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

[Oblivion666]

Team 8 VS Team 19: Part Two
Team 8: Korina, Hiraku, and Kazumo
Team 19: Rini, Sho, and Set
Summary: The teams clash, who will capitalize first to get their team the win? Oh and Rini and Sho abuse each other with words.
​

[spoili][/spoili]​

[spoili]
When Korina saw the rolling cloud of sand heading straight for her team she quickly transformed into an arrow. The clone immediately nocked the arrow and drew back into a full draw in one smooth motion before she yelled out, "Scatter!" She fired the arrow towards the top edge of the sandstorm's middle before the sandstorm forced the clone into disappearing in a cloud of smoke. The arrow sailed through the air gracefully before the sandstorm began to spread.

Finally one of them came out to play. Sho was still in the midst of spewing out water gunshots that he only saw the boy from the corner of his eyes. By the time he stopped his attack to shout insults at that guy, two needles were already coming his way. He shot to the side in a reflex and yet still found one of the needles embetting itself in his right arm. Wincing he halted to examine the thing sticking in his forearm, but before he got the proper time to do that Rini's plan came into action. From his side a sandstorm was whipped up towards his enemies. Sho had previously already alluded to his distaste of sand and really didn't want to get caught that swirling storm of death. So instead of waiting and looking at his arm he decided to move back and out of the way.

Hiraku watched his teammate's clone begin the attack, as well as Korina basically going over it. Watching this, Hiraku smirked... Then sighed as the sandstorm enveloped him without the rest of his team. He covered his face, but used his Byakugan to see around him, feeling the sand get into his clothing and any nooks or crannies it could. He was about to follow his team, until he realized that he could see the chakra from the sandstorm move away from a certain point. He started moving in the direction of his team, keeping track of where the chakra was coming from the entire way in the hopes of keeping a rough estimate of the final enemy team mate's location. Though the sandstorm was irritating, and a bit scratchy, it wasn't painful to walk through, and so, Hiraku got through the sandstorm eventually, along with his teammate's clone and his other teammate.

Set once again activated her Sharigan and tried to see if it would reveal anymore information on her opponents. She could vaguely detect some figures through the sandstorm and sighed, it was time to actually attack it seemed. Performing a series of handseals, she spewed out a medium sized fire ball in the direction of the opposing team. Her clone backed up before pulling out some kunai and taking a defensive position, it couldn't much more than that. Set from her position could make out her clone and the position of the opposing, they weren't quite close enough yet to actually follow through anything yet.

Once the clone threw the needles and one hit the target he smirked before seeing the sandstorm coming their way. "Well..... shit." The clone muttered bracing himself as he trudged through the annoying wind and sand that was flung all around him. He liked sand but not in this way. Yet as the sandstorm was happening on his allies side the Kazumo that had started sneaking since the start and was safe and sound from its irritation. Since he had been sneaking and the enemy kept moving forward and his allies backwards, he was right behind enemy lines. So he tunneled his way and finally felt some vibrations above him along with some form of heat. This was the perfect chance, so he waited a few seconds before his hands would rip right through the ground and clasp onto the woman's legs and would then pull down to drag her underground.

Rini licked her lips, as she would lower her hands for a moment. The heat drove her slowly into an irritated mood, though the sight of the sandstorm and the sand that was still lingering in the air, which would slowly descend down, Rini wanted to use her left arm to sweep the sweat from her forehead. Remember however that she should be careful, the girl formed the Rat hand signal to use her sensory technique. Knowing fully well that she should probably move back, she wanted to check her options. Apparently the enemy was moving, but something seemed off. Her head whipped up she tried to look for one in the air. Since when could somebody fly, she thought to herself, slightly starting to panic as she wasn't sure where this flying person was.

The clone had overshot the target slightly, but it meant little when the target ended up approaching the arrow. Korina dispelled the Transformation Jutsu just behind her target, her body low to the ground and coiled. She was ready to attack, secure in the knowledge of her teammate's abilities and her own love of fighting. Blood rushed through her veins as her eyes flashed a glowing ember-like orange at the imminent duel. Her heart pounded in her ears, the rhythm was both comforting and emboldening. She said nothing, and made no move...just total silence.

Avoiding the sandstorm, Sho had one, lost sight on Setsuko and two, had unknowingly moved towards Rini. Not that he wanted to ask her for her next plan, because he really didn't want that. That her idea with the sandstorm was pretty clever was just a coincidence probably. Or just a lucky shot. But that luck would soon run out. He upped his speed to get to her when the arrow passed over his head. Sho, figuring that it was just a misfire, kept running towards Rini. On their own righting would be difficult after all.

Hiraku, passing through the sandstorm and getting to a point which he could stop guarding his face, began to focus on his surroundings. He saw Setsuko, or, based on what the chakra looked like, a clone of her. At least, Hiraku hoped it was a clone, or she had already used a lot of chakra and was basically going to be a small part of the fight. He then saw what seemed to be a large ball of fire flying in his direction... He dashed to the side before deciding on his next move Hiraku moved towards Set, waiting until he was about thirteen meters before he began using Eight Trigrams: Air Palm to strike at his opponent twice. He would, of course, continue towards the opponent, and if the air palms hadn't taken out the opponent, he intended to use palm rotation to finish it as soon as he could reach her.

Setsuko would perform a few handseals as she would then be swapped with clone to then be attacked by Hiraku's airpalm. It knocked her back a good few feet and with no warning prior to this, Setsuko took another airpalm which knocked her back another few feet. Noting the fact that she really couldn't have done anything but take the attacks she kept her Sharigan activated and narrowed her eyes at the approaching Hyuuga. It seemed like he was more adept in his area than she was in hers. She also took note of the fact that her team mates were back further from her and she needed to get to them.

While she did the change it was kind of noticeable right away that she switched places which made Kazumo groan before letting the clone go with her up to her chest in the sand and tunneling again. He could sense the vibrations up above of someone being thrown back and judging by the vibrations he could sense who the hell it was already. He could sense his teammate doing another attack by its force and felt a vibration leave the surface. "And.... welcome back home little one." Kazumo said as his hands once again ripped through the ground ready to clasp onto the woman. While his clone followed up after Hiraku's attacks and ran forward while throwing three needles at the woman. If she tried to dodge shed find that rather difficult unless she was willing to fall on her own ass.

Turning her head, Rini noticed some movement at her side. Surprised at first to see Sho taking a position more near her, she wanted to scold him and tell that she already was attempting to hide behind this dune. Only to see an unknown person appearing and taking up a stance to fight against him. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that she couldn't hide. Either she had to run and leave Sho be or fight. But the other person seemed determine. Rini wanted to shout for Itsuo, wanting to ask what she should do. But she wasn't with her sensei. And every second counted. Turning around, the girl tried to bolster her courage as she would decide to take action. Weaving the hand signals, she felt like she was going to break underneath the stress. Focusing her chakra, the girl would project it towards the foe that was near Sho, hoping that her Hell Viewing technique would win Sho a window of time to land a strike against their common foe. "Arse-face, behind you!"

When she began to be surrounded by leaves, a warning siren went off in her head. She immediately ran in an erratic pattern for her opponent. 'There aren't any trees in this arena! And the place is sealed off. This must be some sort of trick. I've gotta take this guy out now.' She thought to herself. Korina pushed chakra into her feet to try and propel herself forward more and aimed an electrified punch at the young man.

Sho wanted to snarl back at Rini, but her stressed tone and the footsteps behind him made him swallow his words and turn almost mid step. The girl behind him was already swinging . Sho swayed to the side while ducking to get out of her trajectory. The fact that he was at least a head smaller than the girl helped to get out of her way. As the punch shot by him, he planted his feet in the sand and brought his left leg up to attempt to kick Korina in her side and send her away from him. "What the fuck did you say?" He called to Rini as he began flashing seals. "Come and say that to my face you freaking wimp."

Hiraku, seeing the clone and the real opponent switch places with his Byakugan, smiled. Whatever someone switches like that for, it probably wasn't quite as bad as being completely surrounded and taking two Air Palms right away. He saw Kazumo's hands come up and reach for her, and along with that, the clone's needles were being thrown. Perfect opportunity. Hiraku rushed as quickly as he could while maintain control over himself towards her. As soon as he could reach her, he aimed a Tenketsu Needle at her stomach, hoping to weaken her ability to escape the thrice-fronted assault.

Set was very much in a bad position now, three opponents to worry about and very little time to think. The only thing she could do was dodge somehow as she proceeded to do a back flip or two away from them. Set hadn't even noticed the hands that had came from the ground until she was a bit away from then, wincing she had noticed that one of the needles had hit her. She didn't do much about it except pull it out before scanning the area to find Sho and Rini dealing with their opponent. There was power in numbers and Set immediately turned towards them as she ran in their direction.

As soon as her back flips began Kazumo already snuck his hands back into the sand and tunneled under her as his clone ran after. As soon as she turned around, her running would be cut short by hands clasping her legs and pulling her under. The clone would catch up and help push her down while having his hidden blade placed to her throat. "Who the hell back flips away from three people? Might want to think of something else in the future." The clone said as Kazumo stopped pulling once only her head was exposed and tunneled back up to the surface looking down at her, as he cracked his neck and dusted sand off himself. "Its going to take forever to get this sand out." The real Kazumo said as he took off his jacket shaking it around to get the sand out of it.

"Heh." Rini noticed that their opponent hadn't cancelled out the genjutsu, but just moved forward. The image would likely demand some attention as it would be from the heart. No idea what it would be, Rini made a quick skid to the left as she brought her hands together. Her aiming was to blow Sho's foe away from the side as with the genjutsu and imminent kick from Sho, Rini hoped that she could do another 'punch' with her wind ninjutsu. "Back off, Shrimp-douche!"

Korina took the kick in stride and used the shift in momentum to let it push her to the side. She gaped her breath as she landed, but the pain helped center her and fortify her defense against the genjutsu. It was this pain that helped to stave off the image of her entire clan being wiped out because of her mistakes. As long as she focused on the pain, she knew that what she was seeing were not the flaming deaths of her people, but her opponents and their bickering. She stood in the sand with a smirk, and rubbed her stomach, [color=light purple]"Heh, thanks for the assistance."[/color] She told him before she reached into her weapons pouch.

By the time she did that Sho had already finished his handseals and had moved forward. He hadn't kicked Korina super far away so he could reach her in a couple of steps. "You back off," he yelled back at Rini. As he did he trust his arm forward and the water prison started to form around Korina, attempting to trap her. If that would succeed the match would be over. At least if the other's didn't want their team member to be fried to death.

Hiraku watched as Setsuko was caught by Kazumo's grab. He smiled as Kazumo's clone kept its blade to her throat. "Guess that means we have the advantage... They might even surrender for their ally here. I'll go see if I can find and help Korina" He nodded to Kazumo, "Make sure to call for back-up if anything goes wrong." He then moved in the direction that the sandstorm had been coming from, hoping to find his way to Korina and her battle. She was likely not having the easiest time against up to two opponents, but as far as Hiraku knew, she would be fine during the time it took for him to get there. With luck, she's already defeated the other two on her own...

A loud whistle rang through the air as the referee would beckon everybody to stand down. The man had hurried over as soon as he had seen that the Uchiha from the Amegakure was dragged into the ground and the culprit holding a knife over her throat. "This match is decided. Stand down, all of you." The stern tone would make it clear that the man wouldn't dulge any argument back. "The victory goes to Konohagakure Team 8." [/spoili]

 

[Sketching101]

HYPETRAIIIIN! Part II

A collab made between Sketcher and Lesli

What do you mean, sinister? There's nothing being plotted here! YOU CAN'T PROVE ANYTHING!​

[spoili]
"Sand like that would certainly be annoying," Katsu said to himself. "Their opponents seem to be holding their own quite nicely."

Aiko nodded as she saw how the Amegakure team seemed ot hold their own. Now the fight was really going down and the jounin wondered if her team had made a plan of approach.

Katsu stared at her for a few seconds, amused. "Ah... Sensei, you seem a bit.... calmer," he joked with a grin as he took another candy in his mouth.

"Cause right now, the situation is going down. If both parties are going to engage and commit into combat, then it is either the matter of who makes the first mistake. Or who tries to disengage and not being able to react properly to a pursue action." Aiko narrowed her eyes briefly. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, her facial expression became a bit more worried.

"You seemed to have some faith in them, sensei," he said, turning to the match as well. "I'm sure you won't turn out to be wrong. However you look at it, they have a distinct advantage."

The woman let out a nervous giggle. "That's the point. You see..." For a moment the voice of Aiko trailed off as she noticed that the fight continued. "I'm sure that they are capable, but I haven't trained that much." Sideways, she would look at Katsu. "I am even slight surprised that they are working this well together. But I predict that is due to that they are doing this together. Not for themselves."

"Not for themselves?" the boy repeated, giving the woman a confused look. "What are they in it for, then?"

"To gain more experience." Aiko answered. "I allowed them to enter on the condition that they would work together. Not for the fame, money or such rewards. The best way to sometimes get experience is being pit in such fights." She paused as she noticed that Korina used her shadow clone to shoot herself in a form of an arrow away, over the sandstorm.

"Money's always nice, though," Katsu said wishfully. "And fame might be an interesting thing to have too..." He smirked childishly as he split the candy in his mouth in two. "The match is picking up the pace too."

"Good thing that you're not joining. Fame is interesting indeed, but can be a bother." She said in return. With the fight continuing, Aiko rose up again. "Come on guys! Give them a good time!" As she finished her cheer, the woman slowly turned her head. The man of before didn't return a look. Sitting down, Aiko puffed.

"A good thing indeed," the boy grumbled begrudgingly.

"Katsu..."

"I wanted to join too," he mumbled. "Why is that so bad?"

"Well, for starters..." The woman briefly glanced up as she tried to think of a good reason. "Cause I say so." She mumbled.

"Wha--That's not a reason!" he blurted out. "I've been training a lot too! I... I should deserve a go at something like this too..."

"Katsu, we can discuss this later!" Aiko sneered softly. "Perhaps the next tournament you---"

"It's always later, but there's never a later!" the boy yelled.

"Shhh!"

"Put a sock in it, squid face!"

The man wanted to rise, but a glance of Aiko made him sit again. Staying silent, watching the match, Aiko would speak up after it seemed that Kazumo and Hiraku were teaming on one of the Amegakure team. "We will talk later about it. After this tournament. Promised."

Katsu turned his face away, pouting, stubbornly refusing to believe her words.

Watching with a more apathetic expression how the fight continued, Aiko frowned as she noticed that Korina was going alone against two of the Amegakure team. She was confident that Korina was a capable fighter, but against a sensor and an unknown foe? Glancing back at the fight between the other girl, Kazumo and Hiraku, Aiko wondered who would be first to 'put the knife on the throat'.

Glancing again at Katsu, she felt a bit bad. Raising an arm, she would attempt to pull him closer. "Oh come on. I will treat you on lunch after this match and then we will really talk about it. Okay?"

He looked towards the match again, glancing at her only with the side of his eye before nodding and glancing at the side again.

She wanted to plant a kiss on his head until she noticed that a certain event happened. Surprised, she noticed how the girl that had been the target of Kazumo and Hiraku was pulled into the ground. With Kazumo holding the girl under control, it was practically over in Aiko's eyes. Rising up, she pumped her fists in the air. "That's it guys! Well done!"

---

"This is nice, ain't it?" Aiko asked with a friendly tone as she looked around. The establishment wasn't big, but seemed that there weren't many others who had decided to pay the sushi restaurant a visit. Turning her attention on the young teen in front of her, she flashed a smile. "Do you want to just drink or shall we grab a bite as well?"

"... Something to eat would be nice," he said, still half in the frustrated, bratty mood he was in before.

With the waiter coming, Aiko would order two small glasses of sake. When the man glanced at Katsu, Aiko explained that it was to celebrate a certain event. After the waiter left, Aiko sighed. Staying silent, she simply stared at Katsu while clearly pondering on how to approach the matter. "Katsu, I'm sorry. I guess I am just a bit overprotective." She started. "In my opinion, you're already a fine shinobi. But these kind of tournaments can be dangerous. And just... ever since..." She fell into silence, her eyes lowering.

"Just because it happened to someone doesn't mean it'll happen to me," he mumbled, leaning on his arms on the table, hiding his lower face. "I... I can't grow strong if I don't take these kinds of risks, anyway, can I?"
"I am not talking about that, Katsu." Aiko calmly replied. She became silent again as she tried to figure out how to phrase the words so that he could understand her worries properly. "I will admit that you've become somebody important for me. Much like him, you... Oh dear, this is going to sound quite weird. " She let out a nervous chuckle as she closed her eyes, a lip founding its way on her lips. "I guess I just started to see you as somebody... you know. Like a relative. A close one."

Katsu's eyes rolled up, looking at her, wide open. They lowered to the side with a hint of red just on the visible half of his cheeks. "You'd let him fight," he mumbled.

"I would, but likely giving him a hell of a discussion." She smiled, her eyes lowering as well. "He is kind of the age where he needs to make his own decisions. I will do the same when you're that age, really. But now?" Glancing up to look at him again, she hoped that he wouldn't find it too irritating. "I just don't want you to see hurt if I can prevent it. It is a blessing that you two came back last time, but I was on the verge of losing my cool. I seriously get it that you want to prove yourself or just... I'm just probably butting too much in and am sorry."

"Last time?" he asked with his tone becoming lighter.

She nodded slowly. "Remember when Koike got missing and I couldn't come with you due to several facts as reasons? I was quite terrified of hearing that you both would be lost." Pausing again, she hadn't predicted that it was hard to say those words. Not that she minded to open up to Katsu as she meant everything she told him. But it was just that she didn't want to be weak in front of him. "This world can be harsh and I don't want to lose more than I already have."

"But we were fine!" he blurted out, getting upright again. "And I think I understand that by now! I mean... during that mission, I got to see the inside of a torture cult's base. I think it was pretty illuminating in the regard of messed up-ness. I may still be young, but I've stabbed and been stabbed. I think I'm past the--"

"You've experienced a lot these past months. Nobody can deny that." Her tone was strict and harsh. Waiting as the waiter came and gave them each a small glass of sake, Aiko would continue once the man had taken his leave as Aiko ordered the dish of the day for them both. "But that doesn't justify that you can just keep on seeking trouble. Haven't you seen that scar on Koike's face? Isn't that not a warning enough to know that it is risky to even do your missions?" "I--!" She fired the questions without giving him much chance to answer them. "That was just one messed up part of the world. Right now we live in a time of peace and not war. Cause I know what messed up mess this world can be and as long as you're under my gui---" She stopped. Biting on her lower lip, Aiko lowered her head.

"Sorry. I shouldn't talk like I am your mother. Sorry."

Katsu's gaze fell to his lap as he remained quiet.

Picking up her glass, Aiko would take sip of her drink. Remaining silent, she decided to say something after a moment of silence. "I just don't like the idea of you getting hurt if I can prevent it."

"That's not fair..."

"I'm quite unfair." She replied.

"I..." The boy's voice faded away.

Sighing, Aiko glanced into her drink. "I wouldn't be such a pain in the ass if I didn't care 'bout you this much. I know that it is really frustrating at times and you're technically not really my student or responsibility, we made that agreement last time. Remember?"

Katsu childishly kept looking away, turning his gaze outside the window while carefully avoiding even glancing at her.

Lowering her gaze, again, Aiko felt slowly more and more guilty. "Would you allow me to fight just any fight?"

"What do you mean?" he asked quickly with a glimmer of hope, turning to her.

"Would you allow me to just face any fight without knowing if I would or wouldn't get hurt?" She calmly asked again.

"Yes!" he exclaimed frustratedly.

She frowned, but remained silent. "Thus you wouldn't be worried that I could come back with a huge scar on my face? Losing a limb? Or not even return at all?"

"You can't think like that! There's always a risk, but if you never take any, you can't do anything," he retorted. "I could break my neck trying to go down the stairs but that's not gonna make me stay away from two storey buildings!"

Aiko allowed him to reply though she wanted to interrupt. "Good analogy." She stated at first. "But I think we both can agree that we can't compare walking down the stairs with a fight. Where the chance is gigantically bigger as somebody is actively pursuing to hurt you. But that still hasn't answered my question, Katsu."

"Well, I'm gonna have to fight people at some point! It's my job," he kept on yelling. "What if I'm unprepared the next time it's life and death because I couldn't risk getting a bit hurt to get better?"

Just staring at Katsu as she would bring the edge of her glass to her lips, the woman took a sip of her drink. "You're right. It is your job. But you're receiving and had received training for that. But do you now suggest that I should just put aside my worries and feelings aside because you're experienced?" No eyebrows were raised with the question nor did her tone gain in volume. She seemed perfectly calm. "Cause experience is everything?"

"No, I'm saying that I need this kind of experience," Katsu grumbled.

"And in time you will get it. There is no need to push yourself or risk yourself to gain it." Aiko's tone shifted slightly. "That and you still haven't answered my question."

"All I'm saying is that... it's not about your worries," he retorted. "I can join something like this if I wanna!"

Aiko remained silent as she simply stared at Katsu. Saying nothing, the woman leaned back as she placed her hands on the table, intertwining them both. The facial expression of the woman showed that she was clearly disappointed as some certain guilt flowed through her stance and body language.

Katsu gulped and spoke after a few moments, discomforted and feeling a bit guilty for speaking out. "B... But..." he started, "I can't at this point anyway, so... You don't need to worry, sensei."

"If you say so." Aiko softly replied, glancing away.

Katsu pouted, crossing his arms, facing the other way while glancing at her from time to time from the edge of his eyes.

"Has your mother ever said that you're a good son?"

The boy averted his eyes, tilting his head forward without a word in return.

"I'm just worried, you do understand that, don't you?" Aiko continued. "To be honest, I am still learning. I have two children, yes. I helped Koike over the years, but it is different between you two. Not because of age or personal. But because of other reasons." She paused. For a moment Aiko wagered how it would effect the conversation if she would state all the reasons. But she considered him smart enough to know what those reasons were. "You're not my real son. We both know that. The world can know that, but that doesn't stop from the day that I took you as mine. You're not Kei. You're not Aki. You're Katsu and I have never helped or raised a young teen. I'm just worried that you might get into trouble while I could have prevented it. You got a whole life in store. Many more tournaments will be open to join and then you can show them what kind of shinobi you are. I am just worried that now can be a bit too early... Sorry."

Katsu had a lot of things he wanted to say, shout and yell, but in the end he only gave her a rather tame look before looking away and nodding.

"Besides, you're going to grow up soon enough. Now you're all cuddly and small, but soon?" Aiko sighed as she shook her head. "I bet you will get all kinds of scars. And being rugged and ---"

"I get the idea!" he blurted out, turning to her. "I understand...." The boy sighed. He wanted to cut in earlier when she called him cuddly and small, but he didn't want to snap. Still, he couldn't keep himself till the very end.

"Good. And I know that I can be overprotective. But do know that I am being that way cause I care. To be honest, you and I are similar." She half closed her eyes as a neutral smile moved over her lips. "I was only younger when my own perished away. I think five years younger. But I know how it is to have people who seem to hold you back for 'your own good'."

"Then why?" the boy whined.

"Cause you're a young child that needs more guidance." Aiko snorted. "I always got that line. Then I ended up in nodding, being silent and returning to my room. There I softly cursed the whole world and kept throwing my pillows at the wall."

"It's not like I was being guided to be safe ever," the boy mumbled to himself, leaning back again with his arms crossed.

"No, indeed." Aiko simply stated. She paused as the waiter came back with their order. "I'm holding you back. But I promise you, I will allow you more freedom. Later." The smile grew as she then gestured to the plate with sushi. "But come, how about we later talk further? I can tell you stories about myself all day long, but that would be a waste of our time."

The boy turned his face away from the sushi with a sour expression, pouting. "I don't like sushi...."
"If you don't start to try it, I will shove it down your throat..."
The boy stuck his tongue out.
"Don't dare try me, boooowooobooo. I will keep forever stalking you and making sure that every girl in Konohagakure or the empire will know you by that name."
"I don't care about what stupid girls think anyway," he grumbled.
"Not yet, I know. Not yet." Aiko whispered as she would start to enjoy a roll of sushi.
[/spoili]

 

[Oblivion666]

The Feeeels!!!!

A collab between Libra and Inzane

Summary: Sand is everywhere!! And lecturing is how I should comfort.
​

[spoili][/spoili]​

[spoili]
Monaka had been sitting down nearby the arena's walls in silence, a small frown on her face. Being cut off before she could fight... She sighed, covering her face. If she had no self control, she'd start crying, but she forced herself to suck it up. She didn't even summon Tao Tao to give her comfort, she just wanted alone time to think over this error.

With his teams victory with the ref calling the match once he had someone in a forced loss position, his team would come out of the arena with hims shaking his hand in his hair with sand bits falling out. "I know I like sand and all, but I don't like being one percent sand."Kazumo would mumble to himself certain he heard his teammates chuckling at him. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Monoka who didn't look the happiest as she sat against the arenas wall. Tell his team he would re join them later, he walked over to Monoka and sat down beside her. "I'm guessing you didn't do that well in the tournament huh? Well you always have third and fourth place too shoot for. What team did you even fight?" Kazumo asked her in an effort to try to cheer her up.

"W-wha- K-Kazumo!" She squeaked, quickly standing up, "I-I wasn't crying!" She said, seeming rather panicked, though quickly calmed down when she realized that he never asked, "Oh... Uh... I'm not sure." She said, crossing her arms, "All I heard about was Saki before the match was thrown." She sighed, scooting away and sitting back down.

He was a little startled himself by her sudden reaction, though it made sense when he gave no indication of even coming near her. Yet she quickly tried to recover by saying she wasn't crying which confused him a bit as he could see that she wasn't. Was this a females way of saying she wanted to cry? Yet he was certain he was suppose to be fighting whatever team Monoka fought against next and if she had no clue then that didn't give off many good signs. "Saki? I don't know any Sakis. Yet what do you mean the match was thrown? Did someone try to cheat? Im pretty sure nearly everything is allowed with the exception to not kill."

Monaka shrugged, "Eh, she's some pretty girl I met a while before we got here." She explained, not even bothering to face Kazumo since he was on the side with her bad eye.
"Don't really know what happened but all of a sudden Kensuke threw in the towel." She puffed, having that annoyed looking posture.

"So you've seen her before yet never learned her last name? I guess it doesn't matter that much really." He said before shaking out more sand in his hair with a disgruntled sound as he listened to their leader just giving up. "Wait a jounin.... just gave up? If he had any pity about a competition mostly for us Chuunin and Genin, then he decided a little bit late. Anyway its just a match in the end, you shouldn't get down in the dumps because you lost."

"I'm not the best with names, okay?!" She exclaimed, putting her hands on either side of her head. She took a deep breath as to relax.
"Well I guess so since he damned went ahead and suddenly cut it." She said through her teeth, "It's still embarrassing for me to go to a match to fight and NOT fight..!" She growled, "This was a chance to see how strong I am so far and it gets cut short, of course i'm fucking pissed." She then elbowed the wall, rather hard.

It was expected to get a bit yelled at for saying it was odd to not remember someones last name, yet what she described about Kensuke quitting only rang bells in his head. Yet first he let her vent out her anger before he would speak. "Think I see your problem. He didn't want to throw in the towel probably. You probably had a Yamanaka opponent, they have this jutsu where they take over your body. So when he went ahead, he probably walked right into it. So really you just had the worst kind of match up." This was his idea anyway, again the man really could've just went and gave up cause he felt bad but this made slightly more sense. Yet how was he suppose to cheer up angry females again? Hesitating slightly he pat her on the shoulder and smiled a little awkwardly as if he didn't know what he was doing. "Its okay, you will have plenty of chances to see later on." He said although inside he was really blaming his dad for never giving him any social tips with females.

Even with his explanation, she was still angry.
"I don't know, and I don't fucking care..." She mumbled, turning away further. She wasn't angry about the match being thrown, more so that her chance was taken, and she felt it was her fault. She could have just upright attacked instead of hiding like a scared little mouse.
"Don't bother comforting me, I know you suck at it." She said, getting up and facing the wall. She gently began to bang her head against the wall, mumbling 'stupid' each time.

Well this really must have hit her hard, yet in the end what can you do? You cant help that your leader messed up and ran ahead and got himself caught in a trap. It also seemed like his comforting didn't work as she exclaimed by saying he sucked at it which was.....true. Still it was a every rude thing to say, mostly when he was trying. Saying nothing he stood up as she started banging her head against the wall and positioning his leg behind hers, he would wrap his arm around her stomach and pull her back so she tripped over his leg and would lay on the ground. There he would frown at her and try his best to hold her there, although judging by the muscles he could feel. He was sure she could overpower the simple hold if she wanted too. "Yeah I do, I rather stick to being truthful. So in that regards, stop acting like a freaking baby. This kind of thing happens you can't change it and destroying private property won't make the situation change. You want to prove yourself? Then do such in your next fight, that's one thing this world will always promise you. A next fight until it decides your time is done. Now stop getting angry over such silly nonsense." Kazumo said straight up to her, finding it much easier to speak the truth even if it was harsh than to be a comforting person.

Monaka yelped when she was suddenly falling onto the ground, then being held there.
"What the fuck Kazumo?" She snapped, struggling a bit to move her arms before she got a good grip on his body, before he started to talk. She lied there having him grabbed in a stance when she could easily flip him over her and cause him to smack into the ground while forcing her to flip with him, but she just paused and glared at him as he spoke.
"..I don't care about that stupid metaphor shit!" She barked, instead pulling him forcibly towards her chest and rolling on top of him.
Her face was as red as fire and she was panting as she was crouched on top of him. She even looked on the verge of tears but was fighting it.
"J... Just... Shut up... I don't want to hear it..." She said in a weak, breaking voice, moving her hands to tightly grip his shoulders, "I... I'll bang your damn head into the ground if you don't just leave me alone..."

As he finished with his lecture she instantly just said about not caring about that metaphor shit and proceeded to yank and roll him over onto the ground with her on top pinning him down instead. This didn't go as he really planned, yet what he seemed to have said to her worked out a bit. Even though she threatened to pound his head into the ground he just stared up at her. "Will that solve your problems? If so go right ahead, yet I doubt giving me brain damage will solve anything. Do you want to prove yourself because of what happened in your past? Beating yourself up will not work you know, the more you do the more it will persist. As much as it will hurt, you have to let it go. I can't speak from experience and say I know your pain Monoka, but will you really come out on top if you only blame yourself for not being strong enough?" He lectured her again highly expecting her to start bashing his head in now. Yet he got what he needed to say out.

She didn't bash his skull against the ground in a fit of anger. Rather, she had let go and walked away from him, sitting further away and seeming to slap at her eye.
"Stop it... Stop it... Stop coming out..!" She said through her teeth as she was trying to keep her tears from coming out. She could feel them coming out and she wanted it to stop. She made it a moral code not to cry in front of anyone, but for this, especially Kazumo. What would he think to see someone like her crying? He'd laugh... He'd never like her...
"Stop..." It was easy to try to keep it in, since only one of her eye's tear ducts worked properly, so only her good eye cried.

Instead though she got off him which prompted him to sit up and look at her as she slapped her eye saying stop it. He was confused until he saw her crying which made him sigh in relief. He would walk back over to her and sat beside her again this time giving her a hug, it was kind of quick but a hug none the less. "Its okay to cry you know, its why we are able to after all. So don't worry and just let it all out. Im sure you will find out that you feel better once you do." Kazumo said smiling at her, looking slightly silly with sand still clearly visible on him.

Monaka flinched a little when she was suddenly hugged. Her eye widened a bit as she heard his words. He... Wasn't going to laugh? She then began to quietly and slowly breathe, tears properly forming in her eye. With that, she literally began to bawl a waterfall, forcing Kazumo into a rather wet hug as she cried rather loudly.

Now was his turn to flinch when he was hugged and now had a crying woman on him. He was sure anyone looking on would probably think he was an asshole if they saw a woman crying near him. Yet he was pretty sure in this situation you hug them back. He was sure anyway, so hugging her back he just let her cry her little heart out, although crying did help clear your eyes out. It defeated the purpose when the hugged person was covered in sand. "See don't you feel better now Monoka? I can tell you must have held it in a while." he said as he was certain half of his shirt was drenched a bit.

It took her ten solid minutes to calm down enough to let go and be able to speak. She felt some pressure off of her, which just made her nod.
"Y... Years..." She sniffed, rubbing her eye, "I've held it in, for years..." She did a few heavy breaths, "I couldn't even do it around Tao Tao, or even with myself... Crying always felt weak to me so I never did it and I never let myself try to." She slowly covered her face, "I'm such an idiot... I say that I don't let other people's opinions influence me, but i'm always concerned about how I seem to everyone..."

Kazumo simply nodded his head at her saying how long shes held it in and never being able to do it in front of Tao Tao or by herself. She really must have been trying to stay strong for too long. "It depends really, crying can be weak but also strong. Its weak to cry all the time, yet even the strong know when they have to cry, so you are already strong in that regard." He said and shook his head when she called herself an idiot and flicked her head. "I don't see an idiot. I see a pretty lady who simply tries to act tough all the time yet deep inside shes a real softy. Yet to me you seem like a nice person.... even though you do assault me quite a bit." He said when really he was the one who assaulted her more than she did him.

She looked to him when he had flicked her head, her face turning a little pink. Not from anger, but from flattery. He... Really saw her that way? She then shook her head.
"N-no no no... I'm not pretty, i'm not close to pretty..." Her face only got even more red, "I... I don't deserve any of this..." Her head hung, her reddish brown hair hanging in front of her face.

"Well you can't really change someones point of view you know. So you can say it but I will still think it. Besides what determines what makes one pretty? If you think your scars define you as not being pretty then I say you are wrong. Besides you are pretty because you act like you want to if that makes sense. You act like yourself and not something fake." Kazumo said smiling at her and shaking his head. "There you go with that negativity, just accept the damn compliment Monoka." He said chuckling a bit

She really could not believe she was hearing any of this. Since she was a child she had the long thought that she was ugly, weird, unlovable, that maybe if her parents survived and she had a normal life, she'd be pretty and not so fucked up. The last couple people she met proved otherwise, though...
"B... But..." She sounded out of words, "I... D... Do you..." She felt a little hot with the question burning on her tongue, "...Like me..?"

She was pretty silent after he finished speaking which made him wonder if he said something offensive to her, yet she started speaking up slightly. She did seemingly struggle to ask her question which made him tilt his head in confusion before she asked if he liked her. His own face turned a bit red as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well I don't hate you, and I'm somewhat use to your weird actions you do. So I'm sure I do like you.... maybe we can discuss this more when we aren't at a tournament?"

"R-right right..." She said, her face equally as red, "Wouldn't be a good idea to be getting mushy and shit when we aren't even in our home country." She gently laughed.

He nodded in agreement "Exactly, that and Im really shitty at these kinds of things as you can probably tell. So when we get back, we can awkwardly do it there, so you do the best in your next match and i'll do my best in my next match. Just a heads up though. One of them likes to shoot water everywhere, and the one I fought used fire. Think she was an Uchiha by those eyes of hers. So if you do get cover, it might be best to use it until you get close enough to them." Kazumo suggested to her as he stood up shaking his jacket again to remove more sand. Sand was awesome and all but why did it cling to clothing so well?

"Hah, yeah..." She said with a little smile, though listened about his info on what team she'd face.
"Oh great, an Uchiha? Well thanks, but damn will that be a pain. No sneaking up on them, that's for sure." She chuckled, "I suck at it but at least i'm trying, right?" She smiled, but it dropped into a frown, "But if it's an arena with trees or high places to jump, i'm screwed. Should be obvious why."

she didn't seem thrilled about the team she was going to be facing but he nodded when she said that she was trying at least. Yet she seemed to be bad with trees and high places to jump. "I can help you with that when we get back if you want? I go hunting often so using trees to my advantage is a thing. Anyway I should get back to my team so we can do some prep before we face the next team. Good luck Monoka." Kazumo said smiling as he stood up and started walking away while shaking his shirt to get sand out of there as well.

"Yeah, that'd be fine." She said, smiling with his proposal. When he stated he needed to get going, she nodded.
"Alright, bye Kazzy..." She waved, "... Make sure to get all the ants out of your pants." She whispered, grinning.[/spoili[/spoili]

 

[Gerontis]

Masked Goofs! Round 2!

A collab made between Gero, Sketcher and Lesli

KICKAASSS​

[spoili]
They had a little rest before the second match. The first match had relatively gone easy. But Koike wasn't that content over it. They had won simply due to the Nimatsu making the mistake to rush into action over a large distance. He briefly wondered what the other had thought. But it was over and had happened. They had now to worry about other opponents and Koike doubted it would be such an easy victory as it had been before. Under the cover of his cloak, the young man placed his hand on the handle of his sword for a moment. "Everybody at the ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be, here," Katsu said with his mask covering the right side of his face and his ear. He slid it on, looking over at Saki. "Let's go!"

She nodded as she slid the mask on as well, following the two from behind. "Yeah. All ready and good to go." She replied. As with the previous match, she hadn't her bow present with her. Her gloved hands rested on the handles of the knives at her waist as she would continue to follow the two and end up standing next to Katsu.

Letting out a soft sigh, Koike glanced over the field. It wasn't mucht to his preference. It was a large field of water. There were scattered small rocks and some larger boulders that one could use to stand out of the water. Glancing around, the young man did however prefer it more than the wet mud from the previous fight. "Let's do it a bit differently than normal." Koike started. "Katsu, how about you take charge this round?"

"Eh?" the boy blurted out. "Why me!?"

"Unlike the previous team, we have no detail about those there." Koike calmly replied back. "Your eyes however can catch information faster than either I or Saki can."

"It's not like I'll be able to get anything useful just by staring at them!"

"You can read their movement and chakra signature." Saki decided to reply. "I can act as a sensor and back-up. You two can take the lead." She suggested. Spotting the referee, who glanced at the teams, she figured that they didn't much time left to conclude their plans.

"So, wanna lead this fight?" Koike asked Katsu, glancing sideways at his friend. Turning his attention back on the enemy team, he would place his right hand at the handle of two knives at his waist.

"Fine," Katsu said with a huff as he walked forward, almost sinking. "Ah! I forgot about the arena..." The boy grumbled as he pulled his foot out of the water and started walking.

Crouching, Saki would leap to the left side as she would move her hands together underneath the cover of her cloak. Skidding over the water surface, the Yamanaka would crouch behind a boulder as she started to focus on her sensory technique. "In position." She reported to the others.

Walking at the right flank of Katsu, Koike would chuckle as he noticed Katsu's mistake. The referee made the signal that the fight had begun as the enemy team seemed to adopt a similar tactic. One of them moved on top of a boulder as the two would take a position in front of her. Glancing at the blue haired woman with a feather, Koike frowned behind the cover of his mask. Perhaps a wind ninjutsu user?

Katsu looked back and forth, gulping. Although they weren't big or tough looking, their opponents had more than an imposing air about them. "Okay... Round two begins, huh?"

"Katsu," Saki's voice sounded through the mind of Katsu and Koike, "remember. If you get too nervous, we will get anxious too. This technique isn't flawless. Too much of an emotion and we're going to suffer too." She informed him with a serious and yet friendly tone. Then she realized something as she gritted her teeth. "I only detect two chakra signatures..."

He remained silent as he kept an eye on the enemy. But it was a bit strange if Saki could only detect two chakra signatures. There were clearly three opponents. "Ready." Koike stated as he would spread his footwork by a bit and pulling out two knives. Keeping them in his left hand, he noticed that the blue haired girl with the feather started to make gestures with the feather.

"R... Right. Sorry," Katsu said, taking a deep breath and taking his stance. "Uh... Okay then. Koike!" Katsu made a series of handsignals as he took a leap back into the wall, disappearing.

"If you two can, keep an eye on the missing enemy. I would hate to get surprised." Saki stated, attempting to joke a bit about it as she would press her back against the boulder. If one of them could avoid her sensory technique, she had an idea how she could defend herself against such a foe. Focusing still on her sensory technique, the Yamanaka thought of something else.

Simply weaving handsignals at a rapid speed, Koike would also leap backwards, vanishing in the shadow of a boulder. The blue haired girl seemed to finish her 'gestures' as the water seemed to get into moving as then several tendrils shot from the surface. They seemed to set up a defensive perimeter around the boulder on which the blue haired girl.

Almost as if he dove out of the water, Katsu appeared from inside the perimeter, moving towards the blue haired girl through the air. Only followed by a shadow moving out of another shadow, the glinster in the light the only warning of the two knives that would be thrown, by Koike, at the back of the girl.

The masked opponent didn't seem to care for the two attackers as the person suddenly rushed forward. With quick jumps and hops, a loud snicker escaped the person as he would advance on Saki's position.

The blue-haired girl twisted her head a bit as a tendril of water would deflect the knives and another two moving in front of Katsu's path. Thanks to the rarely used eyes of his, the boy was able to react quickly and send an arc of wind from the edge of his blade to meet the tendrils before he landed.

Some of the tendrils behind Koike split up as the third member of the team swung a large hammer downwards towards the assassin.

"Koike, on your six."

Stepping aside to avoid the hammer crushing his head, Koike pulled out with each hand a knife. Raising his left hand, upward to the face of the hammer wielding foe, Koike glanced briefly to see how Katsu was doing. The blue haired girl was forced to evade the arc of wind with a quick leap forward as the feather would make another gesture. The tendrils behind Katsu would shot forward in attempt to catch the young Uchiha by his legs, arms or neck.

Katsu made a leap up high to avoid the attack, making the water under his feet cave inwards for a moment. In mid air, his hands met and swung, throwing at the girl paper shuriken with the markings of explosives.

As the hammer landed in the water, it's edge changed to a more cutting blade, quickly escaping the water to parry Koike's attack.

Saki carefully peeked around the corner, eyeing the ongoing fight. From first glance, she noticed that Katsu's opponent seemed more capable of attacking from directions her team member couldn't see. Just as she was about to move to another position, Saki's head whipped to the right as a kunai with an explosive tag was thrown towards her. Leaping forward, Saki could feel the hot air as the explosion went off, sending pieces of sharp rock up into the air.

Sliding the knife a bit lower, forcing more weight behind the attack, Koike moved in with another fast attack, using the knife in his other hand to pressure his opponent. Though hearing the explosion, he would focus on his attack.

"Tch." The blue haired girl narrowed her eyes as she would perform a rapid gesture with her feather. The water in front of her would rise quickly in front of her, providing a make-shift shield against the incoming attack of Katsu.

The shuriken seemed to start to ignite when the water stopped the burning. As he was landing, Katsu threw two of his knives at her, covered in wind chakra.

The spear split in two, taking new shapes as short swords to match the required speed to counter his opponent's attacks while still being able to stop attacks from going in. One of the swords kept one knife at bay while the other moved to parry.

Turning around, Saki glanced around. There was however no signal of her opponent. Whoever it was, the person also knew how to muffle his or her sound. It annoyed her that she had to break up the formation and not able to use her sensory ninjutsu to sense where the threat was coming from. Hearing something from her right, a few shuriken flew at her with high speed. Forced, Saki quickly dove to the left, skidding over the water as she would pull out a knife.

Surprised, Koike quickly would attempt to disengage with a skid backwards. Holding one knife up, he would throw one to the knee of his foe in attempt to prevent his foe from following him. He wanted to see how Katsu was doing, not wanting to commit to a duel while his team could be at risk.

Smirking the blue haired girl would lean to the right in order to avoid the two knives of Katsu. He would probably hear the water move and rush, but this time the liquid wasn't attempting to grasp the Uchiha in their grip, but to the masked Hon.

Just as his feet touched the water, a large ripple was created around Katsu. Knives flew up in the air with the boy pulling out and swinging his sword in a single gesture to intercept the tendrils.

The swordsman took a quick and large step back, skidding, making it impossible for him to quickly jump back into the fight.

Glancing around, Saki wanted to move in to help Katsu and Koike. But she couldn't. Not without knowing where her opponent was at. Sighing, Saki would move her hands to the handles of her knives at her waist. Then as she would pull them out, the cloak was moved up as she would throw several of them up. Detecting a sound to her right, Saki tilted her head as she opened her left hand, catching the first knife.

Hearing some sounds behind from him, Koike would however trust Katsu his back. Aiming the knife in his right hand, Koike would throw the weapon at his opponent right shoulder while the Hon would skid backwards as he opened both his hands, catching two knives that Katsu had thrown up. In a rapid sucession, the Hon imbued them with wind chakra before throwing them at the blue haired girl.

With the new attack incoming, the blue haired girl managed to avoid the knives with a quick leap backwards. In an agile manouvre, she would quickly get on top of a rock as gesturing with the feather, making three tendrils of water rushing towards the ankles of Koike and Katsu.

Katsu was reaching for his knives when he felt a tug on his ankle, making him splash into the water. He quickly made a bubble in his mask.

The swordsman rushed forward with a quick dash to attack Koike with the swing of a long, familiar spear.

Throwing the knife, she saw how the weapon would be evaded by her foe, jumping behind a boulder. Keeping her eyes on the boulder, Saki lowered herself a bit. After a second, the young masked woman would vanish in what seemed to be just the water. The masked opponent would quickly jump on the boulder and then glance around.

The young man heard the splash, which caused him to glance to the side. Skidding to the right, he attempted to evade the grasp of the approaching water tendril, but was also forced to focus on defending himself against the attack of the now spear wielding opponent. Grunting, Koike felt the weight behind the attack of the spear as he raised his sword to block the strike. Only to lose his balance as something wrapped around his left ankle and pulled.

A giggle escaped the girl as she made more gestures with her feather. The water at her right started to form a shape of a dragon, raising itself up from the water and staring in Katsu's direction a second. Only to rush in an arc towards the young masked Uchiha.

Katsu grumbled, bringing his hands in front of his face. A great flash of light surged from him.

The spear wielder blocked his eyes with one of his arms, confident in his teammate's ability to keep the tendrils tight while he kept his gaze away.

An arm rushed out of the water, grabbing the right shoulder of Katsu. In a quick movement, Saki moved out of the water as she would drag the young Uchiha out of harm's way as just a second later the water dragon slammed into the previous position of Katsu. Crouched, Saki sighed softly as she would let go of Katsu and glance over her shoulder.

The masked opponent of before was hopping over to another boulder, taking up a position at the Yamanaka and Uchiha's flank. A snickering sound could be detected from the unknown foe.

The blue haired girl turned her head, her free hand rushing to her eyes as she rubbed them. The tendrils of water dissipated as she did so.
Narrowing his eyes as the light surged from Katsu, Koike moulded chakra into his blade. Lashing out, he would force himself backwards as a strong arc of chakra would be unleashed with the push, hoping that it would also occupy his foe or perhaps hurt him.

Katsu quickly scurried to his feet. "Hah... Thanks," Katsu said, relieved. His head turned to the masked opponent as the snicker sounded, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Taken by surprise, the swordsman could only manage a poor block, unbalancing him with the large weapon in his hand.

"Let's finish him. I go first and you end him, okay... captain?" She joked at the end, turning around as she send the message. Straightening her back, Saki would move forward towards the masked opponent. Noticing that the person was weaving handsignals, Saki would pull out a smokebomb and throw it in front of her - between herself and the masked foe. Only followed up by two knives that drove the masked opponent to lean to the right and turn its head to see Saki leaving the cloud at the left, weaving handsignals in open sight.

"Alright." The boy said, keeping in mind what Saki had said earlier about the telepathy technique. His eyes widened as he noticed something from where the masked nin was.

Four more knives flew at the masked nin from behind the smoke, quickly followed by another batch aimed at him again.

Pushing himself quickly up, focusing chakra at both hands and feet, Koike would lash out another time to create another arc of chakra that would soar towards the spear wielding foe. Positioned between the blue haired girl and the spear wielding man, he would take a defensive stance.

Narrowing her eyes, the blue haired girl glance over the situation as she noticed the smoke cloud. Her attention moved back to Koike as she would move the feather again, creating the gestures of before. This time two heads of water made dragons rose up - one at each side - as she would unleash the attack towards the young Hon.

The swordsman tried to move out of the way but took a deep cut into his shoulder instead, knocking him back. The nin splashed into the water with his spear sinking beside him.

The masked opponent grunted as two knives would hit their mark, causing him to hunch forward. His head whipped up as a bolt of chakra was thrown towards his position. Attempting to leap to the side, he would be too late as the thrown chakra bolt exploded. The small explosion would throw the masked man into the water, where he would drift on his back.

"They... They won't drown, right?" Katsu asked, quickly turning to where Koike and his opponent were, flicking out a paper shuriken in each hand and throwing them at the water dragons.

Koike had it too busy as he would quickly skid back to dodge one of the water dragons, only to notice that another was too close to be avoided in the same manner. Raising his hands, Koike braced for the impact, only to feel a warm gust passing him, followed by drops of water. Surprised, he lowered his arms as his eyes glanced to the direction of Katsu. "Nice, thanks." Turning his attention to the girl with the feather. She was clearly distressed, but before somebody could make a movement or take action, the referee announced that the match was over in the favor of the Masked Goofs.

Letting out a sigh, Koike lowered his head for a moment. "Good work everybody. Nobody hurt?" He asked, sheathing his weapon as he glanced at the two others. Three medics would head over to the opposing team, attending to their possible wounds.

"I am fine." Saki would raise her right gloved hand as she would briefly wave to Katsu. "That was some teamwork, huh?" Walking over to Koike, she had a smile hiding behind the mask she wore. If this would continue like this then they would hopefully reach the finals. And then...

"Not a scratch! Somehow..." Katsu smirked under his mask, glancing over at his friends. "I suppose that's a streak now!"
[/spoili]

 

[Gerontis]

[fieldbox=Satoshi Jun, #ffcc99]
Kumogakure Jounin | Team 3 | Team Charlie,
Night, ruined castle in the Sky country.

Satoshi looked around before he would gather and rally his team. It seemed that their landing had gone rather well. After everybody had cleared up their parachute and hide it away together, Satoshi would lead the team towards the castle. It was in the dark of the night slight intimidating. The dark silhouette, telling a lost tale of a place of which none of them was certain of how it went. Only that it was now a ruin and void of occupants.

Heading to a breach in the outer wall, Satoshi looked around. Using his sensory ninjutsu to scan the area, he would then turn around. "Okay," He kept his voice hushed as he spoke to his team. "Our goal is to set out traps. Not anything of chakra as it has to be quite well hidden. Certainly seeing we don't know if they have a sensor nin that could very well track any seal or barrier before even setting foot near it." The man explained. "Stick close to me and don't, but really don't venture out on your own. I am not interested in a little hide and seek at the moment. This is a high ranked mission, don't forget that. Even if we play a small part in it, we're here to do our job." The usual friendly tone of the man had completely vanished. Glancing at each of them, he would gesture them to keep following him.

At some points it was a bit of a climb. Not too surprising as who know how long it had been ever since the castle had been maintained. Hoping that the others would simply follow and not gain any funny ideas, Satoshi pointed at Kin. He then pointed at the gate they were approaching. It would lead to the inner section. "Rig it with explosives." He instructed. "Make sure that you can activate them manually and that they are out of sight." Going further, Satoshi would halt as they passed the gate.

"The rest of you, scatter a bit around this courtyard. Make sure that the traps are hard to notice and nothing too extravagant. We don't want to inflict harm on the target." Satoshi gestured. The courtyard wasn't that big. It was a circular yard, that would lead to what Satoshi assumed a guardhouse, armory and such facilities. At least, used to be such facilities. Instead of providing shelter and room for guards, arms and armor was now just collecting dust.


[/fieldbox]

 

[Fieryfly]

[fieldbox="Eiji Emiya, sandybrown"]

Team 13 Jounin | Miya Village​

Eiji was already following the young miko when he found his team being halted by the presence of the young boy behind them. Both Ryu and Kuni turned to talk to him, though the first perhaps a little bit more direct that the second. The boy didn't cower away for their glances nor when they spoke to him. If anything he puffed out his chest and gave his dark brown hair, cropped short, a good run through.

"You are shinobi right?" he asked the two girls before him. "Where do you come from?" Of course he had noticed the symbol of the Akinian Empire on their forehead protector, but that did not tell them where exactly their were from and since Eij still had his back turned to the boy it would be rather impossible to tell where they were from. "Are you here to kill those bandits that attacked us before?"

Eiji saw the shoulders of the miko stiffen as the boy behind her mentioned the attack. "Masao," she said out loud, to stop the boy from talking.

"What?" the boy snapped back.

"These people are here to see the master." she said, still not turning.

"To pray some more, because that is helping? The master is doing fine and everything, but what about Mara? She is not fine!"

With a faked smile on her face Chiasa turned to Eiji. "Shall we go?"

[/fieldbox]

 

[Jessie Targaryen]

[fieldbox=Ryu Uchiha, blue, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]Ryu was turning to point out the boy to Eiji whenever the boy began speaking. This meant she was looking over at thier guide whenever her shoulders stiffened. Which struck Ryu as odd honestly, why would somebody be tense about a young boy asking if they were here to help? Well, the boy said kill, but granted he was a young boy so she imagined it shouldn't bother one that much. The way she also went to suddenly shush the boy after he began talking, and certainly the faked smile on the woman's face spoke of something being off to Ryu. Ryu knew that smile was faked, it was the same one that she had always forced so many times before. The smile that overcompensates in order to try to reassure those around you nothing is wrong. The strained look about it.. Ryu didn't like it. Couple that with the way their host from last night had been acting... there was something going on here.

With these thoughts in her mind Ryu pulled open her bag she kept her ninja tools in, and pulled out a small journal. It was pocket sized so she wouldn't be lugging a bag around that was any bigger than she needed it to be. The journal was soon followed by a small pen. It was Ryu's personal favorite pen... a gift from a school teacher who had pitied her back in the academy and gave it to her, telling her to write down her feelings or whatever bothered her to help the bad emotions go away. She then began writing in the notebook, taking time to pause and look around, tap the pen against her chin as if thinking. Honestly looking as if she was taking time to just write her thoughts about something. Then Ryu shook her head as if frustrated with her efforts and tore two pages from the notebook, although she was careful so it looked like only one was torn. Then the girl slipped the journal and pen back into her bag, using this movement to conceal the fact that this hand was also grasping the page she had written on. Then Ryu crumbled up the blank page, which of course nobody had to know was the blank one, and threw it to the side.

The girl walked along with the group for a while, then 'tripped' over a rock and yelped as she stumbled forwards. Ryu stopped herself by grasping Eiji's arm. In the same movement she also pressed the page she had written on into Eiji's hand. Ensuring her felt it, and hoping he understand she wanted him to see it. She looked up at him, her eyes with a certain determination and quickly said "I'm so sorry Sensei, I wasn't watching where I was going. I was just thinking about that woman the boy mentioned, maybe we should try to find out what happened. Whenever we reach the master of course." As she let go of Eiji, and hoping that her look of determination was interpreted as it should be, about the note. She stepped back and remained walking in place alongside Kuni and thought about what the note said. 'Sensei, this woman is acting odd with the way she was faking that smile. It was too strained, and her body movements indicate she may be hiding something. I don't like it, something feels off here.' Yeah... that was probably clear enough. She just hoped that their guide hadn't noticed it.[/fieldbox]

 

[ChromeHound]

[fieldbox='Reyna Azuma, Aqua']

Kumo Genin, Team 13
Fall From Grace...​

To say the last little while had been a difficult one for her would have been a gross understatement. After Midori had been kidnapped, after she had let the... the beast take over... everything had changed. Kaya, who had barely spoken to her before, now wouldn't even look at her, and Reyna couldn't blame her. She was a freak, a monster... The only thing that had kept her stable was the knowledge that they had to get Midori back. They had to!

Midori was her best friend, and she had failed her. She had let her get taken and then put the rest of her team at risk by allowing the beast to take control. Maybe if she had've kept control, maybe then she could have found Midori... maybe then she could have saved her...

Instead, Reyna was forced to spend the past week hiding away. She couldn't tell anyone that her best friend was missing, she couldn't talk to anyone because they all thought she was a freak... She was alone. She couldn't even talk to her family. Reyna had spent the first few nights curled up in bed, crying until she passed out from exhaustion. It wasn't until she received news that they had a lead on Midori that Reyna managed to pull herself out of her room, and out of her depressed state. She had a purpose now...

The jump training had terrified her. She was still horrified at the thought of jumping out of a ship that could fly. It seemed like something only insane people would do, but perhaps that's what she was. Reyna had managed to pull herself together with the thought that she might be able to save her friend, that she might be able to bring her home.

And now it was time...

Staring out over the side of the airship, Reyna shivered - this time not just from the biting cold. Pulling her mask over her face, she had tucked her hair into a ponytail and hidden it underneath a black toque. As she stood on the deck, garbed in all black, Reyna glanced around at the others. She spotted Kaya and quickly looked away, relieved that the mask would hide the shame from her face.

When Asami gave the command, Reyna took a deep breath, and prepared to jump. You've done this before, you can do it again... Just don't look down. Biting her lower lip, Reyna closed her eyes and jumped.

She clenched her teeth to stop the scream from tearing out of her, opening her eyes as she felt the sensation of falling take hold of her. Reyna's eyes darted around, hoping to catch sight of the others, but it was too dark and they were difficult to make out. Trying her best to focus, Reyna thought back to her lessons. Counting out the seconds in her head, she clenched her fists and pulled the cord. Here goes...

The parachute spilled out behind her and expanded as it released fully. When the chute stretched out, Reyna felt herself decelerate suddenly and the breath was knocked out of her in a rush. Glancing down, the ground still seemed so far away, but at least she was moving at a slower pace. Closing her eyes, Reyna grimaced.

I'm coming...

[/fieldbox]

 

[Lesli]

Team gathering​

Collab between Sketcher, Lesli and Gero

[spoili]

Katsu was lying down on his bed, writing with an uncomfortable look on his face. His bandaged hand paused every few seconds as he wrote.

"You've to take it easy. And cover it probably better." Koike mumbled as he stared outside, through the window. His arms crossed, he was leaning against the wall. Shooting a glance at Katsu, the young man paused. "If she figures out..."

"You take it easy!" the boy snapped back randomly, grumbling after briefly glancing at his friend, his nostrils flaring. "She won't!"

Glaring at Katsu, Koike scoffed. "You know that she will if you don't cover it up." Not amused by the reply of his friend, Koike scoffed, again. "So cover it up. Transformation technique. Stop using that hand."

The boy seemed to grow more frustrated for a moment before sighing and dropping the pencil. "You... You're right," he muttered, turning in the bed. "Sorry."

Remaining silent, Koike replied back after a few seconds. "Its okay. All these fights are going to be worthwhile. Just hang in there and we will be back home." He paused as a small smile crossed over his lips. "If we make it out as winners, treats for a week on me."

Katsu smiled, staring at the close ceiling. "We're doing pretty well, aren't we?" he said joyfully.

"Yeah. For now." His eyes lowered as he said so. Raising his right hand to rub his chin, Koike sighed. "You're doing it quite well. But let's not continue talking about it. Not now, okay?"

Glancing over his pillow, Katsu stared at the upside down image of his friend for a few moments. "Is something else bothering you?"

Glancing back at Katsu, Koike wanted to shrug and say it was nothing. "Its kinda something. You know, when I was being promoted I didn't like it. Leaving Team 8, getting more responsbility and such. It isn't that cracked up as people make it. But leading a team..." Pausing, Koike tried to find the right word for it. "I am glad you're on the team. Same with the others. Am just kind of sorry to see Kazuo go. Well, he isn't gone that we can't try to contact him never ever again. But Nanporo is some distane away from Konohagakure. And we got out own lives and jobs. I just wish that he could stay."

"Well... then you should chin up for Kazuo, if you're thinking about him," Katsu responded. "You've gotta keep yourself motivated too, right? Otherwise we might not make it, and then what'd you tell him?" Smiling to himself, Katsu continued. "If we can just bring this one all the way home, it'll all be worth it, won't it? It's best to say our goodbyes on a good note, I say."

"Yeah." Koike remained for another long moment silent. Continue to stare out of the window, he was also listening if nobody was eavesdropping on them. He doubted as they had so far kept a low profile. Which worked quite well as none of them were quite infamous. "I agree with you. It is just that with everything that I might have grown a bit too attached to the idea of Kazuo staying. Momo's leave was also not something I enjoyed and now Kazuo. Might just be me, but if we see people come and go, then I wonder how Aiko does it."

"You'll get through it," Katsu said reassuringly, followed by a yawn. "You've dealt with worse. Plus, it's not like everyone's gone."

"That's true. Guess it is just between the ears." He mumbled. "Get some rest if you're tired. Once we know more, we will need to get information. No mistakes can be made next time." He further mumbled, to keep his volume a bit down. Glancing at the door to spot any shadow behind it. "I might grab some fresh air in a bit though."

"Uh... I also wanted to say something..." Katsu said quietly. "I went to a match earlier... of the team that's still in the tournament. I got to learn a bit about them. I was thinking perhaps I should tell you two now in case I forgot later..."

A bit surprised, Koike turned his head to glance at Katsu. "A match, huh? A good one?" He asked, not having suspected that Katsu had done that and wondered whom's match he had been watching.

"Well... It wasn't too exciting but they did seem to be able to move as a team. I also believe you..." The boy snickered before continuing. "... know one of them."

"Know one of them?" He slowly repeated, thinking about the teams and people he had seen so far. Though he had kept himself on the background and minded his own to not attract any attention. After a good fifteen seconds he shrugged. "Well, who?" He asked, unable to hide his curiousity.

"Hehehehehehe..." Katsu kept snickering before speaking again. "Y'know. Your... um... thing."

"My thing? Bud, what thing? Who? What are you-- ooooh. Wait!" His eyes widened as Koike glared at Katsu. "She isn't my thing. You can't call another person like that---"

"Hehe.... That's not what thing mea--"

"Stop beating around the bush. You saw her team fight?"

"Ahem... Yeah," the boy cleared his throat, suppressing a laugh. "I actually got quite some information about them outside their performance in the match, too."

A bit surprised, Koike frowned however as Katsu finished. "Oh? Who was the source outside their performance then?" He asked, though having a good hunch and if the source was who he expected to be...

"Uh... I..."

"You met up with her." Koike muttered, audible enough for Katsu to hear. Letting out a sigh, he thought about something. "Can't reverse that now. What did you find out about them?" He asked.

"I didn't say that!" Katsu exclaimed. "But, uhm... Well, other than your... hehe... girlfriend, there's a Hyuuga and an earth release user who seems to prefer stealth."

A hand reached out of the shadow from near the door. "And I am back." Pulling herself out of the shadow, Saki held up a paper bag. "They don't have much quality here for a reasonable price, but seeing we're foreigners, I assume that has a part to play." She told them. "Did I miss anything?"

"Koike being grumpy, but little else."

"I am not grumpy." Koike retorted, however with an irritated tone. "Back to the subject though. You have seen a match and know stuff. Perfect time to share the content." He briefly glanced at the paper bag, afterwards turning his attention back to Katsu. He wanted to ask if they should use the telepathic bond. But considering that they had been using that for some time and it would keep consuming Saki's chakra, perhaps it was better not.

"Yeah, that's how non-grumpy people speak, right?" Katsu said, sticking his tongue out. "Well, that's pretty much all I know... A Hyuuga, earth using stealthy guy and your girlfriend who seems to be able to use... eh... sensei called it chakra enhanced strength."

Saki was for a moment surprised, throwing glances at both the guys before settling down on her bed. Placing the paper bag next to her, she continued to listened. "Korina?" Saki threw a look at Koike for a second, only for her to turn her attention back to Katsu. "Chakra enhanced strength can be a problem. It is basically reinforcing the impact of a punch or kick with chakra. Can be pretty nasty." Saki decided to inform the other chuunin. Unwrapping their lunch boxes, she would get up and give them both one.

"Yeah." Koike replied at Saki. Taking the lunchbox, he would also sit on one of the beds. "But the question is how good their team work is. Also watch your volume. Katsu, could you perhaps keep an eye on if somebody is eave---"

"You're being way too paranoid," Katsu grumbled, hopping down on the ground and taking the box with a smile. "Plus, if anyone's near, either Saki or I would be able to--"

"To be fair, one team already knows that I am participating." Saki friendly reminded Katsu. "The main advantage that we likely have now is that nobody is or can be too sure that you two are also participating. So perhaps, we could just eat and lower our volumes a bit?" She suggested. Then she thought about what Katsu had informed them about. "You mentioned a stealthy earth release user. Do you mean that he is sneaking underground or just being stealthy as we can be?"

"But--Oh, nevermind," the boy huffed, sitting down on Koike's bed as he opened up his lunch box. "Well.... He can dig and go underground. If he can do that without being an earth user, he might not even be one, but he's probably stealthy in the conventional sense. Sensei compared him to me and Koike, so that'd make more sense."

"If he can go underground, you two can spot him, right?" He asked them as he would start to take a small bite of his lunch. It were just two sandwiches though he wasn't that hungry. It would be depending on the field of the arena on how it would either become a problem for them or a problem for the earth release user. "Though the problem might be the Hyuuga. His eyes can spot and see through some of my genjutsu and not to mention our disguises. If the enemy team can look through our masks----"

"What would happen, exactly?" Katsu asked skeptically. "Are our faces so well known that some random Hyuuga'd recognize us, our techniques...?"

She thought about it. "Well, to be fair. I think that Koike's face is easy to... recognize." She didn't want to insult their team leader and friend, but the scar was quite present on the young man's face. "Does Korina know anything of your abilities?"

"Even if she did, she wouldn't be the one--"

"She doesn't know much." Koike simply answered, glancing at Katsu. Taking a bite of his sandwich, the young man thought about it. He was pondering if the other team would use their earphone communicators. It would be beneficial for them if they could just listen to the same channel and thus react quickly on their plans and counters. "Hey Katsu." Koike started. "What are the odds you can trick a Hyuuga to look at your pretty eyes?"

"Hm... I'm not sure. Maybe we could take another approach to it?" Katsu suggested. "Do you remember our game of hide and seek with Ayano and Daichi?"

"I do. Why?" Koike asked after clearing his mouth, bit surprised by the question.

"You remember the thing you did? Perhaps you could use that on them in a different way."

Saki listened to the two as she enjoyed her lunch. Though she briefly felt a bit out of place, she was more than feeling comfortable. It was only a given that Katsu and Koike were able to understand each other better than she could. It made her wonder if she would be able to be useful too in this conversation, but would remain further silent as she chewed on a bite.

Koike frowned, for a moment unsure what Katsu meant. Thinking back, he then asked the other a question back. "Do you mean what I did to transfer it back?" He asked, chuckling. "Though they have a Hyuuga, wouldn't he see it at my chakra system that something is off?" Though, Koike thought, with the Hyuuga never seeing his chakra flow it could work. It just required good timing.

"Yeah, sure, but I can... use some flash tags or something. Or you guys.... Uhm... You know..."

"Sorry, but I don't know what you're two are on for the last minute." Saki stated, smiling apologetic as she finished her sentence. "But I'll just play my part. Count on it." She further stated, continuing enjoying her lunch.

"We'll see. First we need to be certain that we will be up against them. For now, let's take it easy. Rest." Finishing his lunch, Koike glanced out of the window for a moment. He stopped with keeping his voice hushed. "Maybe we can visit another match all together later?" He proposed, glancing back at the others.

"Sure, whatever... Mr McGrump," Katsu mumbled, eating his lunch.

Briefly Saki paused with her lunch as she wondered if she had missed anything. Nodding she would answer back. "Sounds good with me." The Yamanaka would then further continue to consume her meal in silence. For a moment she wondered about the upcoming match. Perhaps she should take a nap? It was vital to be fit and capable for their next match after all.
[/spoili]

 

[Lesli]

[fieldbox=Operation : Indigo Dragon, indigo]

Hidden in the shadows,
Slither the most dangerous of secrets.

A collab between Lesli and Alice.

Summary :
With the information that the Earth country is being ruled by the Hyuzu clan, that hadn't split off to the south, a operation is being set in motion to further the plans.

---

Slither in the dark

Staring outside, Kiyomi wasn't reading a book. Wasn't going to a meeting or the usual. Her eyes were set on the nearby town. The second floor offered some good view over the park and the sharp eyes of the young empress could recognize the start of the city center within the settlement. Tapping with her fingers on her knee, she was waiting for her revered guest to arrive.

The brisk walk had been a pleasant one. Meisa was still not done with the information that the Zero teams were reporting back. Internal the Empire was prospering. The economy was growing, due to the cheaper and organised trade within and between the provinces. Because they were part of the same Empire, but the situation had been similar within the ex- Fire Union. It was only now that the security had more influence. Another effect was that traders were also more confident to travel to other parts of the realm. Something that hadn't been the case with the Fire Union. There was a certain pride when Meisa thought about her accomplishments. She had been the Yondaime Hokage. The one who had invoked all the changes. Who had made the plans and adjustments.

Yet only three people were aware of that.

As Meisa entered the palace, she wondered about it. She lived in a decent house. Neither too big nor too small. Just good enough. Being guided by a servant, she thought about her salary. Even as an ANBU commander, something that also only a very few were aware off, was good enough for her. Sometimes a bit too much, but she saved a bit of her income every month. Mayumi could use it later. For either going on herself or perhaps wanting to study for something special. Becoming a doctor or such wasn't a cheap study.

Yet it could've been her in this palace.
She could've been on the throne.

The servant told her that she had to wait for a moment. Meisa didn't often think about it. But now as she did, waiting for being allowed to enter the space where her grace was, she was sure. It wasn't fit for her. She was of simple origin. Nothing special in her blood. She wasn't fond of being in the picture nor eager to impress people. No, she was dirt. And she would remain dirt, no matter how high or low. Both a comforting as slight disappointing thought, Meisa considered.

Kiyomi saw how a servant opened the door. "Your grace." She made a deep bowing as she would keep her head lowered. Staying silent, Kiyomi would stop tapping her fingers. "Meisa ---" "Let her come." Kiyomi friendly said, flashing a smile as the servant nodded and would tell Meisa that she could come.

Thanking the servant, the woman would enter the rather spacious hall where Kiyomi was residing in. Making the proper bow, Meisa would keep her head lowered as well. "Your grace." She said, quite friendly. "I hope that I've not arrived a time unfit for your attention."

Kiyomi snorted. "No, but let's talk business." She said. "Have you gotten anymore intel about any new progress in the north?" A worried expression was present as Kiyomi asked her question.

Straightening her back, Meisa would place her hands on her back. "I'm afraid nothing that would surprise us both. There is some information, such as that we could potentially make the two countries connect somewhat. Problem is only the faction in 'our' Hyuzu clan that would be unworthy of trust." Meisa paused. "If you would allow me, I could solve that quite easily and fast, your grace. Just your blessing and I can end it."

Looking away, Kiyomi wanted to say yes. The sooner the whole Hyuzu problem would be solved, the better. But she had made a promise. "He is still busy. We will wait until he has new information. The less victims will be present when we initate the operation the better." Kiyomi answered after a moment of silence.

"I see. Then perhaps I could start with the preparation for the next stage of plans?" Meisa suggested. "The Ghost ANBU would be perhaps a good choice to scout and make the preparations. By the time that our..." Meisa paused as she seemed to consider the word. "Informant, is still busy that doesn't mean we have to sit idle. If we have more information then we have more to act on and to consider."

"That would be the best. I think that 'she' would qualify for this mission."

"I think she would, your grace. I will brief you in whenever I have new information."

---

Yumi lifted the bag over her shoulder. She glanced at her right as the walls became smaller. What were the fortifications of the Empire's capital, were nothing but a small landmark in the distance. In the back of a wagon, the woman was resting with her back against a bag. She wasn't sure what it was. Hop, grain or something. Only thing she was sure off was that the small group of wagons were traders that were heading towards the Grass province. To the north, where she had to go as well.

It felt odd though. Since months, she was able to walk around without covering her tracks. No longer was she a ghost, but actually being allowed to be somebody. Not herself. Yumi Hasewaga was dead. As everybody of the Ghost ANBU was.

But she was okay with that. With an apathetic expression and mindset, she thought about her mission. It was a preparation and scouting operation for the group of ANBU that would later join the operation. Both from the Regular as Ghost ANBU would later be present on the task. Not that Yumi was told much. Only that she had to visit several points and make sure that the following groups could get there without much of a worry.

Turning her head, she would look where the caravan was going. It was going to be some time before she would return, she was sure of that. If...

she would return.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Nim]

Yoshikuni Sadako
Amegakure Chuunin, Team 11​

Seeing the reaction of the boy made Kuni understand that he knew someone who got injured, or even worse, by the bandits. While the girl leading them clearly did not want to converse with the boy any longer than she had to, and was perhaps concealing details, that didn't matter to her.

As Ryu moved away, Kuni placed her hand inside her pouch "Masao, right?" She said with a smile, but her tone indicated she was a bit more serious than before "I'm from Amegakure, and so are the other two. If you believe the bandits are a threat, and you'll hear that we did not take care of the bandits, then you can ask for an adult to send an aid request to Amegakure."

Placing her hand on the boy's shoulder, her tone would be the usual friendly tone "My name is Yoshikuni Sadako, and while I do not know well, Masao, I can tell you are a person with a big heart that simply cares for others. So, if you don't want to pray, then cross your fingers that our request will be to take care of the bandits." Kuni said and then lightly patted his shoulder before beginning to turn towards Eiji and Ryu's direction "Hope I'll see you again." She told the boy before beginning to head towards Eiji and Ryu to catch up to them.

 

[ChromeHound]

[fieldbox='Shikaroku Nara, Purple']

Konoha Genin, Team 9
A Shadow at the Edge of the Forest...​

After he had made contact with Hiron, Shikaroku had reluctantly left his post at the top of the silo. He'd had a nice view of the clouds up there, and the roof was warm and surprisingly comfortable. Making his way towards the edge of the forest where he had seen the movement, Shikaroku remained as quiet as possible. He was not afraid, in fact he was relatively excited, but still the boy did not wish to scare off the thing that he had seen.

Moving through the tall grass, Shikaroku kept an eye on the ground, looking for any signs or tracks. He reached the forest's edge without catching signs of much and then turned to await the rest of his team.

Spotting Hiron and the others, Shikaroku stood patiently. He nodded politely to Neji and Violet before turning to Hiron. "It went into the forest over here. We need to be quiet though if we don't want it to know we're here." Returning to silence, Shikaroku waited for the man's response.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Gerontis]

[fieldbox=Hiron Hon, maroon]
Konohagakure Jounin | Team 9

Walking to the spot where they would meet up with Shikaroku, Hiron glanced in the direction of what Shikaroku directed them at. He wasn't sure what Shikaroku had seen. But he was certain that if it was something dangerous, such as a bear or such, that the boy wouldn't be that relatively calm or considering it smart for them to just lounge around.

Thus it had to be something that wasn't that threatening. Only Hiron couldn't figure out what. Perhaps it was just a rabbit infestation that was troubling the locals. Not surprising seeing that the habitat of the animals that wouldn't mind some rabbit for lunch or supper, was forced back. "Fair enough. We will use channel A." Switching the channel on the earphone communicator, Hiron continued. "We will spread a bit around. See this as a combat training." He hoped that would excite Violet and Neji a bit. Shikaroku? He wasn't so sure if the Nara would be thrilled or not about it.

"In operations where we move into enemy ground, not sure how many or how menacing the enemy can be, we will need to rely on each other. Spread a bit out and move slow. I don't expect any of you to be really stealthy, but that is fine. Keep yourself lowered." Hiron instructed them. "Let's make it even more fun." His right hand would go to his pouch. "The reason why you need to be lowered isn't because it is then easy to spot you or being more shady or sneaky. It is because if you're lowering or even laying down that the enemy has less chance to hit you. Smaller frames are harder to hit than larger ones. Keep that in mind."

After the small lecture, Hiron decided that they should go. "Keep your head lower and only brief each other in when it is needed.. Unless you want me to try out and cut your hair with a shuriken." Glancing at the three genin, Hiron nodded. "Well, don't just stand here. Get moving."


[/fieldbox]

 

[Unyielding]

[Fieldbox=Violet Tsukami , plum]
Konohagakure genin| Team 9
"Fair enough. We will use channel A." Switching the channel on the earphone communicator, Hiron continued. "We will spread a bit around. See this as a combat training."

Violet eyes lit up after hearing those last two words. Finally something she was sure she can use to prove her worth to her sensei. She switched to channel A.

"In operations where we move into enemy ground, not sure how many or how menacing the enemy can be, we will need to rely on each other. Spread a bit out and move slow. I don't expect any of you to be really stealthy, but that is fine. Keep yourself lowered." Hiron instructed them. "Let's make it even more fun." His right hand would go to his pouch. "The reason why you need to be lowered isn't because it is then easy to spot you or being more shady or sneaky. It is because if you're lowering or even laying down that the enemy has less chance to hit you. Smaller frames are harder to hit than larger ones. Keep that in mind."

She nodded while punching her fist into her palm. Though she was not worried about getting caught. She figured if something came at her, she could then show off a little and impress her teacher with her combat skills. Then he would have to notice her as a great Kunoichi. A grin found its way on her face as she imagined saving the farm from some sort of giant bear-wolf-thing. However the smile would soon turn into an uneasy chuckle as Hiron explain the rest of the rules.

"Keep your head lower and only brief each other in when it is needed.. Unless you want me to try out and cut your hair with a shuriken."

She wondered if he was joking. He would not try and hurt his own student like that, would he. She tried to swallow her nervousness while stroking her pigtail. "Hiron-sensei, you are jok..." Before she could finish Hiron gave his last order.
"Well, don't just stand here. Get moving."

Violet became extremely scared. She nodded and ran out into the forest before diving to the ground. Behind a bush. She grabbed her pig tails to verify they where still there. "Ok Violet you got this," she whispered to herself. She took a deep breath and started army crawling. After building more confidence she got on her hands and knees. Then she moved to a crouching stance. She continued to look around why avoiding any openings in the vegetation. As she searched, she began to wonder what she was even looking for. There was no clues to follow at all.

Then she heard a bush rustling. She ducked behind a tree. Her heart was racing. She sweat ran down her face. The bushes rusted louder as if calling her out. Then it stopped. She clenched her fist and prepared her chakra. Then she peeked only to see something jump out. It had grey fur and two big white teeth. Its eyes were black. Its ears twitch they scanned the area for any sound. Violet knew she had to act fast or else the creature would get away. She Held her breath, tapped just below her chest, and lunged from behind the tree. As she dived to captured the creature. The creature jumped up to dodge. Not even a second later, a tiny explosion of air went off propelling her up into the air. She turned around and grabbed the creature in mid air, as it could not dodge her now. she flew up a few feet before and embraced the furry creature. Then she hit the ground and rolled to minimize the impact. She rubbed her face on the creatures cheek, "OMG, bunnies are sooooo cute~!"
The creature struggled to escape but Violet had a plan. She pulled a few pieces of carrots from her lunch box and fed the bunny which calmed it down a lot. Finally operation, catch the bunny was complete.
[/fieldbox]
@Gerontis
@timv999
@ChromeHound

 

[Lesli]

[fieldbox=Venturing Northwest, indigo]
Yumi Hasewaga,
Strife | Ghost ANBU member

The journey north had gone well so far. The caravan that was heading to the capital of the Grass province was picking up the pace. Eavesdropping on some of the present merchants, Yumi managed to learn that they were eager to return home with new wares and profit from their trade at the realm's capital.

It made Yumi for a moment wonder about the life of a merchant. To now and then venture out with your wares in hope to travel to some distant city or place in hope to gain a profit and bring it back home. It was in a way not much different from her current assignment, was it now? She was after all going to a place, gathering intel and doing her work and then hoping that the results would turn into a certain profit for the state. Where there were of course major differences such as the fact that a merchant wouldn't be in need for arms nor protective gear to coerce potential customers in buying his wares, she found it a fun analogy.

Her back against a large bag, she kept her hood up. Not to cover her facial features in shadow, but more out of protection against the bright sun at this time of the day. Her spot wasn't a perfectly comfortable one, but she was content in the open wagon. Soon enough they would break up the pause and continue to head northwards.

Already she was considering how she would first slip beyond the border patrols. Even though there was peace between the Akinian Empire and the Earth country, only a fool would assume that both parties wouldn't keep a strict watch on their borders. She was considering to sneak into the Earth country with the use of her earth release, but that would leave some chakra traces and not to mention if some sensory nin would spot her then she wouldn't be granted any chance to excuse herself. A civilian that was just wandering around the borders?? Suspicious. One that could use ninjutsu? Even more suspicious.

Half opening her eyes, Yumi heard how some men shouted that they were continuing. The hired guards would get back in their place in the caravan's formation as she could feel the light vibration of the wagon she was in would get in motion, pulled by two horses in front of it.

Perhaps she should consider to try sneak past the borders with dressing herself as an Iwagakure nin? Quickly Yumi dismissed that thought. That was foolish. As she knew, not the whole military of each nation was composed out of shinobi, but there were sure to be nin who would be able to pick out disguised shinobi from neighbouring states. That and the military of the Earth country had perhaps other protocols than that of the Akinian imperial military. Starting to see it more as a difficult puzzle that she had to solve, Yumi rooted out more ways that would seem clever, but wouldn't help because it was safe to assume that the border patrols weren't fools.

Deciding that she would give it more thought when they would reach the capital of the Grass province, Yumi closed her eyes again.


[/fieldbox]

 

[Lesli]

[fieldbox=Meisa Ichi, palegreen]
The ANBU commander of Akino
Konogakure, Intelligence Division HQ

Sitting behind her desk, Meisa had already adjusted the cosy office to her own needs. There were several maps on the right wall, potraying locations and regions of both the Empire as there were three of the Earth country and two about the Wind country. There were also four maps about the Water country. Two more detailed about the largest island, on which Kirigakure was founded and one of the Honey country, a vassal of the Water country. There were still some clear open spots on the wall, which was because she would later attempt to gain more accurate maps about both the Wind and Fang country.

Wrapping the fingers of her right hand around the small cup, where faintly steam arose from the surface of the dark brown liquid, the eyes of the woman were lowered and reading the content of a letter. It was encoded as the source of the letter was a member of a Zero team in the Fang Country. It wasn't that simple to break the code, even while she knew it by heart, but Meisa actually enjoyed doing so. There was a reason why she had a few crossword puzzle books residing on a corner of her desk.

"Ah." She softly mumbled after figuring out the message. It seemed that the Fang country had rather been stable for the last few months. Not very surprising seeing that the daimyo in the said country was a strict ruler, ordering his forces to keep watch over everybody that seemed to be suspicious. Combined with the isolationistic policy that their leader had, Meisa wondered how really stable the land was. Oppressing the population would only go good for a limited amount of time in the manner that was happening in the Fang country. Raising her cup, Meisa's eyes moved her gaze to the area of the wall with the maps about the Water country. All it took was just the right person and that oppression would make the menacing scenario of a civil conflict happen.

Taking a sip of her warm green tea, Meisa would put the letter into a folder and place the folder, which harboured more letters in it, in a drawer of her desk. Before she would have her break, she would bring it to the 'library' of the complex. She doubted that there was any interest of the realm into the affairs of the Fang country, but it was useful to store it and else interesting to compare the current situation with a future one. Might things change.

Wrapping now also her left hand fingers around the small cup, Meisa took a moment to consider what was more on her agenda. There was of course the fact she had to prepare for several operations. The Indigo Dragon, which was about missions that would happen on the soil of the Earth Country. Next to that the Pink Elephant, a few missions that would happen around the border of the Empire, Wind and Fang country. Nothing more than just a few regular operations that the ANBU and Intelligence Division did every once in a while to root out spies and agents from the neighbouring countries as well keeping the military aware of any movement that had piqued their interest. It often resulted in that the forces at the border could engage in operations to display to any remaining agents of their neighbours that the Akinian military was more than ready for what resided in the hills and forests of the Fang country or the treacherous desert of the Wind country.

But as she tried to keep her mind on the subjects, she slowly started to wonder about another coming event. Though she was of course not suspecting that Kiyomi was doing something underhanded, Meisa had caught wind of the fact Hisoka would start to arrange a meeting of clan heads in Keishi. And it wasn't because it was in a way an interesting development and event for the realm with representatives of the sub cultures and groups that were part of the realm, but because Hisoka was publicly going to organize it. First Meisa wondered what the aim was of Kiyomi. The girl was young, but clever and quick of mind. If she had taught Kiyomi anything, it was to hide in tensions and be capable of understanding how to work without raising suspicion. However, Meisa wondered if she was doing this out of sympathy for Hisoka or because she would be able to strengthen her influence and hold over others in a subtle way.

Seeing she was already trailing off from what she had to be thinking about, Meisa continued. She wondered what she would do. Though that was easy. Not allowing Hisoka to meddle or start with events that would be stressful as arranging a meeting between all the leaders and representatives of the clans in the Empire of Akino. It wouldn't be something you could really do in a few seconds. You had to arrange where everybody sat and then keeping mind that every place would either be a compliment, insult or warning. Which was again all subjective to the person's opinion, viewpoint and so many more variables.

Sighing, Meisa considered to pay Hisoka a visit. But like her, he was probably now busy. Gazing off at the maps, Meisa wondered if she should continue pursuing her feelings. He was a married man now. An important married man. Governor of the Fire province, largest of the provinces of the Empire, non the less.

She could continue, but decided to put aside her train of thoughts. There was work to be done.
[/fieldbox]

 

[Lesli]

[fieldbox=The motherly worries arise, violet]
Aiko Cho-Hon
Konohagakure Jounin | Team 8 | Cho Clan leader and Civic Council member,

Iron country, Ironblood competition

Everything was going well so far. Interesting matches had happened and no deaths in the fights where participants from Akino were involved in. If it would continue like this, she was sure everybody could consider this to be a relative successful competition. Unlike the chuunin exams where often a genin died in a match or afterwards, due to the zealous attitude of both participants.

Aiko was as usual found in the building where the Akinian teams as 'supporters and interested persons' could find their lodgings. Reading her study book to pass the time as well keep herself educated about certain aspects of warfare, which was to be expected of somebody with her rank both in and outside the division system of the Akinian military.

But as she kept reading, Aiko found it troublesome to keep herself focused on the content that she was studying. At first she considered it a bit dumb that she had no way to make notes about material that she found either interesting or difficult to grasp. Either because she was new to them or due to the lack of interest that made it harder for her to memorize them as see their use.

Closing the book, Aiko glanced around. The hall was relatively silent due to the fact that many were watching the ongoing matches. If correct, later today the finals would happen. Though she wasn't practically interested in who would win or lose, she felt the need to watch and cheer for her team. It had been a bit surprising that they had reached the finals. But then again, she was really happy for them. An experience like this would hopefully see great results in future missions and teamwork. Yet, that wasn't the source of her distraction.

Katsu was the problem of her lack of focus.

Their last conversation had been troubling her as she had more or less considered that it was simply dangerous and reckless for him to be participating in events such as these. But she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. While she had more or less adopted him, she wasn't his mother. Was it right for her to harbour motherly intentions and worries about him? She didn't try to replace his mother after all. No, she couldn't replace his mother.

If anything, Aiko was more growing curious about the deceased mother of Katsu. What kind of woman had she been? Judging by Katsu's behavior, she tried to formulate an image. Probably a polite woman. Katsu was after all a polite and respectful young man. In her opinion at least. A smile was brought on Aiko's lips as she knew that it was a bit vain to consider that he wasn't without his flaws just because she had taken informally the task of being his guardian.

Kei and Akimoto were peaches, but not flawless. Stroking the cover of the book, Aiko wondered if she should be less restricting on Katsu. Didn't she try at his age to also be more independent? For a moment she wanted to disagree with that thought. She had to, cause she barely had anybody to help or support her. But did Katsu had all the support without her? Koike, sure. A sublime shinobi and good young man, that was what Koike was. But he had his own worries and interests. Flaws and preferences. And who else than Koike would support him? Aiko wasn't really that much aware of the on and goings of Katsu. He was a member of the Guardians, so probably he had friends in that organization. Maybe she should perhaps show more interest in him than just being concerned about his well-being and neglecting his interest.

After these competitions, she would adjust the way she would watch over him.
Hopefully being more than just a pain in the ass as she thought how he saw her after their last talk.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Fieryfly]

[fieldbox="Eiji Emiya, sandybrown"]

Team 13 Jounin | Miya Village​

Both Eiji and the young girl, Chiasa, couldn't help but stare at Ryu as she apparently suddenly decided that it was the perfect time to contemplate about something and write it down. Whatever it was what she was writing she didn't seem to like it and simply tucked the thing away again. Eiji shot Chiasa a somewhat unsure smile and indicated that they indeed should keep moving.

Masao faced Kuni. "It is not what I believe. It is a fact," he said to her, his eyes drifted again to miko who was walking away. But then they turned to the hand on his shoulder. He listened quietly to Kuni's words and then nodded. "I will send in a request!" he said. "I'll ask my dad about it." He was left standing at the top of the stairs as Kuni walked away. After giving her another look the boy smiled slightly before abruptly turning around. With a considerable speed he started to run down to stairs back to the village.

With Kuni joined up, Eiji walked along and followed Chiasa until Ryu stumbled into him. With a raised eyebrow he looked back to her. The piece of paper rested in his head, but he seemed to take no notice of it. Instead he smiled. "There is a simple solution to finding out what has happened, Ryu," he said. "We ask."

"No need," Chiasa said before Eiji could even say anything else. The girl had let them to the main house where the master supposedly resided and turned around at the door. She gave Ryu a look. Het gaze was serious though she didn't seem to able to keep her gaze on the shinobi girl. "Maya was... hurt in the bandit attack. She has yet to wake up. I am taking care of her night and day and the master prays for her every evening. Mister Tamotsu has been here every day as well." She fridgeted with her sleeves, her head cast down. "I am trying really hard to do everything I can, but so far Maya isn't showing any sign of waking up." she mumbled seeming genuinely distraught about it.

With that said she turned back around and slowly opened the door by shoving it to the side. With a clear voice she announced the visitors to the room before stepping inside indicating that the team should follow.

[/fieldbox]

 

[ChromeHound]

[fieldbox='Shikaroku Nara, Purple']

Konoha Genin, Team 9
The Sound of Silence...​

Mentally cringing as Hiron mentioned this would be a combat training, Shikaroku wanted nothing more than to find and observe the animal he had seen disappear into the forest. Sighing, he glowered at Hiron before turning to the forest. Glancing back at his sensei, Shikaroku saw him gesture with the shuriken. Sighing again, Shikaroku stepped into the forest. Lowering himself to his stomach, he began to move forwards, trying his best to remain silent.

Shikaroku was by no means an expert in stealth. He had done some training to try and help with silent movement, but he was painfully aware of every small twig cracking and leaf rustling as he moved. Trying to keep an eye out for any tracks as he had done in the long grass of the fields, Shikaroku wasn't sure how to distinguish between the different signs. He caught sight of a few broken branches that indicated something moving through the forest, but frowned as he realized it could really be any medium sized animal.

Wishing he had brought apples or something else he could use to lure the animal to him instead of trying to find it within the forest, Shikaroku tried to think of another way. Lost in his thoughts, the sudden burst of sound drew his attention to another part of the forest, the area he had seen Violet heading towards. Crawling towards the direction of the noise, he raised his head over a nearby bush, trying to catch a better view.

A sudden whistling sound caused him to drop as a shuriken flew overhead. A warning shot... Reaching out, he parted the bush in front of him with his hand, giving him a view of Violet and... a rabbit...

It appeared that the girl was coddling the rabbit and it took a moment for Shikaroku to compose himself. Allowing the bush to fall back into place in front of him, the genin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. It appeared that stealth was out...

"So much for silence." He whispered over the communicator, "Nice catch Violet, but wrong target. That's not the animal I saw."

Thinking quickly, Shikaroku tried to figure out a way to use the disturbance to his advantage. Remaining still for a moment, he gained an idea. Moving away from where he had seen Violet, the genin wanted to gain some distance. Listening for any sounds that were not caused by his teammates, he glanced up at the foliage above. The way the branches were swaying in the light breeze told him that he was now successfully moving upwind.

If he could find a way to attract the animal towards him, he could remain hidden from its sense of smell at the very least, and perhaps he could mask himself from sight as well...

Forming several handseals slowly, he lay still as a brief shadowy fog seemed to grow around him. The forest itself was already well shaded, so Shikaroku's technique blended in well with the surroundings. Hiding himself almost entirely within the shadows, the genin waited, thinking of a way to draw his target towards him. Putting his mind to work, Shikaroku would wait.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Jessie Targaryen]

[fieldbox=Ryu Uchiha, blue, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]Ryu eyed the woman in front of them, still rather distrustful. But that is okay, because she didn't need to trust this woman. She had faith in Eiji's ability to make decisions that were better for the team. The grl stayed behind Eiji and listened to what the woman said before asking a simple enough question. "Why not send out for a team with a medical ninja? Surely there would be a good chance they could help." Ryu said, having personal experience with the abilities of medical ninja. Even after asking this question, Ryu thought about this woman. Injured and unable to wake up. The girl hoped that this lady was not stuck in a shape like she had been back when she blew herself up. The first few weeks had been hell... Ryu got the joy of experiencing a comatose state where she maintained consciousness. She had laid there, awake and aware of the surrounding world. Yet unable to interact with it at all. Ryu shook the memories from her mind, and instead focused on the mission. Still... the desire to be able to help another person, take away their pain nagged at the girl. Naomi, was able to pick up on the slight change in Ryu and bumped into the girl's leg, staring up at her human. All in order to ensure she was still feeling and ready to continue on. Ryu laughed softly and pat the panther's head. This gave Naomi a convincing enough argument that Ryu wasn't reliving those memories. The panther was well aware of everything in Ryu's head, as the two had plenty of time while Ryu recovered from the explosion and being violently ill to understand each other. [/fieldbox]