The Rise of the Dragon Kings [Naruto d20]

[ZeroNumerous]

The Land of Waves

Peace had always reigned in the Land of Waves. Not because the humans who lived there were any more rational than those who lived elsewhere, but because there was nothing to fight over in the Land of Waves. Wood was bought from the Land of Fire, iron shipped in from the Land of Whirlpools, and spices from the Land of Tea. But the only thing the Land of Waves had to export was fish and able-bodied men, so no one ever needed to invade them. The peace in the reign, its remote nature, and general inaccessibility combined to make it an ideal place for criminals and gangsters to hide. The Dragon Kings had taken to hiding here, and utilized the resources of one of the more prominent gangsters in the Land of Waves.

The House of Gato

All seven of the Dragon Kings gathered in the main hall around a grand table. At its head sat the owner of the building: the gangster Fraise Gato. He was a rotund little mongrel of a human, with wild white hair poking in every direction, a face even his mother didn't love, and the scent of old money wafting off him. Heart had only spoken of him with disdain, and would have happily killed him if they didn't need his boats for now. Heart did, with some effort, ask that you remain cordial. You were guests after all, and guests didn't go about threatening the host even if he was scum.

The Dragon Kings are arrayed in a semi-circle away from Gato, with Heart at the center. The young(?) man(?) wore the same white fox mask he always wore to cover his(?) face. Black bangs covered his(?) head and terminated at the feminine curve of his(?) chin. His(?) body, and thus final indication of his(?) gender, hid behind a white cloak bearing the dragon symbol on its back.

Heart speaks quietly, in a voice as soft as snow. "I am told that our esteemed host has a request to make."

Gato plasters a slimy smirk straight across his face. "Hahahaha." His yellowing teeth show through as the fat mongrel laughs. "Yes, yes. I need some competition knocked out. Then I can provide you with more of my many, many goods. Hahaha!" The man's body jiggles and rolls as he laughs, but Heart ignores it.

"Very well then, I will deal with our hosts' request", Heart speaks calmly as if Gato wasn't in the room, "but onto more important business." Heart stands up, waves his(?) hand at Gato, and the fat man falls face-first onto the table--asleep, but not dead. "As you know, we will need allies to defeat Konohagakure. Our intelligence services have gathered a few potential supporters."

Heart stands up and retrieves a series of scrolls from within his cloak. He quickly passes them around. The first contains information on Orochimaru, the sannin-turned-"kage" of Otogakure. The second contains information on Danzo, the wanna-be Hokage of Konohagakure. The third contains information on Hattori Masahiro, the current "kage" of Amegakure. He then provides a series of black books containing information about various unaligned or missing ninja operating near your targets.

"We will be splitting into three two-man teams, and boats will take you to the mainland." Heart speaks calmly and politely as he distributes each mission. "Zushin-san, Kazuhiko-san, the two of you will see about gaining Orochimaru's assistance." He hands two copies of the Orochimaru scroll to both Tojo and Hibiki.

"Ishimaru-san, Kiyose-san, the two of you will meet with the "kage" of Amegakure." Once again, both Mutulu and Kiyose get a copy of the scroll about Hattori Masahiro.

"Viper-san, Urenawa-san, the two of you will infiltrate Konohagakure and try to make contact with Danzo." The final two get a copy of the scroll containing information on Danzo.

Heart sits back down, then calmly states: "These missions are of the utmost secrecy. If it is revealed that our organization is still alive, then Konohagakure will likely strike first. If you fail, then kill anyone who knows of your mission. If you cannot do that, then don't bother to return."

Heart looks to each of you in turn, the emotionless eyes of his fox mask displaying nothing of his nature. "Do you have any questions?"

[Cespenar]

Masked Viper

The shrouded man standing along the other Dragon Kings is neither a large, imposing figure like some of them are, nor has he any distinctive features hinting to greater power - like a bloodline-marked eye or some kind of obscure seal. He(?) is nevertheless there, and if that alone wouldn't attest to his prowess, his reputation in the criminal underworld as a top-class assassin surely would do.

Nevertheless, he stands perfectly still, and a dog mask not very different from the one this Heart character is sporting covers his face and the emotions thereupon. Only, his is not white, but black. Coupled with his matching robe and hair, there is nary a spot on his figure that properly reflects light after all.

Upon receiving the scroll, Viper spends several seconds skimming it, and then makes it disappear between the folds of his shroud. He glances at his assigned companion for a second, but doesn't speak up.

[Toad477]

Sato looks through the eyes of his black Kabuki demon mask from under his hood at his peers, standing at 10 feet tall, he is easily the tallest of them, however, aside from his size, he is not displaying any distinguishing features, this is was intentional seeing as his present company is still mostly unfamiliar.

As he listens to Heart, he begins to understand why people would follow him, he seems well organized and though his business partner is rather repulsive, Heart himself is not, only saying what needs to be said without a trace of uncertainty or weakness in his voice, calm...collected.

He quickly reads the scroll and tucks it away in his cloak. Diplomacy is not lost on him, but it he is certainly not the charismatic type, he hopes this Danzo will be easily persuaded to assist them. He looks at the one Heart addressed as Viper for a moment, but then looks back to Heart in silence.

[Jacior]

Hibiki Kazuhiko

Kazuhiko looked up from digging groove into the table with his pointed fingernails. He actually filed them into points. It scared normal people. Idiots. He looked around at the other Kings. At least a couple of these guys were big time assasins. The kind of guys that would come after him if anyone actually got the balls to try it. It had happened before. He grinned sardonically at his thoughts. Which was probably weird to everyone else. But who cared, half of them were wearing masks, so why couldn't he grin.

He skimmed through the scroll, making a face. Snakes, bleh. Diplomacy was not his forte. But perhaps the reason he was being sent to this, Orochimaru, was because of his impressive strength. Nothing says "You should join our organization" like having one of the most well known mass-murderers and shinobi-slayers being sent to your door with an offer.

He stood up and lifted his massive, serrated double-katana from leaning against the table. The blades had made cuts into the wood just from leaning there. He straightened his dark green tank top, cut that way to proudly display the black dragon tattoo on his right shoulder, marking him as one of the Seven Dragon Kings, and cleared his throat.

"I have three questions. If this, Orochimaru refuses our gracious offer, will we have to kill him? It seems his plans are in line with ours either way. Two: Assuming all goes well, when can I kill that fat sack of disgusting that is our "esteemed host?" And three: When do we leave?" It might strike the others exactly how young that Hibiki Kazuhiko was when he stood up. He still looked rather childish. It came with being only 17 after all.

[zeone3000]

Ishimaru Mutulu

Mutulu graciously took the scroll and tucked it away for a more thorough analysis on the trek to their target.

He is odditiy among the assassins and killers. He didn't hide his face, well dressed in a silk tai chi jacket and sat in a upright fashion. He definitely seemed out of place but like all of them, he was there for a reason.

He looked around the table, "Which one of you is Kiyose-san?"

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose

The reclining female figure, off to one side with her feet on the table, face covered by a conical straw hat, lazily raises her hand without looking up, "That'd be me." She pushes the hat up and stands up, stretching lazily as if she'd just been woken from a nap. "Howdy. So, Boss, we got an appointment with this guy or we gotta kick his door down?"

[Nousos]

Zushin glanced at the info on the scroll for a moment before sliding it into his under his black cloak. None of it was new to him, he knew all about Orochimaru. It made sense that he should be there to convince his former kage to join them, after all, with some of the same asparations in
life he understood him better than most, he just felt rather uneasy about the idea of being near him. Zushin was the subject of quite a few experiments in his many years in Otogakure, and though most were of his own design, he wouldn't be surprised if there was something hidden inside him that the snake man had yet to exploit.

Looking up, the dark haired ninja was a bit disapointed to see that he was paired with such a young fool, but he didn't show it. At least the boy had some skill if he got where he is now. He then turned to Heart, just waiting for his answers.

[ZeroNumerous]

DM

Heart's immovable mask settles on Kazuhiko. "Naturally. Failing to convince Orochimaru would require him to be killed before he reveals our mission to Konohagakure. The same could be said of Danzo and Hattori."

He continues on quietly. "A guest does not go about killing those who politely house and feed them."

He turns from Kazuhiko to Kiyose, seemingly ignoring the third question in favor of answering Kiyose's own. "I've made no overtures toward your targets, because the risk of any non-personal communication being intercepted is too great."

He then motions toward the door. "If you have nothing else, then you're free to go. A boat is waiting at our esteemed host's own docks to take you to the Land of Fire. Good luck, and don't get yourselves killed out there."

[Toad477]

Sato had been waiting for the questions to end and his mission to begin. He was anxious so test the calibur of the Hidden Leaf's ninja. He had met many foes along his travels, but it had been too long and his eagerness would have been hard to hide if not for his mask.

As soon as Heart told them to leave, he made a small, polite bow to Heart and then made his way to the docks. As he exited the building, he glanced around at his surroundings and boarded the boat, taking a seat against the sail post.

*Danzo....happy to betray his village to aid us in its' destruction....a traitorous snake can have two heads....* Sato thought to himself as he waited for the others.

[Cespenar]

A diplomacy mission, sort of. Viper wonders if that was up to his alley, but considering they are to infiltrate the infamous Konoha and may have to deal with Danzo after all, he lapses back to determination. Though he had mainly hunted heads as a job in the recent past, he had to deal with changing circumstances on more than one occasion, and he had nothing if not an adaptive mind.

Regardless, he still had a wonder or two about his companion. Viper usually worked alone, disregarding the time he was in the ANBU, but the mission probably was critical enough to consider sending two people, and not ordinary people as well. His first impression of the big guy was a brute force user, probably picked to complement his own speed and stealth; but Viper knew better than believing first impressions.

Time will tell, he thinks to himself, and follows the group to the boats.

[Jacior]

Hibiki Kazuhiko

Kazuhiko shrugged and sealed his massive sword into his glove. "If you say so, Heart-kun. He lives until you say otherwise." He grinned again, manically. "But I do ask you to let me do the deed if it must be done." He pulled on his cloak and started towards the doorway. "Come on Zushin-kun. We have a mission to do."

Once at the boat, Kazuhiko pulls on a thick cloak that does a fair job at hiding his appearance. At least, anyone who wasn't looking too carefully wouldn't notice who he really was. "Orochimaru... Snakes, blech. Pick something tasteful..." He climbed up and sat of the prow of the boat, swinging his legs over the side.

[ZeroNumerous]

Travel

The Gato estate stands atop a grand hill bathed in the morning sun. The three story mansion you've just left dominates the center of the estate. A small crudely constructed hut stands to the west of it, and you recognize the building as the servant's quarters. To the east lies the central gate: A finely carved well-loved darkwood barrier protecting the estate from mundane intruders. A path, lined with a short stone wall, runs away from the gate and cuts down the side of the hill to a series of crudely constructed wooden docks below.

There's only one vessel moored at the docks: A small one-sailed fishing boat that had seen better days. A frail looking old man, bones weary from hard work and a harder life, bows politely as your group arrives. He introduces himself, a forgettable name for a forgettable man, then politely invites you aboard. He crawls into the boat with the practiced elegance of one whose spent his whole life aboard them before heading toward the tiny sloop's wheel. The thin vessel pulls out of port with quite a bit of creaking and effort.

The trip shouldn't take long. After all, you can see the Land of Fire on the horizon from the shore anyway.

The Land of Fire

Whether there's much conversation on the boat or not: It's cut short as your group soon arrives in the medium-sized trade village of Anmori. The professionally constructed and well designed docks, brick-and-mortar buildings, and paved streets are a stark contrast to the dirt roads, poorly made homes, and stick-based style of docks prevalent in the Land of Waves. When the six of you disembark, you're immediately greeted by a small man in a yellow dock-worker uniform. His stringy black hair and greasy face bob up and down as he bows to your group then immediately begins his work.

"Good morning esteemed travelers. I am Zou, a customs official here in wonderful Anmori." He produces a series of pamphlets and thrusts them toward your group. "We're always welcoming new traders, tourists, and immigrants. However, I need to know your names." He quickly produces a well-worn and loved notebook and pen set. He looks quite eager to begin writing.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu steps forward, being one of the more regularily dressed passengers, "Hiroshige Soma." He couldn't blame the man for doing his job.

[Nousos]

"Shen Ishimoto" Zushin said and then walked past the man. He wouldn't have minded the attention his real name might bring, but he knew it would get in the way of the mission. He hoped the remaining four would do the same. If any nearby ninja got wind of such a group of wanted men they would never be able to get through this land undetected, and Zushin was hoping for a simple trip till he got to Otogakure.

[Toad477]

Sato tooks one of the pamphlets and then looked back at the man who requested his name. He was not one to simply give out his real name to a perfect stranger, it made him feel uneasy and it might also comprimise the Seven Dragons given the right situation. Thankfully he had already been to the Land of Fire before and was probably already on file somewhere under the false name he gave them before. Sato concentrated as the others answered the man to change his voice, raising the tone and pitch little bit.

"Yusuke Takahashi"

This was a tactic he typically employed in order to be able to remove his mask if need be and go into public without people identifying him as his alternate identity. Sato walked along with the others, hoping the rest of the group would follow his method, a false name if nothing else.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose takes one of the man's pamphlets and waves it at him lazily, "Moe Tachibana" she says already wandering past the man and tucking his pamphlet into her left sleeve, pulling an orange out of her right and starting to peel it as she ambles down the docks, looking around.

[Cespenar]

A customs officer. How cute. Viper had crossed borders between the lands more times than he remembered, and he wonders about what to do this time with a casual manner that a normal person would have when deciding what to eat as dinner.

Seeing that there's only one official in the immediate vicinity, Viper opts for a route that is less tiring than most. He falls a step behind his newfound companion, and hides behind Satou's fairly large stature by synchronizing his steps with him.

Taking 10 in Hide and Move Silently for a total of 35 each.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko pulled his hood back slightly and smiled. "Kanamate Itaro. Know anywhere around here I could get my hair cut?" It had been too long since he'd cut it. It was in front of his eyes sometimes and was long enough to be grabbed. It was a liability. He stuffed the pamphlet into a pocket of his cloak without much thought.

[ZeroNumerous]

DM

The man takes down six names, then looks rather confused for a moment. He could have sworn he'd seen seven people on the boat. He looks around, carefully trying to find the seventh person he sworn had been on that boat, but finds nothing. Everyone else has left him behind by the time he's finished searching.

Anmori

Directly across from the docks district lies the market, which is bustling now that the morning sun has risen high into the sky. People swarm the area, some shopping, some hawking their wares, and still others simply wandering down the path to get to wherever they happen to be going. The tangled mass of people milling about don't seem to inhibit movement as much as they should. Whenever you move forward, you find an opening in the crowd or people casually step out of your way. They don't appear to be doing it consciously, and it certainly doesn't seem to be in reaction to your appearances. Regardless of why, you're practically unmolested as you travel toward main street.

The group arrives at a crossroads. Each of the three new roads ahead of you meander toward one of the city's exits. From here, you would travel north to get to the Land of Sound, west for the center of the Land of Fire, and northwest to find the Land of Rain. Kazuhiko is able to spot a barber shop sign a short way down the northwestern road.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu turns to the northwest, "This is where we part and hopefully meet again in Konoha." He rips up the pamphlets, not giving it one glance but turning his attention to the scroll.

An encounter with a kage by entering into his village unannounced could turn into a international incident. Though sending word of their arrival could compromise the group. He wondered what his partner thought about their predicament.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose finishes her orange and throws the peel over one shoulder, she puts her hands behind her head and looks at the sky as she walks beside Mutulu, "So, what do you think we should do? We could go in fightin' that'd get his attention, but then we'd be cuttin' up allies and pissing him off. Bah, I'm no good at this secret squirrel business, that's ninja stuff. How about you?" She asks, possibly a little loud for others liking.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu quirked an eyebrow at his assinged partner, "Are you not from a hidden village? Either way, a frontal or hidden assault would not be in our best interest. We should pander to his goal of destroying Konoha. I believe that would give us the greatest chance of success. He is looking for allies to his cause and then we shall turn on him later of course." He nods, "This will also be a good chance to gather information on Amegakure."

[Cespenar]

Stopping at the crossroads for a mere second, Viper gives the faintest nod to the others, throws a glance at Sato which lasts hardly a moment longer than the nod, and silently takes the western path.

[Toad477]

Sato gave a small nod to the others,"Good luck", then followed Viper down the path that led to Konoha. He figured the Danzo, being a man of some influence in his village, was accustomed to receiving visitors, so announcing their visit may not be a bad idea as long as Viper didn't have a reputation. As they walked, he turned to Viper.

"So, if Konoha knew we were coming, would that cause any issues for us? I mean, do they already know who you are?"

If they did, finding a member of the ruling council of Konoha and leader of the ANBU for the village would be more complicated, but he was not unaccustomed to sneaking around.

[Cespenar]

Viper holds silent for a few seconds before replying.

"Yes, I'd think they know of the Masked Viper, but then again, he is just this," he says, pointing to the mask on his face. He lets Sato deduce the rest.

"What about you? Would they have anything to link you with the 'Dragon Kings'?" He puts a sarcastic emphasis on the name, if only a little.

[Toad477]

Sato thought for a moment, then replied.

"Unlikely, between this, " Sato pointed at his mask. "...and my real face, I seriously doubt anyone would trace me to the Dragon Kings, especially in this country."

Sato and his alter ego Kabuki, Sato less-so than the latter, were not well known due to the fact that while his size stood out somewhat, he often used both personas to prevent people from becoming privy to his whereabouts, plus, he was by far not the only large man wielding a sword and traveling the world.

Sato smiled behind his mask as he spoke.

"So, in other words, we shouldn't have any issues simply coming in as everyday travelers. The only thing we really have to worry about is finding our guy right?"

[Cespenar]

"Probably," Viper replies, frowning. He had an itching feeling that things weren't going to be that easy, but he hardly feared that possibility.

[Nousos]

Upon seeing the barber shop sign Zushin turned to Kazuhiko, "Hurry up and get your hair done, I want to get on the road soon." He then found a nice teahouse across the street and sat down at an outside table facing the barber and waited.

[Jacior]

"No need to be rude, Shen-kun. I have eyes too you know." Kazuhiko gave Zushin a blood-filled glare. It said 'Go ahead, be rude. I can kill you just as well.' He let the look fall away in an instant, a big grin filling his face. He followed the pair, Mutulu and Kiyose, down the road until he reached the barber shop. He disappeared inside and come out a few minutes later with a fairly short cut, leaving just enough to still look messy, but not long enough to get a grip on. He stepped back towards his partner casually, almost bored, if not for the giant grin on his face.

"Shall we get on with it, Shen-kun?" He said, rolling his eyes slightly at the group's percieved need to use false names. Not that it wasn't a good idea, just that Kazuhiko would have enjoyed watching the immigration officer's face as they told him their real names. Always fun to scare the populace. "It seems a waste to not use such good travelling weather, doesn't it?" Kazuhiko turned and started up the north road, whistling as he went. Whistling a strange, unearthly melody. It was creepy in the early morning.

He pulled out the book of unaligned ninja that were about. It'd be nice to not just have a snake to return with. Maybe get an expression out of Heart. The ex-leader of Seven Swordswoman of the mist, Hydriai Esune... it'd be nice if she were cute on top of skilled. One could hope. Have to talk to Zushin about going to see her. But he seemed like a stick in the mud. Kazuhiko idly wondered what Zushin had that made him a Dragon King. But then, Zushin might be wondering the same thing about him.

Probably thought him a foolish brat or something. All for the best, really.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose looks over at Mutulu, "Ah, so we just join up and make sure he does what we want him to do anyway? Nice. Seems likely to take a while though, is that really what Heart-kun was after? He might need us to do more missions..." She looks back at the sky, lost in thought again. "What if.. What if we put on Konoha headbands and attack them? Make 'em think that they attacked Amegakure. That'd focus their anger on the village without us having to hang around, and it'd be a little easier than all that lying. 'Course your plan might be a little smarter." She says, rubbing the back of her head at the last sentence.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu couldn't help but smile, "I want to fight too but there is a time and place for it. Considering we don't want to be on his badside just yet, I can't say that's a good idea. Also, it is not lying, just not the full truth. Some would say they are same thing but we are just with holding the parts he doesn't need to hear."

[Nousos]

"Just call me Zushin," He replied. "I just don't want my name in the books when I travel, It's more convienent that way when every village wants me dead."

Thinking about it, he realized no matter what they did when they got there they would likely be attacked by someone trying to prove themselves. "The problem with going into otogakure, Zushin spoke up. "Is the place is run more like a military than most villages, and everyone there either has an unbelievably large ego or a complete lack theroff, and and an undying loyalty to Orochimaru. The way I see it its all might end up with us killing some angry underlings, so we should just get any crap out of the way and just walk on in and request an audience."

Zushin could tell Hibiki didn't like him that much, but he knew he was the type of person who would respect such a tactic. "You got any ideas?"

[Jacior]

"Ok, Zushin-kun." Kazuhiko said, shrugging slightly. They started walking on the road to their destination as Zushin talked. "You don't think you could kill a few upstarts looking to make a name for themselves? That's easy enough, probably the easies thing to do." He grinned, thinking about it. Then something dawned on him. "Unless, you don't want to kill anyone? I could do that too, I suppose. But it is far less entertaining."

They walked for a few minutes where Kazuhiko didn't say anything. "My plan was basically the same thing. I mean, Orochimaru should be thrilled that such a prestigeous group would want him to assist them, am I right?" He pulled out his little black book again. "I do want to stop and try and find this... Hydriai Esune. Seems like she would be one who needs a little pick me up, you know?"

[Nousos]

"Oh I'm all for killing a few upstarts. What I meant was that even with this plan we might have to fight." Zushin said. "And sure we can try and recruit her on the way if we can find her.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

Team Mutose(or Kiyulu) meander down their selected path, secure in the knowledge that they had a plan for the future. Wandering into Amegakure, asking for an audience, and hoping for the best wasn't the greatest plan, but it was a plan. That was certainly better than nothing at all. The organization's planning definitely could use some work. In fact, Heart might have refused to set up a meeting before hand just to test how you operate independently. But that's just useless speculation into the masked figure's incomprehensible methods.

The two of you make some headway, but a strange incident stops your path. Both of you had wandered into a bank of mist sometime after the sun had set. You had been traveling, guessing by the location of the pale moonlight backlighting the ever-deepening mist, for an hour when you're stopped by a strange feeling of deja vu. Kiyose shakes it off as simply being paranoid, but Mutulu immediately senses something is wrong. It feels as if the two of you have passed by the same stretch of road over and over.

Whatever is going on: It's clear to Mutulu that you've made no headway toward your destination.

Search, Survival, etc checks might give you something.

Team Viper + Sato

The two of you set off in the direction of Konohagakure. The Hidden Village was inaccessible to normal humans, and even the greatest tracker of the mundane world would have no chance of finding it. But many ninja knew where it lay, for the village had become something of a legend in the ninja community. Between being the birthplace of the near-invincible Fourth Hokage, the "god of ninja" Third Hokage, and all three powerful sannin: The village was well known for producing strong ninja. In fact, just one of the sannin took six separate jounin-level ninja to kill, all acting in tandem. And he was still able to kill half of them. If you were caught trying to infiltrate Konohagakure, the possibility of death would be quite high.

But you soldier on, because you must. Returning to Heart empty handed and claiming you were too afraid to do the mission would likely result in your death anyway.

But any thoughts you have of the future mission are roughly interrupted when you stumble across a strange sight. A quartet of highly conspicuous ninja are traveling toward you. They don't seem to have seen you yet, and it's clear from their casual walk that they're not alarmed or feel in danger. Three of them appear to be teenagers--two males and one female--roughly between the ages of 14 and 15, while their leader--female--appears to be in her very early twenties. At this distance, you can't tell any distinctness to their features, but you can hazard a guess that you've been seen already.

You're about a hundred and twenty feet away from the group, and five feet apart from one another.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu stops dead in his tracks and begins to take in his surroundings. He kneels down and begins to feel the earth beneath his feet. He lets out a low groan, "Hmph, something feels... off. We didn't accidently take the path to Kirigakure did we? At the least, we aren't making any head way."

Survival - [roll0]
Spot - [roll1]

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The pair of you spend two hours searching for any information about someone named Hydriai or any mist-ninja near the area. Unfortunately you find nothing, and just waste two hours.

With that done you decide to set out toward Otogakure. The path to the Land of Sound is winding and muddy. You travel close to the ocean, and there are few places to hide. This prevents you from traveling covertly, but also prevents any potential enemy from ambushing you. As the sun begins to set, the two of you arrive in a small village. You notice something is off before you even reach the gate, but can't quite place your finger on it until you do. At the gate, you spot eight dark lumps laying across the dirty street. Dark fluid flows out and pools around them. Closer inspect reveals these lumps to be people, and the fluid to be their blood.

The slain humans are dressed like local peasantry. Given that the lights aren't on, you didn't spot anyone running down the road, and no one is running to greet you right now: You can assume the entire village is like this. Whoever killed them did so rather gruesomely, as there is quite a lot of blood near the bodies. A faint noise encroaches on the edges of your senses. You can't quite detect where it's coming from, but attempting to shut out the very faint sound proves impossible.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/KazuZubattle-1.png

Select a spot on the gray section to start at.

For everyone, I'd like it if you included your vital stats in a spoiler appended at the end of your posts.

Name Here
HP: 9001
Chakra: 1009
AC: 13
Initiative: 31

This really helps when I need to look up something while writing a post.

[Bowerbird]

"Huh?" Kiyose stops and looks around, "It is a bit misty, you sure you're not imagining it? We've been following the moon all night."
Spot: [roll0]
Survival: [roll1]

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko couldn't decide if he was upset at how sloppy this was, or excited by the thought of someone who took such enthusiasm in their work. Either way, he had a terrible sort of curiosity about finding whoever did this. It was almost enough to- "OK, what the hell is that noise, Zushin-kun? It is irritating the crap out of me!" He looked around curiously. He even looked on the bottom of his shoes, to make sure he hadn't stepped on a bug, by pulling his leg up to glance at it.

You ask it! And it shall be done. Put me in the U, please

Hibiki Kazuhiko
HP: 144
Chakra: 111 (48 Reserve)
AC: 28
Sword: Sealed

[Bowerbird]

With one hand on her sword belt, Kiyose points off to her left, "Hey you! You doin' this to us? Show yourself!" Subtlety is not one of her strong points, evidently.

Readied action: If the figure looks like it's going to fade away then I'll use my Shukuchi Mastery (5) ability to teleport behind him. Reading it as it's written it doesn't look like I need to activate speed ranks or use chakra to use it. Let me know if I'm wrong though.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

Whatever it is does not react to Kiyose's shouts. The shadow in the mist simply stands there for a moment, then both Kiyose and Mutulu hear the sound of girlish giggling echoing from within the bank of mist. Attempting to get a bearing on where it's coming from leaves you confused, as Kiyose hears it originating from Mutulu, while Mutulu hears the sound coming from Kiyose.

[Toad477]

Sato raised an eyebrow as he observed the quartet of ninja, making sure not to break his gait. He wondered why four ninja would travel so conspicuously as he spoke softly to Viper, keeping his front forward and his gaze upon the strange ninja.

"Odd....what do you make of that?"

Sato saw no reason to take any action that might raise suspicion unless he was provoked, but he wanted to be sure his partner's opinion didn't differ from his.

[Cespenar]

Thanking Heart for assigning him someone with a cool head after all, Viper speaks quietly after examining the ninja for a few seconds.

"Their formation looks like a group sent for a mission, yet they're too relaxed to be on any time limit. If I were to guess... three Chuunin and a Jounin?"

He shrugs, not hoping for 100% accuracy on his long shots. He does strain his eyes and ears, though, to see or hear anything of importance pertaining to the odd group.

After a moment, he mumbles to Sato.

"If they or anyone else would question our passage, by the way, do you have any idea what we would say?"

[Toad477]

Sato nodded in agreement with his partner's assesment, nothing looked out of the ordinary, however, they actually might draw some attention from, if no one else, the leader of that group. Sato figured now was as good of a time as any to don their "disguises" for their mission in Konoha in addition to avoiding suspicion from the closing group of ninja.

"I think now would be a good time to hide."

Sato emphasised that last word as he removed his mask, tucked it away in his cloak, and continued walking with his hood still hiding part of his face as he spoke again regarding Viper's question.

"If they question us?..Well, I suppose we could tell them we simply have aquaintances in Konoha...the other option is to tell them to mind their own business. If they are on a mission, they shouldn't question us too much. What do you think?"

[Cespenar]

Viper loses his mask as quickly as his companion.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu eyes dart from Kiyose's left back to her, "This isn't good." He couldn't help but have this sinking feeling,"Whatever you're gonna do, just do it already."


Suddenly, Mutulu eye's widen in possible realization. He thought back to the list, "Hiiro, Matahara Hiiro is that you?"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

The quartet moves toward your pair with the same calm walk they had exhibited since you've seen them. However, once they get within a hundred feet they stop and watch you from a distance. They're clearly interested in something.

Now that they're closer, you can pick out clear details. One of the teenagers is wearing a full body black overcoat, with large mirrored glasses, and a hoodie covering his hair. His face, obscured behind his massive glasses, bears the rugged looks of a man years older than he. His Konohagakure forehead protector is tied around his right bicep. The other male has long, straight blank hair, iris-less white eyes, and a hard glare. He's wearing the standard Konohagakure ninja vest and jumpsuit, but isn't taking advantage of their camo-like nature to blend in. You get the feeling he wants to be spotted before his comrades. His forehead protector is wrapped around his head properly.

The girl has short cut wild hair, bears a Konohagakure forehead protector around her neck like a collar, and looks clearly angry. She's wearing a standard Konohagakure vest, but her jumpsuit has been greatly modified. The fabric covering her belly is missing, she's wearing a ruffled black skirt instead of pants, and her sleeves are cut half-way to her elbow. Their leader's wearing a brown overcoat, matching skirt, and matching shinguards. The rest of her body is covered by a fine metal mesh intended to protect while inhibiting her movement as little as possible. Her black hair is done up in a wild ponytail that points skyward rather than than toward the earth. Her forehead protector rests where it should: Her forehead.

The quartet have stopped a hundred feet away from you. Their leader is in front, the two boys to either side and the girl in the back. All four of them are at the ready, as if expecting you to attack. It seems strange that leaf-ninja would attack guests. Their leader speaks loudly, but clearly isn't shouting. She seems to expect to be heard, despite the distance between you.

"What do you want with Konohagakure?"

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

Mutulu's shouts seem to get nothing, but the giggling stops after Matahara Hiiro's name is mentioned. The shadow makes no movement, but both of you get the feeling that the speaker acknowledged the name. A few seconds pass, then a blur of motion cuts through your field of vision. The black blur strikes the ground in front of you, and it turns out to be a kunai. A taut iron wire, made clearly visible by the mist gathering and reflecting light, points off toward the still immobile shadow in the distance. Whomever threw it clearly intended for you to follow, but the wire leads off your path and away from Amegakure.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose looks from the kunai, to Mutulu, to the figure in the mist. "Huh? Hiiro? Whose Matahara Hiiro? Is that one of the names I was supposed to remember..?" she looks momentarily crestfallen. "Oh well, if we're walking into a trap, might as well get to it." She starts walking along the wire, "You coming?"

[zeone3000]

Mutulu nods, "He was on the list." Then gestures to the wire, "Ladies first."

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The wire leads your group along without comment. Considering you may or may not be trapped in a genjutsu: This is a good thing. The figure in the mist grows closer and closer, until you come to realize that it's far too thin to be human and far too rigid to be living. Your group finally gets close, and sees that it's a scarecrow made of two metal rods and draped in a tattered shirt. From a distance, in the mist, it could pass as a human--albeit one that didn't talk or move. You pass the scarecrow, then step into a more heavily wooded area than before.

A voice cuts through the night ahead of you. The voice is feminine and young, and you'd honestly expect to hear it from an academy student rather than an actual ninja.

"You shouldn't step any closer, or you'll get caught in my web."

You can't tell exactly how far ahead it is, but whoever it is: They're clearly talking loudly in order to make themselves heard.

"You mentioned Matahara-sama. My mistress is entertaining someone by that name. Do you have business with him?"

[Toad477]

Sato stopped and held up a hand, using the other to lower his hood and revealing his regal face. He smiled with a friendly expression on his face, for he genuinely did not wish to harm anyone at this moment. He spoke gently, but loudly enough so they could hear him.

"Woah, easy. We're just visiting someone in the village, have we done something wrong?"

Sato hoped this wouldn't be trouble, the last thing they needed was Konoha being on alert because they had killed four of their ninja.

[Cespenar]

Following Sato's cue, Viper lowers his hood as well, revealing, aside from his hard features, an eyepatch over his left eye. He doesn't add anything to Sato's words, but accentuates it with a polite yet brief bow. Much as he didn't like humbling himself, it was just another form of deception for him to use.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

Both of you see the white-eyed male step forward and begin conversing with the leader. Viper hears him whisper something, but cannot make out what is being whispered. Afterward, he resumes his position in formation. The leader nods at his words, then speaks.

"So you're good enough to hear me clearly, wear no headbands, and knowing where Konohagakure is. Konohagakure doesn't take in cowards or runaways, so go back to your hidden village or keep walking."

[Nousos]

"Damn, these peasants must have pissed someone off." Zushin surveyed the scene with an almost morbid interest in the method of death of the victims, but before it could be determined he was set on edge by the noise. He immediately dropped into a combat stance, one had on his sword hilt and the other on its sheath. He knew a few techniques that started with a similar noise and suspected ninja were about. "Be on the lookout, I think it's a technique"


Put me in W

Zushin Tojo
HP: 74
Chakra: 126
Reserves: 80
AC: 32

Listen [roll0] for origin of noise

[zeone3000]

Mutulu nods, "Yes, we have a proposition for him. Just one question, who is your mistress?" He showed genuine interest and harbored no ill will in his word.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The girl takes some time to respond, as if she were carefully considering her response first. "My mistress is a secretive woman who hides here in this mist. If my mistress wants to meet with you, then I'll introduce her to you. Until then, knowing that she is my mistress is sufficient."

The girl steps forward out of the mist. The girl--well, woman now that you can see her features--stops 35 feet away from you. Her beautiful face (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/sakuyawin.jpg) is framed by messy silvery-white locks of hair. Her bright blue eyes stay focused on your own, but you doubt she'll miss any move you make. A delicate lace ribbon rests softly atop her head. Her immaculately clean--despite the dirty surroundings nearby--uniform tells a tale of a maid working at a mansion of extremely high class. The pinstripe blouse blends seemlessly into the white cuffs, which in turn blend into the black gloves to create what appears to be a single item. The fringe of a black lacy apron peeks scandalously beneath her blouse. A black frilled skirt impeccably blends in with her uniform. A pair of shear black pantyhose hug her well-toned legs, while a pair of well-polished black dress heels cover her feet. The woman looks more like a servant stepping straight from a dinner party than a ninja greeting two others on a foggy night.

"Where are my manners? I am Izayoi, Sakuya Izayoi." She makes a shallow courtesy, maintaining her air of dignity while keeping her eyes firmly locked onto you. "I will escort you to my mistress' home, but I do not think Matahara would want to see you." Strangely, despite being otherwise flawlessly polite, she does not use an honorific when referring to Matahara.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose shrugs, "Hey, it never hurts to try." She continues to show no sign of feeling threatened by recent events, instead leafing through her provided bingo book, "Besides, if I'm any judge, your mistress might want to hear our offer as well, ah here it is." she holds the book so Mutulu can see, on the page Hydriai Esune, and gives him a questioning look before closing the book again.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu rubbed his chin in contemplation, Strange that she didn't put sama at the end this time. He doesn't think much of it beyond she must like him very much or men, one of the two.

He shrugs, "He probably doesn't but we have to try at the very least. Otherwise, what was the point of accepting your gracious offer?"

He gives Kiyose a slight nod, already coming to that conclusion. Still, it was strange that fate was being this kind or that mean. They may end up having to choose between the two depending on what Hiiro is even doing here in the first place.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The woman courtesies once more, and again does not remove her eyes from you. She turns away from you expertly, piercing the mist with her body, and walking away with long confident strides. You get the feeling that she's quite used to wearing those heels, as they don't seem to impede her in the slightest. As soon as you pass through the mist where the woman was standing the world unfolds around you.

The oppressive wall of mist limiting your vision fades away to reveal a grand three-story mansion. Attached to the northern wall is an impressive clock tower, the clock face reads ten in the evening. The southern wall is dominated by an equally impressive observatory, but you notice that the mist barrier extends into the sky as well, making it impossible to see the stars. and at the center sits a grandiose home of a construction style unlike anything you've seen before. The massive conjoined structure is ringed by a brick wall with a single large gate guarded by a woman in a green qipao. The entire complex would be impossible to hide without the impenetrable mist barrier blocking out any would-be trespassers.

A giggle draws your attention behind you, but when you turn to look there's no one following your group.

Izayoi escorts you through the mansion's main gate, front door, and into a side corridor. You get a strange feeling of the mansion's insides not quite matching up to the shape the outside would suggest, but that feeling is gone rather quickly when your escort stops in front of a solid oak door.

She motions to it, steps through before you, and then calmly announces your presence.

"Mr. Matahara--Oh. Beg your pardon Mistress. ...Ah, let them in? Very well." You hear no words being spoken from this "mistress" of hers, but she immediately turns around and beckons you forward.

The inside of the room is much like the rest of the mansion: Casually opulent. Solid well-polished and well cared for oak floors support four simple and unadorned walls. A bookcase containing books on a wide breadth of topics rests against one wall, while a pair of hand-carved darkwood couches rest against two others. A high-backed chair with bright red upholstery, matching the other furniture, sits opposite both couches.

A young girl--certainly no older than twelve--sits with her thin legs dangling over the edge of the chair. A frilly pink bonnet with a scarlet ribbon sits atop her head, holding down her shoulder-length flowing cerulean hair. Her face is child-like, with pudgy cheeks, a soft nose, and closed eyes. She sips from a porcelain teacup, pinky-extended and making no noise like a perfect lady. Her ankle-length pink sundress contains the same frills as her hat, and a blood-colored sash holds it to her body. Immaculately white dress shoes poke out from underneath her dress. Whoever she is, she's clearly not one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. And Matahara Hiiro is no where in sight.

The girl says nothing when you enter. You would think she was a doll based on how still she was. But after a moment she sits her teacup back into its saucer, then reaches out toward her side, extending her hand over the arm of the chair and into the void of space, then lets the saucer go.

It lands gracefully, without so much as a sound, atop a padded serving tray that you didn't see Izayoi produce. For that matter, you didn't see her move to catch the cup, and there are no signs of exertion on her part.

The girl reaches up, and casually pats the much older maid atop her head like a child would pet a dog. The 'dog' in question makes no response, and instead casually takes her place beside her Mistress as if nothing had happened. Finally, the Mistress of the mansion opens her eyes and acknowledges your presence.

Her irises are an inhumanly deep crimson. Her pupils an alien diamond-shape.

"I'm sorry for being rude, but I cannot interrupt my meal. It makes me quite cranky. Ah, but where are my manners? I'm Madame Scarlet. Remilia Scarlet. The lady of this fine location. And now, a formality, but a lady must be a stickler for such things: What're your names?"

The little lady folds her hands into her lap, casually awaiting your response.

[Toad477]

Sato chuckled as he raised his hood and began walking again.

"Seeing as we fit neither of those titles, we will continue walking."

He wasn't sure why they had been treated as hostile, but it seemed that they had portrayed themselves harmless enough to avoid closer inspection. He probably had his necklace and Coat to thank for not appearing as so much as a blip on any chakra sense they may have used. As they passed the group, Sato took a look at each of them from under his hood, in particular the boy with the white eyes.

Rolls:
taking a 10 on a spot check to look for anything unusual (10 +18 = 28) and then a Ninja lore check on the boy, specifically to see if his eyes indicate a bloodline and if so, what it does. [roll0]

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

The moment Sato steps forward the group draws their weapons and goes into an offensive stance. The white-eyed boy raises his hands, the leader draws a pair of kunai, the coat-clad boy doesn't seem to move, and the skirt-clad girl produces a couple of scrolls.

The leader speaks once more.

"Apparently I wasn't being clear enough. Konohagakure doesn't take in missing-nin, no matter who they are. Get lost."

[Bowerbird]

When the.. thing.. opens it's eyes, Kiyose immediately goes for her swords, only at the last moment stopping herself from drawing and attempting to slash the thing in front of her to ribbons. She gives a sideways glance to Mutulu to gauge his reaction, her eyes feverish at the sudden surge of adrenaline. "What.. are you?" she manages to bite out, it being all she can do not to kill the thing right now.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu

The little lady of the mansion feigns being insulted.

"That's quite rude. You'll hurt a young lady's feelings saying that." She smiles, then continues on. "I am what I am, or rather... I am what humans fear." She casually shrugs. "But I've already eaten, so you're safe unless you do something silly."

Team Kiyose
Bowerbird only.The thing put on airs of being insulted, but its movement only incites you further.

Kill it.

"That's quite rude. You'll hurt a young lady's feelings saying that." Kill it. It smiles, its pearly white teeth turning your stomach. Kill it. It continues to spew sickening words from its mouth.

Kill it.

"I am what I am, or rather... I am what humans fear." It shrugs, setting your blood alight and rousing the desire to kill it once more.

KILL IT.

"But I've already eaten, so you're safe unless you do something silly."

It keeps talking. Kill it. Stop it before it gets you too. Kill it. Stop it before it can get you all. Kill it.

[Toad477]

Sato sighed at himself for his misunderstanding of the leader's words, but he was curious as to how they figured out so much from that distance, then his eyes widen ever so slightly...

"...the boy...he must have one of those nice bloodlines with ocular abilities....he could make this interesting."

This was obviously not a situation that was going to be resolved peacefully if they intended to make it to Konoha. He began to feel that familiar thrill, the thrill of battle, it had been too long. Sato looked at his partner with a smirk.

"Well, they had this coming eventually anyway I suppose, right?"

Sato unbuttoned his cloak, revealing the seal on his chest and his muscular physique, as he entered his Blinkstrike stance. He stood ready, feet shoulder length apart, arms at his sides.

Initative Roll:
1d20+4

[zeone3000]

Mutulu chuckles, "Humans fear a lot of things Ms. Scarlet. I'm afraid you're going to have be more specific for my partner. Though, if that is too much, feel free not to answer. I know a lady most keep her secrets."

He gives Kiyose a hard stare, definitely telling her to mind her manners. He knows something is rattling her cage because it tried to rattle his. Self-control, if you lack it, you are only being controlled by something else.

Then he motions to her servant,"Izayoi-san said you were entertaining one, Matahara. If it wouldn't be to inconvenient, we would like to speak him."

[Bowerbird]

Whatever this thing is, it could still be of use. Must. Not. Lose. Control. Breathing deeply Kiyose takes her hands off her sword hilts, "I wouldn't give you the satisfaction." She closes her eyes in concentration and tries to relax. Turning to Mutulu, she says, "I think you'd better do the talking here, not sure I trust myself to be too polite." She manages a weak grin.

[Cespenar]

Viper nods at Sato's guess about the white-eyed boy, but flashes a hand in front of him as he finally gets ready to fight.

Stop, at least for a moment, the gesture says, and Viper takes a step forward.

"Wait," he says, addressing the battle-ready ninja.

"We are not missing-nin. We are on a mission to deliver a very important message to someone in Konoha, and our lack of headbands is because of the discreet nature of our mission. Excuse me, though, if I cannot disclose any further information to someone of... your stature, with no offense."

He didn't expect to be believed, but admittedly, open battle was never Viper's thing. Either no battle, or one in his terms. At least when he could get it.

Which didn't stop him to take any precautions, of course.

Activating Implanted Eye (attack action), eye-patch (free action), and entering Blinkstrike stance (free action).

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu

The little mistress of the mansion nods. "I'm glad you understand then." She turns her dainty head to her maid. "Sakuya, did you finish your duties with Mr. Matahara?" The maid shakes her head. The minute movement doesn't disturb the tray in her hands or even wrinkle her clothing in the slightest.

"The young mistress called me away to find our guests. I believe he is still playing with the young lady of the house." Both maid and mistress let out a soft, but well-mannered sigh. The young mistress turns back to you, hops off the chair, then gives the tiniest nod of her head.

"I sincerely apologize, but it seems Mr. Matahara is no longer with us. What did you need him for?"

Team Kiyose

Bowerbird only.The monster of the mansion nods. The disgusting feeling of being acknowledged by it boils your blood. "I'm glad you understand then." Kill it. It turns its head to its slave, and in the process exposes its easily snapped neck to you. Kill it.

"Sakuya, did you finish your duties with Mr. Matahara?" The slave shakes her head. The does nothing to disturb the shackles it has on her soul. Kill her. End her misery.

"The young mistress called me away to find our guests. I believe he is still playing with the young lady of the house."

Kill them!

Both monster and slave let out a grating sigh. Its inhuman features practically beg for violent intervention. Kill it. It turns back to you, hops off the chair, then gives the tiniest nod of its head. It's within your striking distance now. Kill it.

"I sincerely apologize, but it seems Mr. Matahara", it killed already. Kill it before you join him. "is no longer with us. What did you need him for?" He's gone. You don't need it. Kill it.

Team Viper + Sato

The enemy seems to go through some preparation. Clearly they aren't buying Viper's lie, and attempting it simply gave them prepare time. Their bodies seem to visible lighten as they release the mental restraints holding back their true power.

The veins around the white-eyed boy's eyes bulge out grotesquely. His eyes change as a thin pupil forms in the center of his eye. The coat-clad boy shrugs, and a cloud of buzzing insects pours out of his coat. The girl throws both scrolls she had 30 feet ahead. She then forms a ram half-seal with her right hand, but otherwise holds off from completing whatever technique she was doing.

Their leader simply flourishes her coat. "Only kill one of them, we want the other alive for questioning."

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/ViperSatoBattle.png

Index
Red - Mitarashi Anko - Enemy leader
White - Hyuuga Ryoji - White eyed boy
Orange - Soushi Hara - Enemy medic
Yellow - Aburame Mito - Coat-clad boy
Sky Blue - Sato
Dark Gray - Viper
Dark Green - Trees. Sufficiently large enough to break line of sight, and there's enough shade to hide in them so long as you aren't being observed.

Initiative:
Sato - 18
Enemy Leader + Team - 15
Viper - 14

[Toad477]

Sato glared at the boy with the white eyes as he remembered what his ocular ability was. Even if the boy was a Chuunin, the Byakugan made him formidable and to make matters worse, it would make it much more difficult for Viper and himself to hide.

"The boy has the Byakugan, he can see our chakra and attack our chakra circulatory system. Worse than that, he can see in a 360 degree radius and through objects, making him hard to sneak up on and hide from."

They were all together and it was unlikely that he was going to get another shot like this. Sato inhaled a vast amount of air, through his arms back, and launched a large compressed air blast hurtling towards them then immediately seemed to disappear as he teleported behind and into a tree to go into hiding and wait to what these ninja were capable of.


Using Renku Dan. No hand seals brings the threshhold to only 13 so no check needed. Targeting V-6, Spending the base 10 chakra, making a 20ft burst from the square. Relex DC: 22 Damage [roll0] then moving (teleport(Ex)) to Q-21 and 20 feet up the tree to break LoS and using heroic surge to take an additional attack action to hide [roll1]

[zeone3000]

Mutulu shrugged his shoulders, "Just a business proposition. Also, what do you mean he's no longer with us?"

He was deadly afraid he already knew what that meant and they would be departing soon.

[Nousos]

"It's a sound technique, the noise is coming from everything" Said Zushin.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko grinned. Zushin was utterly clueless. "My goodness, Zushin-kun, you're not so high and mighty now." He considerded striking the man upside the head, but decided not to. "I would never have been able to tell it was a sound technique without your help." He rolled his eyes, not being able to stop the reflex.

Kazuhiko walked forward confidently, avoiding the bodies. He stopped about 20 ft in. "My dear, beautiful women, I have to ask you to stop that. My friend is already addled enough without your assistance." He grinned a little wider. "Besides, whatever reason you might have for way-laying us might be something we wouldn't need to be way-laid by at all. In fact, we might just have a proposition you could possibly want to hear."

To anyone looking, it was as though he was talking to the whole village as a single woman. It was strange to say the least. But, it was likely that Kazuhiko was mis-interperating the whole situation. Maybe she just wanted to kill them. Wouldn't be the first time.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

Sato's blast of compressed air catches all four of them. The coat-clad boy and the scantily clad girl attempt to dodge it with ninjutsu, but fail. They settle for leaping out of the way before getting too hurt. By the time the dust has settled, the enemy leader has vanished.

The Hyuuga kid raises his head. "He didn't come out from behind that tree." The scantily clad girl nods, then seems to take over the role of their leader.

"Alright then! We're counting on you to find him. Kill the other one, then we'll catch his friend." The three of them move forward to attack Viper. The medic heals herself, while the coat-clad boy pulls his hands out of his pockets and starts going through a series of hand seals.

After a few seconds, the ground in front of Viper shakes and rumbles as a massive serpentine dragon tears itself free of the earth. Stone claws and fangs lash out at Viper shortly before it slams its body into the ground in an explosion of dirt and dust.

The Hyuuga continues onward past his allies. He raises both palms up, assuming the stance of Jyuuken familiar to the Hyuuga clan. His body tenses as he readies himself for something to happen.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/ViperSatoBattle-1.png

Index:
Red - Mitarashi Anko - Enemy leader
White - Hyuuga Ryoji - White eyed boy
Orange - Soushi Hara - Enemy medic
Yellow - Aburame Mito - Coat-clad boy
Sky Blue - Sato
Dark Gray - Viper
Dark Green - Trees. Sufficiently large enough to break line of sight, and there's enough shade to hide in them so long as you aren't being observed.

Initiative:
Sato - 18
Enemy Leader + Team - 15
Viper - 14

Enemy Actions:
Aburame uses Tobikiri Kawarimi. Fails with a 33.
Soushi uses Tobikiri Kawarimi. Fails with a 29.
Aburame saves. Soushi saves. Hyuuga saves. Anko saves and takes no damage due to Evasion X.

Soushi moves 30ft forward then activates Medical Ninjutsu: Healing - Second Rank, targetting herself. She heals for [roll0] damage.

Aburame moves 30ft forward then uses the Earth Dragon Technique on Viper. Threshold means he automatically succeeds. He selects a Large Earth Dragon. Viper takes [roll1] earth damage that's negated by a successful Reflex Save.

Anko hides via Hide In Plain Sight. Does things in the shadows.

Hyuuga moves 60ft forward due to being at Speed Rank 5. He assumes the Second Rank of Jyuuken stance. He readies an action to do something.

Damage Dealt:
Aburame - 16
Soushi - ?
Hyuuga - 16
Anko - 0

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The little lady of the mansion doesn't show a sign of confusion, and seems to simply accept what you have told her as the truth. "I mean exactly what I have said. He is no longer with myself or my maid. He has likely been killed by my sister. She has always had trouble not breaking her toys, and Mr. Matahara is likely no more resilient than the others."

The young mistress sighs once more. "With that said, I hope you understand why I will not allow you to wander the mansion in search of him." She focuses those inhuman eyes on Mutulu's own. "I could not have guests suffering the same fate. If my sister's feeding habits have disturbed your business deal, then I'll happily compensate you an appropriate amount."

Team Zushin

Your teammate seems to have gone insane, as he talks to the village as if it were a person. You suspect that whomever is maintaining this sound technique has affected him mentally with a genjutsu.

Team Kazuhiko

The black-clothed woman (http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5985/blackprincess.jpg)continues to play, and seems to ignore Kazuhiko. She's strangely calm, despite the fact that you've seen through her genjutsu. A sound originating from your left draws your attention. A woman, about five and a half feet tall, steps out of the forest and into the clearing. She's wearing an Otogakure headband, uniform, and bears a very large scroll slung across her back. A second look reveals the scroll to be a summoning scroll for something very large.

"She's deaf", the newcomer says, "so don't take it personally. She ignores everyone when she plays. But, to be able to break through the illusions of the Black Princess is pretty good. I don't see a headband, so how about joining us? Someone as strong as you should be able to get pretty high up there, maybe even make it as one of the Sound Five."

[Nousos]

Zushin glared with fury at Kazuhiko. He would not have said such obvious information if some higher power had not compelled him to speak before things would happen.

Upon seeing his partner's behavior he was a bit confused. It was obvious that one of them was affected by a genjutsu. Onnly a fool would throw themselves out of the equation, so Zushin uses genjutsu kai to break the affect in case he is under its affect.


[roll0]

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin

Nousos OnlyZushin dispels the illusion affecting himself. He now sees that Kazuhiko and himself are standing in a clearing. About fifty feet ahead sits an empty stump that Kazuhiko seems to be talking to. The boy seems to have fallen into another genjutsu.

The little idiot doesn't even react as a ninja wearing the Otogakure headband steps out from the forest. His poor posture has him hunched over with his arms dangling in front of him. You recognize a bulky sound amplifier on his left hand. He seems to ignore you, thinking you're still in his genjutsu. He draws a kunai with his unencumbered hand, then starts moving toward Kazuhiko's unprotected back.

[Nousos]

Zushin was furious at himself for falling for the illusion for even a moment. He drew his sword and pointed it at the ninja that came from the forest. "I suggest you sheath that weapon, we have business with Orochimaru." He then spoke to Kazuhiko without taking his eyes of the ninja. "It's an Illusion, there's not even a village."

While Zushin knew he needed to get to meeting with Orochimaru soon, he rather hoped the ninja would try and attack, if only to give him the chance to test himself against his old village.


Zushin Tojo
HP: 74
Current Chakra: 124
Reserves: 80
AC: 32

[Jacior]

"Sheath that weapon?" Kazuhiko turned to see that Zushin was looking at where the woman was standing. "Are you telling me I am in another illusion? I already knew the village was fake, but now you're telling me the violin player and the girl are as well? And just when I thought I had got the better of you, Zushin-kun." He sighed and tried to see through the illusion.

Will Save: [roll0]

[Cespenar]

Viper sighs at the apparent futility of his effort, and steels himself for the oncoming attack. This seemed like a formidable group, and Sato's explanation of the Byakugan only leaves a sour expression on Viper's face.

"Then take out the white-eyed boy first, to blind their eye," he says to Sato in a cold tone.

Suddenly, though, his thoughts are interrupted by the earth element attack. Viper, without thinking, jumped towards its figure, stepped over one claw, and revolved over its stony head. Just as it exploded on the ground, he is halfway in the air, and the ensuing shrapnel hammer the place he was at just a moment ago.

Seemingly hung in mid-air, Viper concentrates for a brief moment, and he simply disappears, teleporting to the shades of a tree far away.

Suppressing to Speed Rank 5.

Reflex save to avoid damage, with Evasion.
[roll0]

Move 30' feet forward with free action via Shukuchi. Hiryuusen (swift action) to DD8, 20 ft. up the tree. Movement is invisible. Perform DC 29.

[roll1]

Attack action: Henge no Jutsu to disguise as Anko. I assume from the earlier description of her that Viper did manage to examine her overall look.

If needed: [roll2]

Move action to Hide.

[roll3]

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

As soon as Viper finishes his teleportation, the Hyuuga boy reacts. His palm thrusts forward, and a powerful burst of air and chakra lashes outward.

Ryoji's readied action of "use Heavenly Void Palm of Divination against anyone who comes within 30ft of his allies or himself" is triggered by Viper's forward teleport.

Ryoji makes a ranged jyuuken touch attack vs Viper's touch Defense: 16+27=43 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3402744/). By my calculations, Viper has a touch Defense of 27+10(Speed Rank 10)+1(Dodge)+5(Blinkstrike)=43. If I'm correct, that is a hit.

This deals [roll0] jyuuken damage + [roll1] damage from Heavenly Void Palm. Viper needs a DC 20 Fortitude save or be knocked back [roll2]*5 feet. Cespenar, I'll let you roll that save and you can change your actions if they're rendered invalid.

Team Kazuhiko

Jacior only.The new arrival just shrugs at Kazuhiko. She clearly doesn't understand what's going on, and reacts appropriately.

Team Zushin

Nousos only.The man looks at Zushin.

"Oh? You defeated the Black Princess' illusion? Surprising." He takes a closer look at Zushin, his eyes narrowing under his Otogakure headband. Realization dons on his face as the ninja recognizes Zushin's own. "Ah. The big traitor... No wonder you could defeat her illusion. You know, Orochimaru-sama let you go last time, ya? I don't think his mercy will last through another theft, so you should run away now."

The man raises a hand to his mouth, forming a single Ram sign. "All it'll take is one teleportation technique, and I'll be in Otogakure before you know it."

[Jacior]

"I think my partner is a little addled." Kazuhiko said tiredly. Illusions were maddening. There was really no way to tell if you were the subject or if someone else was. "Really, the violin needs to stop now. It's grating on my nerves." He gestured towards the stump.

"The reason I have no headband is because I have never belonged to any Village. And what is this Sound Five you speak of? Sounds like a music group of some sort." He almost laughed at his own joke. "Here's a question that you can answer for sure. Why are you doing this to begin with?"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Kazuhiko

Jacior only.The girl apologized when Kazuhiko mentioned his partner might be stupid. "I'm sorry to hear that. It must be tough." She merely raises an eyebrow at his joke of who the Sound Five were.

"Uh, ya... Those guys aren't the type to joke around with. They're the five most powerful Jounin in Otogakure, and are the right hand of Orochimaru-sama. Kimimaro in particular is practically invincible, and is slated to become Orochimaru-sama's host after his current one passes."

The girl shrugs again when Kazuhiko questions her motives. "The Black Princess wanted to go for a walk, so I summoned her and let her go. I don't know why she does what she does, but I'm not in a position to question one of the Four Devas."

[Jacior]

"So, who would I talk to about becoming one of these Sound Five? Orochimaru himself, I presume?" He asked, idly considering plugging his ears. The sound was maddening. Violins were horrible little things. "What are the odds he'd actually consider talking to me?"

Rolling a ninja lore to see if I know anything about the Sound Five. [roll0]

[Cespenar]

The gashes in his cloak hinted that Viper didn't fully evade the vicious earth blast. Add to that the fact that the white-eyed kid just blew him back a good length, and he wasn't having a good day. He didn't make mistakes like this before, not in such frequency anyway. First the silly disguise plan, and now this.

Viper crosses his brows, and regains balance in the air, catching the ground with both hands and feet. Anger begins to seep into his generally cold and calculated demeanor.

Trying to not give in to it, Viper decides change his tactics and play it safe until he and Sato can double team one of these guys. He utilizes a series of hand seals, and seemingly sidesteps into the air, becoming invisible.

Attack action: Meisaigakure no Jutsu. Auto success?

Changing the Speed Rank Thingy to Rank 9, spending 3 chakra immediately.

Move action to hide. [roll0]

HP: 72/126
AC: 41, Touch AC: 41
Chakra: 65/73

[zeone3000]

Mutulu nodded, "A straight shooter, I see. Don't worry, I had no such plans except for us to take our leave." While thinking at the same time, As soon as possible. He continued, "And we couldn't possibly take your money for such a small inconvenience. This wasn't prearranged meeting or anything of the sort." He bows deeply, "With that, I believe it time for us to go. We thank you for your gracious hospitality."

[Nousos]

Zushin lowered his blade. "It might surprise you, but I'm actually here to talk to him. We have a proposition for him that I doubt he would want to refuse."

Zushin then walked over to Kazuhiko and placed a hand on his shoulder. attempting to break him from the genjutsu.


Genjutsu Kai [roll0]

Zushin Tojo
HP: 74
Current Chakra: 122
Reserves: 80
AC: 32

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

Zushin moves over and attempts to use Genjutsu Kai on Kazuhiko. Unfortunately, nothing changes.

Kazuhiko

Jacior only.The girl nods. "Orochimaru-sama personally appoints members of the Sound Five, but generally becoming one just requires you to defeat the current members."

At the question of whether Orochimaru would actually talk to Kazuhiko: The girl just shrugs. "Orochimaru-sama is kind of flaky about things like that. I guess if you're willing to obey him, then he'll probably talk to you. Otherwise, it depends on what you can give him or do for him, you know?"

Zushin

Nousos only.The man shrugs. "I doubt Orochimaru-sama is the type to make deals with traitors, but if you think your idea is that great then I wish you the best of luck."

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The little mistress shakes her head. "No, I could never let you walk away after my sister carelessly trampled all over your business venture. Please, tell me what you needed. I would be delighted to do anything in my power to remedy this."

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko grinned michieviously. "I think I have something to offer Orochimaru the likes of which he would never have dreamed. But, unfortunately, it is for his ears only, you understand." He rose an eyebrow slightly, inquiring as to whether that was going to be a problem.

Five questions: Would "normal" Ninja know about the Dragon Kings? Would Orochimaru? Like if I name drop, is she going to get it? Or would only someone like Orochimaru know? And what are the odds that Zushin's technique is ever going to get higher than my will save?

[Toad477]

Sato close his eyes and listened as the enemy moved around. He frowned as the boy with white eyes assaulted his partner. These were strong chuunin and things could get ugly fast if they weren't dealt with quickly.

*I knew that boy would be trouble, but first things first. I really wanted to wait to do this, but it's not just my life on the line this time. I need to distract them for Viper*

Sato kicked off his ankle weights, sending them crashing to the ground with a loud crash to draw their attention as he bit his thumb, smeared the blood over the seal on his chest, and summoned an enormous black fullblade to his hands. Without a sight or sound, Sato appeared 10 feet away from the girl and charged his blade with chakra, then steping into his swing, made five swift slashes sending waves of chakra towards the medic and the boy.

Removing the ankle weights, increasing to speed rank 10 ( spending 3 chakra in doing so), and summoning my sword were all free actions. Using Shunzeki (3 Chakra) to move to W-10 then using Mugen Kuuhazan (12 Chakra)(threshold means I automatically succeed) as a full attack action sending the attack through both of them. Also applying dodge to the Hyuuga.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

EDIT: first and third attacks are critical strikes where the second strike is a crit miss and the fifth is a crit threat. The fourth is normal of course.

HP: 157 Chakra: 99 Defense: 34

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

Sato's sudden appearance causes the Hyuuga's already bulging eyes to go wide. "Behind you! Look out!" But it's already too late. Both the medic and coat clad boy are caught by Sato's powerful combo. The air wave combo breaks their bones, destroys their bodies, and leaves both laying as a pile of broken meat.

Then they explode. The girl into a mass of ink, the boy into a mass of insects. Both of them had, at some point in the combo, used Body Substitution to avoid the majority of the damage. The pair of them appear thirty feet away from where they originally had been. Both look to be very injured.

The medic begins healing herself immediately, while the Aburame seems too injured to continue fighting. Instead, he orders his bugs to coalesce into a massive swarm that attacks Sato with their stings and bites. The medic produces a scroll from her belt pouch, unravels it, then touches the vivid drawing on it. A massive snake, bright pink in scales and clearly a drawn creature, leaps out of the scroll and attacks Sato. With that que, their Hyuuga teammate charges toward Sato and attempts to punch him. Once he's within range, the enemy leader makes a surprise attack with a kunai from behind Sato! The jounin from the Hidden Steel soon finds himself surrounded on all sides.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/ViperSatoBattle-2.png
Index:
Red - Mitarashi Anko - Enemy leader
White - Hyuuga Ryoji - White eyed boy
Orange - Soushi Hara - Enemy medic
Yellow - Aburame Mito - Coat-clad boy
Sky Blue - Viper
Dark Gray - Sato
Pink - Huge Snake
Dark Green - Trees. Sufficiently large enough to break line of sight, and there's enough shade to hide in them so long as you aren't being observed.

Initiative:
Sato - 18
Enemy Leader + Team + Snake - 15
Viper - 14

Enemy Actions:
Aburame's hit with Sato's first attack. Second attack he uses Kikai Kawarimi. He choses to pour all nine of his swarms into the clone. He spends a point of chakra for +5 to the check. Succeeds with a 48.
Soushi's hit with Sato's first attack. Second attack she uses Sumi Kawarimi. Spends a point of chakra for +5 to the check. Succeeds with a 42.

Aburame orders his bugs to gather together, forming a Gargantuan Swarm. He orders them not to harm Anko, the Hyuuga or Soushi. The Swarm damages Sato. Sato must make a DC 19 Fortitude save or be Nauseated for 1 round. As long as he remains within the swarm, he must make a DC 20+Technique Rank Concentration check to use any technique. Any skill requiring concentration requires a DC 20 Concentration check to use. The swarm deals [roll0] points of damage, plus 5 chakra damage to Sato as it drains his chakra.

Soushi activates her Monster Summoner III ability and summons a Huge Ink Snake. Soushi then spends her only Heroic Surge to use Healing - Third Rank on herself. She heals [roll1] points of damage.

Soushi's Snake attacks Sato. Attack roll: [roll2] for [roll3] if it hits. If it hits, Sato must make an opposed grapple check against a DC of [roll4]. If Sato fails, he is grappled.

Hyuuga charges Sato, trying to punch jyuuken him. Attack roll: [roll5]. If it hits, it deals [roll6] jyuuken damage.

Anko's readied action goes off when the Hyuuga gets in range. She attacks Sato from his own shadow. Attack roll: [roll7] vs his flat-footed Defense. If it hits, it deals [roll8] kunai damage+[roll9] sneak attack damage.

Damage Dealt:
Aburame - 114
Soushi - 69
Hyuuga - 16
Anko - 0

[Cespenar]

Silently acknowledging Sato's attack as to draw the attention to himself, Viper tries to make the best of the situation, and the weakest spot seems to be the Aburame kid in this particular moment. Thus, Viper leaps, poised to strike.

In a second, Viper is next to his target, his small blade aiming for the heart. Using his momentum, he continues past and dances around in a circle, his twin blades drawing blurs in the air in gray and (hopefully) red.

Prepare for mediocrity!

Swift action to initiate Blink Step. Using Move (85') + Full Attack via True Blinkstrike feat. The dodge bonus turns into attack and damage bonus. He spends one action point for the first attack.

He arrives at U19, and moves 5' around the target between each attacks. These don't provoke as per Blink Step. He has enough movement for only 5 attacks, so he forgoes the last iterative attack of his main hand for the sake of the extra attack granted by Speed Rank 9. Five 5' moves put him in U17.

Lastly, he readies a free action 30' movement (Shukuchi) to move back into the tree if he's attacked by anything.

Also, these attacks have kawarimi defense 5. He's breaking invisibility, so I assume only the first attack gets Sneak Attack?

[roll0] + [roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]

[roll8]
[roll9]

[roll10]
[roll11]

Edit: Forgot the info:
HP: 72/126
AC: 36, Touch AC: 36
Chakra: 62/73

[zeone3000]

Mutulu frowns mentally, She's not gonna let this go unless she gets her way... He thinks for a moment, "Well, I was to extended an invitation to him from our leader in our quest to destroy Konoha." Sometimes, the truth sound more outrageous then any lie one can think of.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The maid reacts with an expected look of confusion, but it's only on her face for a second before it's replaced by the implacable mask of an elegant servant. The lady of the mansion, whoever, reacts in a manner most unexpected. "Konoha?" A tiny raise of an eyebrow is all that's necessary to betray her inquisitive thoughts. "And why would you want to destroy leaves?"

[zeone3000]

Mutulu smiles, shaking his head, What have we gotten ourselves into?

Regaining his composure, "Allow me to answer that with another question if I may. Do you know what a shinobi is?"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The little girl smirks. "Well of course. Something like that is the least of my knowledge. They're good guys who save students from terrorists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinobi_(series))." She adopts a smug look, and shrugs her shoulders. "This is something even children understand."

The elegant maid gives her tiny mistress an incredulous look.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu simply shrugs, "Then I'm truly sorry but I don't think you can help us. Wealth is all well and good but we need manpower as well. Which was Matahara main selling point and methods to train said people."

[Toad477]

Sato frowned as his victim's burst into bugs and ink. He had wounded them, but he had been certain they were finished given the speed with which he attacked, something was wrong. Sato had little time to figure this out however as insects bit and stung him as the three other ninja attacked him together. He blinked in and out as he dodged each attack, the Hyuuga getting particularly close. He looked at the white-eyed boy and smiled.

"Not yet, the girl and I have unfinished business."

He then disappeared again without a trace, reappearing behind the girl with his sword pulled back. He torqued his body, sending his blade straight for the girl's head this time, ready to follow-up with a crushing blow if the first attack grounded her without killing her.

Paying 3 chakra to maintain speed rank 10, using blinkstep as a move action to teleport behind the medic (square DD-11), then using Daidadeki (2 Chakra) as a standard action [roll0] which will do [roll1] if it hits and will require a DC 25 fortitude save to avoid being stunned for 1 round and being knocked prone. If she is knocked prone and still alive, Sato will use a second heroic surge to use Todome (1 Chakra) [roll2] which will deal [roll3] if it hits.
HP: 157 Chakra: 88 Defense: 44 @ Speed rank 10

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose relaxes somewhat, "Huh.. Don't know too much about ninja do you? I think your sister'll prob'ly find Matahara-san much more've a handful than you thought. I'll bet he's even still going. Gonna go check." Flashing a crooked grin at Mutulu, she vanishes.

Reappearing in the corridor outside, she looks either way down the corridor, quickly picking a direction and running that way in search of Matahara and this monstrous sister.

Teleporting outside, heading in a random direction. 1 I turn left, 2 I turn right [roll0]
Move silently to hide which direction I head in: [roll1]

[zeone3000]

Mutulu face palms, And this is exactly why I left the villages. People are idiots. He slides his hand down as he waits to see the young mistresses' reaction.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

Viper is unseen by the Aburame, and seemingly invisible to the Hyuuga as well. The coat-clad boy doesn't even get a chance to yell as he's killed instantly by Viper's blade. The Hyuuga turns his head.

"Mito!" He then whips his head back around as Sato disappears. "Hara! Move!" He tries to shout, but the medic doesn't react in time. Sato's first blow knocks the girl down, and his second ends her life. "Hara!"

The Hyuuga looks ready to charge Sato immediately, but he's stopped by their leader. "No Ryoji, we can't stay. You need to start running." The boy hesitates. "Go on! I'll catch up to you." The boy grits his teeth, but ultimately obeys his squad leader. He shifts into a Shunpo stance and begins running away.

With that, Anko turns toward your group.

"Sorry, but I can't let you follow him. I don't have anything special, but...!"

Her hands become a flurry of movement. She completes one technique nearly instantly, then immediately transitions into another, a third, fourth, and still on without a moment of rest. A large snake appears in front of Anko.

Sato
A tree erupts from beneath Sato's feet, rapidly binding him in place before he has a chance to move. He looks back toward where Anko was to discover that she's vanished, and in her place stands a large snake.

Team Viper

The snake, a silver-scaled viper, seems confused at being summoned by Anko. "Haha~ To think little Orochi's apprentice would summon us once more. You want me to kill them both, yes? Alright!" The viper charges Viper with reckless abandon.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/ViperSatoBattle-3.png
Index:
Red - Mitarashi Anko - Enemy leader
Sky Blue - Viper
Dark Gray - Sato
Pink - Huge Snake
Dark Green - Trees. Sufficiently large enough to break line of sight, and there's enough shade to hide in them so long as you aren't being observed.

Initiative:
Sato - 18
Enemy Leader + Snake - 15
Viper - 14

Enemy actions:
Aburame dies, as he's unable to dodge.
Soushi attempts a Sumi Kawarimi. She fails with a 35. She's reduced to 1 HP by Sato's first attacked, then killed by the second.

Hyuuga assumes a Shunpo stance, and runs away. He moves 300 feet before you lose sight of him.

Anko uses Hand Motion Confusion. She then uses Unknown Technique, followed by quickening Unknown Technique. She summons a Large Snake. Sato fails his save vs Unknown Technique. He is immobilized and unable to see, hear, smell, taste or feel Anko.

The snake charges Viper. It attacks: [roll0] dealing [roll1] damage with an automatic grapple via improved grab([roll2]) if it hits.

Team Mutulu

The young lady simply smiles at Kiyose's words. She remains smiling as the ninja vanishes via teleportation. "The arrogance of mortals will always be amazing. Sakuya, make sure she does not get lost. And make sure my dear sister doesn't find her." The elegant maid bows politely, then vanishes in the same manner as Kiyose.

The little lady addresses Mutulu's statement from before. "Manpower, hm? That annoying priestess has been keeping her distance, and there has not been any incidents concerning rats in the library... So I suppose I can part with Sakuya for a little while." She smiles mischievously, her alien eyes lighting up like little beacons that betray her childish nature. "In fact, let us make a game of it." Her voice takes on a soft lilt as she explains the rules.

"If you or your friend can find the man you came to get--or his remains--then I'll relinquish Sakuya to you for one year and one day. If not, then either you or she will remain here as a servant for the same amount of time. Neither Sakuya nor I will interfere with your search, but if you get caught by my sister..." She sighs. "Well, I suppose you will stay here forever then, won't you?"

As if deciding that you would participate, even if you had reservations otherwise, she waves you away. "Go on now. A man cannot walk against fate if he doesn't take the first step."

Team Kiyose

The mansion is huge. Not just on the outside, but the inside seems too large to be contained by the three story building you saw outside. During the course of your travel you've found angles that you can't focus on, doors that open into hallways full of other doors, and even a hallway that looped in on itself. But all the while you hear the familiar tip-tapping noise of well loved dress shoes following in your wake. If you turn, you see nothing behind you, if you stop, they stop, and even attempting to shake your pursuer via teleportation only buys you a scant few seconds of peace.

Whomever it is: They're not only a capable ninja, but also impeccably polite, as they've never once asked you to slow down or stop.

[Nousos]

"If you don't mind calling off the rest of the dogs when we get to the village and getting my friend here out his illusion, we'll be on our way"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Kazuhiko

Jacior onlyThe girl shrugged. "Lots of guys thought they were hot **** too. Kimimaro killed them. Personally, I don't think you'll even push him into using the curse mark, but you might get lucky."

Team Zushin

Nousos onlyThe ninja shrugged. "I don't have anything to gain from helping you, so I won't. Good luck dispelling her illusions, because you certainly haven't done a competent job of it so far."

[Jacior]

"I wouldn't start with Kimimaro. The way you describe it, he is the top-dog. I'd be more than willing to start lower on the totem pole." He smiled a geniunely happy smile, no malice or anything. But only for a split second, then it was back to his oh-so-pretentious grin. "Can I take my... Zushin-kun and leave now? I'd like to make it as far as possible before night ends." Kazuhiko shrugged amicably, in a friendly-ish way.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Kazuhiko

Jacior onlyThe girl shakes her head. "THe Black Princess will probably stop her illusion when she's finished playing, but that could take another couple of hours. If you really wanted to leave, you could try walking away, but I can't promise that you'll succeed."

[Jacior]

"Then what do you propose we do until then?" He asked, slightly irritated now. "I suppose we could wait until she is done and just walk back with you, couldn't we?" He made a not so subtle inquiry as to that. "Still, that's a long time, I could get pretty bored doing nothing..."

[zeone3000]

Mutulu heaves a heavy sigh, She was just waiting for Kiyose to do something just like that and now I have to pay the price. Another reason I didn't stick around. Even if I don't play her little game, she'll get all pissy. Damned if I don't, possible damned if I do.

"First of all, don't lump all of us mortals together. One idiot's actions do not speak for all us," he starts. "Two, one person is not the type of manpower I was talking about. Three, she's staying here if we fail whether she likes it or not." He turns towards the door, "Fourth, I'm not dumb enough to think I have choice in the matter to entertain you or not. So, I'm not doing this because you're making me but to show you that this was never my fate to begin with." With that, he leaves at a casual pace.

[Nousos]

Well, dammit this is annoying. Zushin concentrated for a moment, trying to sense the user of the genjutsu.

Sense chakra Wisdom check [roll0]

[Toad477]

Sato was amazed by the leader ninja's abilties, able to perform so many techniques at once, but this amazement did not last long as the tree consumed him, leaving him sticking partially out, facing down a snake which then charged Viper. After the viper charged his partner, the ninja was nowhere to be seen....Sato's eyes widened as he came to a realization. This had all the makings of a genjutsu.

"crap...genjutsu.....ugh...too late now though."

Sato attempted to teleport out of the tree, not expecting to accomplish much and hoping the Viper had a way to get him out of it...though with a viper bearing down on him, things were not looking good.

Supressing to speed rank 0. Teleporting to square Y-11 as a supernatural ability with Blinkstep. It will work assuming the tree is not an illusion.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu

As the ninja mouths off, posturing to make himself look better than other mortals, the little girl just smiles. He arrogantly dismisses Sakuya's worth, arrogantly decides his companion's fate, then arrogantly proclaims that he's seen through her "game". When he's done, she responds with just one phrase that applies just as firmly to him as it did to his companion. "The arrogance of mortals will always be amazing."

Team Kazuhiko

Jacior onlyThe girl shrugs again. "I don't care one way or another what you do, but I've got to report back. The Black Princess will return soon enough, so you shouldn't have too long to wait."

Team Zushin

Nousos onlyZushin detects that a powerful genjutsu has been used in the area lately. He also senses Kazuhiko's chakra signature and his own, but no others.

Team Sato

Sato moves via teleportation, but as soon as he does a second tree emerges from the ground and pins the ninja.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko grumbled and picked a spot on the ground to sit, which he did with no grace or ceremony. "I suppose we wait then." He set his hands to idly pulling up grass as he sat there, occasionally throwing it at Zushin.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu scoffs, "This coming from someone like you, I think I should take that as a compliment. Maybe I should you just how arrogant we mortals are and just come over there take you down myself. Honestly, you're working my last good nerve anyway."

[Nousos]

Zushin sheathed his sword and walked over and sat on the stump. "So what's going on from your end? Since we're obviously talking to people only we see."

[Jacior]

Kasuhiko didn't look up from his diligent task of weaving blades of grass into tiny swords. "The girl says we have to wait for the Black Princess to be done with her performance before it's safe to leave. She says we can try walking away, but there aren't any guaruntees that we'll be able to make it out." He held up one of the little grass swords he had made. "Want one? They're pretty simple, I could show you how to make one." Once he realized where Zushin was sitting, he cocked an eyebrow. "Erm, that's where the Black Princess is sitting, you know."

[Nousos]

"Looks like a stump to me." Zushin said as he patted the wood seat. "And it looks like there's no princess either. I have no idea when this illusion you're in will wear off, so whenever you want to leave lets try it."

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu

The girl laughs. She laughs the long, innocent, bubbling laugh of a child told an especially amusing joke. She laughs for a good while, then waves Mutulu off. "Hmmhmm. Haha~ This is why I like humans. They're always so interesting. Do you think yourself a miko or a sage?"

Team Zushin

Zushin attempts to sit on the stump, but as soon as he gets close to it the ninja behind him attacks. He closes the distance and slashes Zushin's back in the blink of an eye. He fades into nothingness shortly thereafter.

Zushin takes [roll0] nonlethal damage.

Team Kazuhiko

Kazuhiko hears the black-clothed girl play a very loud dissonant chord before she stops playing entirely. Her eyes open, and she looks toward Zushin with smoldering blue orbs.

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

Both ninja now see the angry-looking black-clothed girl and her scroll-bearing companion. The scroll-bearing girl sighs and speaks. "Ayeyeye. The Black Princess hates being touched. It makes her all upset, and now I'll have to deal with that." She sighs deeply. "Thanks a lot." The sarcasm in her voice is obvious. The girl in the black clothes just stares daggers at Zushin, and seems ready to attack if he comes any closer.

[Jacior]

"Hah! I was right! You were the one in the illiusion!" Kazuhiko stands up and walks over to Zushin. He slaps Zushin upside the head with force. "I apologize for my companions idiotic behavior." He says to the woman carrying the scroll. He bowed deeply before the violinist on the bush. "Please ask the Princess how I might be able to make up for my companions foolish and rather barbaric behavior. I will try and do anything she asks." Kazuhiko knew that Zushin had officially screwed up this time.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The scroll-bearing girl just looks confused when Kazuhiko speaks. "She can read your lips, you know." She sighs, as if lamenting her situation. "And I can't talk to her anyway, I don't know sign language. Obana does, but she's probably drunk so I won't bother asking her to translate. Don't worry about it though, the Black Princess will just take it out on me later."

[zeone3000]

Mutulu scratches his head, obviously missing the joke, "Uh, what does that have to do with anything?"

[Nousos]

"I apologize for nothing. Being caught in the illusion, I had no reason to believe the things I saw were different than reality. At least now that incessant noise is gone." Zushin truly hated the ego those in Otogakure had. "Now if you don't have any other absurd urges to play blindly for an audience that doesn't care, we'll be on with our diplomatic mission."

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko made a slapping motion towards Zushin's head again. "I apologize for him. He is a bit addled you see. Though, even if he wasn't I suspect he would have had a hard time time anyway. Such a powerful illusion could befuddle even the minds of the Kage's, if you had such the whim to, my dear, Black Princess." He bowed once again before making sure she could see his mouth again. "The only reason I saw through it was that there was such beauty to behold underneath."

"I would like to somehow make up my careless companion's misdeed against you. Sitting on one so lovely as yourself, it is a crime against beauty itself." He smiled, genuinely again and this time it stuck. "Is there anything I can do that you would even consider a minor repayment towards such a grave misdeed?"

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose stops for a little while and looks around, "Now if I was a posh mortal devouring monster, where would I be... besides behind me," she asks herself, looking over her shoulder instinctively. Louder, she adds, "And since you're not going to stop me, could you at least point me in the right direction?"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The black-clothed woman angrily signs something toward Kazuhiko. Her hands move like little knives, slicing through the air with well-practiced speed, as she communicates whatever her desires are to Kazuhiko. Neither Zushin nor Kazuhiko has any idea what she's saying, and looking to her scroll-bearing teammate just nets you an uneasy shrug. Whatever she wants cannot be communicated to you, so fulfilling her request seems to be impossible.

Team Mutulu

A playful child-like giggle is all Mutulu gets from the little lady of the mansion. "It's always amusing to see how secure mortals are in their arrogant assumptions of dominance. But don't you have a game to play?"

Team Kiyose

You seem to have stopped in the middle of a small dining hall. There are three exits to the room. One rests against the far west wall, one rests against the far east wall, and the last--the one you entered from--is against the far north wall. Whomever is following you doesn't respond to your question, but you get the distinct feeling they aren't going to hinder you either.

[Nousos]

Zushin moved away from Kazuhiko's hand and glared at him. "Ever lay a hand on me or attempt to belittle me in any way again and you won't see that hand again." Then turning to the scroll-bearing woman, his tone changed to one of sarcastic annoyance. "Good luck with the burden of whipping boy." He then turned and walked off to continue to Otogakure.

[Cespenar]

Viper was at a quandary. As he sidesteps the snake's snapping jaws, he considered the situation. He clearly saw the leader enact at least two techniques, but only one result was there to be seen. What was the other technique? A quick look to Sato made it clear that something was wrong with him, but Viper didn't have the eye to clearly identify a Genjutsu when he saw one - he could only suspect. There was also the case of the fleeting Hyuuga boy, which could prove critical if he can alert other ninja about them.

Cursing under his breath, Viper decides to take a risk, as there was nothing else to do with so many unknowns.

Rolling around the snake with a "Hmph!" as if swatting a fly away, Viper reaches Sato in an instant, glancing over his large companion, where he (surprisingly) slaps his face with an open hand with as much strength as he can muster.

"Shake it off!" he says, not even a hundred percent sure if he's affected by something at all, but there was nothing else to do in this situation, or so he tells himself.

"Go after the Hyuuga!" he tells Sato. "I'll try to take care of her."

With that, he disappears one more time.

Okay. Time for silliness.

Tumbling past the viper (auto-success with a +20?), he moves to CC12 with his move action.

With his attack action, he slaps Sato. Is this an auto-hit? Should probably deal [roll0] damage, if it deals any anyway.

With his swift action, he Hiryuusen's away to DD8, up in the leaves (20-30 feet up?) to cut line of sight. Also, this movement is invisible, so, consequences, etc.

[roll1]
Edit: Stupid roll. The Perform DC was 29. I'm going to use 1 action point to make it a success.

HP: 72/126
AC: 41, Touch AC: 41
Chakra: 56/73
Action points used: 2

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

Shortly after Viper moves, the leader goes through another flurry of hand motions. She finishes, then touches the ground at her feet. A tumultuous tidal wave made of roots, leaves, and all the other bits a pieces of trees spreads outward. It soon forms an impenetrable barrier around the ninja woman.

The snake moves past Sato and after Viper.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c26/ZeroNumerous/ViperSatoBattle-4.png

Same index as before.

Enemy Actions:

Anko uses an unknown number of unknown techniques, generating a wall of trees around her.

The viper follows Viper's scent trail, moving around Sato. Sato is unable to make an AoO due to being immobile.

[Jacior]

"I'm sorry, I don't understand." Kazuhiko said apologetically. "Allow us... well, me, to walk you back to the Village. We might find someone who can translate." He gestured down the road towards Zushin's back. "He is on his way to being to being punched in the face. But I think I will let you do that if you deem it necessary." And here Kazuhiko thought he was the one without any tact.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The black-clothed girl just crosses her arms over her chest and turns her nose up at both of the ninja. Her angry visage disappears in an explosion of smoke similar to a summoning technique. The stump is soon empty, and the girl who occupied it had vanished. The scroll-bearing girl's look went from annoyed to agitated.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to deal with that later. For now, I don't mind walking with you guys, but I can't stop tonight."

The girl leads the pair of you along a hidden path toward the Land of Sound, but after a few hours--sometime around 20:00--you start to consider stopping for the night. The girl offers a pair of soldier pills so you can keep marching without sleep.

"I have to get to Otogakure before morning, so I won't be staying. You're free to join me."

[Toad477]

Sato cursed as he was captured by another tree. If he wasn't sure before, he was now, this was definitely genjutsu, the trouble was that he was terrible at genjutsu. He frowned as he leaned half out of the tree then smiled as an idea came to him.

"Heh, worth a shot...."

Sato grunted as he bit his bottom lip with all his might, attempting to shock his system out of the illusion...it had worked once before.

not sure what kind of attack this is, clearly an auto-hit. Just doing enough to deal some amount of damage, shouldn't be hard.

[Toad477]

Sato cursed as he was captured by another tree. If he wasn't sure before, he was now, this was definitely genjutsu, the trouble was that he was terrible at genjutsu. He frowned as he leaned half out of the tree then smiled as an idea came to him.

"heh, it's worth a shot..."

Sato grunted as he bit his bottom lip with all his might, attempting to shock his system out of the illusion...it had worked once before.

not sure what kind of attack this is, clearly an auto-hit. Just doing enough to deal some amount of damage, shouldn't be hard.

[Nousos]

"I have my own." Zushin replied to the offer for a pill. Taking one, he proceeded to walk on. "So how are the old snake's experiments going these days? I heard he's made many breakthroughs in that curse mark he was working on when I left."

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The girl sighs. "Don't remind me about that thing. It still burns whenever he's close by." She rubs her chest, just above her heart, as if simply talking about it had caused the curse mark to start acting up.

"It's mandatory now, and a lot of people were really upset when he implemented that." The girl looks surprisingly angry, the first time she's showed any emotion aside from a melancholic gaze of defeatism. "Apparently some run-away caused him to change his policy. When I find that guy I'll make him wish he'd never been born."

[Toad477]

Sato struggled as his mouth refused to move. Even after an attack from his partner nothing short sheer will power would be able to release the technique he was under.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko glanced over at Zushin and shrugged. "What's this about a run-away? Someone couldn't hack being a village ninja and quit. Big surprise there. Village ninja never really seemed like much to me. But then, it's hard to see the benefits or purpose to me." He kept walking alongside the pair, hating abandoned his tiny grass swords back near the stump.

[Cespenar]

In Viper's eyes, things went from bad to worse. Whatever jutsu that bound Sato didn't give away after an attack, and that meant he'd be absolutely helpless if he'd go after the Hyuuga. Not to mention, even if he somehow did take the kid down by himself, he wasn't sure he could handle Anko afterwards, or even be able to find her.

If he would stay here and protect Sato, overall they'd be stronger if they could somehow get through this, but then the town would be alerted and there would be a massive manhunt after them. Even with his skill at stealth and infiltration, he wasn't sure he could bypass a whole ANBU team and still be able to carry out their mission.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, Viper settles on the second plan and jumps on the oncoming snake with a leap, his short katana tearing into the animal's hard scales.

I think Scent can only "pinpoint" a creature at 5' range, so Viper is still invisible to the snake, even if it could move towards his general location.

Again, using True Blinkstrike to convert the dodge bonus into attack&damage bonuses, and get full attack + move. He tumbles and auto-succeeds if there would be any case of an AoO.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]

[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]

[roll15]
[roll16]
[roll17]

HP: 72/126
AC: 36, Touch AC: 36
Chakra: 53/73
Action points used: 2 1

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The girl looks a bit confused at Kazuhiko. "Surely you know all about the most famous ninja, right? The Copy Ninja, the Silent Killer, the Explosion Master of the Stone, the entire Uchiha clan, the Hyuuga clan, the three Sannin..." She carries on, listing several famous ninja or ninja clans belonging to a variety of villages. "Not even the greatest of lone ninja can compare to the power available to a ninja village. Even the First Sage needed his companions you know."

The girl's conviction is firm on this point, and she doesn't budge from it. Just a few hours before morning you arrive at the great gates of Otogakure. The village hasn't changed much from when Zushin left. It's a large cluster of short and stubby buildings built in the style of Konohagakure. The village--larger than most ninja villages, but definitely smaller than the cities of normal people--is housed in a natural valley. A ring of tall mountains protects it from approach from all sides, except for a thin winding ravine protected by the gates you're standing in front of. The grand gates are naturally closed at this time of night, but a sound-ninja stands in front of a tiny open door beside the gate. He waves when you get closer.

The girl guides you right to him, bows to the gate guard, then introduces you. "They said they have something to propose to Orochimaru-sama." The guard nods, then responds. "Well, whatever business you have with Orochimaru-sama will have to wait. He's sleeping in preparation for his rebirth in the morning."

Zushin and Kazuhiko get 600 XP for bypassing the Black Princess encounter.

Team Viper + Sato

Viper's blade slices right through the snake, but it produces no blood. No injury is visible from Viper's well placed swings, and the snake continues on with its attacks as if it had been untouched. However, this time the viper's attack goes right through the ninja, and Viper realizes he's been had. There was never a snake at all.

You don't see or hear anything inside the cube of trees. After eighteen seconds Sato's body is able to move again.

Viper and Sato both get 1000 XP for surviving the Anko ninja team encounter.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko harumphed. "If it's not one thing it's another. When is he planning on getting up? This isn't really something that can wait." He leaned against a wall, scratching grooves into it.

[Nousos]

Zushin was annoyed that he'd have to wait, but quite happy that Orochimaru still had that weakness. "Just show us where we can wait till morning, please." He would have to feign politeness until they met him, not wanting to risk being recognized.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu shakes his head, "Games are for children and I don't feel much like playing." He rushes across the room and tries to sock the smug mistress right in the face.

[roll0]

[Cespenar]

Viper gazes skeptically at Sato, unsure if he's in total recovery.

"Can you move now?" he asks in a straight voice, still keeping an eye on the weird tree wall that has erupted near them.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose shrugs, "Oh well, guess I'm in this alone." She sprints towards the Western door.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu

Mutulu unleashes a surprise attack. The little girl makes no attempt to dodge, letting the imposing ninja strike her square on the jaw. Mutulu puts forth quite a lot of power into his punch, and a normal girl would have been knocked unconscious instantly. Certainly he cuts the young lady's cheek, bruises her face a little, and felt something in her mouth give way, but the extent of the damage is substantially less than it should have been. What would have been lethal to a normal human was no more than a slap on the face to this girl. In fact, in front of Mutulu's very eyes her injuries vanishes as her torn skin knits itself back together, her bruises transform into unblemished porcelain skin, and--unseen to Mutulu--her tooth grows back.

She spits the tooth she "lost" into her palm, then casually discards it.

"Did that demonstration help you to fully understand the difference in power between you and I?" She calmly rises from her seat, brushes off her puffy sundress, then looks Mutulu in the eye. Despite her tiny stature forcing the young mistress to physically look up to Mutulu, the stone-ninja gets a distinct feeling of being looked down upon. The young mistress wears the look on her face of looking at something unappealing. "Just as an ant is a short-lived annoyance to you, you are an ephemeral annoyance to myself."

The thin bones in her hands pop as she makes two fists. She likely hasn't needed to exercise them this much in quite sometime. A fluttering sound echoes through the small room as a pair of thin purple wings--like those of a bat and far too small to support her weight in flight--spread out from behind her. "If you're still harboring illusions that placing myself above mortals such as yourself was some sort of idle boast, then I would be remiss to not thoroughly educate you about your place in relation to one such as myself."

Team Kiyose

Your short sprint covers the distance between yourself and the door in record time, and your pursuer follows without skipping a beat. When you open the door you discover it leads into a massive library. The ceiling is at least fifty meters tall, each of the thousands upon thousands of bookshelves lining the walls requires a stepladder to reach, and all of the walls are completely lined with books. The library stretches so far into the distance that you actually see a horizon, and it certainly doesn't seem to end there. To your immediate left sits a librarian's desk, and behind it sits a young girl with brilliant scarlet hair. A pair of large black bat wings sprout out of her back, but they seems quite natural on her thin frame. She wears the uniform of a librarian, and bows when you enter the library.

"Good evening honored guest. I'm sorry, but the library is only open to the Mistress, friends of the mistress, and guests staying in the Mansion. I won't be able to lend you any books, but I humbly offer my help with anything else you may need." She certainly seems to think you're alone, given she addressed you and only you. Nevertheless, you're certain you hear those familiar dress shoes follow you into the library.

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The gate ninja takes the pair of you inside and locking the door behind you. Your scroll-carrying companion leaves at this point, stating she'd much rather not see Orochimaru ever again. You're escorted to a small building with a small table, a pair of chairs, and a few light novels to read. Your escort stays until another ninja arrives, asks him for the keys, and presumably takes his place at the gate. Obviously you're being watched, and you can guess that you won't be allowed to wander the city. You could wait out the rest of the evening, or try to find Orochimaru yourself.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose scratches the back of her head, "Ah, sorry, got a bit turned around. Say, you wouldn't happen to know where I can find your Mistress's guest Matahara-san would you?" She has... wings?

[Toad477]

Sato shook his head as the illusion faded and his partner looked at him oddly. He smiled at Viper's question and began to answer before he realized the two ninja were gone. Sato's head fell as he realized that they had failed.

"Yes I'm fi.....wait...where are they?.....tell me you killed them."

Sato looked around one last time, already knowing the answer to his question, then sighed.

"Well they know nothing other than what we look like, so the organization is safe. However, this also means we're never getting into Konoha undetected or safely. I think the best thing to do is return to Heart, he said to kill anyone who knows of our mission, they know nothing. Agreed?"

Sato replaced his mask and raised his hood as he awaited his partner's response.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu's lips curl into an arrogant smirk as he slips on his gauntlets, "Then you won't..." He haunches down, knuckles whitening, the rest of his muscles tensing and veins buldge as he begins to release his limiters, "Mind if I try once more! Gate of Wonder..."

[Cespenar]

Viper follows suit with his own mask and cowl, and merely shrugs at Sato's question of their attackers' situation, as to say "What do you think?"

The idea of returning to Heart, however, brings a frown to his face, invisible though that is. Never accepting defeat easily, his mind goes over the details to find a lead, anything at all.

"Anko," he says after a moment. "The summoned snake said that she is (or was) Orochimaru's apprentice."

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

Sato's body moves through the tree "binding" him. The illusion clearly has not faded, yet Sato is able to move freely. Given that he's not a moron, he can infer that the illusion was not what was binding him at all. If he moves, the tree reappears around his body, but does nothing. The "snake" attacks Sato a few times until he realizes it's an illusion as well.

Team Mutulu

"Very well, I can see you wish to continue this futile and meaningless struggle before you inevitably give up." She grins. "Mortals are always the same. You sit down to enjoy a meal, and your bread rises up to fight you. It may be the most powerful bread in the entire realm of bread, no bread stands above it, but..." She bears her fangs. "It's still just food. I commend this piece of food for having the audacity to stand up before me, but it should really stop before I get hungry again."

Remilia uses Epic Dazzle and comboes it with a Surrender! demand. Mutulu needs to make two will saves(a DC 44 and a DC 34). If he fails on the first, he takes a -9 penalty to attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and saves. If he fails the first, he takes a further -6 morale penalty to attack rolls, damage rolls, and skill checks.

Team Kiyose

The girl nodded. "Yes, honored guest. The honored guest Matahara-sama had requested access to any information concerning the human method of false magic known as ninjutsu. He further requested any information concerning ancient history, but Patchouli-sama did not allow him access to those books."

[Toad477]

Sato raised an eyebrow.

"So if she is or was, how will that help us get to Danzo? Honestly all we would need to do is get him a messege, not be there ourselves, though I currently do not have the means to send such a message."

[Cespenar]

"I meant that this encounter could be something Orochimaru set up, through Anko."

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose looks momentarily confused, "Eh? False magic..?" then shakes her head and resumes her normal expression, "Putting that aside, do you know where Matahara-san is now?"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Kiyose

The librarian shakes her head. "The honored guest Matahara-sama demanded to speak with Scarlet-sama. I gave him directions, but he met the young mistress while leaving the library." The demon librarian looks quiet upset as she recounts what happens next. "I'm afraid the honored guest Matahara-sama has been forced to... play... with the young mistress. It is very unlikely that he is still alive."

[zeone3000]

Mutulu glares at her for a moment, realizing that's she on a whole different level that he can't hope to match. He stops himself from opening the gates, uncurling his fist and straightens his stance, "Fine but know this though. You can still choke on bread and die." He runs out of the room at full speed after Kiyose.

[Toad477]

Sato nodded....it was indeed a possibility that Orochimaru had set this up, and if that were the case, then their approach to Konoha would go unhindered.

"It IS true that they were acting very strange for Konoha ninja. Yes, this is something we should investigate."

Sato turned towards Konoha and chuckled.

"Worst case scenario: they ARE waiting for us and we just run as fast as we can and try not to die."

Sato would wait for his partner then begin walking with him as he was before.

"You use Shunjutsu as I do, I don't often meet people with the affinity for teleportation techniques. It's good to know Heart gave me a capable partner."

[Cespenar]

Viper snorts a laugh, scoffing at Sato's remark.

"You pulled your weight better than me out there, that was for sure."

He touches the several rips and shreds in his apparel that marked the attacks of the supposed Chuunin as to underline his point. He turns in his place uneasily, and gazes at the direction of Konoha.

"To the matter at hand, though. I disagree. Our speed doesn't render us impervious, as demonstrated by that woman's jutsu just now. They could catch us. And their ANBU would have ways to make us talk."

He leaves that out there for a moment.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose thinks for a moment, "Alright then, so where can I find the young mistress, in the unlikely even that he is not dead? I really do need to speak with him."

[Toad477]

Sato nodded in agreement. With people like the white-eyed boy in that village, they would be seen way before they got near the village. He looked up at the sky as he spoke, clearly thinking as the words escaped his mouth.

"Well then....what's the plan? Report to Heart and see if he might know anything? Besides, the Viper may have said Orochimaru's name, but it was a genjutsu wasn't it?"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Kiyose

The young demon shudders a little when Kiyose asks where to find the "young mistress". "I would think it prudent, honored guest, to avoid the young mistress at all costs. She wanders the mansion, but Sakuya-sama usually keeps her confined within the pathways. Sometimes she breaks free, as what happened to our less fortunated honored guest."

Team Mutulu

The young girl simply smiles at Mutulu's back, then calmly retracts her wings, sits back in her chair, and says to herself. "Only if you need to breathe."

The stone-ninja runs through the corridors at full speed, but finds the same thing Kiyose had found. Many of the doors and hallways loop back in on themselves, or lead to completely random parts of the mansion. The entire building seems substantially larger on the inside than it looks on the outside. Any semblance of a mental map, or actively trying to get anywhere, seems to be extremely counterproductive within this space.

[zeone3000]

He comes to a screeching halt and scratches his head, "This place just keeps getting weirder." He shrugs, not evening knowing where he is going or where he is for that matter, he just keeps up a steady pace until something catches his interest.

[Cespenar]

"True, it was a genjutsu."

Viper mulls over this for a second, but then shrugs.

"Hmm. Maybe, since we're in the Land of Fire, we could look up this crazy iaijutsu master instead. Kirite Rasen? Would hate to return back empty handed."

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu

The warping winding walkways fall away after a few moments. Since Mutulu stopped actively looking for Kiyose he's found himself in a more mundane style of logical progression from area to area. Eventually, after wandering down a hallway and through a few side rooms, he finds his way to the very large library. He finds Kiyose talking to a young female librarian with bat-like wings.

Team Kiyose

Mutulu enters the library behind you. You still haven't seen your pursuer.

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

You decide to wait for your chance to meet Orochimaru, and the guard watches you while you do.

Another sound-ninja arrives, motions for the guard to come closer, and the two have a whispered conversation. Kazuhiko has no idea what they're talking about, but Zushin hears everything clearly. Whatever they discuss, both ninja approach the two of you after a minute of deliberation. Your original guard speaks calmly, but quickly.

"Orochimaru-sama will see you now. You'll be blindfolded for the trip so that you cannot reveal the path to Orochimaru-sama's hideout. If you attempt to remove your blindfolds, then we'll consider you an enemy and act appropriately."

He hands you a pair of black blindfolds, clearly expecting you to blindfold yourselves.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu sighs at Kiyose with a dead pan face, "What I miss?"

[Nousos]

Zushin put the blindfold on.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko dons his blindfold with apathy and boredom. "This is irritating. And slightly itchy. Have anything with a better thread-count?" He asked sarcastically, not expecting more than the rolling of eyes from the guards he now could not see.

[Toad477]

So thought for a moment as he looked over the info Heart had given them. He frowmed as he tried to think of anything he had heard about this iajutsu master.

"Kirite Rasen......"

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

You're guided along with a firm hand. The pair of you are escorted through a long and winding path--of which only about 30% is aboveground, based on the way you moved--before finally coming to a stop in a strange room. You step out of a hally into a wide room with no roof. You can immediately discern that the room you're in has been used as a gladitorial arena in the past, judging from the bloodstains on the walls and floor, and that it'll be used that way very soon. Rows of criminals line the walls, each one sitting on his legs with his hands bound by some kind of seal, but they aren't the main attraction in the room.

"Ahaha. They said our little thief returned, but I could not fathom that he would bring allies." The voice comes from above, and looking up you can see a cloth-bound man about a hundred feet above you. He's wearing a black robe, and Zushin recognizes the voice--but not the man--as Orochimaru. He's flanked by an effeminate young boy (http://img.poptower.com/pic-14196/kabuto-yakushi-naruto.jpg?d=600) and a stoic-looking young man (http://images.wikia.com/naruto/images/4/40/Kimimaro_Kaguya.jpg). Neither seem terribly pleased to be here, or possibly they're upset that you've interrupted whatever ritual Orochimaru was performing.

Orochimaru speaks in his hissing effeminate voice once more. "Tell me little thief: Why am I graciously withholding my wrath? What do you have to give that would convince me to let you leave here alive?"

[Nousos]

"Still mad after all these years?" Zushin smiled as he spoke, then switched to a more regal tone. "We are part of the Dragon Kings, an organization with the goal of destroying Konohagakure, and a goal which you no doubt share. What we propose is an alliance. If we pool our might we can crush those fools easily. As we speak others are joining our cause. Send your whole army after me when this is done if you want, but a chance like this doesn't come along often. Plus you'll get a chance to show the world this power you've been building up over the years, and why they should fear you."

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko was a little stunned at Zushin's outburst. Hadn't Heart warned specifically against letting people who didn't need to know, know? If nothing else, Kazuhiko wouldn't go against the word of Heart. That... person was the closest thing to scaring him as things had come in a long time. Gave him the willies, Heart did.

He sighed and shook his head. "Well, that's out of the bag now. You don't think that waiting for the Twig and White-hair to leave first would have been a smart thing? He... she... it, did say that it was for Orochimaru's ears only you know." He shrugged. "I mean, I personally don't care, but if Orochimaru doesn't go for this, we have our orders." He didn't speak quietly, it would have been a wasted effort. He stuck a hand in his belt pouch, fingering the gas mask inside of it.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

The snake smiles, but it's nearly impossible to detect under his bandages. "Ahahaha!" The snake's piercing laugh echoes through the chamber. "Hahahaha!" It grows and grows in intensity, until it's cut short by a violent coughing fit. The effeminate boy injects some kind of drug into Orochimaru's back, but the coughing doesn't stop until two minutes later.

The snake speaks through gasps of breath. "Do you... think I am... a fool? You get a little bit... of power. A few... allies. And you raise... that... old curse... from the grave?" Orochimaru rests for a few moments before continuing. "The Dragon Kings rose ten years ago, gathered great strength, and were annihilated. The village ninja hunted down everyone associated with the group, and they made sure there were no survivors."

Orochimaru stares down at the both of you. "What do you think is different this time? Why would you succeed where your betters failed? Most importantly... What do I get for risking my life for you?"

[Toad477]

Sato shruged at Viper and smiled.

"Well, i suppose we can look for infomation in the port city we arrived at. It would probably be the best place to find leads on him. Unless you have an idea?

[Cespenar]

Viper shrugs and shakes his head.

"I usually find my marks the same way, in cases where the information is not supplied."

[Toad477]

Sato nodded and began walking away from Konoha, towards the port town. He hoped this swordsman wasn't too difficult to find and part of him hoped he would be able to see what he was made of personally. Sato held his gaze forward as he spoke to Viper.

"By the way, don't sell yourself short, you would have had a much easier time back there if i hadn't left you exposed. Teamwork is something that i'm unaccustomed to, but know that i'll try to keep you covered better so we can both play to our strengths."

[Cespenar]

Viper looks at Sato sideways, keeping silent for a while. The Dragon Kings were supposed to be the ruthless, the dishonorable, sometimes the deranged, but this one seemed genuinely 'okay'. Either a very good actor, or simply someone forced to this side of the conflict, thinks Viper. I wonder what that makes me?

He was never one to drop caution altogether, though.

"Let's try that the next time, then," he says, nodding.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose just shrugs, "Just that this place is pretty wierd. The little sister is still apparently scary and Matahara-san's likely in one of the corridors or something. What'd I miss?"

[zeone3000]

Mutulu shrugs in return, "Nothing much, just punched the mistress in the face for being a condescending b****. On that note, do you know any mikos or sages?"

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose grins, "Ha! I hope you socked it good. Sage? Not really? Why? Anyway we should start looking for Matahara-san, come on." She says, heading back out into the corridors.

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Viper + Sato

You arrive back at Anmori. Nothing has changed since you left.

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

Kiyose, and presumably Mutulu, step out of the Library and into the twisting labyrinthine mess of interconnected hallways. Both of you hear whomever was following Kiyose start following the pair of you once more. You're both currently standing in a long hallway with a pair of double doors at each end, and you both realize that this hallway is not the same hallway you left when you entered the library.

[Toad477]

Sato looked around for a tavern or a bar, good places for picking up rumors from his bounty hunting days. He spotted a busy looking bar and gestured towards it.

"I'll take a look around in there, we should split up and meet back here to double the area we can cover."

Sato walked into the bar and looked around for a good place to begin asking.

Streetwise check [roll0]. If that isn't applicable or fails, gather information check, [roll1]

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko grimaced at the cough, the Snake was not well, it seemed. He gestured with a hand at nothing in particular. "It seems as though you are just planning on being uncooperative and irritating through out these procedings." He said patronizingly. "We were just told to recruit you by Heart. He said you would be a capable ally with great strength to bring to bare." He eyed Orochimaru with disinterest. "It seems that even Heart is mistaken sometimes. But, orders are orders."

He gestured again, his gestures in no way making any sort of sense. "We have no idea what would convince you. Frankly, I don't really care for diplomacy, I like to fight." He nodded sagely at this, for reasons apparent only to himself. "I can offer a demonstration of my skill if that is what it'll take. As to what you get of it in the end? Likely what remains of Konohagakure. But Heart is fairly generous in his rewards, as I've known them, so it might be something even better."

[Cespenar]

While Sato leaves to stake out the taverns, Viper wanders around the town and tries to spot a beggar, an orphan, or any other poor individual who might be spending his or her time on the streets; whereupon he will approach and buy any information they might have on a traveling iaijutsu master, or failing that, on any violent occasions happening in town lately.

A DC 10 wealth check equals to a DC 15 Gather Info check, which would reveal "specific" yet tame information such as this.

[Toad477]

Sato recalled info he had gathered before from a reliable source about Rasen. He was based somewhere near here and if they found him, he may even be able to help them get into Konohagakure. He walked around the bar, talking with people and buying them drinks as he tried to gather any information about Rasen's whereabouts.

DC 15 Gather Information check for a Wealth check DC 10.

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose looks around the new corridor, then over to Mutulu, "So any ideas? Or should we just leave it up to random chance?"
Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Wisdom/Survival: [roll2]

[Cespenar]

Having found at least some information, Viper visits the bars and taverns to regroup with Sato, after waiting for him to conclude his business, of course.

"I heard tell of him last being seen in the direction of what happens to be Konohagakure," he says, joining him at the bar.

"What have you heard?"

[zeone3000]

Mutulu sighs, "As if we have a choice in this convoluted place." He walks forward, trusting his instincts.

[Toad477]

Sato shrugged as the patrons consuned the drinks he had provided. He looked at his partner as he turned to leave and spoke softly, making sure Viper was the only one that could hear him over the noise in the room.

"About the the same, however, i do know he is based somewhere near here. He's working with an assasin group and is on a mission in konoha currently. That may be the solution to our other problem too if things go well."

[ZeroNumerous]

Team Mutulu + Kiyose

The pair of you wander into the twisting and turning pathways. Mutulu guides your pair along a "path" his instincts have chosen. The two of you slowly make your way around the massive mansion, followed all the way by your still unseen pursuer, until you arrive in front of a well-worn iron door. The slab of iron is intricately carved with symbols you don't understand, looks to be older than any building you've seen before, and stands ever so slightly ajar. A strong smell of spilled blood emanates from the inside. A familiar voice belonging to a familiar maid stops you from entering for now.

"The young lady is inside, and I would advise against interrupting her playtime or you might end up as playmates."

Team Zushin + Kazuhiko

His stern bodyguard glares at Kazukiho before speaking up. "You would dare to speak to Orochimaru-sama in that manner? I'lll--" Orochimaru raises a limp hand, then motions the man closer. He whispers something you can't quite hear, but it seems to calm the stern-looking man.

"You and I feel the same about diplomacy. It's a tiresome and irritating process where neither party walks away happy. But we feel differently about fighting. I know my strength, and I now know yours. I need not fight you to understand who would be the victor."

"If your group can bring me the Uchiha survivor, Sasuke Uchiha, then I will accept your proposal." Orochimaru weakly motions for your group to leave. "Unless you can accomplish this much, then I have no need for ninja such as yourselves."

[Cespenar]

"I see. So, any plans to pinpoint his location?"

[Toad477]

Sato shrugged as they left the bar, he really had no idea where an assassin would keep a hidden base, but they might have a shot at finding him back towards Konoha.

"Well, we could scout the area, i really don't think we'll find his location by asking around here. If he's actually on his mission, he will probably be at leasr heading towards Konoha. What do you think? "

[Cespenar]

"Well, I just hope your sources were accurate," he says, grinning joylessly. "Let's go then."

[Toad477]

Sato chuckled as he began walking with his partner out of the little port town. Hoping his sources were indeed right.


"As do i, we may not get a third chance if things turn sour at Konoha"

[Bowerbird]

Kiyose gives the empty corridor a dismissive wave, "So Mutulu, one of us grab Matahara, the other distracts the little sister. Winner fights the monster. Ready? Jan Ken..." She starts playing Rock, Paper, Scissors:

Ok, rolling 1d3. 1 = Rock, 2 = Paper, 3 = Scissors.
[roll0] Good ol' rock, nothin' beats rock.

[zeone3000]

Mutulu gives her a dead pan face, "You're assuming there's something left to grab. You ran ahead, so you get to go in and fight the thing's sister. Have fun, because it may very well be the last thing you do."

[Bowerbird]

"Spoilsport. Fine, but at least make sure he isn't dead while I distract her." Kiyose says, lowering her clenched fist, and unfastening her wrist and ankle weights and dropping them on the ground with the rather loud thud that 2000 pounds worth of weights tends to make when hitting the ground, drawing her katanas and briefly adopting a runners stance before flickering out of existence, slamming the door open as she sprints through at top speed.
Dropping my training weights to unseal my rank 10 speed and strength ranks, then moving into the room. I'll update my chakra pool shortly, needless to say I don't have long before falling over, so time to make this count.

[Jacior]

Kazuhiko sighed. This is exactly the kind of thing he hated, being a fetching boy. He'd taken a few jobs in the past, but this was the worst kind. "I suppose this Uchiha boy might have something to do with this rebirth thing the guard mentioned at the gate?" He shook his head. "And why is it you can't get him yourself? He somewhere hard to get to?"

He gave a wicked grin to the stern man at the Snake's side. "If you want to play, then come right on down." He shrugged. "I suppose that is acceptable, depending on where he is." The boy bounced between thoughts like a ball out of control.