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

Ever Closer
[ Near the village of Mutsuhaba | Lightning Country ]
[ Yakamochi of the Tano Clan | New master of arms for the Regency council forces ]

Yakamochi's Army.​


The campaign was going well, so far. As he expected, Yakamochi's forces didn't encounter much resistance initially. The few clans that had the poor luck of being situated between the Regency and Raikage forces didn't resist against the massive force that advanced on to the Raikage's line of defences. But instead of harshly punishing the minor clans that were in the way, Yakamochi was quite generous. The most severe punishments were simple and meant to be effective: taking away most or any weapons that the minor clans had. Yakamochi had no urge to deal with small pockets of resistance that could harass his supply lines.

As of the moment, the host was split into four detachments. The first was the vanguard, the second largest. The vanguard was mostly made up from flexible units that were aimed to move around and avoid high-risk targets. Due to the difficult terrain that they soon would be facing, Yakamochi had instructed the captains of the vanguard to remain cautious and not venture too far from the bulk of the forces.
The major part of the army was under Yakamochi's command. It moved as one large part and only split off small forces to occupy or reinforce strategic positions. While the Raikage, the Hojo or the Alaricus forces hadn't yet launched any offensive, Yakamochi didn't want to wager too much on their defensive attitude.

Knowing that one of his siblings was commanding a sturdy force of fifteen thousand troops in a position to deny the Alaricus quick access to the Raikage forces, Yakamochi wondered about something. There was the thought that the Great Clans wouldn't care for the Raikage to be defeated. In fact, all the Great Clans had so far managed without the support of the Raikage. Making Yakamochi wonder if his superiors weren't a bit too concerned with the Raikage's potential to be a threat.

Considering that they were encroaching on the first line of defence of the Raikage's forces, Yakamochi even wondered if the Raikage's forces would scamper behind their defences. Or if they would have the honour and guts to provide a worthy fight for the terrain.


[ Near the northern border of the Alaricus Clan | Lightning Country ]
[ Hogai of the Tano Clan | Sibling of Yakamochi and one of his generals ]

Hogai 's Army.​


Seated on his mount, Hogai viewed the scenery in front of him. With his current spot on a large and tall hill, he could view one of the broad rivers that formed the natural border and first line of defense of the Alaricus clan. Much in line with his older sibling, Yakamochi, Hogai wasn't that eager to risk troops for glory and honour. He understood his role and position. And right now, it was to prevent and deter the Alaricus to move out.
While he had less troops than what the Alaricus could likely field, Hogai was far from demotivated. The river that provided the Alaricus a natural defense also could be used against them and Hogai was full on intending to make the Alaricus regret any move over 'their water'.

Having split his forces, Hogai had firmly ordered his surbodinates to avoid any direct confrontation but simply harrass any Alaricus movement over the rivers. Using light infantry in combination with cavalry and shinobi units, Hogai already took control over the areas that were north of the Alaricus clanlands. And slowly but surely, Hogai would start to move troops aligned with the river.

A ghost of a smile dawned on his lips as he steered his mount away.
As a noose slowly moving around the Alaricus, Hogai wouldn't mind to be the one to pull the rope to suffocate the Alaricus from any outside help over land.


[ North of Ranzaki | Lightning Country ]
[ Koryusai of the Tano Clan | Sibling of Yakamochi and one of his generals ]

Koryusai's Army.​

The news had excited Koryusai. For while he understood that his older sibling and superior, Yakamochi, wanted him to stay defensive, the sighting of a large Sanosuke-Saemund fleet was a welcome distraction from the dull watch that Koryusai had taken. Although Koryusai would send a rider south to alert the Regency as his older siblings, Koryusai also made sure that they would be informed that he would deal with the threat. Firmly.

Moving forces to the coast, Koryusai had a few ideas where the Sanosuke-Saemund would disembark. The fact that his enemy were all sailing only increased his excitement for that meant that they had no cavalry. Though few of his officers warned Koryusai in a subtle manner that he shouldn't underestimate the Sanosuke or Saemund forces, Koryusai was well aware of their reputation. But the mere fact that he wouldn't be confined to a small castle to overview and manage the garrisons to hold a strong defence against any land-ward attacks already raised Koryusai's mood. And with the advantages he saw in his own forces, his confidence also bolstered.

For now, Koryusai instructed that patrols would be increased in numbers along the coast to keep sighting of the enemy fleet. The patrols would be further instructed to avoid confrontation and merely relay the enemy's position so that Koryusai could mobilise a strong enough host to confront them.

For while his brothers would earn the Tano Clan glory in the south, Koryusai was determined to win his family honour and valour. By shedding blood of the cold barbaric scum that dared to come south in arms.
 
Operation Ranzaki Target - 2
[ Lightning Country - Sanosuke clan heartlands | Near the city of Reistara ]
[ Hojo unit composed out of Steel Sentinels - Part of Plot 'Ranzaki Target' ]

[ A collab between @Aliceee and @Oetje | The Hojo have sent out teams of Steel Sentinels to retrieve the oldest son of the late Ranzaki daimyo - by the rights of the land, the rightful heir to the Lightning country. Crafty as the Hojo plot, the Steel Sentinels are determined to see their mission successful. Even willing to sacrifice their own lives for the great good of their clan. ]

Okitsugu's unit waited patiently. Okitsugu's gaze was fixated on the horizon to the east. The dark of the night didn't allow them to see much but that was okay with Okitsugu. All that they had to do as wait for the signal so that they could start their end of the plan. Throwing a look at the other present Steel Sentinels, Okitsugu counted them again. He was aware that he had done it already five times but it did calm his mind, if only by a bit. Once more able to count up to a dozen of Steel Sentinels, Okitsugu turned his gaze once more eastwards.

"Smoke and fire..."

The soft whisper was barely audible but Okitsugu saw it too. Slowly but steadily a light could be seen in the east. While Okitsugu and his unit were too far to be bothered with the heat and ash caused by any fire, it was the signal that they waited for. The signal caused by the other and larger part of the Steel Sentinels to distract and garner attention from the Sanosuke garrison.

"Get ready."


The screams of the woman in front of Teiji did little to deter him to raise the tip of his blade. In a quick movement, the steel tip plunged deep into the woman's chest. With minimal effort, Teiji yanked the weapon from the woman's body and threw a look over his shoulder. The sight was horrifying and seemed to be more fitting in a nightmare than actual reality. There were corpses on the snow-covered ground, their wounds colouring the white ground into a nasty crimson. Buildings were being set on fire by Steel Sentinels while anybody alive was killed without any shred of mercy.
Throwing a look on his own victim, Teiji didn't feel any guilt. Neither did he view his victim as less of a human than he was. But if anything, the ambitions and future of the Hojo clan was something greater. Greater than Teiji's emotions or the life of the woman who was bleeding to death.

The fires that were lit were fueled by some ninjutsu. For a second, Teiji continued to memorise the sight in front of him. He was certain that this night, he would find death. But if it was possible, he would take the sight with him to the afterlife.
"Captain?"
The feminine voice of a nearby Steel Sentinel was barely audible with the roars of the nearby flames, that eagerly tried to devour the buildings. Turning around, Teiji half faced the woman. Much like any other present Steel Sentinel, their features were hidden behind their masks and gear. Slowly, Teiji nodded and then raised his right hand.
"Tonight, we will face the wrath of the Sanosuke. This very night, we will embrace death. And while we swore of to obtain glory, this night we shall find some small bit of glory. Tonight, we die for the clan and her future!"

The small and direct speech was met with a resounding cheer and the present Sentinels to slam the shaft of their spears on the ground or stamp with one foot. Not a few seconds later did everybody start to take up their positions as a loud whistle pierced the air - the warning of a look-out.


Scaling the wall slowly and carefully, Okitsugu had seen a few guards doing their rounds as a few more being stationary. Reaching the battlements, Okitsugu waited for a second. He couldn't hear anybody nearby that didn't take away that the Sanosuke had pulled all their forces out of the city to confront the threat posed by Teiji's unit.
Peeking over the battlements, Okitsugu didn't see any guard in close proximity. Vaulting over the stone defences, the Sentinel kept himself small while he softly whistled. Within a minute, a few more of Okitsugu's unit was over the battlements and started to take their places.

Though they were operating in a city that was unknown them, they had a good idea of what they could expect. For they had one man inside, the Hojo bodyguard that had been with Keitaro Ranzaki ever since the heir had left the capital.
Stealing a glance at the city, Okitsugu had little trouble to see the large citadel in which their target should be. Lazily, Okitsugu moved his gaze further over what he could see. But he had no idea if the distraction was working to the desired effect.
A soft sound produced by a nearby Steel Sentinel disturbed Okitsugu's thoughts. He didn't need to throw a look over his shoulder to know what it meant: they were all ready to make the next push.


Moving to the right, Teiji avoided the fierce swing. Despite that the majority of the Hojo and her subjects considered the Sanosuke nothing to be more than simple fur-wearing barbarians, Teiji had to admit that they were far more competent than he had anticipated. Parrying the next strike, Teiji would launch a kick against his opponent's knee. The result was as Teiji desired, his opponent caving in and creating a wide opening.
Directing his tanto swiftly, Teiji delivered a strong blow to the Sanosuke warrior's throat. The steel easily carved a deep gash into the victim's throat as blood spurted on the ground.
Not paying heed to the dying opponent, Teiji quickly looked at the sight in front of him.

The Sanosuke came in with a large group and could be compared as a group of ravenous bears and wolves. They charged in with a ferocity unknown and had punched through the first line of defence. Their indistinct shouts and screams brought a cold shiver down Teiji's spine as he watched how the first line attempted to recover the breach.
Projectiles were launched back and forth, both arrows that struck anybody unfortunate to be in the way as small ninjutsu cast to smite their targets.

Tightening his grip on the tanto in his left hand and the katana on his right, Teiji would slowly inhale. He saw how the Sanosuke force was starting to push back his unit as various Steel Sentinels were taken down. The hatred between the two clans that were forged by the feuds of centuries competition and conflict seemed to flare up with neither willing to give any ground to their opponents.
Eventually, the Sanosuke slammed through the second line of defence and started to pour in. Much as Teiji had anticipated.

Raising his katana to the right, Teiji yelled from the top of his lungs his command. Quickly he looked at the breach as he had no time to see if his plan would be executed. A Sanosuke warrior charged at him, shield and axe in hand. Pivoting, Teiji avoided the first slash of the Sanosuke's axe. Attempting to counter-attack resulted in a failure as the tanto's tip burrowed itself into the wooden frame of the Sanosuke shield.
Forced to release the grip of the tanto, Teiji quickly lowered himself as the Sanosuke aimed a swing at Teiji's neck. Performing the evasion, Teiji would attempt to swing at his opponent's legs. But once more the sharp steel of the Hojo operative slammed against the sturdy shield of his opponent.
Frustrated, Teiji would quickly step back to avoid another hack. Wanting to catch his breath for a moment, Teiji's opponent rushed in to prevent that Teiji gained any reprieve.
Once more the axeblade was moving towards Teiji but the Hojo was quick to react. In a swift movement did Teiji step aside and gripped the hilt of the tanto. Only needing a second, Teiji moulded chakra and unleashed it. The cracking of wood was soon followed by a gasp as a fierce blue force of chakra pierced the Sanosuke warrior - penetrating the arm

Pulling the shield away, Teiji once more released the grip of his tanto. His left hand joined the right to grip the katana's handle. And before his opponent could recover, Teiji would unleash a fierce blow with all his might.
The Sanosuke warrior would collapse, being dead before hitting the ground.

Throwing a quick look, Teiji saw that the ambush from the rooftops wasn't executed. Worried, he quickly turned his attention. This time being faced with two Sanosuke that came charging at him.
 
Operation: Sharp Point
[ Near Kirigakure | Republic of Water | Team Karuko ]
[ A collab between @Walter Swan , @Lesli @Sakayanagi Selko and @Gerontis | The team is rallied by Karuko for another mission. Despite Karuko's own objections, the jounin's superiors have deigned it necessary for the team to move out - even as Karuko objected and stated that the genin require more training. The objective is simple but far from easy: they have to uncover why unrest is mounting in a small hamlet at some distance from Kirigakure. As the team arrives, they soon come face to face with the source. ]



Waiting for his team, Karuko's mood hadn't gone any better after yesterday. Now that he was aware of what mission they were assigned too, he wondered if some of the higher ranked wanted to just gain some success that they could claim or wanted to weed out some teams. The more he thought about it, the more that Karuko came to the conclusion that it could very well be that somebody was upset with him and decided to torment him long enough to either see Karuko resigning from the Republican military or end up dying on some mission that wasn't fit for the team.

If anything, Karuko pondered if it wasn't too late for him to actually resign. Raising a hand, he rubbed his forehead. First came the mission. And he certainly wasn't sure if it would come to a good end. Perhaps, however, the genin could surprise him. Who knew?

For now, he would continue to wait at the rally point. The sun was about to reach higher and climb from the obscurity of the horizon as the first rays of warmth heralded the arrival of dawn.

"Good day to you, Karuko-sensei," Shion greeted the jounin as she approached him, stretching her arms and shoulders, "Oh, don't mind me. Just some...stiffness from my training, ugh. Nothing a good stretch couldn't fix."

The training method Karuko shared with her worked great, allowing her to learn the new technique in just a few days though she did need to refine it further to make it viable in the battlefield. The downside was that it also multiplied her fatigue which places a massive strain on her body. Fortunately she did manage to recover after one or two days of rests, with a few stiffness remaining in her muscles."

"And...oof!" she exclaimed as she felt her joints popping back into place. She shook her arms around for a bit before she said, "Yep, light as a feather. I'm all fine, sensei."

Heading to the meeting point, Neime would notice Karuko and Shion up ahead. Hooking a thumb behind her belt for a moment as she closed in the distance, Neime would offer a quick salute to Karuko as greeting. Offering a nod to Shion, Neime would ponder on why they had gathered. Seeing the location and time, she reckoned it was a mission but wouldn't be too amazed if Karuko had another training session in mind.

Yuyuko soon came over just behind Neime as she saw her two teammates were there, well...at least she was not frightfully late behind Neime as she came over, this time wearing her mask but it seemed abit different from the last time it was seen by the team as she came over. While Yuyuko was not particularly concerned about what happened, she at least kept a few of the lessons that Karuko taught her the previous time in her head as she came over,hand on her mask as though hesitating on a choice.

"Sorry if i am late, sensei, everyone."

Yuyuko says bobbing her head in a quick apologetic bow

The genin didn't let him wait for long as they came to report in. Shion provoked an amused scoff from Karuko as he doubted that she was actually in the best shape for a prolonged mission. The next that would arrive was Neime. The Hayashi earned a nod from Karuko, who didn't ponder much on the girl's silence.

After all, Yuyuko joined pretty soon after Neime saluted. When the girl showed up with a mask, she earned a long stare from Karuko. While Karuko spoke, his gaze seemed pinned on Yuyuko.

"We are today assigned for a track and possibly retrieve mission. There seems to be a few farmers that refuse to pay their taxes. For that cause, we might have to deal with some hostiles," Karuko began, his eyes slowly narrowing as his irritation became clear, "but you guys are going to be penalized. Miss Yuyuko seemed it necessary to keep bringing her mask. For that reason, you all will be handing over three month's pay over."
That having said, he wouldn't say anything if Yuyuko could keep her mask on as the jounin just turned on his heels and started to walk. All that the jounin added was thrown over a shoulder as he kept walking.

"If you want to bitch or groan, you can either do that in silence or at your team member. Now, get it to a moving, you maggots."

"What!? You didn't tell us about-" Shion quickly shut herself up as Karuko told the team to take their grievances elsewhere, settling for pouting to herself.

"Right, Yuyu. You hear sensei," the young genin said as she put her friend in a one-armed hug, "I'll be coming by your home to make sure you aren't wearing any eyepatch or mask before we go out. Better prepare yourself."

Placing her hands on her hips, Neime listened to the briefing. The mission didn't sound either complicated or too dangerous. Which was much to her preference, at the moment. But then Neime's mood plummeted. Hearing that they wouldn't be paid for the three coming months made the girl's lips part. An argument was already on her tongue as she wanted to prevent herself from losing money because a team member insisted on wearing a mask.

While she could somewhat understand why the jounin punished them all, it didn't make it less annoying or troublesome for Neime. They essentially lost a quarter of a year's income because of a team member that didn't seem to understand that every jounin was against wearing a blinding mask. Raising her right hand, she found herself only growing angrier as Shion taking the financial hit not more serious.

Closing her lips tight on each other, she massaged the bridge of her nose while attempting to silence the cold disdain that was growing towards the other genin.

Lowering her hand, Neime's right eye twitched as she would move in to follow Karuko's lead.

Yuyuko on her part groaned inwardly as she heard that statement but said nothing as she felt Shion pull her into her hug, the genin blinking slightly but keeping in pace.
At worse she would have to just explain something to her father or at the very least make sure she did exceptionally well so as to ensure that Karuko had less of a reason to penalise them since he can't argue with results.

With the genin following his lead, the jounin led the team out of the city. Exiting the capital and leaving the comfortable fortifications behind them, Karuko kept the pace high enough that the genin wouldn't be able to get a reprieve but not high enough to exhaust them quickly.

They would keep only a break twice to regain their breath and allowing Karuko to see if they were heading in the correct direction. After some hours of travel they would come across a gathering of homes, used by the local farmers that had their fields and possessions close to the defences of Kirigakure.

"Stay on alert. Cause you call yourself shinobi, doesn't mean that people will take kindly on your presence," Karuko instructed them with a cold tone, "Chances are big that they will have you rather dead than to stick around."

Having given the firm warning, Karuko continued to lead the team towards the small community. It was clear that the people in the small place didn't enjoy the same amount of facilities as they could in Kirigakure. Yet it had a certain and simple charm to it. At least, to Karuko, who could appreciate the simple life from time to time.
Speaking with a few people, Karuko made sure that he was the one who did the talking and the genin did just do what he wanted: to stay silent and not cause any trouble.
After a few talks, Karuko decided to position the team outside of the small gathering of farmhouses.
"Seems like we got a bit of a situation," the jounin began, "the lot that refuses to pay taxes are holding up at a farm north. Either barricading themselves in or still deciding where they want to move to avoid more taxes." Looking at each genin, Karuko frowned.
"Our mission isn't to kill the farmers. But to take them. Each of you has some time to prepare. Once we move out, we can expect resistance."

"I know, sensei," Shion responded as Karuko warned them against killing the farmers, "After all, they are just disgruntled farmers after all, not some bloodthirsty bandits."
"Though...it's going to be a bit difficult if we're going to be taking them alive," she asked as she rubbed her chin, "I can hold myself back but accidents can be difficult to predict..."

"The best I could think of is smoke-bombing their hideout and ambushing them and luring or forcing them out into our hands," the genin suggested before she clicked her tongue, "Curses, I could have come up with more options if I only know one or two ninjutsu. I guess I should have taken those training more seriously..."

"Understood, sensei," Neime responded as well. She would quickly check if her ninjato - making sure that the weapon could be pulled out quickly if the need should arise. Shion's word caused Neime to throw a frowned look.
"Then don't bother with techniques. Chances are that we can't use ninjutsu if we are finding ourselves in a tight space," Neime replied, "a smokebomb would hinder our sights as well. If anything," the girl threw a sideways glance at their jounin leader, "wouldn't it be possible to call them down?"

Realising that the farmers could very well refuse to surrender, she hoped that Karuko would then be decisive enough to hand out an order at the moment. If anything, she had little trouble to wound a grumpy farmer to prevent them to maim her. A pitchfork with sharp metal tips could still penetrate their clothing and flesh.
"I am ready, sensei."

As Yuyuko heard the instruction from her sensei, she let out a small tch sound as she checked the condition of Fuurai, she remembered her father Masakage always emphasizing regular maintenance on Fuurai at the very least.
"It is of no major issue. At the very least we as a team should have no problems dealing with it. And should they be hiding behind a regular door, Fuurai and i can deal with it without issue and it would have the benefit of scaring them into surrender when their door gets slashed down."

While the genin seemed normal, her tone had dropped to a slightly monotonous tone and in her mind, while she did hold her jonin to a high esteem, she was also considering the use of the Fuurai's business side as it was not technically murder if their arm was cut off...probably… just an unfortunate accident since most can survive a maiming anyway.
"I am ready when you give the word."


Karuko remained silent for a moment as the genin spoke up. Checking his own gear, Karuko clicked his tongue as his irritation started to rise. First, because he had apparently forgot to bring an extra tag with him. Such mistakes could be easily pointed at the fact he wasn't feeling well about this entire mission. But the genin did little to improve it.

"If accidents happen, you stains will be held accountable. First by me and then by the brass," Karuko said calmly as he continued his own inspection, "so you best not cause any unwanted shit or even think of harming these folk. In case you cockroaches forgot, these are the people you swore to defend."

Throwing them all a cold look, Karuko frowned slightly.
"That and being too cocky will cost your face. In case you were too high about your own high and ninjutsu, cockroaches, a good strike will take you still down. And even with decent protection, a hatchet to the neck will still see you bleeding like a pig to death in a few minutes."
Scoffing audibly, Karuko finished with his own preparation.
"We will move to the spot and see what the stitch is. You damn lot will not do anything unless I say so. Anybody who thinks they are funny and wants to threaten a farmer best stay behind. Before I will let them vent their frustration upon you. Now, move it."

The jounin grumbled various things after his rather brusque and irritated sneering at the genin. Luckily for both Karuko and the genin, the trek wouldn't be that far. Apparently the disgruntled farmers had decided that the best course of action was to hold themselves up in a large farmhouse and attached barn.
Watching from a distance, Karuko clicked with his tongue again. There were various entry points but he didn't have the numbers. And certainly couldn't rely on the genin's abilities yet. Hell, he was sure that would make the situation only more volatile.
"Stay with me. Stay vigilant but do not draw any weapon unless I say so."

An eerie atmosphere plagued the area as Karuko continued to lead the team further towards the farmhouse. Suddenly, a door was kicked open as a few men came stomping out. They held the typical weaponry that one could imagine with a few angry farmers. Pitchforks, hatchets but also a few with machete-like weaponry. Though not the military hardware that one would fear, Karuko wasn't comfortable by the idea to be chopped to bits or pierced by one of those pitchforks.

The angry farmers yelled that the shinobi should go away, that they were trespassing. For a few minutes, Karuko tried to engage in a shouting variant of a conversation. Suddenly, howling could be heard in the distance. Something that seemed to confuse Karuko who frowned and threw a look into the direction. Only for another howl to pierce the air from yet another direction.

The farmers seemed to freeze and quickly move back inside, barricading the door from the faint sounds.
"Ready yourselves," Karuko said as multiple howls started to resonate through the cold air. Looking around, Karuko couldn't see any animals that were making those sounds. With them being in an open plain, they had no vegetation or defences that they could count upon.
"Fucking hell," Karuko mumbled as he was certain that wolves were cocky during the winter - desperation and hunger easily attributed to the animals becoming bolder. But he was also certain that they didn't come this close to the coasts - largely sticking to the inland mountains and woods of the large island.

Shion waited through Karuko's conversation silently, resting her hand on the top of the hilt, as she observed the angry farmers, thinking of ways to counter their weapons. She would hate to fight them, considering they were just farmers, but from the looks of things, the prospects of peaceful resolution seemed to distance.

As she heard the howls and the farmers retreated back into the barn, Shion settled into a stance as she scanned the area.

At Karuko's order, Shion commented with grin, "Well, at least, we won't be dealing with the farmers for now," before she summoned two clones by her side as they pulled out some kunai and prepared to throw them at any coming beast. Meanwhile, the genin then pulled out her katana as she readied herself for combat.

Neime didn't think much about the farmers. They likely had their reason to be upset and wary. But Neime didn't see much reason to think too much about it. For a moment, she did, however, wonder how they would react if the situation should escalate.
Almost on cue, the situation did drastically change as more tension flowed into the atmosphere. But not from the farmers.
Frowning, Neime glanced around as various howls started to ring through the air. The command that they should ready themselves, Neime followed suit by conjuring two of her Scorch balls and drawing her ninjato.

As Yuyuko watched the arguments, she shrugged looking at the farmers as while they were citizens she was charged to protect, a part of her felt insulted at how ungrateful they were. Her father would probably not stand for it either but with how they were, negotiations were probably off the table as she gripped fuurai's handle almost tempted to draw it.
But luckily it soon fighting was not a factor as she like her team heard the roar of the wolves heading their way, the girl smiling as she unsheathed Fuurai and made sure she was ready with both eyes making a stance as she asked Karuko but keeping her senses focused on finding the wolves.
"Where should i position myself, sensei?"

Karuko threw a few looks around. The howling was coming from various directions. As the genin readied themselves, Karuko didn't give them any peace of mind for a second. He wanted to know where the threats were coming from and if he could identify them. But the howling had something odd to it. He wasn't sure what it was but they didn't sound entirely like wolves. Throwing a glance at the genin, a curse audibly left Karuko's lips.
"By the Divine's fucking tits," his eyes narrowed briefly, "Temper yourself, fucking cockroaches. Neime, Yuyuko. That vegetation, move on the double. Disband those orbs and stay low!"

The jounin grabbed one of the genin by the shoulder and shoved them to the location. Throwing a look at Shion, the man was anything but happy.
"Good fucking Divine, Shion. Clones? You fucking damn anxious brat. Stay close and listen to my orders."

The howling rang again, sounding closer. Licking his lips, Karuko tried to spot anything that could betray the imminent danger. Ordering Shion to keep the clones to form a ring-like formation, Karuko held one hand to subtly signal to Neime and Yuyuko to wait for his signal.
The seconds that passed seemed akin to hours and were double as stressful for Karuko. Tangoing with a literal ambush situation while two genin were too damn eager to prove themselves for nobody and another being perhaps a clan-loyalist, Karuko felt anything but comfortable.

Just when he wanted to make an order, he saw it.

It stood on two legs and was almost a whopping seven-foot tall. The revealed grin of mean teeth and fangs were unsettling as the bipedal creature glared at them. Dark patches of fur seemed to be spread over its body, making it appear as a rabid creature that seemed to care little for grooming.

"Stay," Karuko said in a soft and calm voice, both aimed at the genin nearby and in an attempt at the odd creature in front of them, "stay."
 

►Tomiko Hyuuga◄​
►Team: Team 8 Genin
►Location: Imperial Camps, Near Aegir

Laying back on the bedroll, the young girl was staring at the top of tent as she reflected back upon the days since they had arrived at this camp, and Team 8 was brought into the 11th Brigade. The days since it had been decided that she would become part of the scouting unit and began the training that had been continuous every day. Not that she was complaining about all the training, as it would certainly help when they were deployed, she just wished that their instructor, Akihiko Hanta, had been a little bit easier on his recruits. Even now, the Hyuuga's whole body was sore from the training that the man put them through every day. Though she was less sore than usual, as it seemed she was getting closer to the shape that the instructor so desired them all to be in. Humming quietly to herself, the young Hyuuga closed her eyes as she thought back on the training and lessons she had learned from them thus far. A practice she found to be quite helpful with ensuring she learned the lessons that much quicker. Afterall, being a Hyuuga among a unit mostly consisting of Chonobi, the girl did have to learn faster to prove her own merit among the unit. She knew full well the kind of looks that her eyes gave her from behind her back. Hell, sometimes she had even used those eyes to find out if she was getting those dirty looks. Letting out a small sigh, she cleared her mind of those previous thoughts and allowed herself to fall into the thoughts on the training she had received thus far.

The First Day!​

The girl was keeping herself low in the brush, trying to keep her breathing shallow as she kept a lookout from her hiding spot for any sort of movement. They had met their instructor for the first time not all that long ago, and already he had thrust them into an exercise to gather a concept of their skill. It was simple, they were to try to scout out an 'enemy' encampment their instructor had created. The key part? They had to do so without so much as him even catching a glimpse of their movements. So, here the girl was staying hidden in the brush as she tried to spot any sort of movement. Trying to carefully see if she could perhaps spot either any signs of the man, or of his encampment so she could pass the little test. After all, it would surely be a simple job? After all, she was a Kunoichi and had always been rather good at stealth so it should've been a rather easy test for her to pass. Staying hidden in the brush, her eyes went wide for a moment as she thought that she had heard the sounds of somebody moving nearby. Yet everything lay still in those first few moments and overtime of holding her breath, the girl became convinced that it had been an animal or just her ears playing tricks on her. Letting out her breath with a soft, long, sigh that quickly turned into a scream of surprise. As not even a moment later there was a knee against her shoulders, pinning her to the ground and the cold feeling of a kunai against the back of her neck. "Get up, Hyuuga. You failed, now get your ass to the encampment down the hill." The instructor growled, leaving Tomiko completely embarrassed that he had found her so easily, and scared her as well.

Not terribly long after she had reached the fake encampment, the test was over as the rest of the trainees were found. From here, the instructor went off to explain exactly what each person had done wrong in the training, in rather great detail. When it came to Tomiko, the man pointed out first, she had not really been concealing herself all that well. As anybody paying attention to the brush that she was hiding within would've been able to easily spot the different colors of one hiding in the brush, not to mention to the occasional sound she made as she shifted slightly. Along with the fact that her hiding spot had largely obscured her vision, she hadn't even noticed him approaching. Two weak points which would get a scout killed as quickly as any man with a sword. Over the course of the day, the instructor then set his group of trainees to work in a relentless regiment as he began to teach them the basics that would be built upon for this group to be deemed good enough to be scouts.


Every day since that first day had been the same process. They started the day with tracking and learning how to follow the trails people left behind, to follow their target and find out where it led. Then they would move into learning how to count enemy forces, learn their organization, and how to identify the officers. About how every detail mattered, and how a mistake here meant lives were later lost on the battlefield. Thankfully for the young Hyuuga, she had proved to be rather adept at this particular skill. Her eye for detail coming handy when practicing, and helping her pull a bit ahead of some of her fellow recruits. Although they certainly surpassed her in other areas as well. From here they moved into Stealth, mostly about how to hide among the natural foliage and fauna. How using chakra, a remark meant mostly for her she assumed, was not always the safest bet when it came to stealth. As if left clear markers which your enemy could find and instead use to track you down. This lesson led directly into learning how to counter an opponent tracking them. Removing their tracks, creating false tracks, all the likes to through somebody off of their scent. This way one could ensure that they were not going to be captured. Then, after a break for lunch, they would move into what to do if they were captured by the enemy. Though this was often just basic lessons as opposed to in-depth training, as there simply was not enough time to fully prepare these recruits for such an eventuality. Then they would move into basic combat drills and training, mostly about using a short sword to defend oneself if they were attacked. As the scouts would likely not be in combat itself very often, it was deemed unnecessary to spend a whole lot of time teaching the scouts how to fight. Finally, they would move into an exercise to practice what they had learned that day, and as a sort of test to see if they had been learning. Punishment for failing this exercise often meant the trainee's assigned 'squad' would be forced to run laps or some other form of punishment.

At this point, it was time for dinner and from there the group would be released to go about their duties. Occasionally, however, those in the group of trainees might find themselves woken in the middle of the night or early morning for training on how to handle scouting missions when it was dark. This endless loop of training had been Tomiko's life recently, and not particularly given her time for much else. Still, on some level the genin supposed she liked being busy and the training was going to help her stay alive.

Letting out a soft breath, Tomiko opened her eyes after having reviewed the lessons from the previous day. She was certain that there would be more training in the days to come as they moved out. Yet, from what she had heard they would be moving out to be deployed the next day. With a small sigh, she supposed she would find out soon enough. With that, she decided she had reviewed the lessons of the day enough, and would instead turn in to sleep.



►Yukimi Yuki◄​
►Team: Team 11 Chuunin
►Location: Shigaa City Barracks
►Interactions: Yukimi Yuki

Yukimi found herself rather relieved that she wasn't being forced to skip lunch, as she was worried about what else Nishi might have to through at the group. The girl watched silently as Nishi explained to them what she thought of each of their responses. Yukimi didn't so much as give even the slightest of hints away that she was bothered by Nishi's response. Although, if she were, to be honest, the brutal bluntness with which the response came hit her pretty hard. Yet again, another brutal reminder that this was in fact the truth of it all. She was not as superior as she thought herself to be, and because of that she was actually falling behind the others she so willingly held herself above. For a moment, her right nails dug harshly into her palm to help her maintain her composure. It would quite simply be unprofessional and unbefitting of her to show even the slightest hint that she was personally hurt by Nishi's response. It was a simple truth, and she did not have the right to be hurt by it. To deny it, instead, it was something she had to simply deal with, and put in the work to fix the problem.

Then the other two began asking their questions. The first to ask a question was Hikari, who stole Yukimi's question directly from her mind. A question that the chuunin was certain that they all had on their minds, wondering what problem their teacher had when she was standing instead in their place. Although the Yuki very much wondered if they would be deemed worthy of hearing the response to that question, as Nishi did not strike her as somebody who was terribly forthcoming with personal information such as the answer to Hikari's question. The next question came from Claire, a question about life lessons and the hardest thing that she had to learn. Yukimi allowed herself a brief look towards Claire, wondering just what it was the genin was trying to find out with a question such as that. Certainly, the answer would not be something that she would terribly like. Not given what Yukimi had seen out of the girl thus far. She wondered for a moment what kind of answer Nishi would give on the subject, as Yukimi already had a few responses to that question herself, and she definitely didn't even have half the experience her teacher had.

Then it was her turn to ask a question from Nishi, which Yukimi allowed a couple of seconds of silence before speaking up to ask her own. "How would you go about addressing some of the problems that we have stated today, about how to fix the issues?" Yukimi asked, wanting some insight from Nishi as to how to go about fixing their problems. As she was certain that not everybody had a full idea on how to address the problems they had identified with themselves. Yukimi herself had to admit that she wasn't entirely sure what the best approach to fixing everything she had done wrong. So, she wanted to ask their teacher about how to address these problems. Yukimi wasn't overly fond of Nishi as a person, but she still had to admit that woman had a good amount of experience. This might allow for some insight that she needed in order to start fixing what was wrong with herself.
 
Orun's Dragon
[ Empire of Akino | Cho Clan heartlands, some distance north of the port-city of Aegir, at a fortified camp]
[ Third Imperial Division | The Axebiters - part of the Hell's Raiders | Eòin's Company ]
[ Wroten by @conman2163 and @Oetje | Meilin meets up with Orun. The two briefly engage into a conversation, as Meilin shows her curiousity about Orun's summoning. The later explains some matters as the two head out of their respective camp to summon the Hyuzu's companion.



Hooking her thumbs behind her belt, Meilin watched another unit run a course. They weren't half bad. There was some odd satisfaction to see another platoon being instructed and drilled by their lieutenant. And it certainly was mighty fine that her platoon had a day off from training and drills.
Licking her lips, Meilin released a soft sigh afterwards. The cold didn't seem to relent any time and she wondered for a second if the same would be on the eastern continent. If anything, she wouldn't mind if the climate overseas was a bit more forgiving than the one they trained and currently resided in.

Orun had been busy ever since they had arrived in the camp. He had rushed to and fro making sure the troops he was assigned to watch over were prepared for their duties, equipped and armed as they should be, supplied with food, and that they stayed in line for the lieutenant during the training. It amused Orun that he had to fuss a bit over the soldiers he was assigned to. Not that he had any significant role in so much as ordering went, but rather that he was in charge of maintaining order and discipline among those within his squad. Those under him had quickly learned that the Hyuzu was quick to move soldiers back into line. It was in the course of these duties that he had received the runner of Meilin, and so made his way to the training course to meet with her. "Good morning." The greeting was friendly as he approached from behind Meilin, moving to stand beside her. "It is a fine day, if a little nippy."

Turning around by a bit when she heard Orun's voice, Meilin would first offer a subtle nod as greeting. Resuming the previous position of before, Meilin replied back.
"It is, yeah. But luckily, it could be worse," she paused for a mere second before continuing, "I am glad that you could come on a short notice. You are to serve underneath my leadership as a sergeant. But honestly," Meilin shot a sideways glance at Orun, "I know little about you. So, allow me to ask. How did you get enrolled as shinobi?"

Orun nodded. "Indeed it seems I am, I look forward to working under you lieutenant." It was a nice change of pace for her to ask about him, he hadn't had a decent conversation since the inn following the caves. He offered a shrug as reply "It was a dream I developed as a kid. My father was furious, he thought I was destined to run his forge. I just followed through though. I've always been reclusive, so this type of work suits me well." He crossed his arms. "And you lieutenant?"

Listening to his reply, Meilin had already considered the possibility. It still didn't sit well with her but she couldn't change the past.
"I got more or less recruited. An accident that occurred with chakra. So I was easily recruited with the fact that I would learn how to control my ability to mould chakra," was her answer to his question.
She did imagine that being a Hyuzu was that people suspected him to be affiliated with smith's work. Remembering Hayate, Meilin forced herself to focus on the here and now.
"And is the work what you imagined? I always thought that it was going to be worse. Only seems that the worst is the people we sometimes are to work with. Or for, in some matters."

He seemed to grow a bit distant as he thought back, his voice sounding more wistful and farther away. "Adventure? Glory? Excitement? Whatever I had imagined, any illusion is long gone from my mind." He drummed his fingers along his arm. His voice became more present. "It's a brutal world. We shinobi are mere tools of the Empire, I should have chosen a life in the forge." His tone was bitter.

She wouldn't argue against his comment. The world was indeed far from forgiven.
"You are free to go though," Meilin said, enlisting a pause for a second, "but I suppose it is hard to go back into a civil like life after seeing some things."
This talk wasn't really the most uplifting she had. And if anything, Meilin didn't consider it a good plan to bring up certain experiences. Not with somebody that she didn't know that well.
"Other than serving the Empire, what is that you do? Any fascinating hobbies that you picked up?"

He didn't answer for many moments as he considered her words. She was right, he was free to go, but it also hard to just send himself to a forge. It would be decent honest work, far from that which he regularly indulged in now. He shrugged in response. "Maybe I will one day." As the talk turned to things he did, Orun pulled a small leather bag from his belt and opened it, removing the wooden carving inside. The small statuette of Tireo was delicate, the shape achieved, but unfinished, only a few fine details already had been added. Clearly Orun had started with the scales to begin with, small intricate lines providing an impressive texture. "Carving usually." He said as he showed her the small figurine. It fit neatly in the palm of his hand. "What of yourself?"

Observing the small statuette, Meilin clicked with her tongue softly.
"Pretty nice. I suppose that it is a hobby where you rarely lack material to work with," she replied on turn, "I try to draw. For now, I only had the chance to use charcoal and some canvas. Sadly, I got nothing with me to show you right now."
Glancing once more at the statuette, Meilin opted to go for another question.
"I heard that some Hyuzu have this affinity with dragons. Not that I ever had the pleasure but have you seen one of them?"

"It is easy enough, though it is frustrating when you get to the finer details. At times I simply lack the tools, light, or time." Orun's eyes narrowed slightly at Meilin on her question of dragons. It was the trouble with being a Hyuzu, the tendency to associate them with the dragons. Not that Meilin was wrong in this case of course, but it was troublesome at times. Orun opened his small leather pouch again and deposited the small figurine inside, before returning it to his belt. "I would have provided you the opportunity to meet one had we not been in such a place." He gestured around the encampment. "They are terribly grand creatures, hard to miss, and easy enough to cause a commotion with. Surprises in a camp full of armed men rarely go well." He crossed his arms again. "Tireo is my companion and dragon. We were paired together when I was young, and he has been with me since. When we go into battle you will meet him, though he will be terrifying enough then."

Meilin nodded as response, emphasising that she understood and agreed with his words. Summoning a beast like that would surprise a lot of folk. And then it could go very wrong if there had not been any warning prior.
"You would? Then let us go," Meilin said as if they could just leave the camp, "To be honest, I don't have a lot else to do today. And I prefer to know who and what are under my command."
The young woman already started to walk as she seemed to expect that Orun would follow suit.
Once she was certain that he follow, Meilin decided to ask another question.
"So, can you tell me more about this Tireo? You call him your companion. That already sounds like a tad different than the usual summoning. Granted, I suppose, we are talking about a dragon."

Orun shrugged in response. "As you wish." She was the commanding officer after all, who was he to argue with her commands? He struck a stride beside her, making sure to keep pace to make conversation easy. The questions she asked were already suitably important to answer, things that he likely would have brought up to her before he summoned Tireo anyways. He could be terribly huffy if certain decorum was not observed in more casual meetings. "Aye, he is a black dragon, around the size of a large horse. He is certainly different then most summonings, in that he talks and speaks to folks in both his own voice, and with his thoughts. His voice is gruff and not pleasing so he prefers thought speech, but should you prefer it he can of course speak to you normally. We have been paired together since I was a lad, and he has travelled with me ever since. In a sense, we grew up together. Anything specific you'd like to know?"

Hearing the response, Meilin tried her best to move it into her memory. She wondered for a moment if the abilities that Orun described his dragon with were natural or rare to the species. All that she could conjure in mind were dreadful creatures of destruction that were luckily rare. If actually existing at all like the old sagas described them.
"I am used to mind talkers. Or being talked into the mind," Meilin replied with at first, "perks of serving with a Yamanaka, I suppose."
She did think about it for a second.
"So, what is he like? Can you tell me more about his personality and such?" Meilin decided to ask, feeling a bit strange for referring to a dragon as if it was a person.

Orun tapped his fingers along his arm as he thought briefly as to what to say about the dragon. "My words cannot do Tireo justice in that regard I think. He is an interesting character, fiercely independent with a wisdom beyond his years. Dragons certainly seem to grow and learn far faster than humans, and he is no exception. He is a noble sort, smart, intelligent, at times a tad moody if he hasn't eaten quite enough, but good all around. Conversing with him is rather like having a normal conversation, if you can ignore the scales."

Listening to Orun as they started to walk out of the camp, Meilin frowned slightly. It seemed to her that Orun was thinking high of his dragon. But to her, it just seemed odd. It was much similar as saying that a dog could rival a human's intelligence, in a way at least. When Orun stated that it would be similar to a normal conversation if she ignored the scaled, Meilin wanted to add something to it. But she opted not to as she prefered to have Orun growing upset of her own inexperience and disbelief that dragons were this grand.
Reaching the perimeter of a large field, burrowed underneath a layer of snow, Meilin threw a look around. It wasn't too far from the camp but at a distance that most wouldn't get startled or draw weapons.
"I suppose this should do, somewhat," Meilin stated as she gestured that Orun could summon the dragon, "take your time to summon your companion. I will allow you two a bit of space."
After her words, Meilin would take a few steps back as she didn't want to surprise or startle a creature. Whether Orun said, to her a dragon was a beast. And most beasts tended to lash out when surprised.

Orun wondered if Meilin struggled to understand the nature of dragons as he walked into the large field. He shrugged as she stepped back, now certain that she had the wrong idea about the intelligence of a dragon. He would make a few handsigns, feeling the familiar draw of chakra as he then bit his thumb before, poof, in a cloud of smoke the fearsome obsidian dragon appeared, claws gouging ruts into the snow as his weight settled upon it. Tireo swung his head over to Orun as he appeared, his scales flashing as he folded his wings and regarded the man critically. Not a moment later he felt the touch of the familiar, large, alien consciousness that was Tireo. "You called little one?" Came the gravelly voice of the dragon through mindspeech. Orun would not wait but instead jerked a thumb over at Meilin, who stood not far behind him. "Someone is here to see you. She wanted to meet you, since I am currently under her command. I thought it a good idea as well." He responded aloud. It was a choice taken mindful of Meilin's presence, it would be rude to speak in mindspeech when she was the subject of the conversation, at least as far as Orun was concerned. He doubted the dragon had any inhibitions about it. Tireo turned his eyes on to Meilin now, regarding her with an emerald green eye. Not soon after she would feel the brush of the dragon's mind as well, as he offered a greeting in mindspeech. "Greetings to you as well, new human." His tone was respectful. "Might I know your name."

The sight of the scaled creature as the smoke would be driven away by a soft breeze did little to comfort Meilin. She kept her expression neutral as she eyed the animal. Orun hadn't lied about its size but somewhere, Meilin had still wondered if it had been like what she had grown up with. The stories of dragons, though few in number, had given her a totally different view. When Orun spoke, Meilin figured it was due to the mind speech that she hadn't heard the dragon before.
When the dragon's voice resonated in her mind, Meilin wasn't sure if the beast could read her mind. But for once, she was rather grateful for Madoc's mind whispering. It certainly likely helped to be ready and understand how to respond back calmly.
"Meilin Cho," Meilin replied, taking care to respond with similar respect, "Orun speaks highly of you. And fondly. Due to the imminent situation of us going to work together, I had requested to meet you."
Letting a short pause followed, Meilin wanted to inspect the animal. See how big its claws were and other attributes. But opted to remain focused on the creature's skull to not break her respectful stance.

"I have to say that this is the first time I met one of your kind. Judging by what Orun told me, I am aware that you're quite acquainted with humans though?" Meilin decided to ask.

Tireo carefully considered Meilin again, before blowing a puff of smoke out of his nostrils. "It is a pleasure to meet you Meilin Cho. It is good to hear that he speaks well of me, it would be disappointing if my absence had adversely affected his opinion." Tireo decided to settle down before he replied, taking a moment to lay himself in the snow, and enjoying the cool feeling on his scales. "Perhaps too well acquainted. It matters not though. I am a capable warrior, if we are to fight, as Orun says we are, I will not fail to protect him or his allies." The dragon wondered if the woman perhaps thought that he was beholden to her, to the Empire that she represented. It was a funny thought, seeing as he could just as quickly disappear as he appeared.

She still had to grow used to the dragon's voice sounding in her mind. Unlike Madoc's voice, it was odd to see a creature to speak in human tongue.
"That is assuring. I am happy that Orun is able to call on such an useful ally," Meilin replied, flashing a polite smile, "I have yet to see a dragon fight. Would you be so kind to try to inform me more about your abilities?"
Remembering something, Meilin decided to add something quickly.
"No need for visual. I shall trust you on your word."

The dragon snorted, amused. "Are you sure? Certainly it could not just be because you are afraid I might burn down this whole forest…."
 
A talk
[ Empire of Akino | Cho Clan heartlands, some distance north of the port-city of Aegir, at a fortified camp]
[ Third Imperial Division | The Axebiters - part of the Hell's Raiders | Eòin's Company ]
[ Wroten by @FrostedCaramel and @Oetje | Aoi and Meilin meet up. Meilin requests Aoi's help to train Mamoru, in hope that Aoi can try to help Mamoru get fully ready for what might awaits them on the eastern continent. Furthermore, they discuss the event that Kazumo decided to propose to Meilin.


Today had been one of the very few days where she was enjoying a bit more freedom. Already she had spend some time to study what she was required for the next training of the medical course, led by Doctor Mei. Not to mention the training that came with trying to become a lieutenant.
But now, Meilin was returning to the tent that she shared with the team. Hoping to find Aoi, as Meilin had something to ask.

Approaching the tent, she was relieved to see Aoi up ahead. Walking over, Meilin would speak up as she closed in the distance with Aoi.
"Hey, how are you doing today?" Meilin asked, though she had a good hunch what the answer would be to her question.

Aoi had stepped out of the tent for a moment of fresh air and light out of the gloom of the inside and hadn't been expecting Meilin when she approached her. Catching a small jump at the sudden voice of the Cho, Aoi spun a heel to face the girl offering a mocking salute as she did, "Just great Lieutenant." she teased as she dropped her salute and took up a more familiar stance with her friend, "I'm enjoying the free time but I needed to get out of the tent for a little to be honest." she said with a smirk.

Giving her team leader a look she'd sigh and cross her arms at Meilin, "You want something from me don't you?" she raised an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly as she imagined all sorts of requests from her gallant Sergeant, "Hit me, I'm sure I'll probably say no if I can." she joked.

A smile crossed Meilin's lips the moment that Aoi made a tease. Hooking her left thumb behind her belt, she would return the salute with her right hand. Glad to catch her friend by her free time, Meilin would feign a shocked reaction.
"Aoi! All I want would just enjoy some free time with you." Meilin responded, putting her tone on being hurt. Though she would be quick to drop the act quickly as Aoi had guessed it quite right.

Inhaling, Meilin briefly lowered her gaze to the ground before turning back to Aoi.
"But yeah, I got to ask you a favour. Its about Mamoru." Meilin began, with no caution adjusting her tone or phrasing. "I have been doing some training with him. But the sad fact remains that I have no earth release to teach him. Or much to go on by. That and I think you will be less brutal with him than Madoc or Dagrún, when it comes down to hand to hand."
Letting a second pass, Meilin raised her right hand to scratch her neck.
"Can you perhaps see to it that the boy gets some more training? With what I am going through, I am not able to do anything prolonged right now."

Aoi smirked as her suspicions were confirmed and waved a hand at Meilin for her to go on. When Mamoru was brought into the picture Aoi couldn't help but feel wrong about it, but she pushed it away for the time being.

"What makes you think I'll be any better than Madoc or Dagrún? You do know I beat Madoc pretty good when we did a spar once right?" she asked as she once more crossed her arms over her chest.

"I know. You also once tried to punch my teeth in, if we go remembering bad things." Meilin gave as an immediate reply, before giving her reason. "The reason why I think you will be better is because Madoc is… Madoc." Meilin stated, feeling a bit bad for it. "While Madoc can be trusted, he is also not above fooling around. Or being the troublemaker we expect him to be."

Enlisting a pause, Meilin continued. "Dagrún? I don't know. I think she is reliable. But I haven't been able to figure out if she will train or beat Mamoru into a bloody pulp. So, yeah, I figure you would be best. After all, you did endure Madoc. Unless you want to smack him to a bloody paste then Madoc would suddenly be the best pick."

Aoi smirked and waved a hand at Meilin, "You deserved it, at least a little." she joked before simply nodding for a bit. With Meilin done speaking Aoi took the chance to speak up, "Madoc jokes around plenty except when he's getting himself knocked around, then he's surprisingly quiet. As for Dagrún…" she shrugged and gave Meilin a look that told her she was right, "she would probably cripple the poor kid given the chance. Not that I don't want to, he's annoying, but I have the sense to realize he hasn't really done anything wrong to me." she let out a smirk, "And I only endured Madoc because I was trying to sleep with him." she said victoriously before piping down and putting a more serious look on her face.

"I'll do it, but you owe me." she said as she leaned in and offered Meilin a hand, a large shit eating grin growing on her face as she did.

It was impossible for Meilin to resist a chuckle when Aoi stated her reason for enduring Madoc. When Aoi offered a hand, Meilin grew slightly wary for what kind of favour Aoi would request in return. Seeing little other option, however, Meilin's hand moved to shake Aoi's.
"I do but don't make me regret it. And nothing too extreme." Meilin replied on turn, wanting to add more but instead pulled her hand back.

"I already trained Mamoru in chakra flow. He likely knows the basics of taijutsu but I will leave it up to you on that." Meilin decided to state. "Just make sure that you won't try to knock some teeth in. Even if he deserves it a little."

Smiling victoriously as Meilin shook her hand Aoi would nod, "It won't be anything crazy don't worry." she assured the Cho of the promise before simply nodding as she released the girls hand.

"I'll keep it simpler depending on what he knows, but if he has a basis in it better than Madoc did? I'm sure I could teach him up well given a bit of time if that's the case. Either way he'll be ending up on his ass a lot for a while." she shrugged and continued, "Failure is the greatest teacher after all." she said jokingly, mocking some of the older generation that chanted such things.

"Anything else I can do you for Lieutenant? A warm cup of tea? Some alone time with Madoc perhaps? I'll guard the door." she teased.

"That is completely fine. Bruises are acceptable as well," Meilin said when Aoi stated that Mamoru would end up a lot on his ass. If anything, she saw no problem if Aoi decided to be a bit tough on the genin.
"Oh, stop it, you are terrible," Meilin said, the hint of a smile attracting to her lips, "Unless you can get me a better pillow, I suppose that I should be fine? By the way, how is your training going with the 9th? I overheard something that you guys got some special training but I haven't been able to keep a lot of track on where everybody is being pulled off to."

Smiling as Meilin knocked down her suggestions Aoi shook her head, "A pillow I sadly can't do, companionship is easier to come by in a place like this then a nice down feather pillow to be honest." she replied before taking a moment to weigh her next words.

"Training has been interesting, admittedly I can't tell you anything about it given ehem," she motioned to Meilin nonspecifically, "you're Cho. But I will one day probably break all the rules and tell you. So rest assured you'll get a real answer eventually, just not now, not when the rules are so strict around my training and dropping me from it." Aoi shrugged awkwardly, feeling bad she couldn't say much of anything to Meilin, "I'm sure you understand." she offered weakly.

The first words of Aoi caused Meilin to lightly shake her head as she couldn't think of any argument. When Aoi spoke of her training, Meilin became intrigued. She was wondering what kind of training the 9th brigade conducted. Such it was a small disappointment that Aoi told that she couldn't speak of it. Yet, she could understand. After all, she was a Cho and had matters that she wasn't supposed to ever tell Aoi. Even if Meilin held Aoi in high regards and considered her one of her best friends.
"It is fine. I am glad that it is interesting." Meilin flashed a smile as she decided to subtly steer the topic, "I am meanwhile hammered by the regular drills as being pushed to the limit by Doctor Mei. Not to mention that I am still trying to get the captain to view me as proper material to become a lieutenant."

Aoi leaned a bit forward at Meilin seeming to offer a new direction to their conversation. "Doctor Mei huh?" She ventured a smirk, "I've heard precious little of him, and even less of the training he conducts, though I have heard it's grueling when you're not in classes with him…" she sized up Meilin for a moment, wondering if perhaps the Cho wasn't sure if she had what was needed to fill a Lieutenants position.

"I'm sure the Captain just needs to see you in action a bit more, we are new fish around here after all. 'Wet begins the ears' as they say, despite what we know we've done they don't." she shrugged, "just have to prove what we already know." she said as she pressed a finger out into the center of Meilin's chest.

Smirking again she crossed her arms and offered a sly grin, "Or you could find a bit of a companion in the Captain, it's certainly speed up the process." she teased with a wink.

"You are terrible," Meilin replied as she would place her hands on her hips, struggling to not burst in laughter as Aoi made her 'suggestion'. "But you are right. I am doing my best but with all things going on," Meilin briefly sought for the correct term and phrasing on how to convey her thoughts on the current situation.
"It is just a ton of brown stuff being thrown and barely any time given for me to clean it up."

A softer smile found its way to Meilin's lips as she had something else to tell Aoi.
"Though, that guy from before. The blue-haired archer, remember him? He sought me out. Not sure what kind of joker is putting him on my path but I have spend a bit of time with him. Talking," the last word coming out rapidly enough to warrant Aoi that Meilin didn't want to give her a chance to turn into anything else. "I suppose I can't whine about that, I guess."

Scoffing slightly as Meilin rebuked her, Aoi couldn't help but to simply shrug at her comment on how much shit had been thrown at them in recent weeks. "I had no misgivings about how much this was going to suck. But it helps doing it with the team at the very least." she agreed.

"Mister Muscles? How could I forget." she started with a sly smile, "So you've been talking," she let the pause in her words hang in the space between them for a moment, "Talking of course. So tell me Lieutenant, what do you talk about with Mister Muscles?". She found her curiosity peaked, and the want to humiliate Madoc over his comparative muscle size rekindled from Magnhild.

Placing her hands on her hips, Meilin could remember the exchange with Kazuko quite clearly. Remembering what he had told her, Meilin decided that it wasn't a good thing to bring up Kazumo's goal. She still didn't understand why he had brought it up with her.
"Well, he likes to talk about a lot of stuff with me. Gives me compliments as well. But none of the advancing onto me," Meilin added, keeping the smile on her lips, "other than that, we talked about our current rank and doings. About how he clearly wants to sweep me off my feet and make me swoon. Already asked if I want to share my life with him. And that he wants to protect me. Oh and you know, about his current training and stuff."

"Oh."

Aoi wasn't sure what to say, blinking a few times she'd reign her empty mind in and force herself to say something, "I mean… Oh wow. That's ehm… Great?" she spoke, the words coming as if there was something trying to hold them back, "No that's uhm that's not how I mean it just uh," she leaned back and motioned at everything as if it was supposed to reveal what she meant, "that's just really fast isn't it?". Her hands shot up to her mouth and she felt her face flushed with blood as she said exactly what she had dreaded saying, at pointing out the obvious and absolutely glaring piece part of what she had just been told. How many times had they even seen each other? Could she count it on two hands or would she need three? Had they ever interacted outside of the military beyond Magnhild? Did they even know one another? Really know one another? Did they have any idea who the other truly was?

She took a step back and searched behind her for something to sit on as she felt a wave of guilt washing over her. Moving a few more steps to sit bodily onto a crate Aoi would look up, almost avoiding Meilin's eyes as she realized the absolute hypocrisy in the thoughts she had just had, "Yeah look little Aoi is not the best for this thing you know? I mean, phew," she shrugged and blew out a breath of air, "you know? And protecting you? Does he even know who he's dealing with? Sounds like Mamoru if he had been hitting the weights for the last seven or some odd years. About as naive as Mamoru too I'd reckon…" shock overtook her once again as she began to wave her hands at Meilin for what she'd just said.

"Don't listen to me don't listen! I'm just shocked, absolutely astounded!" she huffed at a strand of hair hanging down her face and leaned back on the crate, "And uhm." she looked away from Meilin before speaking, "jealous, I guess." she mumbled.

Meilin had been wondering on how Aoi would react to it. It still felt odd and quite surreal that somebody felt so strongly for her outside of her family. In a way, it made her feel good. But also doubtful as she had no clue on how she should progress it.
Seeing how Aoi reacted, Meilin did feel bad as Aoi clearly didn't hide her confusion and surprise. Or was it even surprise? Realising that she hadn't thought it through, Meilin wanted to say something but Aoi seemed to recover just when Meilin wanted to part her lips.
Not noticing the last emotion that moved at first, Meilin released a heavy sigh and decided to sit on the crate, next to Aoi.
"Tell me about it. And I should listen," Meilin replied as she shrugged a little, "I care for your opinion. Not to mention, I never had, well, you know, I…"

Feeling her cheeks starting to flare up, Meilin hesitated but she wasn't naive to think that Aoi didn't catch on already.
"I never enjoyed that attention. Not in Keishi, certainly not in Konohagakure. So, it is nice. But it is just, I don't know. I never dealt with something like," crossing her arms, Meilin shrugged once more with her shoulders, "with that. Though," Meilin shot a sideways look, "he did almost sound like Mamoru. With the whole protecting me thing. Cute but eehh," a wry smile crossed her features, "And oh…"

It hit her like a boggart deciding to land on her hand. Licking her lips slowly Meilin averted her gaze from Aoi. She felt more like an idiot with each second passing. For a moment, Meilin felt only slightly happier to not state that Madoc had been helping Kazumo with his 'proposal'.
"I am sorry. I just, well, I thought that… I should have not just casually dropped it on you," Meilin said on a softer tone, "though you know. I might be super bad with it. But if you want to talk about him, I can lend an ear. Or if you want to call him a cunt."

"Nothing to talk about." she waved away the offer from Meilin, "No one to talk about." she nodded and motioned to Meilin, "Only thing to talk about is what you plan to do with this proposal." she said pointing a finger at the Cho.

Taking a breath she wondered if she should try and touch back on what Meilin was saying about never really being close to people in the past, but decided that that was something she didn't need to delve into with the Cho, she was a big girl after all and could work through the wrongs of her past on her own she was sure of it. "I imagine you said no? I mean you don't strike me as the type to jump headlong into something like a game of cards, let alone marriage."

Meilin wanted to say something. She already had the words in mind but decided against it. If Aoi didn't want to talk then that was fine. Perhaps, Meilin mused to herself, she had seen or think wrong on what was happening between Aoi and Madoc.
"Oh yeah," Meilin responded, nodding to emphasise her answer, "I am not ready for marriage. Not with what I have in mind on what I want to do and see. Not to mention, I barely know him well enough to really give it a serious thought."
Becoming silent for a second, Meilin averted her gaze and looked in front of them for a moment.
"He is nice. Not too bad looking, I suppose. But I have other things in mind than letting anybody just protect me. Or thinking about tying the knot. Besides," Meilin threw a sideways glance at Aoi, "I don't like the whole dressing up. You know, going with weddings and all that. I like my comfy clothes more."

Aoi shifted where she sat as she nodded along to Meilin, glad she hadn't pressed any further and happy she had been clear of mind enough to shoot down Kazumo's request. "Good. Take your time, no need to jump headlong into something so important. Though…" she smiled and waved a finger disapprovingly, "not wanting to get married over a dress is a pretty shallow notion." she teased the Cho.

"I'm glad though. That you seem to be enjoying yourself at the very least." she raised her arms up and talked in a voice as if she were some sort of announcer, "Lieutenant! Lifesaver!" Her grin grew wide before standing up abruptly to move out of reach of Meilin in case she got any hot headed ideas, "Lover!"

"Sometimes I may like to be shallow," Meilin replied with, knowing fairly well that it was a weak argument.
When Aoi continued Meilin frowned and was at the ready to lash out with a fierce punch to Aoi's shoulder. But as Aoi anticipated it already, Meilin's 'attack' missed due to the former getting out of reach quick enough.
"I will have you dig latrines at this rate," Meilin threatened as she would get off the crate, "Anyhow, thanks for covering me with training Mamoru."
 
[ Meilin Cho | Squadleader of Team 4 | Lieutenant within the Axebiters ]
[ Empire of Akino | Cho Clan heartlands, some distance north of the port-city of Aegir, at a fortified camp]

It felt good to sit down and just be able to take time for herself. Due to everything that had happened in a short while, Meilin felt a certain pressure being released when she tried to take time for herself. Not to mention that soon enough, something like that would become incredibly rare. Once they were deployed, then she would be required to attend to the matters of her team and unit. There would be no luxury of taking time for herself to give her experiences and thoughts a place.
Or to read letters that had been written and send.
The last supplies also came with a heap of letters. Usually from those who were aware of the people that resided in the camp, coming from families or individuals that could cough up the small fee for bringing the letters. For the first few times, Meilin had been excited and wondering if there would be any letters for her. But as the weeks went by, she had come to accept that the chance was small if she didn't write back first.

Purchasing paper and material to write wasn't cheap. Mostly because such resources were used by higher-ranked officers that had way more privileges than a lieutenant in training. But managing to acquire herself some paper and using the charcoal, she was able to write two letters. One that was directly aimed at Jin, to inform the old man of some matters. And to pass on a note of thanks. Though she wouldn't place it in her letter, Meilin made a silent vow that she would repay the man once she returned from the campaign east. She didn't like the idea that much that her siblings were taken care off by somebody else and that she didn't take any responsibility.
The second letter was aimed at her siblings.

First, Meilin would address the letter to Hitomo. Being the youngest, Meilin decided to write how proud she was of Hitomo and how much of a joy it was to be her older sibling. Though it were Meilin's genuine feelings, she had no idea what else to write. Deciding to make a small promise that she would take Hitomo one day to a real palace.
The second was Atsumichi, her youngest brother. Meilin's lips already conjured a soft smile as she continued to write. She decided to pen down that she was happy to know that she had a little brother that would grow to be strong and courageous. Not to mention that one day, she would try to help Atsumichi how to use a sword. And once she would be back, to learn all about his heroic deeds. As for now, he was the protector of their siblings until Meilin would be back.
Then came Irene.

Meilin stared at the paper for minutes. She had no idea what to write. Or better: how to convey her feelings. Sure, she could think of something simple that Irene would absolutely adore. But it wouldn't be genuine. If anything, there was barely any day that Meilin didn't ponder if Irene was doing well. If Jin and the others were able to take the care for her, the care that she required. And though Meilin had seen that Irene was quite independent, in her own fashion, it still troubled Meilin greatly.
Eventually, Meilin began to write. She would pen down on how Irene didn't leave her thoughts. On how that Meilin would make sure that she would come back to visit the university with Irene again. And then they would read as many books as Irene wanted.
Closing her letter that she would be gone for a long time, Meilin did express her desire that her siblings shouldn't give Jin too much trouble. And that she would try to keep writing to them if it was possible.

Finally content, Meilin would make the required effort to see her two letters being sent back to Konohagakure.


There hadn't been much thought of receiving a letter. After a day of training and exercise, Meilin hadn't stood still that she could receive a reply from Konohagakure. The whole occurrence of Kazumo proposing, her training and attempting to learn how to lead better had caught a lot of her thoughts. But when she was alerted that she got not one but three letters, Meilin went as fast as she could to the point to retrieve the items.
Once in possession of the letters, Meilin decided to retire to her tent. The letters were sealed with red wax, together with the symbol of a rose. Undoubtedly Jin using a common symbol of their Cho clan.
Reaching her tent, Meilin sat down and didn't waste any time to open the letters.

The first came from Jin. In a way, the old man even wrote in a similar fashion as he spoke: calm and yet stern. He was happy to receive word that she was doing well. But that she shouldn't forget the scroll that he had given her. That she should study the inside and then proceed to destroy it.
Briefly, Meilin threw a look at her rucksack as she remembered that Jin had given her a scroll. She had studied it for a bit but had yet fully understood what the content of the scroll tried to convey. Turning her attention back at the letter, Jin's letter continued that he would watch over her siblings. But that she owed him to return alive.
Placing the letter down, Meilin once more pondered on why Jin had decided to help her family so much. There was a part of her that whispered that she should be wary for the old man. That his price wouldn't be small at this point and that she shouldn't just trust him for being a helpful old man. Another part of her thoughts tried to calm her. And despite being wary of folk, Meilin couldn't help but trust Jin. A certain sense moved her to not to worry too much. There wasn't a lot that she could do in her current position anyways.

The second letter came from Hitomo and Atsumichi. Typical for the two, they had made a joint letter. In a way, Meilin liked to imagine that she could see what Hitomo had drawn and what Atsumichi. The letter didn't contain words but a drawing with various objects. The figures were easy but hard to understand but counting, the corners of Meilin's lips were tugged down. She could count up to the entire number of her family, including their mother.
Looking away from the drawing for a moment, Meilin forced herself not to shed a tear over it. She hadn't yet managed to bring down the reality that she couldn't bring their mother back. And likely Hitomo and Atsumichi were of the belief that their mother could come back.
Returning her attention back at the drawing, Meilin continued to look at the content. They had made a rainbow and Meilin was certain it was Hitomo's doing - for she absolutely adored rainbows.

Continuing on to the third letter, Meilin noticed that her left hand was trembling slightly. Though aware why, Meilin decided to not linger on the thought. Opening the letter carefully, she began to read.
The handwriting was terrible and there were many spelling mistakes that Meilin could catch. But she managed to read the sentences and in silence, a tear rolled over her right cheek.
Staring at the letter and the message it carried over, Meilin couldn't help but feel happy and sad.
 
Operation Safeguard
[ Republic of Water | The city of Shigaa - training field | At the eastern part of the Republic ]
[ Nishi Hirashima | Jounin of Team 11 ]


The first to ask a question was Hikari. Nishi waited patiently as the genin spoke her question. Though the jounin waited for the other to two ask their questions, she would still pass on her answer on in a chronical order - from first to third question.
Turning to Hikari, Nishi spoke up.
"Patience," was the start of the question. Allowing a pause to follow, Nishi decided to expand her answer and allow her students to learn why that had been the most difficult for Nishi to learn.
"Back when I was a genin, there was more at stake than what you guys may face now. There was the outbreak of a war lurking about. Which eventually did happen but not while I was a genin. Anyhow," Nishi continued with a wry smile, "I was eager to improve my own skill and abilities. I wanted to be certain that I could get the best out of me in the shortest amount of time. The problem is that you need time to understand what your potentials are. You need time to learn from your experiences and most importantly, your errors. I had a hard time dealing with that cause I didn't see the use of patience. It took me a long while before I understood that."

The second question came from Claire. It stayed silent for a few seconds as Nishi considered her answer. She had no trouble to know what the answer would be. But there was a certain precaution with the answer, a caution that she felt that was necessary.
"That everybody dies."
The grim answer didn't likely much to help the genin and chuunin to understand what Nishi meant. A soft sigh escaped Nishi as she carefully weighed her words into expanding her answer.
"Death is not a stranger in a military occupation. But truth is that as a genin, you aren't that much confronted with it. When I was almost ready to become a chuunin? It started to happen around me. Team members would die on missions. Leaders of squads died. Civilians and enemies alike died on missions. In the end, everybody dies. Even if you are the most skilled, fastest and strongest around. You can't escape death. It is there on the lurk. The first and last enemy that you'll face. And so far I know, nobody has been able to beat it."

Deciding to give attention to the third question. She had expected that Yukimi would go for something more practical. But this time, Nishi wasn't entirely certain if it was because the chuunin understood how far she was behind other, actual experienced chuunin. Or because Yukimi just felt too distant to ask anything 'deep' like Claire and Hikari.
In truth, Nishi couldn't give much of a damn.
"By beating it into you all," Nishi responded, "you all had it too easy and luxurious. You had to experience what luxuries Kirigakure had to offer. To ignore the vices of the capital and be content with getting military salary without actual sacrifices. I am going to make sure you get the required experience one way or another. Preferably without getting myself or any of you killed. But certainly without making it easy for you lot."

Letting her answer sink in, Nishi decided to continue on to the next part of the training.
"Ten more laps around. You guys had enough time listening to me to catch your breath. Best not to cool down," the jounin firmly ordered as she gestured them to get going. Awaiting and observing them to start taking the laps again, Nishi decided that it was best to continue the training for a while. Most of the training was focused on more basic skills.
Eventually, the sky would become darker. Causing Nishi to decide that the team had earned some rest for the evening.
 
To the East
[ GM Post]
[ The Eastern Campaign ]

[ The Akinian Empire - The Third Division ]​

The day finally came. Though there were plenty of officers and training sergeants that desired more time to train the soldiers and operatives that they were responsible for, the planning had decided that the first part of the Third Division would be moved over. With promised aid from the Republic and the fledgeling Royal navy from the Akinian empire, the first part of the reinforcing Imperial forces would be ferried over the Kaizoku sea. While many onboard were likely hoping for more luxurious, the worst wasn't being ferried over the sea - which was a bit rougher during the winter season. The worst came when the troops had to disembark and face once more the bitter cold. Even despite that, some folk had spread the rumour that the eastern continent was like some promised land, with a very mild climate and warm winters.

Despite some folk being disappointed, the plan for the Akinian reinforcements went by without much problems or issues. Hiron's plans were executed quickly and without encountering many obstacles along the way. While it would take some days, the allied camps at the eastern parts of the Wolf country were notified by a group of riders - much as Hiron had intended. Allowing thus Hayate and the other commanders to be aware of Hiron's troop's arrival. And what he desired from Hayate as the other Imperial forces on the eastern continent.


The Eastern Continent
The Wolf Country​

The arrival of Hiron's reinforcement would have a large impact on the allied force and their plans. The presence of more Akinian troops started to give away for more cooperation than what already had been established before. Even before Hiron had set foot on the eastern continent, dispatches were made as he had instructed. A small group of riders ventured to the Honey and Sky country - both nations being vassal states. The Honey country was willing to send an abundance of supplies to support the allied forces within the Wolf country. Not to mention sharing important reports on a few small skirmishes that had occurred at their borders to the east with an unknown force. Yet despite that, the Honey country would send small detachments of forces to occupy several strategic positions - allowing the newly formed supply routes to be guarded.

Even with the Lighting country itself being involved in a civil war, the Sky country was more than willing to ignore its sovereign overlord to aid the allied forces. Though the replies that Hiron received didn't mention anything of the civil war or any bad occurrences within the Sky country, the general was certain that the Sky was more than happy to support the troops that could hold any hostile nation at bay for them.

While Hiron would lead the 12th Brigade straight towards the combined allied encampments, he gave clear orders to the 11th brigade to head more northwards - to the northeast border point of the Wolf country. If the unknown enemy hadn't sent any forces to the north, then Hiron hoped that they could secure that direction while he could try to punch in the centre. And giving room for the 13th brigade to move a bit south to perform the same, while the present allied Republican and Northerner forces could support the push.
 
A deal between devils
[ Lightning Country | At the border of the Alaricus heartlands, to the north ]
[ A collab between @Gerontis and @Oblivion | General Hogai sets out as he has arranged a meeting with an Alaricus envoy. The diplomatic envoy of the Alaricus, however, turns to be out the respectable leader of the clan. The two briefly engage in a diplomatic negotiation. With the outcome weighing in the possible outcome of the civil war. ]



The small party of riders accompanied their leader to the designated area. Hogai was curious to how the negotiation would go. If anything, he was prepared for the worst by selecting the best of his guard to accompany him to the meeting with the Alaricus.
The place was a few miles south from his main encampment, the terrain flat and near one of the largest natural crossing that could lead into the Alaricus territory. Arriving on the scene, Hogai didn't need to exert much effort to distinguish the Alaricus build fortifications on the horizon. Fortifications that would stubbornly hold against any attempted invasion and likely be manned by equally stubborn defenders that were ready to spill blood of any invader into their clan's heartlands.

Halting his mount, Hogai clicked with his tongue. Though curious, he was far from impatient. The mere fact that the Alaricus had agreed to a meeting was already something. Perhaps the conflict could be resolved without the need of anybody needing to die or lose some blood.

As the hooves of the group of riders trotted on the ground, Vasilis the Leader of the Alaricus, took the time to look at the scenario from every angle. Sure his troops outnumbered and out geared them, but they didn't plan on attacking and hell if he'd let them use his defenses against him. They also took position near the Jun to prevent them from sailing to Jun territory and striking from the rear. They may be less equipped but they possessed intellect and that's what made any battle win or break. Yet despite all those, he could still win. It was certainly a heavy casualty kind of win but it was possible. However he agreed to this because of two things in particular.

Arriving at the scene. His fortifications to his back as his riders seemed extra on guard as they were face to face with the enemy general. Vasilis held up his hand to order his men to stay back as he trotted forward alone and stopped halfway. A meeting that would surely shake the balance was surely upon the Lightning.

Spotting the Alaricus envoy, Hogai observed them. Watching as one of the riders split off and moved halfway, Hogai would follow the Alaricus example. Stopping halfway, Hogai kept a respectful distance between him and the Alaricus. In full truth, Hogai was only aware of the name of prominent Alaricus nobles. Not how they looked like.
"Greetings, allow me to introduce myself," Hogai began as he made a small bow with his head, "Tana Hogai, a general of the Lightning army. And the one that shall negotiate a truce between the Regency and the Alaricus. May I have the honor of knowing who I am dealing with?"

When one rider did the same as him but stopped and gave distance between Vasilis and himself, he had to admit it was a smart move. All it took was one swing to take out the leader, yet it would be the same in his stead as well. The man introduced himself as the general of the lightning army and the one making negotiations. Hogai then asked who he was dealing with which caused him to nod his head. He might be a Leader of a clan but he supposed not everyone knew what he looked like. Hell he didn't know what all the generals of the Lightning Army looked like after all.

"Well meet General Hogai. My name is Vasilis Alaricus Michaelakis, the leader of the Alaricus Clan." Starting off with pleasantries was always nice but they were both busy men, and he much rather jump to the heart of the matter. "Seems we're at a stalemate. Neither side can do much without high casualties, and then that comes down to whose tactics outwit the other. Yet like smart men we both are we see that's only a lose lose situation for us both correct?"

Once more Hogai would lower his head, this time the bow being deeper and showing more respect. It was surprising that the leader of the Alaricus was coming to deal with him. And it certainly could make things easier to negotiate than back and forth between emissaries. "You are quite right, good lord Alaricus. It is why I believe it is in the best interest of us all that we come to an agreeable set of terms," Hogai paused for a mere second before he continued, "I think it is best if we would determine a truce. I will see to it that the Regency shall no longer declare you as an enemy of the state. If you promise to not support the Raikage or any other rebellious force, I see no need for bloodshed."

Nodding along to his words, a truce was indeed beneficial for both parties. His force remained safe and it gave Hogai's forces the opportunity to help one of the other armies. Yet he remained silent and even laughed a bit when he worded of support the Raikage. "You know…. When I initially decided to support the Raikage, it wasn't cause of how much I respect the man. Which I don't. It was because I don't appreciate having myself being threatened." Vasilis started off saying before turning his head and looking back towards his lands. His gaze would return after a couple moments.

"I don't know how much you know about my people, however we've done some drastic things to survive. Slavery. Slaughter of the innocents. Hell the Nomads won't dare enter our border for it. Yet the point of this is. We've overcome and survive we realize our mistakes and better ourselves for them."

Once again Vasilis went silent before resuming. "And I clearly see that the Alaricus have made a mistake in siding with this cunt of a kage. He doesn't inform nor clue us in, you'd be surprised to know that I have no clue what's even going on north of my lands. Yet what does he do? Leave us in the dark, only asks for us to aid his sorry ass, and apparently make deals with other countries who only plan on destabilizing and taking from us because of his shit negotiations." Vasilis said his voice getting slightly louder with the slight hint of anger and rage in his voice.

"So a truce is nice General Hogai. Yet I do you one better, you contact the Regency and can promise me the honor of gutting that worthless Kage. I'll help you slaughter anyone opposing the Regency."

Hogai listened intently to the Alaricus clan leader. It was insightful, if he had to summarize it. But he was entirely sure if he could believe everything that the Alaricus told him. However, if the Raikage indeed did little to inform his allies then that could be used against him, Hogai mused amused to himself.
"That is a mighty fine offer, Lord Alaricus," Hogai said, a smile growing on his lips, "one that would make me look like a fool if I wouldn't accept it. The matter is, however, that I would be glad to have prestigious Alaricus steel at my side. But I do hope you can understand that a certain set of measures have to be taken? See it as signs of good faith, so that we can ensure that neither of us will betray the other in the end."

Letting his words sink in, Hogai continued. "I will accept you offer of help. In return, we will agree to an exchange of hostages. Your kin will be sent to the capital and shall be kept in good care. As long as you honor the deal. In exchange, you will receive some of ours to keep as your wards. Does this sound agreeable, Lord Alaricus?"

Of course Hogai was cautious any sane man would be at hearing his suggestion, so when he upped the pot and said an exchange of hostages. Kin were to be exchanged just so neither side thought of betraying the other. Smart. Blood was very important to anyone with a sense of duty to their family. It became even more important when you were an important figurehead. Vasilis was silent for a couple of seconds before responding.
"I can agree to these terms. I will in good faith even show you one of the very few messages the Raikage sent out. No fancy plans on how to attack, just that he wanted each leader of the clans to meet with him to discuss plans on how to combat the Regency. You may do with it as you wish."

"I appreciate that, Lord Alaricus," Hogai replied, quite eager to see into the plans and letters. "I think it is only appropriate that I allow you to arrange your deals. I shall see to it that the other forces shall be made aware before any violence can occur between your and the Regency forces."
Making a bow with his head, Hogai flashed a polite smile. "It was both a pleasure and an honour to treat with you, good Lord Alaricus."

"Much appreciated General Hogai. I'll tell my army to stand down, your troops may use my lands for much needed rest." Giving a respectful bow back back he would turn on his steed and trot back to the rest of the riders and would make way back to his lands, where several minutes later his troops indeed were standing down.
 
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The 11th Brigade marches on
[ Eastern Continent | Wolf Country, the north-eastern part ]
[ The 11th Brigade | At Fort 'Amund' ]

So far the campaign had gone without much of a hiccup. The 11th brigade would perform as the Major General desired them to. With extensive scouting and various measures to make sure that they wouldn't walk into all kinds of trouble, the 11th Imperial brigade marched on.
While the force advanced, they were split up in various detachments. Along the way, the 11th Brigade would have various units engage in operations to map out the resources and population. Various small towns were discovered and their locations as their strategic importance would be relayed back to the Major General.
Trudging through the snow for days, the 11th Brigade vanguard would finally wind up at the location that they were supposed to. To the east, they faced a large mountain range that almost seemed like a natural shield against what terrible foes and dangers lurked behind. To the north, the 11th was facing the borders with the Sky country - which luckily was partaking in the pacification campaign.
And, hopefully, to the south, the other Imperial and allied troops could find similar success in their operations.

The vanguard would establish the foundation of a camp, all the while they set out a perimeter and started various operations to get full control on the region. When the bulk of the 11th brigade finally came in, work began on fortifying the camp into an Imperial fort. Stakes were replaced by sturdy walls of dirt, wood and stones. Supplies were stored and guarded while the brigade's chain of command would establish it as their headquarters.
Various units were set to work in all kind of dreadful dull, labouring tasks.


Sitting in her tent, Aiko studied the various crude, drawn maps. The location they were in was quite advantageous. There were several small settlements nearby. The population seemed overwhelming happy and could provide some small bits of information. Even though no enemy contact had been made, the populace of the region had encountered hostiles before. Crude men that rode on beasts, raiding and pillaging with impunity. Hordes of men, wearing rags and rugged clothing, going around and attacking both the innocent and those wanting to defend themselves.
Yet, Aiko was a bit surprised that none of these hostile groups had been encountered. It could be because the enemy had decided to withdraw after the large victory, prior to the reinforcements had been ferried over. Or they had considered to retreat and stay somewhere during the winter.

Considering her forces and various units, Aiko's mind slipped to the company of Gwade Rangers. Seeing the particular woodlands to their east, Aiko decided it would be best to send a few detachments of Rangers into that area. As she drew up her plan in her mind, Aiko's train of thoughts brought her to Kazumo.
The boy didn't enjoy an easy start with being assigned to the Gwade Rangers. Even his background as Sarutobi didn't help much to ease it. The demands that the Gwade rangers had were harsh but rightfully so. And despite it all, Kazumo had survived their training and earned the modicum of respect that was given to a stubborn enough oaf to keep getting up, after each fall.
But it also reminded her of the whole fact that Kazumo had proposed to Meilin. The event hadn't gained much attention. But enough that Aiko had caught wind of it. Certainly when the captain of the rangers had lightly brought it up, finding it amusing. But the action had set more matters into motion.

For while Aiko had negotiated with the Edani, promising that they could strike a match with somebody close to her, Aiko had to disappoint them. And while some people could understand that love was a fickle thing and not easy to mould into a productive political alliance, there were many more that didn't share a compassionate outlook. And so before they had left, Aiko had received a rather cold reply from the Edani to the cancelling of the promise.
It wouldn't hurt the relations between Cho and the Edani Sarutobi. Yet, Aiko was certain that it was going to hurt Kazumo's future ambition to unify the Sarutobi clans. For he had already had hurt the Edani's pride. A slight that wouldn't be forgiven or forgotten easily.

Deciding to request the captain of the rangers to send a few small, experienced units into the area to survey it, Aiko would also request the presence of Kazumo as soon as possible. While she had it too busy to manage and lead the 11th Brigade on the way, she would now have some time to deal with more personal matters.

Before Aiko could get up, the flaps of her tent were pushed aside. An officer came in and made a deep bow before he would rise on the subtle sign of Aiko, that he could do so.
"Lady Cho, one of the scouting parties returned. They came bearing news that the population in the small town north have requested aid. The folk there claim that they know where some of the hostiles are camping."

"Good. Pass this news to colonel Eòin. Make sure that he deals with this. He should have some troops capable of dealing with this."
The response of the messenger was a firm bow before the man turned on his heel and left Aiko back to herself.
Frowning as she leaned back in her seat, Aiko wondered about something. And slowly, she started to hatch a certain plan.
 
Operation Safeguard
[ Republic of Water | The city of Shigaa - Republican barracks | At the eastern part of the Republic ]
[ Nishi Hirashima | Jounin of Team 11 ]


The following morning came quite early for the team. Much like the day before, Nishi didn't allow any of them to rest till they would comfortably wake up from their slumber. Repeating the same process, the pupils were once more told to get ready in a short timespan. Afterwards, their uniform and stature were reviewed by the jounin.
Despite all best efforts, once more Nishi found small matters that didn't make her content. Scurried outside by sharp instructions of Nishi, the team would be instructed to do various drills to warm up for the day's training.

Watching the genin and chuunin perform the laps and various exercises, Nishi frowned as somebody approached her. It was a young man that carried a small scroll. He shortly addressed something before handing it over to Nishi.
"Keep it on the double," Nishi ordered to the three as she lowered her eyes, breaking the wax seal of the scroll.
Rolling it out, the woman read the content that was drawn on the papyrus. The facial expression of Nishi remained blank as she continued reading.
Once she was actually done, Nishi threw a glance at the team. There was the fact that she could break up the training and get to the docks. Apparently, there was a change of plans. But instead of saving her pupils and allowing them to reserve energy for what was to come, Nishi was more than okay to let them get winded.

"Round up," Nishi ordered as she would stuff the small scroll away in a pouch, "there is a small change of plans. You have each two minutes to grab your stuff and get back here. We are to move to the docks. It seems that we are going on a patrol." The woman frowned as she would then gesture them to hurry up.
There was one bit of information that Nishi hadn't revealed to them. But she doubted it was worth mentioning. If anything, she wasn't considering to let the new change to the team impact what she had in mind.
 
A New Task
Claire Rose
Team 11 Genin
Shigaa​

Each question was answered before they were ordered to run more laps. The one answer in particular on her mind was to her own question. Claire had least expected it to be so deep. Though she also understood that the question could have been answered as such so she didn't let it beat her up. As she ran her laps it prodded at her mind. Death caught up to everyone and Nishi had explained in detail no one could out run it as hard as they tried. One day she too would be caught by the hand of death, whether it was natural or in the field. Once the night came she found herself up tossing and turning as she wondered if death had bothered others. She hadn't thought on her own death but witnessed as her sister succumbed to it. How it claimed everyone in its own way. The genin wondered when and how she would die.

The next day she was woken up as Nishi was given a scroll. Hearing they had a few minutes to grab their things to go on patrol, Claire quickly packed her belongings. Throwing her bag over her shoulder she yawned and looked around. A bit sore from the training she was curious how the patrol would go. Would it be full of combat or was it just a mandatory task given to them? The genin would have asked questions but she felt it wouldn't be much appreciated by their leader so she held her thoughts to herself for the time being. Not speaking a word she prepared herself for the patrol, standing straight and looking alive despite the lack of sleep. The bags under her eyes giving away her current state.
 
New day, new assignment

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


After listening to the questions of her teammates, Hikari looked at Nishi as she began answering the questions, starting with hers. After a moment of silence, she continued to expand on her answer, making Hikari wonder about the point she understood that she needed to work on her patience. She continued to pay her full attention as the jounin answered the other two questions, in the order they were asked. She could certainly think about how no one is really ready to face death, especially in an increasing rate, let alone how much people face it in the military. Even if she wasn't the closest to her, Hikari did experience some grief. So to experience that on an increasing rate, she slightly shivered from the thought.
Then came the answer to Yukimi's question. It sounded very straight forward and didn't provoke anything other than a desire to show Hirashima-sensei that she is willing to work as much as it takes to become a better member of the team and a better shinobi for the republic.

Once the questions portion was over with, Nishi instructed them to continue on with the laps, before continuing on with more training for some time more. During all of this, Hikari had tried to think over the different skills she held and to figure out what skill, or skills, require more attention than others. Eventually, they retired back to the barracks, and Hikari laid on the bed. Her mind was still trying to think things over, but as they were going to have an early morning once again, she closed her eyes and did her best to get some more proper rest.


It didn't feel like much time had passed since she closed her eyes, and Nishi was already waking them up and instructing them to get prepared. Although she did her best to get properly arranged, again Nishi found some things that were off about their appearance, which warranted more drilling as a result. They began warming up, and spent some time performing different drills. While running, Hikari had noticed someone approach the jounin and hand something, but she moved her focus back to her running and maintaining proper breathing. Whatever their sensei received, she would let them know if they needed to know.

Some time later, Hirashima-sensei called them over and instructed them to grab their things and return there, as they will be moving to the docks and going on a patrol. Retrieving her gear as fast as she could, Hikari didn't have any issues, as she kept her things in the bag, taking out what she needed when she needed and putting them back once done. While she wanted to ask if they will be boarding the same ship as before, she decided it would be better to wait and see, knowing they would be boarding a ship at some point. Returning as fast as she could, she looked at Nishi, waiting for the next instruction from her sensei, while hoping she also made it in the time allotted.
 

►Yukimi Yuki◄​
►Team: Team 11 Chuunin
►Location: Shigaa City Barracks
►Interactions: Yukimi Yuki

The day had progressed about as Yukimi had expected, although she found herself a little bit disappointed at the lack of free time they had at the end of the day. Sure, she knew much wouldn't be afforded during military service, she wasn't an idiot afterall. Yet still, she had wanted to pull Claire to the side later in the day. She figured that she might be able to help Claire learn to control her emotions, a subject and skill which Yukimi had mastered quite a long while ago. Yet she had simply not been able to find the time to sit her teammate down and offer her assistance on the subject. Instead, it had been work all day and then enough time to head straight to bed. Something else which had disappointed the young Yuki, as she would've much loved the chance to get to sketch a little something within her notebook. Yet it would not seem like she would particularly get the time anywhere in the near future. With a small sigh, she layed back on her bunk and allowed her eyes to drift closed. Which this was certainly nowhere near the comfort level of her bed back home, the girl was much too exhausted to do much else than immediately fall into a slumber.

The next day it very much seemed like it would just be more of the same. They were suddenly woken, then told to get themselves ready as soon as they possibly could. Then lined up for inspection, and problems were once again found with their uniforms by their sensei. Although Yukimi quietly suspected that the finding problems with the uniforms was part of the way Nishi intended to treat the team as part of the training. Although, she was smart enough to figure out that no matter if she was right or not, trying to raise the issue would simply not end well for herself. Then they were out to run more laps as it looked like yet another day of training was awaiting them. Yukimi wondered today if Nishi had planned to give them yet more physical workouts and then a brief question session, or something more focused on actual combat skills. Though she figured that their sensei was starting at the physical training to try to build her team up into the point she felt they could do combat training and perform without getting everybody killed. Afterall, Nishi had made it pretty clear the previous day that her goal was to have nobody get killed while training the team.

As they were running laps, Yukimi saw somebody approaching Nishi with a scroll. She had enough experience to guess that the scroll likely contained details about a mission for the team. So instead, it seemed like they would be doing that today instead of training. Sure enough, the chuunin would not have to wait very long to get the confirmation that she had been correct in her assumptions. They were going on patrol and told to grab their things then report back. Running quickly, Yukimi made sure to grab what she needed to go on patrol, along with her sketch pad and a couple of pencils. Otherwise, it was all weapons, her canister of water for techniques, and the other essentials required for the job ahead. She had kept most of her stuff packed to quickly grab and move out. An inconvenience that cost her a few less minutes of sleep at night, yet gave her all the more time in situations such as these. Not even a minute and a half later, she was already reporting back to Nishi, with her bag slung over her shoulder while her pouch containing ninja tools sat at her hip and her cannister of the specialized water to jump her techniques sat in its usual place. She wondered what their patrol mission would be like on that day.
 
Taking Action
[Lightning Country | Kosami's Hold, capital of The Hojo Clan ]

Content with the letter that he just sealed, the red wax bore the sign of his noble clan. If anything, Mareo had considered what this plan and actions could mean for the future. He was certain that some of his ancestors were cursing him in the afterlife. And while any pious Hojo would be scared to be disgraced, Mareo considered the benefits of his plan would succeed to outweigh the possible anger of his ancestors.
Inhaling slowly, he would place the sealed scroll on the table. Next to various other scrolls that had their own destination to be brought. In a way, Mareo found it both ironic and amusing. The possible outcome of this civil strife would linger in the balance if these scrolls, made from papyrus and sealed by wax, would reach their destinations.
Almost as ironic that this conflict was bringing ancient foes together.

Raising his gaze, Mareo looked at the gathered Steel Sentinels. The large group stood in the spacious hall at the ready. Their form and stance didn't betray any excitement, dread or fear. They simply stood like a group of suits of armour, waiting for Mareo's command to begin the operation.
Leaning back in the comfortable seat, Mareo would stare at the masked individuals. There were no words exchanged between the esteemed leader of the Hojo and the nameless bunch of operatives. The difference in social status was too great and despite their stark loyalty, Mareo didn't like to talk to the Steel Sentinels.
Slowly, Mareo would make a gesture. Various servants would approach the table and carefully take a scroll. Only to bring it to the select few Steel Sentinels that stood at the front row of the formation, designating them as the leaders of their units. Once all the scrolls were handed over, the Steel Sentinels would make a deep bow towards Mareo and then proceed to take their leave.

Watching the masked individuals taking their leave, Mareo's gaze moved to the right.
"I hope that you are the bearer of good news," Mareo said as his gaze was locked on the approaching man, Setsu Hojo.
The heir of the clan made a deep bow as a smile crossed his lips.
"I indeed bring good news. I shall ride out today to the main force, father," Setsu responded as he kept a respectful distance between himself and his father, "As you desired, the assembled forces are on the move. And I have sent out scouts and spies to move in advance of the force. Hopefully, we will know what we can encounter in the capital. To then take it before the snake turns around."

Mareo subtly gestured, summoning a servant forward. The servant carried a small plate on which there was a small cup, boiler and some refreshments. The servant carefully placed the plate down, continuing with a small ritual to pour tea for her esteemed lord and master.
"Very good. With the blessing of the Gods, my plan will see to it that this accursed strife shall be put into an end. And with some small luck, our clan shall be known to have restore order and peace to the Lightning."

Setsu nodded but kept his emotions from surfacing on his features. He didn't entirely agree with all aspects of his father's plan. Seeing, however, that it wasn't his place to criticize his father's strategy, Setsu made a bow and took his leave.

[ Lightning Country | North-east of Kosami's Hold, Hojo clan's heartlands ]
[Hojo main force | Under the leadership of Setsu Hojo ]

Accompanied by a small retinue, Setsu managed to link up with the army that moved on. During the travel, Setsu had various doubts about his father's strategy. For while Setsu understood that alone, the Hojo clan wouldn't be able to bring down the Regency's forces, Setsu disagreed that they should rely on and try to coordinate with the likes of the Alaricus or Sanosuke. It felt wrong to try to work together with the enemies of his forefathers. Not to mention that he had no trust that the savages of the colder north or those cowardly slavers from the south could follow any coordinated plan.
Reaching the army, Setsu was greeted with a sight that warmed his heart.

There were various detachments and many banners fluttered in the wind. A large force to be reckoned with, led by the Hojo and followed by their subject clans. Easily recognising the Miyara, Fukunaga, Hishima and Maekawa clan banners, Setsu wondered about what their subjects thought once it became clear that they were marching to work together with the Sanosuke or Alaricus.
Spurring his mount to move forwards, Setsu decided that he, for now, should have faith in his father's plan.
 
  • Sympathy & Compassion
Reactions: FrostedCaramel
A New Deal
[ Frost Country | A vassal of the Lightning Country ]
[ A collab between @conman2163 , @ChromeHound and @Gerontis | The Sixth Raikage sets up a meeting, having invited once more the Akinian Imperials to discuss the matter around their previous dealings. It seems to go rather well as a new deal has been made between the Lightning and Empire. ]


Itagaki sat in the small hall of the village that neatly bordered the Frost, considering the situation while sipping some tea. He had just been given the report that was rushed to him. Thousands of mercenaries had been spotted by his scouts and spies flooding into the Regency held lands, grim news, but made grimmer by the knowledge that the Imperials were now marching to the Jun clan's city. It would take some careful planning and consideration, and already some hasty consultation had gone on with Kaizen, who had been brought along. If he could have consulted Iri it would have eased his mind more, but at the moment? He was left to the advice of Kaizen. The already agreed upon plan would have to go ahead. Word had already been sent to the representative of the Empire of the topics that would be discussed.

In the large hall that he was seated was a large round table with one chair for Itagaki on one side, and on the other, a single chair for whatever representative would be sent to meet with them. He had hopes that the representative would be someone of suitable rank, it would be displeasing to find that someone ultimately unimportant was sent to treat with him. The hall was large, and tapestries and banners covered the walls that otherwise might have been barren. It was certainly better to be inside near the roaring fireplace then outside in the cold, as the negotiations would likely take a few days at least. It was even better to have warm food and housing after the long trip down here. Urawara was an excellent place to be. Now all that was left was for the other representatives to arrive.

The few banners fluttered in the wind as the envoy moved on. The cold was unpleasant but none of the company muttered a complaint. With some excellent guides of their own, the Akinian delegation made way to the location where they would be likely received by the people of the Raikage. The many professional troops, composed out of both Kensuke's own unit, as several shinobi teams were more than what a usual diplomatic delegation had. But despite the civil war not raging into the Frost country, the Crown clearly didn't want to take any risks. Even if the Regency council had made attempts to coerce the Imperial crown to send forces to aid them.

Reaching the village, the Akinians would respond to the hospitality as the Northerners received them, all going along as the written rules of etiquette instructed. Kensuke would follow those rather traditional rules, flashing a smile and exchanging brief words with some folk, as the Raikage would be alerted of their arrival. Allowed to retreat to prepare himself for the meeting with the Raikage, Kensuke wasn't in any sense nervous or excited. He took the whole affair with a rather apathetic stance. Having experienced a fair share amount of dealings with kages and rulers, he saw no need to suddenly drop his own personality - certainly not when he had received instructions from Kiyomi.
Entering the building with a small guard, Kensuke had a disarming smile portrayed on his lips as they would be guided by a servant to the small hall. Arriving in the room, Kensuke could appreciate the lack of pompous decorations and presence of art pieces. Almost made it appear that it was a mere talk for a few minutes than an actual diplomatic engagement between an empire and a Raikage-led rebellion.

Approaching the table, Kensuke would greet the masked Raikage with a mere nod as a minor sign of respect. "Lord Raikage," Kensuke began as he made a subtle gesture. One of Kensuke's guard would step forward and hand over something to a servant of the Raikage.
"Kensuke Nimatsu, I have come to represent the Imperial Crown. Her Majesty desired me to bring a gift, to show good faith and hope that your rebellion is faring well."
Waiting patiently for the masked leader to accept the sheathed, richly decorated sword, Kensuke would place his hands at his back.

Itagaki did not move from his seat as the delegation entered, but he did adjust his posture to be more formal. As Kensuke politely nodded and then his guard presented the gift, Itagaki would gesture to the seat. He gestured for his servant to bring the sword. He pulled it ever so slightly from the sheathe in his examination to peer at the blade, before passing it off to his servant again. Decoration was not what he typically enjoyed in a sword, however the rich decorations were not added thickly in poor taste. Although it would not serve in combat, it would be an excellent ceremonial sword. "I am flattered that your Majesty thought to send a gift, the Empress clearly has an eye for good craftsmanship in a blade." He gestured to a servant of his own, who held a small chest gilded with gold. Inside was a silver ruby necklace. "Please, return this gift to your Empress as a token of our appreciation." He folded his hands in front of him, adopting a less pleasant and more polite tone. "Though it must be said that we fight for the rightful heir to the Ranzaki throne, and so it is in fact the traitorous Regents who are the rebels." He gestured to the chair opposite to him. "Please take a seat representative Nimatsu. Might I offer you any refreshments?"

"I will make sure that her Majesty will receive your token of appreciation, Lord Raikage," Kensuke replied. Taking a seat, he was genuinely wondering how many were fighting for the Ranzaki Throne and for it to continue. And how many were out for their own fortune that could be reaped from civil strife. However, it wasn't his place to question the Raikage or make his ponderings audible.
"Yes, I would be most grateful for some refreshments, Lord Raikage," Kensuke replied as he placed his hands on the table. His kekkei genkei couldn't catch much on the Raikage - largely due to the mask that concealed the man's face. For a mere moment, Kensuke amused himself with the thought that this could perhaps even be a mere diplomatic decoy while the real Raikage was somewhere else.

Itagaki did not even have to signal the servants, they were at the side of Kensuke almost immediately, offering a selection of tea, white wine, and water. A small tray of seed cakes was also presented. Itagaki would have enjoyed refreshments of his own, had he not had to wear the mask. He made a mental note to compliment the lord of the city on the discipline of his servants. "I trust that your trip here was without trouble representative?"

Giving a subtle nod as a sign of thanking the servants, Kensuke wanted to comment on how suspicious it appeared that Itagaki proposed the refreshments but didn't take any for himself. Deciding to show some goodwill, Kensuke would take some tea. The cold hadn't penetrated the interior from the outside but Kensuke wouldn't mind warming his body with the warm liquor.
"My trip was long but tranquil. Though nothing that exciting or interesting, I must add. I have travelled this route a few times before." Pausing, Kensuke would lean slightly back.
"However, I believe that you had something more interesting to discuss than my dull, long-travel this far north, Lord Raikage?"

"Hmmm…. That is good to hear, first time trips can be unbearably long." As talk turned to the reason of their meeting, the Raikage waved to a steward who brought Kensuke a document to read over. "I have a simple proposal." Itagaki folded his hands. "Your Empress asked for ships, and I have some available conveniently. My reports show that there are seventy ships in total moored in the harbour at Okino, conveniently close to where your troops are now. A simple trade. Your troops will take forty ships, and we will no longer send shipments of material for building new ships. That will more than satisfy our current agreement."

With mild interest, Kensuke would rest his gaze over the document. He remained silent, seeming to take the information in. Slowly nodding, Kensuke turned his sight back on the Raikage. "Stating that they are conveniently close is an understatement, I believe. If what is true what we received before my departure, then the city is already under Imperial protection. Preventing any participating party in your civil war to engage into any hostility towards the city of Okino and her people." Kensuke flashed a disarming smile. "I know her Majesty quite well. And I assume that she won't like it if she is given some second-hand ships that were conveniently moored into a city that her troops are protecting against the violence of this civil strife. I could perhaps persuade her Majesty to take the deal if still some money and resources are sent down south. Unless you know a more interesting proposal, Lord Raikage."

Itagaki rolled his eyes behind the mask at the man's smile. It upset him how veiled people could be about diplomacy, he much preferred to be seated on a horse taking peoples heads off with a blade then to be at this table, but here he was. "Hmmm…. Perhaps we could make some arrangements as to the leasing of the city to the Empire after the end of our civil war in addition to the ships. However that would require some more aid from the Empire."

Kensuke pondered on the option. But he shook his head. Placing the document on the table, Kensuke spoke up. "Though it sounds interesting, I don't see much value in having a city being leased. If anything, it will just conjure more problems for now and later for my Empress than it is worth it." Kensuke kept the smile on his lips as he gestured to the document that he had placed on the table. "Besides, if we are direct with each other Lord Raikage, then the Empress already holds the city of Okino. Allow me instead to offer a better deal."

Lasting a pause as he slowly leaned forward, Kensuke wrapped the fingers of both his hands around the small mug. The warmth was certainly comfortable and welcome.
"We will take the ships. And after this conflict, you can take Okino back. In exchange for our aid, we will lower the prices that were made in the first deal. A non-aggression pact shall be signed between our nations and for our aid, an annual tribute shall be paid. In either resources or wealth."

Kaizen had stood silently, watching and listening as Itagaki and the Imperial representative had carried out negotiations. Thus far things did not appear to be going so well. Neither his expression nor his body betrayed anything about how he felt, however, as the Spymaster kept careful control over himself. Only a polite smile was visible on his face. When the Imperial representative had made his counter offer, Kaizen decided it was time to step in.

Moving forward gracefully, to stand at the right side of Itagaki, Kaizen lowered his head respectfully towards both of them before turning his attention towards Kensuke. "Your proposal is quite generous, Lord Nimatsu," Kaizen began, careful to use the correct honorific, "I would be remiss if we did not ask, however, if you had a set time range in mind for this annual tribute?" They were in a difficult position and it was likely the Empire knew it. That left them with a limited amount of bargaining power and Kaizen wanted to get a full understanding of what the Imperials were looking for before they'd agree to anything.

The mere instance that the unknown man moved forward, Kensuke directed his gaze to the approaching man. A calm composure remained with Kensuke but while he kept the disarming smile present on his lips, he didn't trust any of these northerners.
"I can likely arrange a few years. To make sure that your country won't be burdened too heavily. Spreading out the required funds that are needed to keep our troops operating on foreign soil is quite tedious," Kensuke paused for a moment as he looked between the unfamiliar man and the masked Kage.
"I am certain that such a deal would be more successful with her Majesty than a promise of a kage to lend us a city. A city that is ruled by a clan and not even under your side's control," the polite tone didn't waver as Kensuke brought the facts on the table, "with no offence but I am quite close with her Majesty. She doesn't like to deal in promises with those that she isn't quite acquainted with. So I propose that a certain amount of funds will be paid in small sums. Spread out over a few years to spare your country to be plagued by another trouble so shortly after going through a civil war."
The gaze of Kensuke subtly shifted back and forth between Kaizen and Itagaki.
"I might be able to convince her Majesty to provide more aid if you would agree. After all, we hold Okino and the Regency is quite afraid to start a conflict with a real military powerhouse," the phrase seemed to promise something sinister as Kensuke kept the smile. "What say you?"

Nodding his head slowly, Kaizen kept the polite smile on his face. "Ah, well that does certainly sound like a most reasonable offer," the Spymaster said, glancing for a moment back at Itagaki. Shifting his attention back to Kensuke, he continued, "is this sum something you are prepared to propose right now, or will you need to speak with your Empress first?" The question was simple, but meant to reveal exactly how much power Kensuke held here. It would also indicate whether or not the Imperials had already prepared for this as their desired goal, in which case there was a chance he might still have some bargaining room. "Should you wish to confirm with her, and should it be acceptable to you, Lord Itagaki," Kaizen added, glancing back towards the Raikage before once again meeting Kensuke's gaze, "I would be happy to travel with you as an official representative of the Lightning to meet with her Majesty and finalize the terms."

"I will have to speak with her Majesty. I don't expect it will be anything small. It entirely depends on what is to be with the troops that we already send to your aid. If they are to return already, then the sum might be small." Kensuke replied back to Kaizen. He wondered if that basically meant the end of this meeting. Then again, he wouldn't mind being back on the road.
"If you desire to travel with me, you are welcome. I am certain that her Majesty will welcome you with her legendary hospitality." He further added, actually wondering for a moment about something. But due to the reason why he was here, Kensuke decided to keep his thoughts to himself.

Itagaki looked slightly over at Kaizen. "Unfortunately Kaizen, you are far too important to me to be gone for lengths at a time." He turned back to Kensuke. "We will send a representative with you to finish the deal."

Shrugging slightly, Kaizen was mildly disappointed that he could not travel with the Akinian representative. The opportunity to travel and to meet with the young ruler certainly intrigued him. She had proven rather cunning thus far, but did not seem so ruthless as to take advantage of the Lightning when they were at their weakest. Sure, she was demanding a tribute that would be difficult to pay, but Kaizen had a feeling she could have demanded far worse had she truly desired. It interested him to know why she was showing them mercy, despite the rather… unfortunate way that the Raikage had treated them in this deal thus far.

Pondering something quietly, Kaizen rubbed his chin, the smile never leaving his face. Gaining a slight glint in his eye, the Spymaster finally nodded. "Very well, Lord Sixth," he said politely, lowering his head in a sign of respect towards the Raikage. "Might I then request to send one of my own people as our representative? They are well versed in such dealings and act as an extension of myself." Hoping that the Raikage would understand his reasoning, Kaizen returned to his full height, awaiting the man's response.

"I think that would be an excellent solution." Itagaki folded his hands. He tapped his fingers as he considered the deal that had been achieved. While preferable to the original deal that had been worked out, it was still not what he had wanted for the Lightning. But at the moment it wasn't like he had the ability to completely rid themselves of the Imperials or the threat they posed as a potential ally to the Regency. Keep your friends close, as it were.

"Excellent," Kaizen replied, smiling widely. Turning back to Kensuke, the Spymaster tilted his head slightly. "If it would work for you, Lord Nimatsu, I can have one of my representatives meet with you within a day to accompany you on your travels. If you need to leave immediately, however, I can always have him meet with you along the way." While the initial deal was complete, Kaizen was still curious how the Empress would react and whether or not the Lightning would still have to fear some form of retribution. With Itagaki's approval on his plan, Kaizen had more confidence that he'd be able to see this through to the best possible resolution.

Kensuke watched the exchange between Itagaki and Kaizen happen with certain patience and amusement, though the latter of the two remained hidden from his features. He did wonder what the Lightning wanted to accomplish by having Imperial troops joining their side and then be requested to leave again. But it wasn't his place to question. Neither was he, hopefully, going to suffer Kiyomi's reaction or having a shoe thrown at him.
"If anything, I would like to leave immediately. It is a long journey back home and while the Frost country is a remarkable place, I prefer to be back in Imperial lands. I prefer that than to come stranded in local politics." Kensuke replied, the disarming smile of before finding its way back to Kensuke's lips. "Your representative can join us along the way if that works out better."

Rising up without waiting for the permission of the masked leader, Kensuke subtly rolled his shoulders. In a way, it was still amusing to him that a kage held no power over him. For once, he held power on the formalities and while he wasn't in any sense power-hungry, it felt good. Very good.
"I shall bid you two a pleasant journey back home. And good luck with the war and all that," the disarming smile shifted into a smirk as he merely nodded before turning around on his heels and starting to leave the hall. His guard waited patiently for Kensuke to reach and take his leave from the door, a subtle and peaceful way of covering their charge.
 
Strategy Summit

A collab by Oetje, Conman, and Alice

Location: Kumogakure, The Raikage's Offices, War Room

Summary: With the Regency bearing down upon the Raikage's forces, Itagaki calls for a meeting between the allies of the Raikage. Proposing a bold plan, the Sixth Raikage hopes to end the war swiftly.
Itagaki sat in the war room, the large map of the Lightning situated on the table was marked with different symbols and items, each denoting a different army, garrison, castle, and city. A large set of markers showed the enemy army that was now present on the outer reaches of friendly territory, ready to wash up against his defenses. He had sent out the requests for a summit some time ago, and now was the time. A chair was reserved at the table for each representative of the armies he had invited, with the Raikage at the head. Servants would show each into the room, while also fulfilling requests for refreshments from each. For the purposes of the meeting, he had also invited Kaizen to attend, as he was a good advisor and general informant to have on hand.

Walking through the halls, the mood of the Sanosuke representative was anything but great. Being chosen by his peers and others within the compound to represent the Sanosuke clan, Hallbjörn was far from trusting that this tale would end well. There were enough rumours going about that the Regency had send out a massive force. One that they couldn't face through any known means without making heavy sacrifices.
Nearing the doors to the hall, the tall man would wait a second before they let him in. Stepping into the hall, he brusquely waved the servants off. His gaze fell upon the masked Kage sitting at the table. Walking towards the table, Hallbjörn's eyebrows formed a frown as he stole a glance at the various figures and markers.
Hooking his thumbs behind his belt, Hallbjörn sized the masked Kage up for a mere moment.
"I assume you're the new Kage, eh?" The tall man slowly took his seat as he frowned once more at the table and the map. "Fancy toys you got there."

Followed by a Steel Sentinel, Uyeda Miyara walked in a steady pace to his destination. Though without arms and in much comfortable wear than his gear for battle, Uyeda felt far from being comfortable. Despite his orders, even his pride and loyalty to the Hojo clan didn't take away that Uyeda felt he was in enemy territory.
Approaching the hall, Uyeda opened the door himself as his Steel Sentinel kept following - silently. Once he took steps into the hall, he was far from surprised that these halls lacked the elegance and refinery that his clan and Hojo masters provided. Spotting the Sanosuke, Uyeda did regret for a moment that he had came unarmed to this meeting.
With a rather cold glance at the Sanosuke, Uyeda would take his seat. Crossing his arms, he only gave the table with the assets a mere glance before throwing a look sideways at the masked Kage.

Itagaki remained silent as the men would enter the room, briefly nodding in response to Hallbjörn. He would answer all questions in due time. Since his response would be interrupted by Uyeda entered with his guard behind him. Itagaki would gesture for a moment to a nearby attendant, who set a small plate of bread and salt near each. It was a rather odd tradition he had observed throughout his time spent in the Lightning with various folks, but it was one he would use now. Since there were so few in the council room, he saw no need to rise as he spoke. "Representatives, it is a pleasure and an honor to greet you within the halls of the Raikage. I am the new Sixth Lord Raikage, a post I have taken to serve my country with pride in such a turbulent time." He was gentle in tone as he then gestured to the red markers on the map, showing the Regency forces that were now advancing on them. "I have good reports now that the enemy we all face-" Itagaki was careful to lay deliberate emphasis on the word "all" " and was handily defeated by each of us before has now has returned. The estimates from my spies place their numbers at over a hundred thousand strong in the field, a dangerous number by any account. I have asked you here for one reason alone, to ask you to join in ridding the country of the Regency and putting our Majesty Ranzaki on the throne."

The first to respond after Itagaki was Hallbjörn, who merely scoffed at the Kage's words. "You ask us to fight a hundred thousand with what? All that I can muster from the compound are a dozen of lads. I wager you don't even have half of what they got." The tall man frowned as he didn't hide his displeasure with the situation.
"So is there a plan to deal with this? Or are you going to reveal that we are to sit pretty and hope they won't mind coming to us? Cause right now, you say all. But what of the Alaricus slavers? I don't see those bastards having joined the table."

Uyeda remained silent as the Raikage spoke first. Quite aware that they were in a bad spot, Uyeda would continue to listen to what the other two said.
"They may have the numbers but the majority of their forces are pinned on getting to Kumogakure," Uyeda stated as he gestured to the map with the symbols, "That means that their north is weakly defended. What needs to happen is to keep that large force's attention stuck and away from the capital. Leaving it to others to take the capital."
Uyeda wouldn't say that they should suggest that the Sanosuke and Hojo should work together. Those words wouldn't leave his lips.
"Right now, you say that they are marching with over a hundred thousand? Their pace will be slow and their logistics large. If you can't cut the snake's head with one fierce blow, it is best to weaken its scales. Hit them where it hurts and keep that force occupied."

"We are lucky." He gestured to several markers that were placed between Kumogakure and the Raikage's forces. "The enemy is forced to wade through our castles. I have shored up our defenses all around, the garrisons have been increased throughout the territory we control. If they wish to assault us, they will need to take our castles first, or risk starvation and death at the hands of food shortages." He gestured to the eastern border. "My proposal is simple. We will continue shoring up our defenses, and in the meantime we will cut their supplies. The best we can do is muster several thousand cavalry and send them around the flanks to burn the foodstuffs they have. Attrition and starvation will do much to lower their morale." He gestured to the markers that represented the airships they held. "Our next advantage is in airships. If we catch them on the march, we may use some of the new weapons they have been fitted with to cause some damage and confusion among their ranks. However while this happens we cannot be idle. " He looked pointedly at Uyeda. "I would like the Hojo to skirt around the west of the enemy line while they are occupied in a siege. I would be happy to send a few thousand extra cavalry with you to facilitate this." He gestured to the markers representing his own forces. "In the meantime, ten thousand of my own army will flank around the east. With any luck, we may link our forces behind the enemy and begin a campaign into the Regency's land. Logistics would be difficult, but I believe we could use some of the extra airships to ship supplies and food stuff to keep the armies marching at the least." He looked at the Alaricus lands tapping his fingers in a drumming fashion as he thought. "I have weighed the risks, and even if the Alaricus were to betray us, they will have a difficult time. I have already established a number of forts in the area, they will have to take those or suffer the loss of food."

"Good intentions, horrible plan," Hallbjörn brusquely stated as he shook his head, which only further emphasised his response to Itagaki's plan.
"The enemy is coming at us and you want to split off how many? Sixteen thousand? And let me tell you about airships," the tall man continued, a frown rising on his brow, "They ain't new to the Regency. Hell, they likely know how to counter them. It wouldn't surprise me if they already had chakra disturbances. And know what happens to an airship that is working on chakra? It falls. Very hard to the ground. No survivors."
Gesturing to the map, the Sanosuke continued.
"Hitting the enemy supplies is fine. But to send out a majority of your force is ridiculous. Even if you had tens of castles and fortresses, you just said it yourself. The enemy has over a hundred thousand troops. They will just lay siege with one detachment and continue on. If the Alaricus are to betray us, they can just do the same. They won't just stall their entire force because of a few forts."
Mumbling something underneath his breath, Hallbjörn raised the palm of his right hand to his face and seemed to take a moment.

"You are bringing up that the Alaricus may betray us. Then east is definitely where you don't want to go. I suggest to keep your forces on the defence. Contact the clans you allied with and coordinate a strike. Sixteen thousand won't crack their defences if they got that many troops. Not if it is just coming from one direction."

Uyeda waited patiently, letting the other two finish - despite what his personal opinion was about them. When Hallbjörn was done, Uyeda spoke up.
"If you wanted us to skirt around the west, you should have messaged us before. If we are to move west, then I believe that it might be better if I link up with kin and fellow clansmen," Uyeda stated, though his voice calm the subtle threat was close to be tangible, "If you move away such a large force, you're inviting them to come directly to Kumogakure. You stated that the enemy possesses a huge number of troops. If they indeed possess so many, there is nothing to stop them to siege with a detachment and let the bulk continue on. Your forts might have been a deter before but it is clear that the enemy is willing to suffer attrition and to punch hard."

Briefly, Uyeda wondered how much experience the Raikage had. Due to being unaware of the masked kage's military record, he reckoned it was just an upstart shinobi. The mood of Uyeda lowered even more as he thought about the possibility.
"If anything, cutting their supplies might have worked if you had enough forces to have a proper defence. As much as it pains my tongue, he is right," Uyeda vaguely gestured to Hallbjörn as he continued, "There are more forces that you could request to aid. If it is true that my Lord and other clans have thrown their lot in with you, then send out messengers. Just using your own force against such an opposition is pure madness. Unless somebody else is the true Raikage," Uyeda finished, the challenging tone backed up by the man's eyebrows raising up to also non-verbally question Itagaki's legitimacy.

"We don't have enough troops to have a proper defense even with the sixteen thousand that would be sent." The Raikage looked between the two men. "The enemy possesses a large force, and there is no way to beat them in a direct confrontation. If you are suggesting we place twenty four thousand men in Kumogakure, then allow me to rid you of the idea. It is the dead of winter, the Regency will surround us and we will starve after our overtaxed food stores give out. If the Alaricus turn on us we will be even worse off, with no way to even ship in food that will supply the current garrison and the men that we leave here." He moved markers representing the Raikage behind the Regency forces. "I am not so foolish as to have forgotten my allies, but how are they to plan with me if we know nothing of our movements? I will send a dispatch with my fastest messengers when this is done." He turned his attention back to the map. "If the Hojo detachment flanks around the East of the enemy's army and a detachment of my forces flanks around the West, then the enemy will be tempted to move on Kumogakure, which is what I want." He turned his attention back to the two other men. "We must all make a push for the capital city while the Regency's army is held up here. A large number of the enemy's troops are mercenaries. If we take the capital they will have no pay to sustain them, on top of that we will hold the seat of power for the land. The war will be effectively over." His look, though hidden by the mask, turned sharp. "If you wish Uyeda, you may stay here and fight with me, or go and rejoin your lord in the West. The same goes for you Hallbjorn, but I intend to stand fast and attempt to win this war." He folded his arms.

Uyeda stared at the masked Kage. The facial expression remained the same, betraying little of Uyeda's thoughts and emotions.
"If you aren't aware what your forces are doing, then you should coordinate. To wage war without communication is both foolish and suicidal," Uyeda remarked, hiding little of his disdain for both the kage and the current situation.
Glancing at the map before moving his gaze back at the masked kage, Uyeda spoke once more.
"My troops shall move east. I suppose it is good to set an example of how true warriors deal with invaders and scum," Uyeda gestured to the map, to the Alaricus territory, "but if this plan fails, the failure is with you, Raikage."

Hallbjörn crossed his arms as he listened to the responses that followed. His eyebrows perked up as Itagaki spoke again. Only for the tall man to bellow a loud laugh. The laugh would falter only a few seconds later as it plagued the serious atmosphere. "Well, I would love to march the few dozen of lads that I can muster home. But much like you should know, I only have responsibility and command in this city's compound." The mocking tone was evident, only emphasised by the man's facial expression.

"It is true that the city won't be able to hold that much defenders. Probably not without some nasty drain on the winter's supplies. But if I may speak for the people, I think the best thing is to avoid a siege. Or sending the Hojo to march eastwards. However," the tall man shrugged as he seemed eager to rise up and leave, "it is your war, Lord 'Raikage'. Sadly, I don't see a way out for me and my folk here."

Itagaki did not bear the same sense of amusement that Hallbjorn had at the situation, but he remained silent at the response from the two for a moment. He was well aware of the risk that would be taken and the effect that it might have on the populace. Still, he would have to risk it, and hope that the detachment of troops they sent and their allies together would be able to defeat the Regency before too much was brought to bear on them. Either way, he would stay within the city, hopefully it would be enough to galvanize the defenders, and if anything it would cause despair if he were to leave now. "Indeed it is." He said in response to both of the men as he stood and left the hall unceremoniously. There were many letters to be written and sent now.
 
Himiko Harurei
Location: Shigaa City Barracks
Interactions: Nishi Hirashima
Traveling by ship was a long, boring affair for the young Genin as she was instructed to deliver a scroll to a squad who were currently stationed in Shigaa City. Though she felt irritatedly bored, she kept appearances, waiting for the swaying ship to finally hit the port, soon departing from the vessel as she looked upon Shigaa, a mild sense of wonderment in her eyes as her brows raised. The young one hadn't seen much beyond her home, so every new place she ended up in took her curiosity for a whirl, though she didn't let her sense of 'wow' make her late; She was hot on her feet, heading heatedly to the military outpost she was directed to, the note secure in her pack as she walked along the paths.

Nishi was the name of the Jounin she had to find, looking around until she saw what looked to be a squad actively training, looking towards the woman who was clearly supervising them, taking in a deep breath and approaching her. The second she was next to her, Himiko would bow in respect,
"Hello, might you be Nishi? Jounin of Team Eleven?"

Upon being granted an answer, Himiko would then take a deep breath, retrieve the scroll from her pouch, and held it out for the woman to take, "I was instructed to deliver this to you."

The girl spoke in a calm and mannered way, keeping her facial expressions limited and relaxed, though she had a bit of anxiety burn in her chest. Himiko was one to hold a polite disposition, especially to superiors.
 
Operation Safeguard
[ Republic of Water | The city of Shigaa - On deck of the Junyo | At the eastern part of the Republic ]
[ Nishi Hirashima | Jounin of Team 11 ]


Silently, Nishi kept counting how long it took the three to get back to gather their stuff. Once they were back, Nishi was about to say something. Her lips parted to say if the three had been on time or not. But another person approached them. Causing Nishi to half turn and eye the young girl that made her approach. Nodding subtly, Nishi took the scroll and as the girl explained her task, the jounin read the content of the scroll.
"Himiko Harurei," Nishi said slowly as she would start to fold the scroll. "You are on time. We are about to depart," Nishi threw a look at the other three, "for this once, I will forgive the two seconds that you guys were late. Now move in line and follow me."

Giving the stern command, Nishi started to lead them towards the docks. The activity that was present seemed to have increased from the previous time. Various more fishing and merchant's vessels were docked, unloading their wares through small cranes or daytellers earning an honest coin by carrying out the cargo. Once the group reached the restricted military part of the port, the activity didn't seem to decrease. The only difference was the larger presence of soldiers and affiliated military personnel that went to work.
Approaching the vessel that bore the name of Junyo, it became quickly clear that many of its crew were anxious to get going. A group of rowers would board the vessel and head down the deck as other marines seemed to check if they had everything - the usual method of killing some time for most folk in the military service.

"Same as before," Nishi ordered as she gestured to the previous spot where the team had dropped their small bags with belongings before. "No funny business. If the captain or anybody asks you to do something, you do it." Nishi glanced briefly at the newest addition of the team before throwing a look at the deck.
It seemed that they were still waiting for something, likely the captain to give the command that they could move out of the port. Judging by the various shouting and a few deckhands running off and on the ship, Nishi had a strong feeling that the Junyo was going out with a squadron.
"Seems you girls are lucky," Nishi began as she placed her hands on her hips, while turning back to the genin and chuunin, "it seems that we got some time before we are going. So how about you introduce yourself to the new genin on the squad?"
 
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