you this fucking cold?" she shook slightly in place, her fists relaxing as she did, "What made you stop thinking for yourself huh? Who did it?" she growled as she watched the Hon intently.

Locking her eyes with Aoi, Dagrún didn't seem to budge the moment that the Miyazato moved forwards. "What right, ye ask? The right that I knew more about her than ye do. The right that I didn't let her die. The same right ye don't have on judging me or my folk," Dagrún spat back, "Ye want to know what made me cold? Ye are fookin' idiot. I think plenty for myself. But I don't question everyone. I don't bring the cap' down when she is ought to lead us into a mission. Instead of frigging question' me, ye should take a look at yerself. Yer are nothing more than an uptight twat that still thinks she knows all better. Ye know," Dagrún slightly nodded as she took a step forwards to Aoi, "maybe that is exactly why Madoc and ye haven't gotten any closer. I bet it hurts, eh? To not figure out someone ye like. I bet that is why he is fookin' other lasses than ye right now."

Aoi's head spun as Dagrún spoke, her hands became slick, her fingers sticking to her palms as she shifted in place and tried her best to reign in her mind, "I didn't kill that girl." she began quietly, her words shaky and unsure, "We had a job to do and she rolled a hard six. It could have been me just as easily." she stated almost as much for herself as it was to reply to Dagrún, "And I never questioned Meilin, I don--" she shook her head, "I don't know why you keep saying I did." she took a step away from Dagrún as her eyes wandered away from the blonde Hon, "Madoc and I have never been anything, what he does is his business." she affirmed before turning back to Dagrún, genuine pity in her eyes as she frowned, "Your people broke you didn't they?" she asked quietly, every ounce of her being resigned to simply watching whatever played out next.

For a moment, Dagrún felt she had the upper hand. The fighting spirit of before crushed, Dagrún was ready to deliver a finishing blow in a verbal way to Aoi. Only to become confused as she saw the Miyazato in a different light. Alone and perhaps confused? Hurt? Misunderstood?
Not understanding what kind of game her own mind was playing, Dagrún wanted to steel herself and not allow herself to be bested. But instead of seeing Aoi, she saw someone that shook her to the very core.
Registering the question that Aoi asked, Dagrún wanted to grab the other by the throat. To use violence to make Aoi swallow those words back in. But instead of violence, tears started to well up in Dagrún's eyes. No words left the trembling lips of the blonde, who wanted to act. Each passing second, however, made it harder to act as she desired.
"Shut up," the two words didn't leave with the usual confidence or firmness that belonged to Dagrún. They sounded like she had been: scared and confused.
"Shut up."

Blue eyes regarded the Hon with the same pity as before and Aoi shook her head as a frown spread across her lips. "You know," she hesitated, her eyes darting to the early morning sky just as hints of purples and blues began to streak the clouds, "I hate myself for what happened. To Dea." she confided quietly, "What I'd give to change positions. To be given over to the Fire in her place." as she spoke she felt the fire in her veins fading with every beat of her heart.

"I replay those moments over and over. I close my eyes and she's there, she's…" she absentmindedly began to wipe her hands across her tunic as she spoke, "I can't sleep at night. I can't do anything anymore Dagrún." she admitted to the Hon, "I take every watch I can. I avoid everything and everyone. And most of all I avoid being idle, like… I can't let my mind wander, you know? If I do... it's back to her." she brought her gaze down to Dagrún, sorrow rife across her face.

"I don't know what happened to you. Who broke you, and left you as you are. But you could tell me, if you want." she finished quietly.

It stayed silent as Dagrún stayed where she was. Her lips trembling, held tightly against each other despite the deep desire of Dagrún to spill it out. Yet, she still wanted to cling on to the idea that this wasn't a person that could understand her. That would accept her.
Her eyes seemed desperate to see any sign or glint of treason behind Aoi's words, only finding a naked truth that was painful to witness.
Without warning, Dagrún took a few steps back as she exhaled heavily. Placing her hands on her hips, Dagrún's head lowered as she evidently wanted to recover herself. Only for a moment later did her head rise and her body to half turn towards Aoi.
"This isn't fookin' fair," Dagrún said, only to mutter something underneath her breath. Raising her right hand, she attempted to casually wipe away the few tears that started to roll over her cheeks.
"How can I now dislike ye being a pretentious twat? Gods," breaking her eyes from Aoi, Dagrún mumbled something against as she kicked a pebble away. Only to come to a realisation.
"Fine, ye want to know that? Ye genuinely want to know and not throw yer damned opinion on it? Cause I swear, if this is somehow to jab me, I will never forgive ye."

"Life's not black and white." she resigned quietly as Dagrún spoke of fairness. The smell of copper and iron filled her nostrils and she began to wipe her hands harder as Dagrún insisted that she not be tricking her.

"I'm all out of cards Dagrún. My hand's on the table, you're the only one left to go."

Dagrún seemed to warily eye Aoi. The fatigue from the mission also started to wear her defenses down, causing her to actually want to buy and trust Aoi's words. Some silence started to plague them, somehow dominating the usual ambience of the war camp. A silence that Dagrún found painful despite wanting to remain silent.
"Alright," she said, hesitation clear in her voice as she spoke softer, "I suppose it is then time to figure this… shit." The blonde said, referring to Aoi's opening to this exchange. "Ye want to know what happened? I am an exile. I ain't part of any clan anymore. Ye want to why I can't bear hearing ye say that dumb Asiske name ye lot have for us? Cause ye remind me of what I am not. Of what I want to be again. That's why I find ye so insufferable when ye refer to me as 'Hon'. To the cap' as 'Cho'. I got a name and I am done with just being seen as a nobody."

"Oh." Aoi gasped as Dagrún lay it bare. A part of her wanted to offer words of comfort, to tell the blonde that everything would be alright, but she knew better. She knew she had no sense of what was truly happening, or any way to fix such a thing as being exiled. "Is… Is Hon not your surname Dagrún?" she ventured in confusion, her mind doing its best not to step on some unseen trap in her own words. Her hands began to slow against her tunic, the feeling of Dea's blood finally rescinding itself as she now found her mind focused on something completely different, "I mean I thought? And what the fuck of them? Who would exile you? You're… Well you're you, who wouldn't want you in their family line Dagrún?" she felt herself slipping as began to ramble. With a breath, she calmed her mind for the first time since the conversation had begun and settled her gaze on the girl before her.

"What did you do Dagrún?"

Dagrún's expression shifted, showing the disdain that she held for Aoi using that name for her people. "Nay, it isn't. That is what you Asi- Taika use for us. Neither is the cap' called Cho in her people's tongue. Neither was Dea a Cho." Frustrated, Dagrún caught herself wanting to explain it. But she held herself back. Was it the right time? Just because she had lost the will to fight and hold up a wall, did that mean she should now spill everything to Aoi? No, she shouldn't.
"Don't do that. Don't." Dagrún said, her voice becoming softer again, "Don't say such things. Ye don't understand me."

Once more it became silent as Dagrún struggled with the choices of releasing it. It had felt great to tell more to both Madoc and Meilin. To not hide herself behind a facade of arrogance and pride. To just trust another person that could accept her and what had happened.
"I took the blame. That is all ye need to know for now. I took the blame so that nobody else would wind up here," making a vague gesture to their surroundings, Dagrún seemingly became frustrated. "Out and far away from the mountains that I grew up near. From the woods and meadows I used to play in. Surrounded by foreign folk and clans."

"So what then? You just keep it all a mystery? Hold your secrets to yourself and refuse to let me know anything? To let me understand?" she laughed, a light thing, no anger or resentment present as she did, "Just like Meilin when she first arrived you know that? A pattern if I didn't know any better. So what does this fix? Nothing is solved if you offer nothing Dagrún. These things… Trust…? It goes both ways. Let me trust you. Let me understand." she quietly pleaded with her teammate.

Aoi's words seemed to cause Dagrún to show more distrust. The mere reality to continue this exchange with Aoi seemed weird. Was this some sort of genjutsu? A prank of Madoc playing with her mind? If so, she was going to break all his ribs and make him regret doing something like this.
But as she waited, it just seemed that this was all happening.
"I don't know," Dagrún replied, "Trust goes both ways, aye. So ye are saying that what I am saying isn't going to be abused. I hate liars. But I hate those who break my trust more," the blonde stated, her voice becoming more firm. Wait, was she so exhausted all this time? Feeling the desire to sit down, Dagrún gestured to the logs around the nearby campfire that were used as seats.
"Fine, if ye are genuine, then let us figure it out. I am done fighting anyways, for today."

"No more fighting would be nice," she agreed as she moved to take a seat. With a stretch, she took in the campfire and the strange events that had led up to this. "I don't see why I would want to use this against you." she shrugged, "You could just as easily tell the others that I think I killed Dea and do just as much…" she shook her head, "probably more damage than I could do with your truth." she couldn't take her eyes off of the fire as it crackled, the funeral pyre replacing the campfire before her and filling her vision with its hungry flames.

The warmth of the fire did little to return Dagrúns confidence. But it was nicer to sit and talk about the topics that were brought up. Briefly, Dagrún raised a hand to rub her eyes and remove any traces of the tears that had escaped her before. Inhaling and exhaling slowly, Dagrún observed Aoi. The image of before flashed again.
"I wouldn't," Dagrún admitted, "Dea died fighting. It is a shame that she died so early but it is alright. In a way. Her people would be proud of her, I figure." Dagrún remained silent for another moment, wondering why she wanted to return some comfort back to Aoi. Were the Gods playing an ironic game?
"Dea wasn't a Cho though. She was a Vanguri, an eh, clan on its own," Dagrún slowly explained as if she was still wary that Aoi would suddenly mock or say something that would damage her trust. "It is the same thing with ye believed, I guess. My people call themselves 'Ylflings'. And surname? Well, if I wasn't exiled, I would be able to call myself a Tryggve, the lineage I used to be part of."
Turning her gaze to the fire, Dagrún's wall started to crack and crumble more. Her shoulders slumped and her expression betrayed some more of her emotions. She felt alone.
"I took the blame. My gramps were going to be exiled. But that old fart wouldn't survive. So I took it, so he could stay. I never murdered anyone. I only have taken the lives of animals or those who carried a weapon. Or, at least, willing and able to fight back."

"That's," she struggled to find the words as she let Dagrún finish telling her what had happened, "that takes everything doesn't it? To do what you did?" she questioned, "All I did was let someone die." she gave Dagrún a smile, a genuine smile as she spoke again, "You let someone live." she stated as a fact. She sat for a while, watching the funeral pyre burn and crackle as they sat in silence. A part of her wanted to feed the flames with something more as she watched, but she contented herself with watching the yellow and orange flames cleanse what was within.

"You know, I set aside my iron dust from that night. It's uh, it's soaked right? So I thought about cleaning it but I just, I couldn't bring myself to. So it's still…" she shrugged, letting out a long breath as she leaned back and her gaze left the pyre.

"Is that fucked up?" she asked seriously of the Ylfling.

Nodding slowly but subtly, Dagrún found herself accepting Aoi's words. There was more to it but she didn't feel like talking more about it. Not now.
When Aoi brought up her iron dust, Dagrún frowned but somewhere she understood why. Then again, saying that Dea's death wasn't her fault wouldn't help. It was something that words couldn't take away.
"It is not that much," Dagrún decided to answer the question, to steer the topic away, "I just dislike it. Some folk like the cap' don't mind it. It helps ye Taika to understand us. And perhaps allowing us to understand ye. I just dislike it for various reasons," her expression became irritated, but not at Aoi as she continued, "it put all of us together. But we aren't the same thing. It is like saying that ye are the same as, well, Mamoru. I don't understand much of ye clan or his. I do, however, grasp that ye clans aren't the same. It just frustrates me that some of ye's are seeing me in the same like , I dunno, those cunts of Ecla. Or some other Ylfling lineage or house. It is just not fair, I feel like."

"Yeah." Aoi agreed half-heartedly.

"You know, if the Chonobi I'd met would talk more, about themselves and their people, I'd probably understand you all better." she shrugged as she allowed the conversation to be led away from her question, "For such a proud people… It's almost like you all dislike talking of your own to any but your own. Where's the sense in that? How am I supposed to know of these 'houses' and 'clans' if no one ever talks of them." she sighed, "My entire life I've known of the three kinds of Chonobi. Never anything more. Because that's all most of us Taika know, those of us not directly involved with your peoples don't know any better." she felt embarrassed as she realized she seemed to be once more rambling, a rosy tint filling her cheeks as she waved a hand, "I'm not blaming you, I'm just saying…"

Raising a hand and waving in a gesture that Aoi shouldn't apologize, Dagrún spoke up.
"I can't deny that most of my folk are stubborn idiots. I can't speak for others but I have always been raised with the stories of yer, well, people." Hesitating, Dagrún scratched her right cheek as she considered her words. "My gramps even told of how we were considered second-rank citizens. Even if we fought and bled for a country, that didn't seem to want us to be there," Dagrún tried to explain. "I may have taken those stories a bit too much to heart. After all, ye aren't a daimyo. Or involved in decisions that made my or other clans or houses so stubborn," Dagrún finished. Turning her gaze back to the fire, she felt an odd sensation in her stomach. A warmth and relief.
"I suppose it is just hard to admit when someone is wrong," Dagrún stated, unable to look at Aoi.

"I suppose so." Aoi agreed mildly

Oetje · Jun 20, 2021

[ 11th Encampment, Sevudia | Eastern Continent ]
[ A (relatively) short collab between @Lesli and @Oetje ]
[ Aiko Cho-Hon and Meilin Chohave a debriefing. ]
[ With the operation: Savage Strike completed, Meilin goes to report and verbally debrief the situation. Knowing fully well that she can get into trouble for her decision and action to save the villagers, she stands tall to accept whatever Aiko has in store for her. ]

"Eighty people," Aiko slowly said as her stern gaze rested on Meilin, "I tasked you with saving one person. And instead, you come back with the entire village?" The older Cho asked, wanting to confirm that she had understood the situation correctly. Outside, a platoon or two were busy readying to escort the villagers to another nearby village - as Aiko wasn't fond of the idea to keep villagers inside the encampment. The appliance of blindfolds and some translators were used to make the transfer smoother and not risking the camp's location - as some operatives were occupied to also remove last night's memory from the people.

Her hands at her straightened back, Meilin's expression was neutral. She had her reasons for the decision. Not just to showcase that she supported Aoi's desire to help people - as that was indeed what they were supposed to do. After all, these people were enemies of Rong, so that ironically made these Sevudians allies.
"Yes, Lady Cho," Meilin replied, "I suspected that if we left them in the situation that they would be still tortured by whoever won that fight. I wanted to make sure that these natives understand who they owe their protection really to, Lady Cho."

Aiko's eyes narrowed. She wanted to rise but her body seemed to resist. The last days had been more tiring and she had a good hunch why. Her skin was paler than normal but that did little to make her exert authority over others. "You want them to understand who they owe their protection to," Aiko repeated, her voice soft but yet resonating a firm and authoritarian tone. "Remind me, what is your rank and role, girl?"

Meilin felt her stomach-turning. She kept staring out front of her but didn't want to answer.
"I am a lieutenant, Lady Cho. A chuunin leading team 4, Lady Cho." Meilin produced, briefly blinking. She now remembered that her decision could affect her platoon. Wanting to speak up, she remembered that she was responsible for them. Despite her fear for what Lady Cho was going to decide, Meilin found the ounce of strength to speak again.
"I want to request, Lady Cho, that if you are displeased to only direct it at me. The decision was mine and mine alone. My squad executed my orders. I am deeply sorry if I disappointed you, Lady Cho."

It stayed silent. The thick canvas keeping most of the ambience from outside to a soft hum. All the while, Aiko kept her gaze focused on Meilin. Painfully, seconds passed until they nearly counted up to a minute before Aiko spoke up.

"You took the decision. You thought outside the mission. Bringing eighty people while you were ordered only one," Aiko began, her voice cold as ice, "I even entrusted my own apprentice to you. He has told me as well how last night went. I knew it was a good idea to assign him, making sure that I understand what kind of person you are."

Aiko once more stayed silent, her hands folding slowly together. Slowly, she inhaled and exhaled - her stern gaze not shifting. Nodding slowly as she seemed to come to a decision, Aiko spoke again. "You are wrong. You are no longer a lieutenant. You won't longer be burdened with the rank of chuunin. Your actions last night? Seems that you are far from worth carrying those."

Meilin wasn't sure what to feel or do. The words that Aiko said caused Meilin to nearly physically flinch. The fact that Kazumo had spoken about her did cause her to fear for what consequences they could have. Was she going to lose her team? The faces of her subordinates flashed by as she merely blinked. For a moment, she felt the painful urge of tears welling up in her eyes as the sensation of wanting to throw up. In truth, she couldn't give a fuck about being a lieutenant or a rank and file. But if she was going to be separated from those who had been loyal to her, she wasn't sure if she could endure that.

"From today on, you will be," pausing, Aiko's expression and tone shifted to become softer.

"Jounin Meilin Cho of Team 4. Your companions will be promoted to specialised jounin."

The words of Aiko caused Meilin's eyes to widen. She couldn't help but stare at Aiko. Her lips parted but Meilin couldn't imagine that what was said made any sense. She was promoted? Not being separated from her team? The agony of before was replaced briefly by joy and confusion. Closing her mouth, Meilin licked her lips. Only a few seconds later was she able to push the words out of her mouth.
"Lady Cho, are you certain? My team deserves it, completely. But I..."

Aiko frowned as she leaned slightly backwards in her seat. "You doubt me, Meilin? Or my decisions?" Aiko simply asked in return, awaiting what Meilin would say.

Immediately, Meilin sank to a knee and bowed her head as far as she could. "No, Lady Cho, I would never. Forgive my insolence. Your... I..." She was thankful that Lady Cho couldn't see her face. The dumb smile that had crossed her lips as the few tears that she couldn't hold back.
"I am simply too honoured by your trust in me and my team, Lady Cho," Meilin managed to say as she opted to remain silent.

"Good. Please do see that my trust in you or your companions isn't misplaced. You are dismissed, lieutenant and jounin," Aiko said, her tone having grown friendly. Watching as Meilin took her leave, Aiko considered now her other decision. There was the matter of Kazumo. Her pupil was going to receive a different sort of talk.

But that could wait for another time, Aiko decided as she would go back to work.

DeliciousFood · Jun 24, 2021

[ Sevudia - Authority's Encampment: Alsanna's Tent ]
[ Alsanna Shirafuji @DeliciousFood - Yuyuko Takeda @Sakayanagi Selko ]
[ A small delivery is made to Alsanna's tent and the delivery girl finds herself pulled into something bigger than she'd expect! ]

The Storm's Mirth - Part 1

A Witch's Dwelling

It was a day after Yuyuko's light training with Bashira. It was more or less another quiet and uneventful day she finished her static guard duty with Nobushige as there was a call for one of the genin to deliver supplies.
Yuyuko on her part did not have a lot of ideas as she decided to volunteer to take her mind off her slow progress of learning Lightning release as she trudged toward the tent with the medical supplies that was requested thinking about what she could do to improve her skill or training methods as she quietly entered the tent. "Excuse me, is this the tent of Alsanna?" Yuyuko asks carefully as she looks around for Alsanna.

Many say a witch now lives in Sevudia. And even now, after this said witch's tutor had made her territory established, many still whispered and prowled the lands near that tent. There was a surprising lack of tents around it, as if a perimeter was established around it. Inside the tent, it would actually be quite neat and relatively spacious. Certainly enough space to handle the big package Yuyuko was to deliver. It also smelled like lavender. One could notice the incense burning near the corner of the entrance, covered as to prevent the sheets from taking fire. The inside was illuminated by the rays of sunlight going through the thin surface of the shelter. There was a tidy bed to the left with a military coat posed neatly over it and at the other end of the tent, at the center, there was someone sitting on a pile of books, slightly hunched over a crate.
"Huh?" the short figure with long, curly black hair turned her head to acknowledge the new presence. She was wearing standard military legwear, boots and a sleeveless white top. As for what she was doing, she had a pen held on her right hand and a few notebooks opened with a variety of symbols inscribed. "Oh, yeah, I did order that. Didn't expect it to arrive so quickly." she rose after properly setting her work tools onto the wooden surface and calmly walked over toward Yuyuko once she assessed that it was probably safe.
She gestured for the delivery girl to come in while she peeked out to see if her goods were actually there. "But yeah, that would be me. You can set the thing up on the right side of the tent, I suppose. You should also have some smaller supplies, yes?"

Yuyuko as she delivered the supplies was surprised by the lack of tents around the tent she was delivering to. She at least valued efficient space usage to some degree so it took her a few moments to remember how most of the others in the camp were less than willing to make the delivery. "Yes, I did, they are outside on top of the larger one, as I felt it would allow me to deliver more at once. Where would you like me to set those up?"
She said as she headed outside to check on the supplies, setting up the large parcel at the right side as instructed and picking up the smaller supplies.
"Here they are….though i am surprised by the space over here, i didn't expect the camp had this much space to spare." Yuyuko commented off-handedly.

"Opposite of my bed, where there'd normally be one if I had a tent-mate." she gestured in the general direction before she'd seize the smaller package to bring it over to the makeshift desk. Indeed, this seemed to be at least a two-man tent, but as it stands, nobody had agreed to bunk with Alsanna, nor did the neighbors tolerate current rumours. "Guess they don't like a, quote-on-quote, 'witch' next to where they sleep. Their loss." she shrugged, opening the smaller parcel to reveal a slew of medical supplies and peculiar medicines. All of which could be found in the medical ward, although a couple of ointments seemed a bit more exotic. Medicinal, sure, but rare. She seemed to know her stuff. "Not that I'm actually a witch. That'd be giving me wayyyy too much credit with how lazy I've been, bwehehe."

Yuyuko did a double take hearing the comment surprised that such rumor even existed within the camp before she shook her head and walked over to place the supplies over on the bed though she at least knew from the bits of information she remembered from her parents, glancing at medicine stores and Bashira that Alsanna was no ordinary medic ninja with the supplies she ordered, however to call her a 'witch' for the genin seemed like an unneeded exaggeration.
"Surely that is rather ridiculous. People may have unique methods but to call one a witch to me feels rather stupid if nothing else… what is it you do for you to be called a witch?"
she asked curiously as while she felt it was silly, the idea that Alsanna prompted an urge for the genin to know, maybe even perhaps it may pave a way for Yuyuko to research or learn to get stronger.

"Yeaaaaaaaah, you may change your mind if I showed a couple of things." her attention was on the items she had retrieved from the smaller package, only peering at Yuyuko's direction to see how the bed installation was going. "But, yes, I do specialize in fields that are very uncommon with capabilities that aren't what one expects." she clicked her tongue after finishing her little explanation, the acquired goods now set back neatly into the packaging with everything accounted for. "And what is your name, lil' bird?" a quick twirl had the now intrigued Alsanna face Yuyuko's direction with quite the foxy look on her visage.

Yuyuko raised an eyebrow hearing Alsanna's comment as she considered what to say while she helped to unpack the items noting how the portable bed was of higher compared to the other one. "I guess but I at least try not to judge but to me, the more unusual the method is, the harder it is to figure out which I at least for me is a life saver in a fight… oh and yes how rude of me, I am Takeda Yuyuko." She said as she continued to help check all the items were prepped as her eyes had a look of surprise by the foxy look from Alsanna. "I am mostly a genin with I guess relatively ok Kenjutsu if nothing else….though i will admit i am interested in knowing what you specialise in,, at least for me to find ideas to help improve my capabilities in combat…" she says partially with some annoyance at herself as Yuyuko did feel at times that she was not progressing well nor fast enough.

Immediately after posing her question, she resumed her endeavour of tidying up. "Yeah, well, some people are scared of the unconventional. Even if the fear factor is its boon." she replied rather passively, her mind dedicating itself to clearing some of the potential obstacles to setting up the sleeping bag and other supplies that would eventually form the space she wished to operate in. "Enchanted. You know mine." not even a glance at Yuyuko's direction for she sounded fully distracted at this point. But once the task was completed, she actually beamed at the delivery girl's direction. "Good work!"
With Yuyuko's explanation, Alsanna would just tilt her head and have that perpetual foxy gaze lose most of its spice, the upper eyelid staying fixed but the lower own sagging down to form more of a dull stare. "Uhm. Medicine." she said plainly with an almost robotic disposition to answer the question, raising her hand to display a weak current of electricity running between her index and thumb. "That. Other things. Getting a bit nosy now, are we, Yuyuko Takeda?" that same dull stare widened just a tad while her head tilt pushed a little more to the left.

Yuyuko on her part smiled hearing the praise as she finished checking all the things were ready as she relaxed slightly on a job well done, happy with the outcome.
However when she heard Alsanna's change of tone and disposition, the genin herself squeaks as she did not expect such a reaction from Alsanna and the dull stare was unnerving at best as she bowed her head apologetically and spoke with a cautious but at least honest tone with some hints of regret on herself.
"I am very sorry… And yes… I was…. I well… I was just worried am not progressing well enough in my training and my elemental jutsu training for Lightning jutsu is still taking well for me, too much time to get a grasp on so i was hoping to learn of ways to do it since i doubt there is a method similar to how boxers trained their strength by wearing weights."
She said, her eyes trying not to meet Alsanna's eye as the genin tried to think of her own situation to hide her at least cautious fear of Alsanna.

"Ehhhh? Weights on boxers or taijutsu turds? Inefficient approach anyway." her tilted head would actually be angled to intercept Yuyuko's avoidant gaze with a more mischievous smile forming upon the doctor's visage. "But now I seeeee. Keke. You want a … Hmm, not a shortcut, but a sort of uhhh, boost! That's it. A sort of boost in progress when it comes to errr." she circled her index finger in the air while she was attempting to recall. "Lightning, was it? Yeah, that's it. Guess I kind of prompted that too. Maybe I should use my brain more."
Rambling aside, she clapped her hands together and actually got to arrange the newly installed therapy bed, placing a couple of towels over it for sanitary reasons. "I'll have you know, dear Yuyuko Takeda, that there is indeed a method for pretty much anything that is to be learned! Obviously most stick to tradition, because they're not all that brilliant and resistant to change, but when it comes to finding one's true innate potential, well ..." both hands rose to about shoulder level in a somewhat exaggerated shrug. "Let's just say the options are far more diverse and thrilling." she smiled.

Yuyuko blinked with surprise when she heard the comment about what Taijutsu experts consider the proper way to train was inefficient while she continued to try and avoid Alsanna's gaze only to give up part of the way. However her eyes brightened up when she heard that she could get a boost.
"I agree but from tradition, I know most would call it the tried and true method, plus my father favours effort over most others due to it being the most visible. Though i am curious as isn't the method to finding one's true innate potential simply testing as many specialities as possible, sure it is not exactly fast but..it is not like there is a way to expedite that process." She said looking sideways and shook her head wondering if there was such a way but doubting it.
"So far I know I am suited for lightning jutsu but I am not able to get a good grasp of that chakra yet."

"I mean, you can in theory murder someone with a spoon. It'll work every time with consistent effort. It is, consequently, tried and true." her smile's intensity toned down a tad though her good mood was radiating from her body language and whimsical pacing around her tent. "Would you thus take on the mighty spoon to end your enemies?" a little smirk followed the ridiculous suggestion. Her attention remained on Yuyuko, though the azure eyes were now scrutinizing the visitor's being rather than fixating the visage whilst she was rubbing her chin.
"Hmmm. Yuyuko Takeda. Perhaps you'd be interested in attempting something? Consider it a … Tip! For such a grand delivery. And of course, a sign of good will from the non-witch."she chuckled, raising her index finger over the potential experiment nose. "The therapy would be reversible if you're not happy, by the way. Just be sure that you truly want this."

Yuyuko raised an eyebrow when she heard Alsanna's idea of using a spoon to defeat her enemies as it by her own admission felt utterly ridiculous " I doubt that a spoon is that mighty without some….prior modifications at least speaking from what i believe is common sense." She said as she let Alsanna continue, the idea of what hearing what the therapy could do for the genin clearly taking precedence over any sense of caution..well most of her sense of caution anyway. "Umm ok. I will admit I am interested in attempting what you are suggesting though I guess I should properly ask, what would this therapy...do to me since if I am not wrong, it is made to help a person."
She said though her tone of voice seemed to indicate that her caution was more so she can provide an excuse to herself to go through with the process.

She forced a chuckle, having kept her gaze still and upon Yuyuko's figure. "Wait, you're seriously pondering it?" with another couple more of those condescending chuckles, she continued, "You'd really let me, the supposed witch of the camp, tinker your body in bizarre ways just to get a 'boost'?" an eyebrows rose with the smuggiest of smirks plastered on her visage and her arms folded. Leaning in a tad, she made it so that her crossed arms were just below Takeda's field of view. And then she struck, attempting to seize the opposing genin's chin with the same index and thumb that had been rubbing her own chin. The goal wasn't to harm, if anything her grasp was rather gentle but firm enough to allow facial rotation if there wasn't any resistance.
"You seem like you don't quite know what you get yourself into. Coming into this tent and lingering. Heh." narrowed eyes focused onto Yuyuko's facial features, "What a genuinely beautiful pair of fuschia eyes. It'd be a shame to see them melt if it went wrong." she muttered oh so discreetly, her voice charged with vixenish steam and syllables of the word 'beautiful' stretched to a degree. Briefly afterward, she'd just let go and turn to take a seat upon her pile of books. Her strange bout now seemingly over. "The therapy involves Juinjutsu and me experimenting on both your chakra flow and nervous system. I'd essentially be cursing you if we're going to use familiar terms."

Yuyuko blinks as she hears Alsanna's comment, shaking her head. "Of course, I mean, my father once said that a great cost begret a great power, so...if it would help, then it would be worth the cost. At least I hope it is." she said as she considered if it was truly a right idea and possibly reconsidering if it was a good idea to begin with.
As Alsanna begun her long ramblings, Yuyuko now truly begun to understand why the rumors depicted Alsanna as a witch, though inversely if it is was true, the boost while possibly being dangerous could end up substantially help her become stronger extremely quickly though when she heard Juinjutsu and experimenting on her chakra flow and nervous system scared her slightly. "Isn't cursing normally reserved to bring harm someone from my knowledge? Why are you bringing up such a concept or is it that this is the supposed unconventional idea you are speaking about?" Yuyuko asks curiously.

Alsanna's eyebrows rose a tad more upon hearing Yuyuko's answer. "Wow, you must really be having a shit time if that's your mindset." and another condescending chuckle escaped her lips. Turning her back to the Takeda when the concept of Juinjutsu being used beneficially was being brought up. In response, Alsanna rose had hand over her shoulder, index finger pushed out and wagging. "Tsk tsk. In reality, a curse mark, or Juinjutsu, is merely a seal set upon an individual to force a specific technique or effect. For exaaaaaaaample." that same hand now had all of its fingers wagging as if she were aiming to grab something. It plunged down to grab her pen, only to then draw a very crude Kanji upon her palm, to which she'd then present it to Yuyuko. "Let's take this for instance. This seal is for 'Absorption', a rare and difficult mark that's been forgotten due to how unpopular it was. One with this seal became a 'receiver' of chakra from those that were marked with the Kanji as well. Very nasty, it was abused by a few ways back. But!" she then added a couple of extra symbols onto the mark, changing it ever so slightly. "Like a sword can be used to take a life but also to preserve another, a mark can be used in a variety of ways, and this one can just as much be used to give one's own chakra to another in benevolence. Hardly a curse in this case. I would suppose that, in the end, it is seen as a curse due to the fact that you are ultimately submitted to the will of the caster. Will they abuse it? How much control can they have over it? How bad is it for me? Having something so foreign on your body … Nightmare fuel for the control freaks, don'tcha think?" hands slapped together, and with that the mark on her palm completely vanished. "The mark I'd want to put on you would force your chakra flow to behave in a specific way. I do not have the power to truly control a mark, but you will be under its mercy to an extent unless you have it removed, yes."

As Yuyuko heard that, she wonders to herself if her life was as bad as Alsanna said but decided to push that thought of her brain as Alsanna begun introducing the concept of Juinjutsu and how it could be adjusted accordingly by the caster to be used in benevolence that was hardly what one would consider the effect of a curse.
"That...surprisingly makes me want to consider learning Juinjutsu since if it can be adjusted in such a way, I want to see how much potential can be unlocked… Sorry… that was just a thought that crossed my head just now… But I should worry about what is in front of me." She said as she thought about what Alsanna meant breathing as she said.
"But perhaps as a precaution, i would like to learn Juinjutsu as well...at least on the side so I will know about how to deal with this...and besides that, i am curious how will this curse...force my chakra to flow in the way you said?" She asked curiously.

"Wanting to learn Juinjutsu. Huh, that's a first." an eyebrow raised and her tone as sardonic as ever, Alsanna passively gestured toward the recently installed 'therapy' bed. "If you're that curious about it, then I'd invite you to take a seat right here, m'hm." for now she merely fumbled her recently acquired medical supplies, notably wrapping the stethoscope around her neck as would most physicians and getting a few ointments out onto a small surface next to the bed. "As for learning Juinjutsu, there are two requirements. The first being general sealing jutsu. They're the basis, as one would expect. Then there is having a decent grasp of the human body. And a willingness to usurp it, one way or another."

Yuyuko chuckled slightly as she thought about it and shook her head while taking a seat at where Alsanna directed her to sit. "It was just an idea as I felt that with such abilities, you could essentially apply marks on enemies like how some archers apply strong poison on their weapons to force enemies to completely dodge their attacks for fear of being poisoned. At least that is what I feel hearing your concept and since if a mark is being applied if what i heard is correct, even if an enemy breaks free, the effects of the mark will linger weakening the enemy. Though willingness to usurp a body… I don't believe I thought about that, mostly just how to win a fight or slash better. But still I considered it as well since what you are doing is Juinjutsu, it would also help me understand what I can and cannot do once you have done the therapy to me and how much can i push without it harming me. Since if i am not wrong, this is going to be with me for a long time, be it until it is undone or I die." she said as she focused her attention on Alsanna.

DeliciousFood · Jun 24, 2021

[ Sevudia - Authority's Encampment: Alsanna's Tent ]
[ Alsanna Shirafuji @DeliciousFood - Yuyuko Takeda @Sakayanagi Selko ]
[ A small delivery is made to Alsanna's tent and the delivery girl finds herself pulled into something bigger than she'd expect! ]

The Storm's Mirth - Part 2

Stay Calm, Yuyuko

"Take your top off." she ordered without even a passing glance to her now more willing patient for this upcoming experiment. The air got ever so slightly tenser, with a brief cold passing through both. Stethoscope now properly equipped, Yuyuko could feel a cold piece of metal press against various spots on her back, all the while Alsanna applied the tips of her digits against the exposed flesh. One could feel a sort of tension emanating from these fingers, as if they had rubbed against a balloon or something. The pseudo-doctor was having very, very weak jolts of electricity run through the purple haired girl's being in an attempt to get a better 'view' of the insides. "Breathe deeply." a few more seconds and the preliminary check up was done.
Now, an ointment was opened and a small bit of it was peeled off by Alsanna's right hand, which she'd then smear all over her hands. In turn, this ointment prompted her covered limbs to emanate a green, flame-like aura. For now she seemed keen on keeping her hands away from anything in particular. "Juinjutsu, like Fuinjutsu, are perhaps the best way to compensate for certain shortcomings to your skill set while having unlimited potential outside of the realms of combat. The only caveat being," she smirked, peering over toward Yuyuko's optics for a mere two seconds, "you can't be a fucking idiot. You're not dumb, are ya'? Now, if you're consenting to this little procedure, then strip. All of it. And lie on your tummy on the bed you set up." her casual tone showed complete indifference to the potential shameful nature of the request. A giggle of clear excitement followed all these preparations. "The mark would be applied throughout your spine. Well, at least over it. And I'd hate for some clothes to burst into flames should something go wrong. Oh and, this isn't until death, no."

Yuyuko blinks as she was not sure how to process the sudden change in attitude or at least what seems to be a change in attitude as she considers what maybe the case while obeying the instruction as she felt the stethoscope probing her as her body gave a light shiver though Yuyuko tried to keep a straight face and not seem spooked as Alsanna continues her check-up which at least seems to be normal so far as genin followed the instructions and breathed deeply allowing Alsanna to get a proper view being at least a good patient following the respect they should give to doctors.
After the ointment was opened, Yuyuko's eyes widen slightly but then again, it certainly was not unexpected since she remembered that this was a therapy session as she heard the description of Juinjutsu before shaking her head.
" I at least believe i am not." She said as she then breathed hearing the rest of Alsanna's words that did weirded her out but the giggle at least allowed Yuyuko to relax since it at least told her that Alsanna at the end of the day was still being herself..sort of.
"Right, at least that is reassuring...somewhat." Yuyuko said gingerly as she did as requested with some hesitation and lay down breathing, bracing herself for what is to come.

As a gesture of decency and good faith, Alsanna did turn around when the patient went full-nude. Only when she heard Yuyuko rest upon the relatively comfy surface that she'd return her attention to the subject of this experiment. "Good! Good." she lit up, a bit more energetic with this continuous compliance. The flaming hands were still up in the air, just waiting to be used. "I'm first going to relax your back muscles and add a layer of protection to your skin, alright? Might feel like it burns, may even get very uncomfortable, but it's not harming you. Good good? Excellent!" she kneeled by the patient as she provided Yuyuko with the coming steps of the procedure. Alsanna didn't waste time, immediately setting her flaming palms upon the girl's back. One was over a shoulder blade, the other on the latissimus muscles.
When she got to work, it was evident that she wasn't actually giving any sort of massage but instead merely spread the ointment throughout the patient's back. It first felt as though Alsanna was definitely giving some sort of meticulous, even quite comforting back rub! And as the flesh glistened with heated oil, Yuyuko would definitely feel as though her back was burning, only to eventually cool down a tad. All the while, Alsanna was applying more pressure with her digits, prodding every muscle she'd come in contact with and douse them with very weak jolts of electricity, once again to test out her little 'peaking' ability as to potentially find any sort of abnormality or significant change in Yuyuko's disposition. "The actual procedure will begin soon, Yuyuko Takeda. Now ..." as she spoke, the flames on her palms had since subsided and the 'therapist' went on to close some more blinds to prevent too much light from entering the tent. Only a small lantern kept the area illuminated. "If you want out, now's the time."

Yuyuko breathed as she felt the process focusing on keeping herself focused away from the burning sensation on her back but it luckily did not last long as she felt the cooling sensation on her back which luckily helped Yuyuko keep her focus as the rub continued which became very relaxing as her breathing remained normal though the prods did illicite some twitches but the genin's disposition did not change much aside from that as the jolts of electricity.
After Alsanna spoke that the time for the actual therapy is going to begin, it caused Yuyuko to gulp due to how after this, there was no turning back. Sure it was just a therapy but such a serious process still gave the genin chills as the blinds were closed leaving the two illuminated by the lamp.
As Alsanna gave the last warning, Yuyuko stiffened in response as the thoughts swirled around in her head as she steadied her breath considering all her options before the genin's muscles finally slackened. "No, this is fine, i am ready now." she said as she pushes any thoughts of her getting cold feet out of her mind with the determination that she would make this new strength her own and improve,both for her team, her parents and most of all,herself as she closes her eyes and braces for what is to come, both the pain and benefits.

A toothy grin upon Alsanna's expression as the go-ahead was given. The same hands that were just recently shining green were now coated in a similar miasma, but of black and purple, similar to her Cyto-clone application. The lantern's light wavered as the tent's innards were now illuminated by this dark, almost oppressive light. Alsanna's visage was made far more sinister than it needed to look with how weak the rays' reaches were truly. When her palms finally met Yuyuko's flesh, the patient could feel the chakra slowly attempting to usurp her being.
"Yuyuko," the doctor spoke up whilst her digits were starting to trail in peculiar patterns over the center of Yuyuko's back. Alsanna leaned downwards just a tad, as to have her lips oh so close to the swordswoman's ear before she'd let out a calm whisper, "don't move~" Just as she had given that order, Yuyuko could feel a jolt of electricity run through her, as if she had just been zapped and was made to contain the bolt rather than have it escape her being. "Now this is where it gets interesting." she smirked, the first portion of the seal forming itself between Yuyuko's shoulder blades, following the spinal trail as she had explained. Various unique Kanji were forming this line, and they were all bound to the main chakra pathways that dictated the flow of it through one's body.
Applying a mixture of her budding lightning capabilities in the medical field and her current ritual, Alsanna passed her hands through each limb of her patient. Both legs and both arms, her hands passed through them, leaving a bizarre and glowing illustration of Yuyuko's chakra lines and points on her skin. "Good, good …!" she seemed pleased, but the work wasn't finished. These busy hands returned to finalize the markings on the back. A mixture of quite a bit of chakra, anatomical expertise and intent made manifest were utilized to make this experiment a reality. It was a prototype, but its concept was simple. The innate lightning affinity was forcibly drawn out from the source rather than conjured after indefinite amounts of practice. This came, of course, with risks, but the concept remained simple. At least when the chakra nature already existed. Alsanna could only grin at the prospect of enabling even more; to push the limits. But alas, she was to keep it as it was, for now.
When the brief 'therapy' would end, the lantern's light was made to return as the dark flames extinguished themselves. The Juinjutsu applier was sweating, the exertion from paying quite a bit of chakra was made evident by her physical reaction. "Heh. You didn't burst into a frenzy of lightning. That's a good sign."

Yuyuko shivers slightly as she heard the doctor's command and braced with a quick nod as she felt something come over her, while not exactly light, it was not strong like feeling a cold hand sifting through her chakra. After a few moments later, came the jolt that caused her to freeze up which was lucky that she had braced herself as it allowed her to keep still. Her breathing however was a little off balanced as she felt something off due to the jolt not leaving her as she tried to get her mind to adapt to the jolt as luckily it was not painful, all things considered. However Yuyuko perked up hearing the phrase that things would get interesting as felt the seal form, it was then that the feeling the electrical jolt changed slightly as she felt her chakra's direction begin to change and follow in a certain way as Yuyuko tries to keep her mind on the direction on the flow which helped distract her from the jolt she kept feeling. Soon she felt the jolt from the electricity begun to relax into her becoming part of her….or at least that was what she felt as the therapy ended, causing the genin to relax panting slightly, her body also sweating in cold sweat from the experience as she then heard Alsanna's voice bringing her back to reality as she held her head. "I guess, well at least I seem alright from how I feel. I hope it was not too much?" she asks with some concern as she notices Alsanna's tiredness.

"Hmmm." she got silent for a moment, clearly pensive, before raising her index to tap Yuyuko's forehead. "Stay still, not quite over yet." that same index then became charged with the little bit of actual lightning Alsanna could conjure as she'd bring it to tap the very center of the patient's spine. Yuyuko would feel her whole body get numb for a good five seconds. During this act, she had applied two final seals. The first was to actually activate the mark she had left and allowed the chakra to actually escape Yuyuko's body rather than bind itself to the mark, and the other was a carefully disguised Cyto-clone mark made to stay dormant.
Alsanna then backed up, letting the recently paralyzed regain their motor functions after the five seconds were up. "Okie-doke! You can get dressed now." she spoke up, chipper as ever. "We're going to field test this. So no slacking!" in spite of her clear exhaustion, she was radiating quite the energy. The doctor stood by the tent's exit, eagerly awaiting Yuyuko.

Yuyuko on her part did a surprised blink as she had assumed the process was over only to feel Alsanna's finger tap her forehead.
The genin had little time to mentally brace herself as she then felt the lightning Alsanna used barely suppressing a twitch as Yuyuko's body shivers as the genin could not move due to the numbness she felt as though her entire body was limp for those 5 seconds.
While not long, it was long enough to make Yuyuko's skin crawl as she slowly got dressed while mentally trying to make sure her body was move exactly how her mind wanted to move, occasionally shaking her hands and stretching.
Not long after, Yuyuko managed to get herself ready, checking herself as she nodded in acknowledgement, heading to the door as instructed, deciding to focus on herself rather than on Alsanna for now.
"Umm..right...so Miss Alsanna, how should i go about field testing this….umm ability?"
She said curiously checking to see if Alsanna was really alright and how Alsanna wanted to test this ability.

"By following me." she ordered with a rather dry tone. The smaller female led the walk toward the nearest training field established by the Authority. There were likely few that were using them at this time, as such there was quite the chance they'd have discretion as well as space. A field was chosen, the same one she had first met her team in, coincidentally. The doctor stood in the centre, arms extended as she twirled to face Yuyuko. "OKAY! Now's the time to see if this little procedure worked." she excitedly announced with a toothy grin.
"... Now I won't lie, I've never actually done this before. So … In theory, you should be able to kind of 'feel' how to channel it," Alsanna rambled, gesturing rather erratically as she sought her words, "essentially, this has always been a part of you, and the mark is just a gateway for you to utilize this specific latent power. Perhaps there's a specific handsign you feel is resonating with you, hmmm?"

Yuyuko jump at the dry tone as she hurries after Alsanna as the doctor led the way, saying little while trying to get used to the mark that now is ingrained in her body to some degree. The feeling of the mark while she did not originally care since she was bracing for it, now felt slightly alien but luckily she was growing accustomed to it as she rubbed part of her arms thinking about how it felt.
Soon after, she found herself and Alsanna in the training fields prompting the genin to mentally scolded herself for not figuring out something so obvious as she heard Alsanna's explanation of what she is to do which seemed sound, in theory of course.
After the vague explanation, Yuyuko gives a nod of acknowledgement as she closes her eyes trying to feel out her chakra.
It was minor at first as she pictures in her mind a stream like a mountain at least to try to relax and tries to think of a hand sign, her hands subconsciously moving into the hand sign of the snake breathing while trying to focus her chakra into elemental chakra as she thought about it, beginning to feel the jolts associated with lightning release chakra but unlike before, it did not feel as numb as before and felt lighter as she begin to open her eyes glancing towards Alsanna to see the doctor's reaction for a second opinion.

Bearing witness to her newest work, and quite the prototype at that, Alsanna kept a keen eye onto Yuyuko's frame. She had taken some distance, however, a good fifteen meters or so in case it went horribly wrong. "Now if this goes wrong, I'm not at fault!" she anxiously smiled, arms crossed a bit tighter with little droplets of sweat dripping from her forehead and temples. And when the handseal was performed, Alsanna herself could feel the growing, literal tension in the air. Her seal was being solicited, and in turn it directly tapped into Yuyuko's chakra system, forcing it out under its natural affinity of lightning.
It was a huge amount of power covering the patient's body like a magnificent aura of pure energy. It was strong, albeit massively inefficient. A lot of the lightning was just expelled from the body without any use whatsoever and the rate at which it was being vented out of Yuyuko's body brought Alsanna to have a look of concern. Way too much chakra was being consumed in just a few seconds. "... Yuyuko, try to stop it." the concern was evident in her voice and her suggestion was almost silenced by the ridiculous screech emitted from the burst of power Yuyuko blasted out. "Shit."

Yuyuko opened her eyes as she had not anticipated the power she was unleashing due her personal focus on just trying to get her chakra to come out as elemental chakra.
This ended up being a mistake as she then saw Alsanna's look of concern which then alerted her as she felt her chakra being consumed extremely quickly while feeling the strong burst of power which surprised even herself when that happened.
It was frightening as it was much more powerful than she expected as the screech of power burst out of her as the genin fought to try to shut off the power to no avail. Thinking fast, she raised her hand into the air hoping to launch the chakra as lightning into the sky where it would at least cause the minimal amount of damage.

Nothing happened, the lightning shroud persisted and continuously siphoned Yuyuko's chakra, while increasingly numbing her extremities. She could still use them but the feeling was quickly lost. "Uh-oh ..." Alsanna took another step back, peering from side to side. "Try to see if you can expel it some other way! Uhhhhh, it's clearly bound to your being, even if slightly superficial," she called out, hands over her cheeks to 'accentuate' her voice, "it should increase some power output, even speed, so maybe you can tire yourself out?! Just don't break your body down!"

Yuyuko's heart sank as she heard Alsanna as those dreaded words that meant she was still in grave danger. However she took a glance to see she did have what was essentially a shroud of lightning which while not exactly what she expected, had it not been an abnormality would in fact be rather cool.
However she knew she did not have the luxury to admire the shroud as then came Alsanna's advice on tiring herself...which was not exactly much help but was at least a start.
She then glanced left and right before spotting a training sword she could use as the genin ran over to it with much more speed than she normally expected she would need before returning to her position.
While Yuyuko probably should have tried using Taijutsu, she personally favored kenjutsu more and so with a nod of acknowledgement, she then focused on trying to maintain the cloak while trying to conjure up the chakra sabre technique as before then swinging the sword in an upward curve, similar to how she remembered remembered how the Rupture technique was used to see if she could use it as she figured if her chakra was being siphoned anyway, the genin would rather burn off her chakra more quickly to end the effect rather than let the effect of the juinjutsu run its course without getting any meaningful results.

It had been about thirty seconds and now Yuyuko had drawn her blade to perhaps give it a go. Unfortunately the lightning didn't extend beyond her natural form and an attempt to do so caused some of it to 'erupt' and expel even more chakra to be wasted. However, it became clear that Yuyuko's movements were faster, by at least a fifty percent increase, which was even noticeable in her more mundane moves such as drawing the blade. She'd also find, should she swing her blade, that the strike would be somewhat stronger, although not as strong as a full-on taijutsu attack would be, but still, strength was also visibly increased.
But as much as Alsanna wished to experiment with this shiny new toy, there was a new issue. Yuyuko was to run out of chakra at the one minute mark. Not only would her reserve be depleted, but her body was not fully adapted to the mark just yet, leaving her being unnaturally exhausted all of a sudden. It'd make fainting an almost inevitability. And Alsanna was a little too captured by the fruit of her 'prototype' to properly react to the side effect. "That's … One way to stop it. At least you're not a crisp- Oh boy!" she'd still attempt to help her patient and prevent a hard impact to the ground, only to find that there was still static emanating from Yuyuko's being. "Guess I was right to call it a therapy, you got a lot of work to do ..."

Yuyuko on her part was rather disheartened after her first few attempts when she tried to invoke the chakra sabre and rupture techniques but at the same time, she found a sort of euphoria or emotional high during her practice swings as besides the blade not having the chakra cloak that it should, her movements was certainly faster as her eyes managed to adapt to the speed to some degree. However, the increase was certainly noticeable as Yuyuko could truly feel the air or rather the friction with the air as she proceeded to do her practice swings with each swing feeling as though it was as strong as if not stronger than her previous swings in mission meant to kill.
This was a surprise as if this was the power of her cloak at a practice level, she could only imagine the power her strikes will be should they be powered by her intent to kill.
It was not long as her time ran out and she could feel her chakra being fully used up, however as she turned to try to say something to Alsanna, she suddenly felt
..tired or something as there was a sudden feeling of lightness and falling into someone's arms the genin found herself extremely tired, her eyes opening and closing as Yuyuko tried to keep her eyes on Alsanna while the static slightly caused her to twitch slightly. However as she tried to keep her eyes open, it was too much as the genin's body went limp and she flops in Alsanna's arms, fatigue claiming her as she faints into unconsciousness, greatly tired by the events of today and the new ability.

Alsanna barely caught the electrical mess; the tip of Yuyuko's skull still lightly banged upon the soft soil below. She'd likely have a small bump there in the morning. The consistent static was overall harmless, especially to someone who had some aptitude in the element already. Amused, the progenitor of this mess chuckled. The result was acceptable, the show thrilling and the consequences somewhat manageable. This seal was at the very least a functional prototype, something she'd be sure to record when she'd get the chance. But for now, her test subject needed to be inconspicuously brought back to safety. "Hope you're not as heavy as you look ..."

Later in the day, the sun already half way through the horizon, Yuyuko would regain consciousness. Next to her sleeping bag would be a small bag containing bandages, some standard medical ointment and an apple from the rations. There'd also be a sugary cereal bar leaning against said bag and a note attached to the container. "Eat Lots! Helps Recovery!" with a big smile drawn at the bottom.

DeliciousFood · Jun 24, 2021

[ Sevudia - Authority's Encampment: Training Grounds ]
[ Alsanna Shirafuji @DeliciousFood - Nishi Hirashima @Oetje ]
[ Nishi drags Alsanna to a sudden training session. It goes rather smoothly, and becomes more than just a physical exercise. ]

The Hope of a Shadow

Hickory Creek

Nishi's 'watch' had been anything but spectacular. But it had become necessary as her presence was all that prevented any soldier or shinobi from gaining the wrong idea. The small space that marked the 'cursed' abode of the 'Witch' was one that many didn't dare to cross. All because there had been a few who had been beaten bloody by a shadow, who seemingly manifested out of nowhere to then punish any trespasser.
However, Nishi refused to acknowledge her part in keeping one of her pupils safe. Anyone questioning her affiliation or connection with the witch was waved off with some vague answer. Besides, the camp brass didn't care much about the reputation or small events that played around the 'Witch of Sevudia'. A blessing, Nishi mused to herself as she crossed the 'Witch's desolation'. The clear space between Alsanna and other tents was too noticeable, causing Nishi to sigh.

Without warning, Nishi pushed the canvas aside, to let out a hard whistle - probably doing more than necessary to catch Alsanna's attention.
"Get ready, we are heading out," the woman said in a neutral tone before vanishing from sight as she stepped away from the opening.

Where one saw potential issues, Alsanna found a level of peace with this newfound space given to her by heavens above. It certainly made the last procedure easier to conduct under the radar. With this peace and quiet, she could enjoy some alone time and further her work in regard to her own abilities and tools. Minor tinkering here, spitballing ideas there, she really took it easy after the previous success.
"Eh?!" perturbed, she quickly turned from her improvised seat with a squint dedicated to the source of the call. Instead of outrage over this interruption, she merely sat there, confused and blinking. But she didn't question it and got to it. The usual attire and everything extra she usually brought, including a couple of ointments! As she stepped out, Alsanna sought out her teacher that had vanished.

Waiting outside the tent, Nishi's neutral expression seemed plastered on her face. Once Alsanna had exited, Nishi unleashed another whistle - although much softer than the previous one she had conjured to gain Alsanna's attention.
"Come. I suppose it is my lovely task to see to your training today," Nishi started as she turned around, beginning to head towards the fields utilized for training by the army, "though, I have caught word of your," a pause was enlisted by the jounin for a few seconds, "latest exchanges. Care to indulge me?" Nishi asked, throwing a sideways glance at her pupil.

Attention caught, she turned to follow the sound of her sensei's voice. The Genin didn't seem particularly motivated or energetic but the obedience was there. She played along and didn't even add any sort of sass! An elastic was whipped out from one of her pockets which she'd carefully used to tie her wavy and liberated hair into a standard ponytail. "And what are we training, Nishi-Sensei-Boss?" she spoke while her hands were occupied, tone casual and composure relaxed. "Ah. You mean my little Takeda prototype? Did people find out or are you just watching me from afar?" the somewhat oblivious girl asked, her expression already looking as though she sought amusement once more. "I helped her. And she didn't die or get hurt. Mostly. Nothing intense training wouldn't do anyway." she chuckled.

The way how Alsanna phrased it already provoked a frown from Nishi, who briefly threw another sideways look at her pupil. "We are going to make sure that when I am not around, you can fend for yourself. Or," a pause followed, "you being able to have an attempt to do so."
Nishi didn't immediately respond to Alsanna's response to the previous question. They would continue to walk towards the fields - many avoiding eye contact or getting close to the two kunoichi's.
"You mean to ask if people didn't notice a genin suddenly being set on lightning and then collapsing in the middle of the field? Or being dragged off by the Witch of Sevudia?" Though Nishi didn't seem interested in waiting for a response from her student. "Good. I don't need to have the brass starting to get worried that you may or may not kill fellow genin. You already have enough enemies, that it is even making my life more difficult."

"Ah, going to make me a menace like the spooky Hirashima-Sensei?" she snickered, consistently amused in spite of Nishi's frown. "I'm game. But … Will the training actually be efficient or will it be shitty drills that just serve to get me exhausted quick?" she asked while adjusting her attire just a tad after finishing with her hair.
"Honestly?" she looked forward, keeping her gait steady to match Nishi's, "Big ninjutsu aren't uncommon in training grounds and she's fine. Not like they can say much beyond stupid gossip. Which they'll do no matter what I do!" her lips pursed, eyes narrowing at that last bit said by Nishi. "Am I actually burdening you? If so, I won't be offended if you got fed up, Nishi."

"That entirely depends on how good you can follow instructions," was Nishi's sole response to the question that Alsanna posed, at first.
As they neared the training fields, Nishi had little trouble finding a spot of their own. All the while, Nishi seemingly ignored the question if her student was causing her any problems or worries.
"We can do this the old way. You coming at me, I beat the crap out of you. Hopefully, you are learning something from it. Rinse and repeat. However," Nishi's right eyebrow slightly perked upwards, "I sincerely doubt you are going to enjoy that. And I always found it a silly idea to beat someone up that has to be taught and improved their skill. So, instead let us do it in a more calm fashion."
Crossing her arms out in front of her chest, Nishi gave the genin a rather simple instruction.
"Take a stance on how you would present yourself in a fight where you can't use ninjutsu and you lack tools or weapons."

Her head tilted a tad, eyes still narrowed when there was a conspicuous lack of response to her queries. Alsanna didn't push further, but the foxy look she once had was immediately purged for one of slight caution and possibly intrigue. Before long they'd arrive at the training grounds, which were coincidentally the same spot Yuyuko had gone full burst, which was a bit out of the way indeed.
"First method is for people who need the HARD way to learn things. And it's also the EASY way for incompetent teachers. Like academy teachers!" a condescending titter escaped her lips. "Mmm. No weapon. No ability. Improbable scenario for yours truly, but ..." she pushed her lips out, her posture imitating the sensei's for a moment before she raised her index to tap her chin. "If I'm being perfectly honest, I've never really had a errr … Fight without at least something, like a shank." exhaling loudly, she attempted a position. Arms up, hands balled into fists to protect her visage and her knees flexed and somewhat spread apart. For someone of her stature, this more robust stance was likely not efficient as there was no way she'd stand her ground. But without a weapon, she couldn't adopt a more passive stance as easily, nor did she have the confidence to it seemed.

Almost did Nishi's expression shift. Slightly but very subtly, the left corner of Nishi's lip curled upwards - if only for a few seconds, as Alsanna talked badly about the Academy Teachers. An opinion that Nishi shared but for different reasons.
Waiting for Alsanna to take a stance, Nishi would calmly close in the distance. Circling around the genin, the jounin gently and calmly adjusted the stance - using a hand or else a boot to move the genin into a better stance.
"I won't lie though. Some people think and rattle that taijutsu or armed combat is a clean science. That you can manipulate an enemy with tactics and what not. The truth?" Halting, Nishi stood at the genin's flank. Gently, she placed a hand on the genin's back - the motion testing if the genin was easily toppled by it. Content that the corrected stance was allowing Alsanna to stand firmly, Nishi continued.

"Is far uglier than people let on. In a fight where you can't use nothing more than your fists, feet and teeth? You can read all kinds of books. Partook in all kinds of training. But it all boils down to your body and what it can do. Instincts," taking a few steps, Nishi stood at Alsanna's left. Once more, the jounin attempted to gently push the genin. The failure in doing so made Nishi subtly nod.
"Instincts are what will often decide a fight. It is an ugly affair," the jounin said as she placed her hands behind her back. "Now, when you face a foe, you are likely going to be the underdog. We women have less strength. But instead of trying to neutralise that, we have to be cunning. Mean and ruthless. You understand?"

Alsanna's heart started to race, which was a rather unreasonable reaction given the circumstances. When the far superior combattant mobilized herself, her legs seemed to falter somewhat, shaking in anticipation. When that smack came to be, she easily lost her footing in spite of her core's general stability. It prompted her to stumble to the opposite direction as she fumbled to fix her feet onto the ground, but she didn't fall. The whole time she tried to keep facing the faster foe, her azure eyes keeping a very focused fixated on the shadow.
There were no witty responses, instead her breathing matched her increased cardiovascular distress. No panting, but her breaths were far more audible. When Nishi went for another strike, she actually mobilized herself to react, this time trying to 'tank' the shove with her arm. This compromised her posture at the benefit of avoiding having her flank hit, and once again she stumbled, nearly falling. Clumsily, she kept herself on her two feet.
"I do understand, yeah." she didn't budge from her posture, even if Nishi had relented. "Which is why I'd have marked you on that second strike. It's clear I couldn't kept this up." she relaxed, if only a tad, sweats already forming on her forehead. "I'm going to assume this won't be a strength training, huh?"

Waiting for Alsanna to recover, Nishi didn't press on or do anything that could come over as her proving her point. When Alsanna stated she would have marked her on the second strike, Nishi's lips actually curled into a soft smile.
"Good. Cause no, this won't be strength training. Not yet. No point in that, for now." She answered, gesturing to Alsanna to drop the stance. "You do already think ahead. Which is good. Don't think too far ahead, though. In a chaotic fight, trying to think or outwit your opponent rarely goes well. Hard to think, after all, when someone is bashing your head in."
Realising something, Nishi continued. "If anything, you are already ahead of the ordinary genin that requires this kind of training. You are familiar with the body. What points and areas are by nature painful spots to receive a hit." Posing a pause, Nishi would opt to keep it at theory for now. "Imagine I came at you with the intent to attack you. What areas would you focus your attack on?"

Now fully relaxed, she set her hands on her hips and arched herself back a bit. "Whew, thank the shits." she smiled, raising her arm she had used to defend herself, opposite hand on the shoulder, and performed a few spins to wake up the articulation. "If someone is bashing my head in, either my ape-shit reaction works or I'm dead. In any case, better to anticipate before it gets to that point, yeah?" after that little stretch, she crossed her arms under her rather unremarkable chest.
Now she stopped for a moment to think. "Hmm. That is contingent on how you approach! And what kind of fighter you are, too." she narrowed her eyes into a foxy gaze. "If you're not attacking me from the heavens … Then my first target would be your leg. A single strike there is usually determinant, especially if that's one's only means of mobility. A proper cut will have the enemy pass out in a minute or so, too." she smirked. "And rarely are legs perfectly protected, if they want to keep their mobility anyway."

Raising a hand, Nishi snapped her fingers. The sound itself was followed with the jounin performing another subtle nod after hearing the answer of Alsanna. It became even more evident that Nishi seemed to enjoy working with a genin that seemed to actually be aware of what they were doing.
"Correct. There are many details and factors that weigh in, how you should respond and if its effective. But you would target my legs. A fair target." The jounin lowered her hand, "and true. Most people focus on protecting their face. But if you nick the artery? Not many that can unnick it in time before someone bleeds out. However," the woman's right hand moved to a pouch. Pulling out a kunai, Nishi flipped the weapon so that the handle was presented to Alsanna.

"We will continue the situation that you have no weapon. Perhaps someone ambush you with the intention to stab you. In such a situation, you are at a disadvantage. Seeing that the person with a weapon can cause lethal damage in a quicker and easier fashion."
Gesturing in a calm and gentle way for Alsanna to hold the kunai at her side, Nishi continued.
"I will teach you how to deal with it. It is relatively simple but requires practice before you actually notice you do it on instinct. When someone pulls a shank, knife or weapon on you, their motion tends to depend on where they draw their weapon from. In this case, most people sheath their short weapons at their belt. When you see this happening, you reach out," doing as she stated, Nishi leaned forwards and wrapped both hands against Alsanna's arm that held the knife. The jounin's hands were centered around the wrist but didn't apply any pressure.
"The goal is as you may guess it, to protect yourself. To do so, you need to stay out of reach. With two hands, you can try to use your weight to direct and move the weapon away from you," once more Nishi didn't apply any strength to harm the pupil, only to showcase what she meant. Bringing the knife holding arm lower, Nishi and Alsanna's face were closer.

"From here, you can do a lot of things. Even if you use two hands. You see how close our heads are? Headbutting isn't the best feeling but it can daze your foe. He may have a hand free but if you are fast enough, you can also try to kick their knee or do anything to cause pain." Waiting for a second to let it all sink in, Nishi would release her hold and await if the genin had any questions. Only to also gesture to hand the kunai back.
"We will practice this but just focus on the theory. No need to see one another end up with bruises, yeah?"

When presented with the knife, she first stared at it, then up at her teacher, before dropping her gaze down back at it. Her major finger hooked the circle at the tip of the handle to slide it off Nishi's hand and acquire it for herself. A couple of fancy spins and position swaps and she was now holding the blade as she held a shank with her opposite hand instinctively flat and at about shoulder-level. When it was time for the demonstration, she even feigned a slow-motion attack to make the illustration make more sense to her, feeling every step while also observing every articulation in action. The difference in muscle memory and fluidity of movement was staggering between the two females.
Her arm was essentially immobilized in this position, even if Nishi didn't apply any force, she knew there'd be no swift way out of this. But still, her blue eyes consistently scrutinized every little bit she could to get a full picture of what was going on. When both their faces were brought incredibly close, her gaze of faux-defiance was dedicated to her teacher. No sassy smile, just a stalwart pokerface with an electrical glare. Which then relented when the presentation was finished.
"Huh. Two marking openings, and so many potential follow-ups to even the two or three suggestions you've given. It must be ..." she pursed her lips, her foxy gaze now returned. "Soooo thrilling when someone can match you in this sort of confrontation, hmm? So many possibilities, and you must react so quickly and repay in kind! And you said big brains didn't truly matter in brawls." a couple more spins of the kunai and she tossed it back toward her teacher, letting the weapon swirl in the air in a rather precarious manner.

Catching the kunai with ease, Nishi scoffed - but in a clear amused fashion. "It is less fun than you may expect," remembering various scuffles in her past. Gesturing Alsanna to recreate the motions, Nishi feigned that she drew the weapon from an imaginary sheath.
"Remember, use both hands to keep yourself safe. You want to manage to remain unharmed, so the blade and point of the weapon need to be avoided and redirected," the jounin stated as she would observe how Alsanna was going to proceed.

Alsanna readied herself, her eyes fixed onto her opponent's hands. When it came to react, her lithe and petite figure had its advantage. Holding herself perpendicular to her opponent, she became a significantly harder target to reach while being in a prime position to latch her hands upon her foe's arm. Her smaller hands were perhaps not optimal for this procedure, but she had the grip nailed down rather easily. What came next was the fun part. And it was a bit slow due to her mind overworking itself. She opted for something outlandish, as usual, and to make it evident to Nishi, she merely let her teacher hear a metallic 'click' coming from below. Metal talons emerged from her boots, and from her position, she could easily jam those at the front into her opponent's calf, or if ambitious, raise it higher to the glutes and thigh for a more gorey result. "Didn't say I can't wear boots!" she said with a shit eating grin. "And it kinda fuses together the two lessons, yeah? No way I can break your leg or knee with your posture and my build. So … I made these. But if I didn't have them. Hmmm. Headbutt to the chin, followed by that mark I left you." she winked.
There was, in fact, no mark.

It was a bit tough to fight against her own trained instincts, to respond and not allow Alsanna to finish her motion. But Nishi remained calm and waited for Alsanna to explain what she would do. Nodding, Nishi spoke up in turn.
"Good. Though, that doesn't mean you are disarming me from my knife. The danger is still there. So, we are going further." Pausing, Nishi used her free hand as good as she could to point and guide Alsanna alongside the instructions.
"When you have established a good enough grip, you place your hand at my shoulder. This is the hand from the arm, that is closest to your opponent's face. You will need to do this fast before your opponent uses the moment to strike and well, shank you."
Waiting for Alsanna to follow the instruction, Nishi continued.
"The goal then is to stretch out the arm that holds the knife. With your hand at my shoulder and a good grip, you won't need much strength - unless you fight against someone who has years of combat experience. By doing this, you really move the danger, the knife away from yourself."
Pointing at her own body and that of her pupil's, Nishi would also utilize a foot to point at the difference of stances between them.

"You got now a lot of freedom to kick and such. If it is a man? Then it is relatively easy to bring them down. A knee to midsection and such also works. After a few strikes? Most people tend to drop their knife. Pain is a great motivator, I can vouch for that."
Waiting for Alsanna's confirmation that she understood the instructions, Nishi would nod to indicate that they could release each other.

"Wait, so," she actually went out of her way to follow Nishi's instructions, even if she wasn't expected to enact it, setting her hand upon the adjacent shoulder with her nearest hand and applying the described hold. "This does leave a nice opening, huh." she brought up her knee, albeit very slowly to not prompt any sort of reaction from her teacher. She even lowered her foot, clearly showing she could stomp her foe's and gore it with her talons too. "So this is the anti-mugging maneuver for peewees like me, yeah? Pretty neat." she had quite the toothy grin, especially when the pain factor was mentioned. It seemed like a notion that even Nishi was potentially outdone here by this Genin. "Hmmm, wouldn't also using their weight against them be a good idea? Like … They go for the standard swipe or stab, I use the Anti-Creep-Nishi-Technique, but it's so fast that I let them keep their momentum, and if they don't fall from their own weight, I kinda trip them? At this point I can assure you, Mister Creep will not have a good time." she seemed particularly energetic and motivated when deconstructing her reasoning.

There was a hint of surprise as Alsanna brought up a suggestion. Sheathing her kunai, Nishi didn't hide that she was pondering about the suggestion.
"Yes," the answer was spread out as if Nishi had to be cautious before giving the clarification behind her agreement, "that is a very viable way to surprise them. You do need to be wary to not use it against some with more experience. As you may expect, there are countless counters upon counters and moves. It is all rather obnoxious to get into, actually. But if someone doesn't expect it from the likes of you? It can turn a fight quickly around."
Concluding her answer, Nishi's blank expression swiftly returned as she placed her hands on her hips. There seemed to be something that she wagered before speaking again.
"We will start to train this more often though. Strength training will also happen but I first want you to know how to correctly move and respond. That is the first step. But, at this rate, you actually may force me to skip a few things."

Letting a pause fall in between them, Nishi slightly narrowed her eyes. "I did have something I wanted to ask. What have you been doing around the medical tents? I haven't received any note or briefing that you were assigned there."

Finally letting go of her teacher, she took a step back to one again go for a couple of stretches. It seemed that growing energy made her into a slightly more enjoyable presence, or at least her mood was more manageable. "I KNEW you were a teacher and not some super secret assassin with us as a cover. Bwehehe." a brush of her forehead had the accumulated sweat wiped off. It really seemed like she invested herself there. "I will even say … I'm looking forward to it. Unless you make me do push-ups all the time. Ugh."
She did perk up when mention of the tents came to be. There, she narrowed her eyes in cautious, arms crossed and her posture more defensive. "Now that tells me I've been followed. I was careful there." she blinked, her pupils moving to the right as she got silent for a moment. Her jaw moved to the opposite direction and then back, prompting her teeth to lightly grind. "Research. BUT." she raised her index finger before anything else could be done or said. "I did not actually tinker with the patients. Nothing … Invasive. As difficult as it may be to believe, I'm not some super sadist." her eyes returned to her teacher's. "I thought I could also help with some more difficult cases. Varying results." a tinge of disappointment could be heard from her tone.

Nishi's expression remained blank, barely betraying any thought or emotion as Alsanna responded to the question. Waiting patiently for the genin to explain herself, Nishi made some mental notes.
"I will speak with the brass. See if they can arrange a spot for you to move more freely in the medical tents. Before you get actually apprehended and flogged for a whole day," Nishi calmly replied on her turn, the facial expression becoming a bit softer.
"As long as you don't cause any harm or problems, I will make sure that this happens."
Letting her words pass, Nishi frowned once more.
"How is that for an actual teacher, hm? Or do I need to prove in any other way that I am not some super assassin that uses you two for a cover story?" The question posing together with a clear sarcastic tone.

Upon having explained herself and assessing Nishi's reaction, the defensive position taken by Alsanna was lowered, her crossed arms remained so but dropped below her chest area while her breathing was less focused and just natural. "Well, it's nice to know you approve and will talk nicely of me! Heh." her sarcasm was half-hearted, her gaze somewhat avoidant for a brief moment. When she brought it back to Nishi's frame, she spoke one word. "Thanks."
Lips were pursed to exaggerated proportions, her head bobbing about in slight embarrassment. "Actually, I want you to answer something truthfully. I mean, you CAN lie, you probably are an expert at that by the fact that you are, well, alive. But still. I'd like that." she cleared her throat before posing her question, her expression mirroring Nishi's more stoic and blank demeanour. "Why do you lead a team of Genin? I asked you this before and you told me bullshit worthy of, well, me, sure. But now I want to know. Because there's no way you heard of me sneaking in the ward without some sort of investment in a tail or doing it yourself. That's more than the dipshit you like the project would normally do. More than I would do for me anyway." her arms descended down to hold her hips instead, taking a more 'open' stance as she went in with the query.

The expression of Nishi once more became blank by the first comment provided by her pupil. The eyes of the woman briefly widened as Alsanna said thanks - causing Nishi to avert her gaze as well. When the genin spoke up, Nishi placed her hands behind her back - patiently awaiting what the genin was curious about.
The last words of Alsanna was met with some silence, the steel gaze of the jounin peering without blinking at the younger kunoichi.

"I had hope."

The answer was spoken with a serene calmness, but sporting a subtle but sad tone accompanying it. The facial expression remained as a brick wall, unmoving, safe for the slight tug at the corner of Nishi's lips.
"That was why I decided to lead genin."

Just like the physical demonstration, Alsanna kept a keen eye for details that were presented to her. With such replies and questions, it was clear she was looking for answers and reactions, after all. In turn, she kept herself as adamant as possible while registering the little bit of information Nishi had conferred to her student. "You had hope." she mumbled to herself. Her pupils fixed themselves downward, focused on nothing in particular as she mused this small phrase. There was clear hesitation in her expression and the little non-verbal she showed in her posture. "Have you found it? In your Genin? In Hikari? In my, ahem … Predecessors?"
She tilted her head, eyes narrowing a tad more. "Or in this turd right here?" a little smirk to maybe ease the air.

Nishi kept her gaze locked on her pupil. But unlike before, it didn't took a painful silence to provoke an answer. Nishi shook her head lightly, as if she needed to emphasise her answer.
"No."
The single word was uttered with a confidence that paired together with a clear disappointment. Something seemed to change and harden the expression ever so subtly.
"Your predecessors were failures. If it were me, I would have sliced them in the dark of the night and leave them behind. Hikari? She has yet to show any potential past just following orders. You?"
A short pause was introduced as if Nishi wanted Alsanna to come up with an answer of her own. "No. You have not given me any reason yet to believe in you."
As if that was a fitting end, Nishi would turn around and take a few steps. Only to abruptly halt and half turn around - her gaze averting from peering towards Alsanna.
"But, you're not bad either."
That stated, it seemed as if Nishi was driven by something to end the conversation, walking in a confident stride away from the field and her pupil.

Alsanna tried hard to restrain her hysterical laugh when Nishi's inner wrath was manifested when the predecessors were mentioned. Both horrifying and hilarious, just how she loved it. Although it did prompt a drop of sweat to drip from her temple, with Hikari's more mundane position passing under the radar. And then came the star of the show. She was already forming the cockiest of grins as the answer was as a cynical mind would expect. "Honestly? Having you veterans believe in anything seems harder than raising the fuckin' dead." she shrugged in an exaggerated manner.
But the back and forth compliments seemed to have reached some sort of cohesion, as in turn Alsanna could only peer away, her smile no longer charged with phony arrogance but instead actual content and even excitement. She then peered back at Nishi's direction with a playful smirk.
"Oi! Again with you not having the bare necessities ..." she raised her flat hand to signal a 'pause' as she searched for something in her hip-pouch with her free hand. A cereal bar, one with STRAWBERRY bits, was hurled at Nishi's direction. "Gotta stay nice 'n' strong if we're going to tell Hikari what to do."

Halting in her stride, Nishi half turned to face her student once more. The expression that seemed persistently plastered on the woman's face was back. Catching the hurled bar, Nishi seemed to observe the wrapped food with a dull glance.
"Just make my life easier," Nishi shouted back, turning around again, raising her free hand as a lazy goodbye wave at her pupil. "Stay out of trouble, turd."
With her back to the genin, a smile curled on the jounin's face as she kept walking forwards.

"Yeah, you're welcome!"

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Guest

Stormraven

Fierce Rebel

A Messenger

Secret Shadow

Fierce Rebel

Stormraven

Edgebabby

Stormraven

Fierce Rebel

Stormraven

Edgebabby

Edgebabby

Edgebabby