Kiriagakure (Take 2)

[Dark_Prophet]

The lobby in front of the Mizukage's is fairly spartan, the only furnishings several benches along all of the walls, and the swords that glint in their hangings on the wall, ready for use. The place seems to have a quiet, tense atmosphere, more so then the rest of Kiriagakure.

Three figures sit on the benches - one wears a kimono, with a umbrella at their side, with dark hair, and a feminine build. The second is a tall, blonde boy with several scrolls along his belt, sporting a stylized variant of the usual blue genin vest. The last is a tall, looming figure with the light blue robes of a Jonin, and long, black hair done up in careful pigtails, her face a unreadable mask as she looks you over. "You're the ones selected to be on Team Genira, I hope?"

You certainly hope so too, what with how they contacted you a couple days ago, and directly informed you that you had in fact, qualified for the now open slots on Team Genira from your exam scores. It was left unsaid, however, why said slots had opened up, as you had previously been informed that you had done your clans proud, but failed to distinguish yourselves enough to make it on the team. But, they sent you over here, the ever-silent watchful guards outside and inside the Mizukage's palace let you get this far, so you're pretty sure this is where you're supposed to be.

(Que in detailed character descriptions/entrances for Daichi and Akimaru/reactions for Nishi and Tetsuo. Still have my workload to work through, so I might be a bit slow in responding until the week proper, but things will get moving! And music soon.)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

(Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDvhbIDA7BI))

The six foot tall teenage boy with the smirk wore nothing over his top except for a light ninja vest and a pair of ornamental vambraces that started at his elbows and ended at his knuckles, leaving his muscled upper arms and his washboard stomach below where the vest ended bare. His black pants were of the baggy type wrapped tightly with tape from the knees down to his sandals. A huge greatsword was slung over his back. However, what really drew the eye was his face. Outside the mocking smirk, his black hair was spiked up out of his face save for two bangs that fell over his forehead protector, which in turn included cheek guards. (Like this (http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/1_Tensou_aka_Yamato_by_v2_6.jpg).) His ears were gauged with 3/4 in. disks. Most unnerving about him, though, were his rust-red eyes that narrowed as they observed those seated before him.

"About damn time, too." the boy said, adjusting the weight of the great sword with a shrug of his shoulders, his mocking smirk widening. "Wonder what kind of pansies they tried to put on this team before they realized their mistake and called me up."

[Fanatic-Templar]

In comparison, the other boy seems far less imposing, with neither his stature nor the force of character, nor even his enthusiasm. Unless you are mistaken, he appears positively sullen, his eyes fixed on the floor and his angular face contorted in an attempt to hide his annoyance. Those eyes, they're particular as well, even more than the other man's. The iris appears to flow like quicksilver, its colour shifting in reflection of its surroundings, as though they picked up every trace of colour in the world. Right now, they were mostly dark grey, as that was the colour of the floor.

I was supposed to be out of this! What happened that they already need new members?

He wears a very baggy white short-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned for at least half of its length, and a slightly worn pair of pants. A katana hangs at his belt, in an impractical fashion that no real swordsman would ever dare use, and he carries an immense greatbow, the weapon being the only thing approaching his colleague's idea of proportions. From time to time, he unties the Mist headband from his forehead, frowns at it, wipes his forehead with his sleeve, then reattaches it. From the thin coat of sweat that makes his skin glisten, he is either very uncomfortable with the local heat, or very nervous.

"I'll wager it was the eyes that gave us away?"

Perhaps not the ideal way to start. He was in this team now, and he might as well accept it. Antagonising this woman -Is she Genira-sensei? Come to think of it, I haven't been told what she's supposed to look like.- would serve no benefit, and might cause needless conflict. Taking a deep breath, he tried again.

"I am Nakamura Akimaru, reporting for assignment in Team Genira, miss."

I realise I have no idea what a Katsugan eye is supposed to look like, so I just made this description up on the spot. Please advise if it needs correcting.

[Callos_DeTerran]

The figure in the pink kimono looks up towards these newest people, a solemn and perturbed expression gazing at the duo. It seemed...unnatural for the person's face like it wasn't their usual expression at all. Silky black hair hung straight down to the genin's shoulder, framing a pale face with big deep blue eyes that darted from one to the other with an almost dead expression in them. A pink kimono was wrapped properly about a slender build, flowery designs embroidered into the bottom hem and only marred by...it looked like a smear of blood along the bottom. A matching pink umbrella was held lightly in one hand, the blunt end slowly twisted about to rub into the ground as the jounin questioned the new arrivals and they answered. Those blue eyes didn't linger on either of the two and instead chose to return to staring off into the distance with a blank look.

Someone looking close would be able to see him...her...it chewing on their bottom lip like an upset or nervous child after a couple more moments of staring off into the distance. Nishi's mind was solely occupied with one simple matter and what was...what had they done wrong?

"Genira-sensei...are we done for the day?" Comes the soft melodic question from the delicate creature.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

The blond boy looked up at the new arrivals, casting a quick glance over them with his sky blue eyes. Strands of hair were brushed absentmindedly away while he seemed to be concentrating on them, as if he were trying to remember them. Opening his eyes, the boy lightly touches one of the scrolls on his person as he looks at the woman in the room with a small smile.

Smiling still, he tossed a wave at the newcomers. "The eyes are a bit of a tip off," he chuckled towards the quieter one, "but it's more apt that we've been waiting for you."

Looking at the taller arrival, Tetsuo grinned, "They had the same kind of people as you two were. Melee with a big sword, and a scout type. Obviously the bloodlines were different... You're Rustblood, and Akimaru, I believe is a Katsugan. Also he has a bow. A bit different, but you fit the slots."

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OyntRcnedk))

"No, Nishi, I'm afraid that our day is just starting." She doesn't turn towards the figure in the kimono, keeping her eyes and smile on the new arrivals in turn thinly, gesturing with her hands to the benches. "Akimaru - Daichi. Have a seat. I am Jounin Genira, as you may already know, and this is Tetsuo" Genira indicates the blonde haired boy with wry grin. "- Gawa's protege, and rather observant, in case you haven't noticed." The jounin nods quickly towards the vacantly staring girl(?) in the pink kimono. "And that is Nishi, our close combat specialist."

"As you my have heard, it was determined the previous two members of Team Genira dropped out voluntarily, for different reasons. I can tell from your expressions that you are not like them." Her eyes glint behind her smile. "You'd better not be - we have no room for error or petty vendettas this time. A merchant by the name of Dokan in Senkou, the village at the foot of the mountain, has been selling weapons and information to bandits that have been attacking caravans travelling up the mountain. We're going to pay him a visit and show him what Kirigakure thinks of his interference - by taking him into custody for questioning. Dokan has no doubt hired guards - so this should be a nice, rousing opening to our official reformation."

Rising to a standing position from the bench quickly but easily, she leaves the lobby behind at a brisk walk - and continues walking past it, her destination apparently lying outside the Mizukage's palace. There's no stopping to look back or wait for responses, just taking a turn here andwalking past silent sentinals there, until you're outside of the floating palace, over the bridge, and onto the lip of the shore. You pass under a immense stone arch, past which all of the past Mizukage statues stand vigilance; beyond them are dozens of guardian demon statues, turned towards the oncoming and outgoing path. This is the real center of the village, and a place of reverence, but also fear - its no surprise that most villagers are loathe to go near it. When she finally passes under the arch clearing, Genira stops by the Mizukage statues and glances back. "Tetsuo, our transports, if you would?"

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru followed obediently, studying his new teammates surreptitiously. They must all have unique bloodlines, that seemed a given in this particular team, but he couldn't tell what they might be just from looking at them. Not that he would have been likely to identify them even if there were tell-tale signs, unlike the blonde boy - Tetsuo? - he had no particular knowledge of the Land of Water's notable bloodlines. What's a Rustblood? he wondered, gazing at the giant genin beside him. Daichi.

Tetsuo and Daichi seemed free enough in their behaviour. It was something Akimaru had noticed, that strong shinobi tended to develop an independant streak. I imagine I must have one too. He smiled at that. Genira-sensei had insinuated that such undisciplined behaviour had lead to their replacement of the former team members. Petty vendettas, was it? Would this not be the best time to mention my enmity with the Sun then?

The third genin was the truly bizarre one, however. Nishi. Still, he had the good sense not to mention the eccentricities of someone who'd been accepted on an elite team. If an explanation was forthcoming, it would come on its own. Close combat specialist. And they had another one that was replaced by Daichi here. I hope melee combat is not the norm in this team, otherwise... His hand drifted to his katana. No, he was not confident in his ability to handle capable oponents in close combat, not at all. Hopefully the others would be able to compensate for this deficiency. This mission would tell.

And thinking on the mission...

"Genira-sensei? Pardon me if I presume, but wouldn't this be an ideal occasion to improve our reputation? I mean, both Kirigakure's reputation at large, and our own team's in the Village?"

Supposing he is allowed to continue, he elaborates on this thought.

"The mission seems straightforward enough, but if we play it right, we can make our presence felt in the region, rather than simply giving this Dokan guy a lesson. We could save a few caravans from his hired bandits, then make a show of 'investigating' the source of the nuisance, and end it all with a visible arrest of the merchant. Even if the higher ups know that we're going beyond the basic scope of the mission, if we increase Kirigakure's reputation in the country, they should still be pleased. Right?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

"What if we can't stop the bandits?" Comes the rather plain question from the kimono wearing figure who had risen up from their seat when Genira-sensei had begun to lead them out of the Mizukage's palace and out unto the street. Head tilted to the side Nishi looked inquisitively to the boy named Akimaru with big blue eyes, opening the umbrella once outside and idly spinning the handle around as the group moved to the statues.

"Sorry Akimaru-kun but we do not know the strength of the bandits or if they hit multiple targets at once. We could intercept one group while another group razes it's target because it has the information from Dokan-san. How would we know which caravans to guard anyway? If we take Dokan-san into custody then we can interrogate him about what caravans will be hit and then act accordingly...besides...the mission is Dokan-san, not the bandits." The girl(?) says politely, purposefully looking out ahead of the group towards the village even as the genin voiced an opinion. To those who knew Nishi, namely Tetsuo though even he didn't know the kimono wearing genin well, there just seemed something off with the normally cheerful and energetic kid.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru laughed. "I guess you're right at that. Forgive me, it seems I got a little excited with this mission after all."

That much was certainly true. He could feel the thrill of the upcoming challenge rising through him, dissipating his earlier morosity and even the fatigue of readjusting his sleeping cycle to a diurnal frame.

"Still..." He removed his Kirigakure headband and held it in his hands, frowning down at him as though seeing something unpleasant. "If we capture this Dokan individual, its likely the bandits will scatter and relocate elsewhere. So in effect, we'd have cut off only a finger of the problem, while the rest of the hand remained. Dokan's business is mercantile, it would be hard for him to operate from hiding."

Akimaru shrugged then, wiped his forehead with his sleeve, and readjusted his headband. "But there's really nothing we can do if we don't know where the bandits are going to strike, is there? In fact, now that you mention it our presence in the region is exactly the sort of information Dokan would be likely to give his bandit friends, so that they could strike the less defended routes. So we would really be very unlikely to stumble upon them."

"Ah well. I'm sure someone will think up a solution to this problem. It's not like we're expected to solve every problem in the country by ourselves, is it?" he finished with a smile.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi held back just briefly when they all began to leave, stepping in front of Tetsuo. He held the same mocking smirk and arrogant posture, but his eyes were narrowed just a fraction. "You're pretty observant, Tetsuo-kun, but remember that the name 'Rustblood' is considered an insult in my clan. Don't call me that again. My name is Ruyuno Daichi. Since we'll be teammates you can call me Daichi, okay?" he advised. He seemed to be entirely relaxed, but the way he stood conveyed a sense of contained violence; murder and destruction wrapped up in tanned skin, boiling behind those strange, red eyes. He slapped Tetsuo on the shoulder in a friendly gesture, but still hard enough for Tetsuo to stumble to the side from the force of it, grinned, and walked after the others. (Little bit of puppeting there. Tell me if it matters and you want to roll for this, okay? I'll edit it.)

Joining the others as they conversed about the coming mission, Ruyuno shifted the weight of the greatsword across his back one more time before piping up. "I don't know about the little pink princess, but bandits should be no problem for me. Still, Pinky is right. We can mop up the trash after we take out the supplier. Once they're starved of supplies they'll be easy to run down." he sneered, thinking about all the fun he was about to have. "I do have a question, though, Genira-sensei. If the villagers choose to make things difficult for us, can I cut a few in half to make our point? Or do we have to..." he snorted, "protect the innocents?"

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo looked at the big genin. Intimidating in manner, if not word, he mused. "Apologies, Daichi. I meant no offense. It wasn't even about you, just your bloodline. I don't know of any other name for it. No hard feelings, okay?" he grinned, as he was smacked stiffly. Hmm...

Following the group, Tetsuo kept his gaze focused on various things. The refraction of the light through the mist, or the shadows at play on one of the imposing statues. Nishi or Genira, having seen it before, might recognise him being deep in thought, concentrating, formulating a plan. Almost absentmindedly, he ran a hand through his hair while listening to the chatter amongst the team.

Responding to Genira's request, he grinned and nodded, pulling out ink and scroll while he sat down. Better to make new ones than waste ones I may need later. As he sat and began drawing things Genira and Nishi might recognise, though the others almost certainly wouldn't, he paid close attention to what the others said. Nishi seems... off... Akimaru seems to know what he's talking about, at least somewhat. Daichi, though... he pondered without changing his demeanor or glance. Daichi is like Nishi...

Deciding not to voice his thoughts on that matter, at least just yet, Tetsuo spoke after the others had stopped, while he was doing his second drawing. "I think we're missing an obvious strategy," he said thoughfully. "We're assuming that we'll have to hunt for the bandits. I don't know about you guys, but if I were a merchant, I wouldn't be about to take a large amount of metal outside my village to deal with people. It's extremely likely that the bandits come to his shop." After putting the finishing touches on his drawings, he looks up at them all. His blue eyes glinted with sparks as he continued, the smile on his face prevalent in the sunlight. "If we can take Dokan down quickly, it's entirely likely that we can catch the bandits when they arrive at the shop to purchase supplies. If we question Dokan for the next time they'll come for a purchase, it should be easier. He might even cooperate with us, but if he doesn't, it's not of much consequence. It eliminates our guesswork, and we'd be almost guaranteed to catch the bandits when they're low on supplies and weapons." Standing up, he glanced at the four of them.

"Of course, causing disturbances in the village would probably do nothing to help us. he glanced towards Daichi.

And it's best to have a plan before we just go running in."

"So, what do you think?" he asked, replacing his ink, but leaving the drawings visible.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaWrW38eQuk))

Genira makes no sound as new team makes its progress across Kirigakure; she gives no response or even indication that she's paying attention, merely walking quietly to a statue of the second Mizukage, a scarred, vicious looking man in full ceremonial armor, and leaning back against it, speaking after everyone finishes, her eyes closed. "Tetsuo's plan is sound. It would indeed make sense for the bandits to be visiting Dokan, perhaps through a representative; I doubt they would go themselves. We'll need to evaluate the situation more once we get there - and be careful not to alert anyone to our true mission. Our informant, a spy among Dokan's retainers by the name of Suro, has suggested Dokan has several informants who report to him on the entering and exiting caravans. I'm certain thats not all they report, or even if they know who he sells them to."

She opens her blue eyes, brushing a thread of her black hair out of her face with a slight, wintry smile. "Our official target is indeed only Dokan, but the bandits would be a nice bonus since our last mission was somewhat questionable in its success. I doubt the villagers will be a issue - we're going to be doing them a favor, after all; if they do get in the way, you are to use nonlethal force to incapacitate them. I don't know what the Swordsmen taught you and Nishi, but we can't just go around killing everyone who gets in our way - it gives us a bad image. We're the protectors of the Land of Water, not the bandits. You almost done there, Tetsuo? We're going to have a bit more travel time then last time, even with those birds of yours." Genira adds the last as almost a afterthought with a slight chuckle.

(Sorry about the delay updating - still trying to keep on top of everything. Should plateau out soon.)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"Tch...I don't care about my image. Let them think what they want." Daichi scoffed, turning to regard Tetsuo and his drawing. He'd follow Genira-sensei's orders, but only because he really didn't have a choice at this point. There was still a lot he had to learn, and being here was the fastest way to do that. There would come a time when all these proper procedures, worrying about image and reputation, could be thrown away. When he was strong enough, they would just have to fear him. That would be all that mattered.

For now, however, he would have to play the game. He had no real respect or love for life other than his own. In fact, that the slime that he found himself surrounded by every day each had almost forty more years of life than he did enraged him. They took those extra years for granted, when Daichi could find so much more use for them. They milled about like cattle, doing the same thing every day, wasting their remaining years on pointless endeavors. It wasn't fair that Daichi wouldn't have even half that time.

He had so much to do. He didn't have the time to waste on image.

Ruyuno crossed his muscled arms over his ninja vest and watched Tetsuo draw. He found himself appreciating the work for its aesthetic appeal while wondering what exactly was going to happen when the artist molded his chakra into it. He'd heard of this kind of ninjutsu before, but only in passing. He'd never seen it with his own eyes. It was rather amazing, even considering everything else the ninja could do with their spiritual energies.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/lp9sSF24/live_a_live_secret_missionmp3/))

Tetsuo finishes his drawings on his scrolls, laying them out and focusing; several seconds later, two horse (Large) bodied creatures with eagle wings, heads, and feet (hippogriffs (http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6756/hippogriff3gf.jpg)) erupt from it, moving silently to stand at the ready. Their features are white, outlines made of black ink - obviously drawn, but the real thing.

Hearing no immediate further objections, Genira vaults up onto the front of the first one, waving for all of you to follow. Once everyone is on, they spring skywards, spreading their wings with cries like hawks.

The journey is a long one, even with aerial travel, and it takes you most of the day to reach the foot of the mountain, passing by a half dozen small towns and villages that serve as way stations for travellers, until you finally come into sight of Senkou. Its large walls, gates, and silhouettes of guards are obscured by the still prevalent mist, with you from your journey down the mountain.

Taking your mounts down and out of sight beside a large rocky outcropping in the otherwise flat and grassy plains of the Land of Water, your Jounin quickly dismounts, then peers out from around the rock, glancing back quickly. "There are doubtless guards on duty, but the mist is too thick for me to tell exactly how many - I'd guess maybe a dozen. How would you suggest proceeding?" She reports in a neutral tone, as if testing and waiting for your reactions, her eyes mainly on Tetsuo.

(Anyone else who's looking for more details, get me spot checks or equivalents to make out details.)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Despite himself, Akimaru takes a step back when the beasts emerge from the scrolls. I've never heard of a technique like this before! This must be his bloodline ability! For a moment, Akimaru had to fight back the bite of jealousy. His abilities were visibly so much more useful than the Katsugan, and without the visible stigmata! Even now, looking at Tetsuo, he wouldn't be able to tell him apart from a regular shinobi.

Muttering to himself, he dismisses such petty thoughts. Nobody could change what they had been born with. Envying others' births was a phase he'd gone through already, and he had no intention of going back to that. He had plans for the future. He intended to move beyond the hindrances of his birth, not wish them away.

He waited for Tetsuo's consent before mounting the other paper beast. Soon, they were in the sky, with the cooling wind blowing across his face, reminding him of home. But even as they escaped the sweltering damp of the mist-shrouded village, they came into the full glare of the sun.

"When I escape one of your curses, you strike me with another. You are indeed a worthy enemy." he muttered as he slid a length of white silk from his pocket and blindfolded himself against the sun's light.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The genin wasted no time in boarding the ink creature that Tetsuo had, not wanting to share the same creature as the vulgar genin with the big sword but finding the other too...unfamiliar. Nishi didn't trust what might happen if forced to share a ride with each of them but this way there wouldn't be any trouble, right?

Turns out that was the case, the kimono-ed genin sitting placidly until they landed behind the rocky out-cropping and dismounted. Once the genin's sandals touched upon the ground a concentrated look comes to the pale face before Nishi leans out from around the rock and begins to sniff at the air with a chakra-enhanced nose. That was after wetting a finger and sticking it in the air to tell if there was any wind and which direction it might be going in.

Hakken no Jutsu: [roll0]
Another try just in case the first fails. [roll1]
Third try it worked. x.x Something I always wondered though, if you fail the roll to perform a jutsu, is the chakra still expended? Third Roll. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1748047/)

EDIT: Wait...I was using my Ninjutsu modifier (+5) instead of my Chakra Control (+8) so...made it the first time. ^^;

Post will change depending on what Dark tells me...

[Fanatic-Templar]

Once they begin their landing, Akimaru's eyes start scanning the landscape, trying to imprint the area's geography into his mind. And when the mist closes about them again, he wastes no time in removing his blindfold, letting his katsugan free to scan the mist.

With Tetsuo as the groups apparent strategist, Akimaru was content to let others prepare the plan. He'd comment if anything came up which he wanted to address. In the meanwhile, he'd serve the group better by making certain nobody had seen their arrival.

Spot Check: [roll0]

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

"Genira-sensei...I can smell five...maybe six people by the gate. And a lot more either on it or behind it, I think that's just the village though." Comes the soft whisper as the chakra-enhanced sense of smells serves Nishi well enough to relay some...decent information to the jounin. With a soft thumphing noise the pink umbrella was shut and locked down, a bright look finally coming to the genin's eyes as lips were wetted and muscles tensed and forcibly relaxed underneath of pink silk.

"Should we try evading them sensei or should some of us distract them first?" Comes the voice again, eagerness plain in Nishi's eyes as one foot fidgets and then the other, clearly excited about the coming possible action before eyes shift over to the one who drew the ink creatures. "What about it Tetsuo-kun? I could probably get over the wall if necessary and I can be very distracting."

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Daichi had hopped onto the same ink creature as Akimaru without much hesitation, looking rather amused at the whole thing, and had spent the journey in an almost companionable silence. He kept his arms crossed in front of him, and looked to be sleeping until you saw that his eyes were open and surveying their surroundings, course, and distance from Kirigakure. He had seldom left the village before, and the sudden absence of the oppressive mist that usually surrounded him was an interesting change. He also figured it was a good idea to know in which direction he would be heading if something unforeseen and disastrous befell Team Genira.

Once on the ground, Daichi seemed to be more in his element. Rather than being loud and boastful like before he seemed to be able to know when it was time to work and acted accordingly. As there were others with keener senses than he, Daichi let Nishi and Akimaru scan the area and withheld his opinion until they had spoken, wanting to know as much as possible about the situation first.

"If we're planning on sticking with the kill the shopkeeper and wait for the bandits routine, it would be best if no one saw us or any evidence of our passing. So that means no killing. Taking out a guard would be tricky, as we'd need to incapacitate him before he could raise an alarm, and make it seem to the others as if nothing had happened to him if he was found. He couldn't just go missing, either, as that would put the rest of them on alert." he whispered, thinking aloud for everyone's benefit. "I say we either jump the wall, bypass the guards completely without letting them notice us, OR disguise ourselves and simply walk up to the front gate and ask them to open it. Though, personally, I'd rather just take a couple of guards out, hit the shopkeeper swiftly and brutally, and get out before the alarm was raised. I think that's a whole lot simpler. Besides, how do we know when the bandits will even be coming back here?"

[Bariko]

((Alright, so, this post is based on conversations with Genira/DP via AIM, which took place on the trip down, and knowledge checks made, which he had the results to. In case you were wondering, natural 20 on straight Int check for Knowledge of the village, and 27 on a Knowledge Tactics roll. But I claim the plan as entirely self-made!))

(Appropriate music (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/0uKjCg91/yoshihisa_hirano_and_hideki_taniuchi_ls_theme/), suggested by DP.)

After hearing the input from the others Tetsuo nodded slightly and closed his eyes, squatting down, and taking a nearby stick into his hand. "This village," he began, "is a decent size, with two main entrances." He made a shape representing the village, with both entrances clearly marked. "The entrance further down the hill," he gestured towards the far gate in his drawing, "is primarily a gate for caravans. If we had a guaranteed timeline of approaching caravans, it would probably be our best bet..."

Looking upwards, Tetsuo's eyes began darting, as if following some invisible insect, or as if he were chasing his own thoughts. "We are here," he continued, looking back down, and marking their position near the top entrance. "Both entrances are guarded, but this is the only one for regular travelers to use. Now, according to our information, Dokan's residence is in the middle of town, approximately. So the point of entry is relatively unimportant."

Looking up towards his teammates, both old and new, Tetsuo began to judge the potential for success of his various ideas. For all he knew, this was another test, like the encounter with "Sagata"... and he had no intention of letting it get away from him again. "This village has always been of strategic importance to military forces in the area. Rich in resources, it was fought over by the rebels and the Village of Mist during both civil wars. As a result, they are forbidden to hire outside shinobi, and they have none of their own. Another effect, however, is that they've become distrustful, and fearful of shinobi in general, and any who go into the village are noticed."

Taking in his comrades' articles, such as Genira's bottles of liquid, Daichi's gigantic sword, Nishi's umbrella, and Akimaru's bow, not to mention his blindfold, Tetsuo settled on the plan he had deemed to have the most chance of success. Looking at them in turn, he continued. "If we jump the wall, or attack, there's evrey chance that the villagers could notice us. They may not be ninjas, but they know what we look like, and what we can do. It is not unreasonable to assume that Dokan has friends, and that he might be made aware, by a conspirator with him or not, of our presence, and fearing capture, he may run."

Standing up again, Tetsuo got a close look at the team members, including himself. Pausing on Akimaru and Daichi, he seemed puzzled, closing his eyes, mouthing words as he thought. "I believe that the best course of action would be to have our group simply walk through the main gate," he grinned, as his eyes flew open, with that spark of excitement in them which appeared when he solved a problem.

"Let me explain. This town is rich in resources, which results in travelers coming here to make purchases, for example, our bandits. And because ninjas are not permitted in this village, there is usually at least a handful of mercenaries on hand. So, I propose that we all eliminate any identifying marks or equipment from the village, including gear for myself, Genira-sensei and Nishi, but only identifying symbols for Daichi and Akimaru," Tetsuo explained, as he reached up and slowly removed his headband. "If we stow our things, I should be able to pass for a son of a wealthy family, here to purchase some things. This will also give us a premise to visit Dokan. Nishi will be my...sister. The appearance works, and not too much gives away our true identities. Genira..." he paused for a moment, as if considering something as he stared at her, No... Genira will be my older sister. Daichi, Akimaru, you will be serving the roles of mercenary escorts. I would assume that Akimaru with his bow would be rear guard, while Daichi would be near the front with his huge sword. If all goes well, we should be admitted to the village without incident, as well as gain information on Dokan."

Keeping his eyes on the others for signs of agreement or disapproval, Tetsuo continued. "The eyes may be a problem, but if questions are asked at the gate, they would naturally be redirected to the son of the family, so you should have no reason to give the guards a clear view of your eyes. If you should have to, don't act concerned- unnatural eye colours are known to happen. For this mission, my name inside the village will be Rio, of the Takahara family. Turning to Genira, Genira, why don't we call you.. Miharu? And Nishi, you can be... Michiko. Daichi and Akimaru, your names should be fine. Once inside, we get directions to Dokan's place, get in there, and we might be able to act as interested buyers for a client, maybe even a bandit group, and we're their backers. We could get more information before arresting Dokan and bringing him back to the Kage."

Tetsuo furrowed his brow for a moment. "What am I forgetting...? I've got money to play the part, the mercenaries guarantee Daichi gets inside with his sword and Akimaru with his bow...Eye colours.... False names...!" Tetsuo snapped his head up. "Genira! Is there any reason to suspect that this village might.... know you, like the last one? Or any other potential surprises like the three we saw before? It would be good to know before arriving at the gate, this time," he chuckled. "For that matter, what do you all think of this idea? I'm open to suggestions, of course," he smiled.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi took off his forehead protector and shook his hair out a little. He seemed a little confused as to where exactly to put it before simply stuffing it underneath a nearby rock. He checked his vest and vambraces for anything that would point obviously to a Hidden Village or ninja training, ripping off a single patch. Next, he rolled out a flat black traveling cloak from around the scabbard of his greatsword, which he took off before putting the cloak on. Finally, he resecured the greatsword across his back where it was plainly visible. No use playing the hired muscle if he didn't advertise, after all. Daichi made sure his belt pouch was maneuvered around so that it didn't show under the cloak and was set.

"I'm all set, though we should have some code words in case things go to hell or we have to tell each other something important without giving ourselves away. Anyone know sign language?" Daichi added as he shrugged his shoulders to get the greatsword into a comfortable position between his shoulderblades.

[Fanatic-Templar]

His unnatural eyes scanning the village through the mist, Akimaru first picks up the silhouettes of the sentries Nishi mentioned standing by the gate. Then he follows the moving figures patrolling the top of the wall. His brows furrow as he counts them off.

"Six by the gate and a dozen atop the wall. Not too shabby. I wonder if they're expecting trouble?" He asked, more to himself than the others. "I don't think anybody's seen us," he says, turning back to the group. "Not that there was much chance that they would, in this mist. Anyway, the plan sounds fine to me, so if you leave me a few minutes, I'd like to prepare something that might be useful in restraining the target, should he attempt to run away."

With that, he sits down, places an arrow, quill and bottle of ink on the ground, and begins drawing strange marks along the arrow's shaft.

Take 10 on a Binding Shaft Technique.

Chakra control check to convert to stamina damage: [roll0] vs DC 10... so pretty much a guaranteed success unless something bad happens on a natural 1.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

Nishi watched as they all looked to Tetsuo for guidance on how they were going to proceed, head tilted to one side as the look of lethargy and despondent depression fell away as the plan was revealed. For one brief instant though a bright and terrifying rage filled the genin's deep blue eyes and Nishi's hands tightened around the handle for the umbrella as Tetsuo glanced to it and mentioned getting rid of anything that might identify them as shinobi.

"Tetsuo-kun, I am not leaving Yumi-sama's gift under any circumstances if that's what your thinking." The genin declares with a low subtle growl mixed into the tone though it fled quickly as more understanding seemed to dawn in Nishi's eyes and the kid actually blushed with embarrassment. "Or did you mean I should keep it sheathed?"

After that Nishi fell silent and simply listened to the rest of the plan with a smile growing on an innocent face. Tetsuo wanted a little sister for this act? Deft hands undid the belt pouch at the back of the pink kimono, setting it on the ground as Nishi opened it and carefully picked up one of the smoke-bombs to intently rub thumb and index finger over the little ball until just a little bit of the red color had rubbed off on pale skin. Everything after that only got more bizarre as Nishi fetched a shuriken out of the pouch and held it close enough, at the right angle, to get a somewhat clear image of Nishi's face and began to lightly dab the stained fingers against soft lips until they were a light red...then Nishi carefully rubbed at the color until it had been smudged to a gentle pink and wiped the rest of color off on the grass. Snapping the bag shut the genin holds it out to Akimaru "Try not to lose it, okay Akimaru-kun?"

Finally Nishi carefully observed the placement of the seam on the umbrella and just how to hold it so that the seam would be obscured by a palm at all times while still appearing natural. Finally the raven-haired genin rose up and tugged the wrinkles out of the kimono before closing those disturbed blue eyes and humming softly for a moment.

"Tetsuo-kun..." Came the pleading voice that was similar to the wheedling tone of a younger girl but Nishi frowned. "No..not quite right..."

"Tetsuo-kun" More feminine now but not younger. Again there was a shake of the head.

"Tetsuo-kun..." Finally a smile came to Nishi's face, getting closer just needed to change it a little more and...

"Tetsuo-kun!" There! As close as the genin could get to it without the help of a jutsu of some kind and in an odd sort of way Nishi felt almost proud of it. It reminded the genin of some of the younger students at the dojo who would beg to learn techniques they couldn't possibly be able to do. Maybe Nishi should remember how to speak like this the next time Yumi-sama said no or there was a need to be 'Michiko' again. "Genira-sensei...I mean Sister-chin, do you think this will work well enough to fool the guards about our purpose in the town?


Bluff check for imitating a more girlish, if you can imagine, tone of voice: [roll0]
Disguise if it'll help: 13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1751017/)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi turned to look at the strange boy-girl in the pink kimono. One eyebrow nearly shot off the top of his head as his lip curled a little bit. He looked a little nauseated. "That is so creepy." he managed to deadpan.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/GF0ILfo2/taniuchi_hideki_kinchou_kan/))

Genira's expression remains fixed as she listens to each member, nodding slowly as each one gives their report, speaking after Tetsuo finishes, a quick grin flickering across her face before it vanishes again into blankness. "Good, you haven't lost your touch. Tetsuo is correct, we will need to make sure we don't give any impression we're Mist ninja - they aren't welcome here. As long as we hide our things, we should be fine-"

There's a almost unnoticeable pause as her face flickers again, this time with a emotion thats difficult to recognize - no smile is on her face as she finishes, her gaze on Tetsuo while Akimaru readies his charge in the background and Daichi tries to tuck his sword away. "Miharu. Very well, thats a suitable name. They might know my name from reputation, but I see no reason why anyone in Senkou should know my face here. If they do, our job is going to be harder, because the only ones who do are either in Mist, missing-nin, or dead."

She stares at Nishi for a moment as he speaks, a flash of amusement and uncertainity showing before she shakes her head. "Yes, I think it will. You...are uncannily good at that, Nishi. Or rather, Michiko. Does everyone have their parts and preparations ready? If we're exposed, we're going to need to break through and catch Dokan before he escapes."

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi reached up to pull the hood of his cloak over his head and let it hang most of the way over his oddly colored eyes. As a bodyguard it was his job to be more of a steady presence, but at the same time not really seen. He'd be a frightening statue in the background, but let Tetsuo take center stage. He just had to keep focused and interpose himself threateningly between the "rich kids" and anyone that happened to approach them until one of them told him it was okay to back off. At the same time it would let him keep an eye on everything a little easier since no one usually paid much attention to the hired muscle. They would assume he was just dumb and well paid. Keeping quiet or limiting his responses to "No one touches Takahara-sama." or grunting would make them underestimate him even more.

As Ruyuno lead the way back out onto the main road, he smirked underneath his hood. This was going to be fun.

[Fanatic-Templar]

"Ah, sure." Akimaru takes Nishi's belt pouch and ties it on the opposite side to his own. He then goes back to his task of marking the arrow shaft, studiously ignoring the peculiar shinobi's alterations.

With his task done, the archer notches the arrow's butt with a single groove from his kunai, for easy recognition when his fingers would need to pick it out. Then he packs up his gear, squirrels away his headband and shuriken holster. And, as an afterthought, his exploding tags.

Since he was closing the march, all he had to do was avoid undue attention. Anything interesting would happen with those up front. He tried to assume the bored expression he'd often seen on sentries used to not having much trouble.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/jWXQDleO/nobuo_uematsu_fear/))

As all five of you slip into your roles and near the gates, you see that there are, in fact six guards at the front gate, chatting casually, with several of the dozen on top of the wall visible as they make their rounds. As you see the ones at the front gate, they see you, and the immediately tense at the sight of your weapons - hands going to their swords and spears, their pale blue combat armor glistening faintly in the mist. One, a tall man with a cloak steps forwards, and looks all of you over matter-of-factly. "State your business! Who are you, and what brings you to Senkou?"

The four guards on the wall tense, glancing to the others on the far patrol, hands going back to the bows on their back, but making no move to draw them, waiting to see the reactions of the newcomers.

Genira simulates a very good expression of fear and worry at the tension of the guards, edging back towards Daichi and Akimaru as she murmurs like a frightened noblewoman. "Did we do something wrong? I'm Miharu Takahasi...you should talk to my brother Rio...please don't hurt us..."

Everyone gives responses appropriate to their respective roles, and there's a moment of tension as the lead guard's reaction is unreadable.

(All I need are rolls, depending on what approach everyone is taking; diplomacy or bluff for speaking in a way to ease their fears (Tetsuo), disguise for looking like/acting someone you aren't (Nishi) or hiding eyes/features (Akimaru), and intimidate for looking irritated enough not to provoke further questioning and examination (Daichi). Feel free to take different approaches or more then one - just suggesting the ones that seemed to jump out at each of the approaches. You can either Post or send me rolls (if you're just rolling).

Clear enough?
People I have so far: Chronic, Bariko)

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

More nervous than he appeared, Tetsuo slapped on a grin. "Ah, Miharu, relax!" Turning to face the men, Tetsuo tried to keep in mind that he was a different person at the moment, this Rio of the now-Takahasi family, noticing Genira's... mistake. He hoped the others would as well.

"Now, as for you gentlemen, our "business" is our own, but you need not worry. My lackeys here," he gestured at the armed duo, "are hired mercenaries. My father insists we bring them along, as a form of protection." He sniffed. "As if anyone would harm the Takahasi family, least of all myself. If your village is lucky, I might be persuaded to sell one of my works of art here."

Glancing at the men, he sighed appropriately, befitting a bored noble. Rolling his eyes he leaned forward. "If you must know, my father's sent us to conduct some business. We promise, the Takahasi family will do you no wrong while we're here. Now, if you don't mind," he finished with a small flourish and a smile as he walked on towards the gate. Just follow me. Just follow me. And if you get stopped, for the love of crap, it's Takahasi! he thought, as he sauntered on by.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi "Michiko"

As each of the others get into their roles all Nishi does to become more in character is...open the umbrella and hold it like anyone would. The genin began to hum a simple child's song as they approached, stopping when the guards pull out their weapons to duck behind Tetsuo as if for cover. "Rio!" Comes the sharp plaintive cry as if to warn the Kamitora specialist...even if Nishi didn't feel so much as a twinkle of fear at all at the sight of them.

"But Rio-chin you promised you were going to get me a new toy today!" It was only once the boy had stated their 'true' cause for being in Senkou that the black-haired head peeked out with a put-out expression on the cute face. Accusing blue eyes glared fiercely at 'Rio' before they shifted to the guards and an almost sickeningly sweet smile comes to the genin's face. "Can't we please get through? My nii-san promised that he'd let me browse the market here for a new doll to play with and I don't want to go home without at least looking...I've heard such good things about Senkou's market on the way here..."

[Fanatic-Templar]

As they are stopped at the gates, Akimaru sighs with annoyance. Rather than bothering with the guards ahead, and risk having one of them notices his eyes, he stares at the sentries on the wall top, watching for a potential threat. Hopefully, at that distance they wouldn't notice anything strange about him.

"Tssk. This is such a nuisance."

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/uADK0P/music/fOJNk0_j/nobuo_uematsu_the_spy/))

The lead guard looks all of you over, as all of the other guards check you carefully. The palatable tension breaks instantly as he smiles, waving for the other guards to let you through. "All right, you're clear to head on in. Apologies for the inspection - dangerous times we live in, between the bandits and the Mist ninja prowling everywhere - sometimes a family is just a family. Your girls should be safe here: make sure your bodyguards don't cause any trouble here, though - we don't have any tolerance for lawbreaking."

As you pass into the city proper, the streets full of people going about their everyday tasks, several merchants hawking their goods in stands, stores and restaurants painted with elaborately constructed signs. Once you're out of the earshot of the guards' on the wall, Genira chuckles, murmuring to all of you as you walk towards the main street. "That went well, all things considered-"

She stops speaking as a blue uniformed guard on duty passes your group, heading towards the gates, then continues, pointing towards the distant walled outline of a large mansion near the center of the city. "-shall we head for Dokan's mansion for our meeting, then? They seem to have plenty of guards out."

(Pausing here if anyone has any reactions or things they want to do - if not, moving on to the mansion!)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi couldn't suppress a chuckle at the thought that the "girls" might need help dealing with these lot. Genira could probably wipe out the entire village single-handed, while little "Michiko"...well, she wasn't really a girl at all was she? Boy or girl, Daichi knew there was more to the odd genin than just being absurdly creepy. He imagined what would happen if any of the village tough guys decided to get fresh with either of them and couldn't stop his chuckle from continuing on as they left the gate behind. He didn't seem to be able to control himself until Genira spoke up.

"No use hanging around here. Let's get this over with." Ruyuno said once the guard had walked by them, following the man with his rust-colored eyes as he spoke. "Besides, I don't see why we have to keep the man waiting, do you?" he turned to regard Tetsuo, the defacto brains of the operation.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi "Michiko"

There was no change of expression as the guards allowed all of them to pass through the gate, merely a widening of the pleading smile to a gracious one with a chipper, "Thank you!" Called back to the guards as they all advanced into the village of Senkou and for the most part spent the walk spinning the umbrella and looking at the various merchant's goods appraisingly.

Finally something seemed to brighten in Nishi's eyes and the peculiar genin tugged Tetsuo over to one of the stalls, picking up an expensive doll of a tough-looking samurai with a katana and scar under one eye. Oddly enough Nishi held it up to Tetsuo and smiled sweetly. "I want this one Rio-kun...it'll be suspicious if I leave without a new toy."

Then something did change, blue eyes closed and Nishi's sweet 'girl' voice took on a hard edge to it. "And I want this one." Nishi declared, the not so subtle suggestion in the voice that refusal would actually be met with a tantrum or worse.

[Fanatic-Templar]

"The mansion is walled too? Is it supposed to be boring if it's too easy?" Akimaru complains as he wipes his forehead with his sleeve.

"Anyway, we're not really in a hurry as far as I know. It might pay off to take a few minutes for reconnaissance, so we have an idea what to expect." Like Daichi, however, Akimaru turns to Tetsuo for his perspective on the matter. For a second, an image flashes through the young man's mind of Genira hanging from strings, like a puppet dancing at Tetsuo's fingertips. The thought brings a short bark of laughter from Akimaru.

[Bariko]

((Sorry for the delay guys. My bad. Traini9ng for a new job, cleaning chimney, etc... and this weekend is our Thanksgiving. Apologies all around))

Tetsuo

As they got through the entrance, Tetsuo forced himself not to heave a sigh of relief. As they meandered through the streets, he listened idly to Genira, while assuming the role of a passive observer of goods. Catching sight of the mansion, Tetsuo arched an eyebrow slightly. Walled, huh? Why can't merchants ever be normal?

Suddenly, Nishi skipped off to a stall without warning, obviously still very much "in character". Hearing the entreaties, Tetsuo laughed a fitting laugh and approached the shop owner. "Now Michiko, if I get this, you have to be good for the rest of the trip, okay?" he raised his voice's inflection, as if implying a second meaning. Maybe this will keep the plan more on track this time.

When the group got to an appropriate area, and hushed words were being said, Tetsuo paused for a moment. Everyone was looking to him. He wasn't the team leader, but even she was asking him questions. Positioning himself so he could look at his "family" and "bodyguards" while seeing the mansion in the distance, Tetsuo's eyes flickered as he spoke, pondering... The mansion was walled, so there would likely be an almost identical scene trying to get access as there was trying to get into the village. No reason to change the entry plan now.

He nodded, a gregarious smile on his face. "I suppose it's time we did what Father wanted us to do, eh? Let's go see this 'Dokan' person, to conclude the Takahasi business here." Brushing his blond hair out of his face slightly, he cast a knowing glance at the rest, inferring that the strategy would again be put into play, just as it had been. The more stealth they could use, the better. It'd be best to get in and out with no suspicions being raised. "Of course, we need to get all the relevant information before we do anything conclusive." He started walking casually. "Let's go then! Michiko-chan, do you like your toy?" he asked, in a brotherly fashion- or so he hoped.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Everyone's still here, right?)

The doll was purchased without incident, the nearby passerby paying it no mind as just the ordinary interaction of traveling family. The walls and gates of Dokan's mansion were about eight feet high, over half the height of the main walls. Two guards in the light blue armor of the city guard stood in front of the closed iron gates, spears in their hands, surveying the passing townspeople each in turn with wan, casual interest. Past it you can see the top of the large, looming 2 story mansion, complete with a upper balcony.

[Fanatic-Templar]

After an intrigued look at Tetsuo, Akimaru scanned Dokan's second line of defences. According to what Tetsuo had said, the visitors to the village were not unexpected, so the sentries had no particular reason to keep them out. But Dokan's mansion was a private residence, he wouldn't be letting just anyone in. And he knew little to nothing about commerce and mercantile business. Not that he'd be expected to, but...

"Not doubting your skills or anything, boss, but this Dokan guy has got to be a pretty competent merchant to afford this kind of mansion. You sure you can speak to him on his terms, if you get my drift?"

Akimaru shrugged, as though this wasn't really any care of his, and turned to face Daichi, his peculiar eyes fixing on that immense sword of his.

"Or are we supposed to be asking about his other line of business? I figure Daichi here might not be best pleased if he wasn't in on this deal regarding the caravans, and might want to make a convincing argument to Dokan so as to get included, right?"

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

"I'm not a big talker, so don't expect me to be able to act well." Daichi said, giving his shoulders a shrug. "I say we just stick with what has worked so far. Akimaru and I keep a lookout and make with the violence if things start to get out of hand."

Daichi gripped the top of his cloak's hood and pulled it down a little bit more over his eyes. He turned his side to the others, keeping his view on their surroundings rather than looking part of the conversation like a good bodyguard. If nothing else, Daichi wanted to quit all this standing around. He was more of a "ready, fire, aim" kind of guy, strike first ask questions later. All this planning didn't really suit him.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo nodded as they walked. He kept his voice extremely low, so to avoid prying ears, interspersing it with exclamations or observations at normal volume of things nearby.

"Stick with our plan for now, when we get Dokan alone, since the Takahasi family has money to spend, the tactic might change slightly." Tetsuo says no more on the subject and continues his approach with the group. The familiar expression of concentration dances on his face, though subdued, and interspersed with an aristocratic air of dismissive attitude towards "lesser" goods. The less we say in public, the better.

[Dark_Prophet]

"Halt! What business do you have in the Dokan estate?" The guards focus on the group, their stance tensing at the sight of the bodyguards. One, a lean, oily looking man with a mustache, grins slightly as he takes in the group's apparent wealth. "You look like one of those hopeful merchant types. Do you have...a appointment with Master Dokan?"

"Bet they won't last ten minutes before he kicks their asses out like the other ones." The other guard guffaws, nodding. "Dokan has no time for young hopefuls with their usual "revolutionary" trading ideas." Both seem to almost ignore your group, waiting for a response.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Intimidation: 1d20-1=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1770947/)

Daichi was a fighter at heart, and when some piss ant merchant guard got testy with the group he couldn't help but taking it a bit personally. He held himself back from hacking the poor man's head off with his greatsword. Instead, while still keeping Tetsuo's back, he took a menacing step forward and let a sick grin cross his features. He focused on oily, mustachioed man, letting his thoughts wander onto how he would enjoy hearing the guard's bones crack. He didn't say anything, but his mere presence would hopefully make them listen a bit more intently to what Tetsuo had to say.

If all else failed, he could resort to the bone-breaking later.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo slapped the arrogant, cocky grin of a noble on his face. Letting out a bemused chuckle, he stared at the guard, showing no embarassment or intimidation at the banter. "I'm going to ignore your jibes, since it's unimportant anyways. No "revolutionary" trading practices here, but a substantial amount of money could be changing hands, based on my fathers instructions. We're here to have a meeting with Dokan. The armed men are guards, to protect my sisters," he gestured to the very deadly "sisters" nearby.

"Now, if you...gentlemen wouldn't mind, we'd like to make a profitable deal for our family today. Could you direct us to where we get our negotiations underway?" Rio smiled, offering no overt offense to the guards, yet maintaining that haughty veneer common to nobles when interacting with guards.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/dDjasRpj/toshiko_tasaki_giga_macho/) Took some liberties, hope you guys don't mind :)

Both of the guards took a step back from the intimidating bodyguard instinctively, starting to move their quivering spears up, visibly shaken. As "Rio" steps in, they start to relax a bit, their eyes still on Daichi.

"Well, uh, there's just the matter that Dokan instructed us that there was a, uh...tax on the gate. To keep people from, uh...wasting his time. So...that'll be 5,000 yen to go in."

He smiled, seeming to regain some of his momentum, the other guard following him...until Tetsuo nodded and gestured to Daichi, who started to move forward with a determined look in his eyes. Both of them immediately moved perhaps 5 yards back in a single second, out of the way of blocking the party, and behind the gates. "Wait! You can pass! You're, uh...different! He's expecting you, right? So you must have already paid! Please don't hurt us! We're just the guards!"

They keep a white-fisted hold of their spears, still obviously afraid of the bodyguards moving against them. Beyond them is the main courtyard, with a river running through it, complete with a bridge and flower gardens on either side. Several guards patrol here and there, keeping a eye on the grounds, but not seem to take notice of the quiet commotion at the front gates. Despite their presence, the place seems to be a picturesque image of tranqulity.

There are no guards at the front doors to the manor, which are two huge black wooden panels engraved with a golden snake emblem - you would guess it to be Dokan's personal symbol. They almost seem to beckon to you.

(And everyone get me spot checks!)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

The smile Daichi had used to frighten the guards seemed to be a genuine one as he lead his charges down the pathway towards the doors. He kept his eyes peeled, trying to notice any minute details about his surroundings that might become important later. He also attempted to memorize the rotations of the guards, what weapons they seemed to be carrying, how they held themselves. He needed to know if all of these men were just lackeys like the two out front or if there was a real warrior amongst them.

Spot: 1d20+1=13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1771683/)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Even though their plan was working surprisingly well, Akimaru couldn't help but feel offended by those craven guards. How much is Dokan paying those worthless guards anyway? And they don't even do their job.

Thinking about that, he reminded himself of his own task - as the groups rearguard, he was to ensure that no trouble caught them unaware from behind. So even as they entered Dokan's courtyard, he kept looking back, his Katsugan alert. It would simply not do to dismiss a possible trap in simple overconfidence.

[Spot: [roll0]

[Dark_Prophet]

(Results from posts and rolls)

Daichi & Nishi The guards are more alert then the slackers at the gate, but just as green. Should be easy pickings for ninja of your strength if it comes down to it. There are about 10 of them total, spread throughout the manor grounds. Every so often, they shift locations.

Akimaru These guards appear to actually be doing their job - its doubtful they would notice anything, but they might. They're just as weak as the ones at the gate, though. They're spread out in a standard patrol formation, almost all of the within eye contact of the other, only obscured by some of the trees and the manor itself. Unusually good training, for not being from one of the Ninja villages. They seem to shift slightly every 10 minutes, but their patterns are routine enough that you think you know where you could run between the ten of them.

Tetsuo As Akimaru but in addition: You get a glimpse of a female figure in dark blue robes, sneaking around behind one of the trees before she darts out of sight - up into it, her braid of brown hair following instantly. It only lasts a instant, and you're not sure if you imagined it, as no one else seems to notice or respond to her.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

His eyes barely flickered as Tetsuo continued walking, never breaking "character". In the adopted speech patterns of "Rio", he mused aloud. "This is a rather nice inner area, I must admit. Perhaps Father's money won't be wasted here."

As he continued on the path, Tetsuo added, "Hm, I thought I spotted quite the excellent sword, just over there. But it seems to have vanished. Perhaps it was my imagination." He adds just the right inflection, or so he hopes, so that Genira will catch his hidden meaning.

[Dark_Prophet]

Genira inclines her head slightly to Tetsuo, nodding as all of you continue up the path to the double doors. "Why brother, you're right. A couple of their swords looked like high quality, sharper then our bodyguard's, but nothing compared to some of what we can reach back at home. I wonder if Dokan would be interested in buying them from us later? Assuming he continues in his current prosperity, that is."

She knocks using one of the knockers, and after a moment a lean manservant opens the door, looking over your entourage slowly, his grey eyes taking every aspect in. "Can I help you?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The bizarre genin observed the various guards, the ones Nishi spotted anyway, with the same distracted child-like air that had filled them since they had come into this little town. In one hand the tough scruffy-looking samurai doll was clutched like Nishi remembered the girl from the other village holding but the other was still tightly around the umbrella's hilt. Even as they approached the door and the manservant leaned out to take stock out of all of them.

"Ohhh. We're here Dokan-sama!" The disturbed, obviously, genin chirps, still sticking by close to 'Rio' as they tried to sweet-talk by the manservant.

[Dark_Prophet]

Edit: Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/EQHRET/music/GenY3iqa/nobuo_uematsu_ffviii_intruders/)

The doorman regards Nishi, looking at his list a moment, and then shrugging. "Interesting group they sent this time. Little girls shouldn't be representing riffraff like some of the master's clients." He chides the genin as he opens the door, waving for all of you to enter belatedly. "Dokan will see you in the usual place of meeting - past the double doors in the upstairs lobby."

The entrance hall opens up to a double banister staircase, with three doors, one ahead, one to the left, and one to the right. At the top of the staircase are another set of double doors. Moving up, and beyond them is a large meeting room, arrayed with paintings on the walls with eight large, comfy looking chairs around a table. No one else is in sight, although you can hear the doorman moving downstairs over the soft music playing in the background.

[Fanatic-Templar]

To his eyes, Dokan seemed to be ostentatious in his display of wealth, and so Akimaru had to watch himself to keep his contemptuous smirk off his face. Wealth, like strength or nobility or intellect, was a tool to be used in order to accomplish one's ambitions in life. But Dokan seemed to make the accumulation of wealth his goal, and for that he was a fool. Even now, his schemes with the brigands would cause undue suffering to so many, all in order for him to accumulate more money.

And what will you do with that money? He would put it on display. Everything in the estate was either a demonstration of wealth, or a means of protecting it. Dokan was richer than nearly anybody he knew, and yet what did that wealth bring him? Nothing. It brings him no satisfaction, because if it did, he wouldn't need to get more. The entire thing was pathetic, as far as Akimaru was concerned.

And so Akimaru stalked the mansion in silence, his mood getting grimmer. His temperament was a fickle thing, it was becoming apparent to his new teammates.

Still, when they arrived in the salon, he stretched as though bored, then reclined on the wall to the left of the door. In easy reach if ever there was need to block the way in or out.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi's thoughts, independent of Akimaru's, nonetheless echoed the other "bodyguard's". All he could see around him was a card house, with card walls and card people able to support nothing. It was if it all was waiting for either fire or force to send it all crashing down around Dokan's head. All this wealth did nothing to impress Daichi since it was not material things that mattered to him, only strength. Dokan surrounded himself with as much armor as he could, possibly even able bodyguards it would be a pleasure to kill, but at the core he was soft and would die like a fool, begging for his life.

The swordsman wondered how much longer they had to uphold this charade. He was eager to get to the killing.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

"Thank you!" Nishi calls back to the doorman as they were allowed to finally enter the mansion that housed Dokan and were guided along until reaching the parlor that screamed oppulence in a very unbecoming way, at least to Nishi. Couldn't this merchant had spent his money on something better then decorations? Maybe better guards or hiring actual shinobi to guard him instead of some lousy peasents with spears.

At least it all looked nice though.

The odd genin never sat still for a moment once they were guided in and told to wait for Dokan, constantly wandering around the perimeter of the room and peering inquisitively at the various drapings of wealth though always careful not to touch anything. Last thing that Nishi needed was for something to break and for Genira-sensei to get angry about it. Could blow the mission and everything. If Dokan kept them waiting long enough and Nishi ran out of things to look at, only then would the genin take a seat and close the umbrella that had been brought in.

"Ahh, it looks like Dokan-sama has a little too much money. I hope he'll get here soon though." 'Michiko' wondered aloud in that disturbingly female voice. Even now though Nishi looked at ease and calm, much like the rest of the mission and without the well-hidden anxiousness, disgust, and need for action that Daichi and Akimaru possessed.

[Dark_Prophet]

Several minutes later, a older wiry man with a long grey beard walks in, decked out in ornate purple robes with his house emblem on a large hat walks in, accompanied by the manservant. "So...Kurosawa says you're the ones who we were expecting? You're early." His gaze rakes over each of you as he sits down in the largest chair, leaning back and putting his hands together in front of him and leaning forwards with a grin on his face. "At least they're getting smarter - no one would be suspicious of nice, innocent looking family with bodyguards, unlike the last group. Who should I be addressing for our discussion? You want the information on the next set of caravans?" Kurosawa takes a position beside him, standing in case of any requests or commands.

(Everyone get me another set of spot rolls?)

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Ruyuno remained silent, but suspicious of how easy that had been. The older man, possibly Dokan, had jumped right to the conclusion that they were more bandits. "Tetsuo" could no doubt use that. Still, if Dokan had been running his operation for as long as he had and accumulated as much wealth as Daichi saw all around him, he wasn't stupid. He wouldn't put it past the merchant to send a double out to meet them. After all, Daichi didn't have any idea what Dokan looked like. So, he kept his albeit limited attention to detail as sharp as he could make it. Still, he kept getting sidetracked by how bored he was starting to get with all the acting and posturing. When were they going to get to the killing already?

Ugh...total bust on the spot check. 1d20+1=3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1791612/)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru shifted slightly. Things were going well. And yet, there were some details that irritated him. Who was Kurosawa? The obvious answer was the doorman they crossed on the way up. But he also recalled Genira and Tetsuo talking about a weapon much like those found in the Mist. Akimaru hadn't been suppressing his chakra, if there was a shinobi here, they might well have been spotted.

And this Dokan... even if he was expecting a meeting with allies, would he really meet with a band of brigands without any bodyguards of his own? It was possible, but Akimaru hadn't expected him to be this confident. Then again, I did think he was a fool. Maybe he thinks to be armoured in gold?

Back against the wall, Akimaru's gaze swept the room, preparing himself for the worst.

Spot:[roll0]

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Like the others, Tetsuo had observed the opulence of the building with distaste over the...garishness, but also with an eye for aesthetic appeal, which was present, but limited. Too overstated...

Maintaining his air, Tetsuo leaned forward and instead of answering the question merely stated "We have information we are to share with Dokan only," as he glanced towards the Kurosawa gentleman. It would absolutely be best if they could be in a position with Dokan alone. And it wasn't technicaly a lie...

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/CZ8dWSCE/masahiko_kimura_hidden_offence_and_defence/))

"Dokan-san, surely you do not intend to..." The manservant started to protest, but the elderly merchant raised his hand, smiling.

"Kurosawa, wait outside." As the suspicious butler moved to obey, leaving the room, he continued, readjusting his position. "For my ears only? This had better be some news on those possible future trade alliances I requested your little faction look into with your new "allies". I want some of that lightning alloyed metal they possess. Or maybe some good news on your progress with my supplies and support, with a clear memory of what our agreement is for after the dust settles? Or do I need to remind you?" He looked at them expectantly, strumming his fingers as his eyes bored into Tetsuo.

In the background, Genira, for her part, played the role of the quiet, submissive older sister "Miharu" well, looking between Dokan and "Rio" worriedly, then glancing back at the others in a significant, warning look that is Genira and not Miharu, her stance tense, seeming ready to move in case...something happens.

Akimaru
When the door opened, Akimaru's keen eyes noticed someone extra slipping in, past the door along the with manservant and Dokan; a short, stout boy with dark hair and a tan ninja vest, run in behind Dokan as the door closes, moving over to a shadowy corner behind some bookcases, jumping up and then clinging that corner of the ceiling, hanging upside down, watching the conversation intently. As your eyes followed him, you also noticed a girl in dark blue robes already waiting there beside his location, a brown braid of hair hanging down behind her as she perched on the ceiling, her green eyes intent on the figures below. Something about her seems unreal and shadowy, and you have to check again to make sure that she's actually there and that you weren't imaging things.

Nishi
Nishi noticed someone extra slipping in, past the door along the with manservant and Dokan; a short, stout boy with dark hair and a tan ninja vest, run in behind Dokan as the door closes, moving over to a shadowy corner behind some bookcases, jumping up and then clinging that corner of the ceiling, hanging upside down, watching the conversation intently.

Tetsuo
Preoccupied as he was with getting his bluff ready for the elder merchant, Tetsuo managed to notice someone extra slipping in, past the door along the with manservant and Dokan; a short, stout boy with dark hair and a tan ninja vest, run in behind Dokan as the door closes, moving over to a shadowy corner behind some bookcases, jumping up and then clinging that corner of the ceiling, hanging upside down, watching the conversation intently.

(Sorry Daichi :/)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Still reclining against the wall, Akimaru's yawn is the sole response to Dokan's questions. Apparently unconcerned with proper decorum, he stretches blatantly, reaching high and arching his back, then settles back to his bored position, leaning against the wall, with his fingers laced together behind his head. Covered by his skull, his fingers are neatly hidden from anyone except Daichi, on the other side of the door, if he should chance to look this way. His right hand slides out two fingers, then jerks his thumb towards the ceiling. Two, above.

Using Sign language [Water], I imagine.

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Akimaru's movement drawing his attention, Daichi caught the brief message communicated in sign language behind Akimaru's head. He didn't make any blatant response to the information, but did tap twice softly on the frame of the door, the radio signal for "message recieved, unable to respond". He let his eyes wander as "Rio" handled the merchant, trying to pick out Dokan's no doubt ninja bodyguards. He didn't know who they were, but his sword was hungry for blood...he would enjoy ending their lives when the time came.

Hmph...and here he thought this was going to be boring.

Spot:1d20+1

EDIT: Messed up on the roll if you get any messages that I changed it. Hm...and now it doesn't seem to be showing it because I can't edit it back in. Will roll in the OOC thread.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

If it were possible, Tetsuo would dislike the man even more now. His brazen blackmail was disgusting, and Tetsuo paid note to the mention of "lightning alloyed metal"... But that would have to wait. The figure hunched in the corner obviously meant that subterfuge was not going to be the deciding factor. In fact, his agreement to stay with potentially dangerous people implied that he thought he could defend himself if things got ugly. The mere presence of a threat implied that conflict was imminent. Tetsuo refused to let himself be caught off guard. Not this time.

Reaching back, Tetsuo pulled a scroll out. "Dokan-san, I have here the information we need to give you," he said as he placed his fingers on a drawing. Those behind him would realise what he was doing. Momentarily the drawing began to shift and grow, until what appeared to be a dark-clad shinobi stood before them, draped in shadows. Obviously another paper and ink creation, nonetheless it looked somewhat different, blending with the shadows which surrounded it, even permeated it. It wielded a sword which shuddered and waved menacingly.

"The information, Dokan, is that if you tell us everything, you might yet live."

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Grinning at the prospect of finally being able to do away with all of the pomp and circumstance and get down to the blood-letting, Ruyuno drew his greatsword menacingly. He seemed to be looking at Dokan, but always kept one eye on the hidden bodyguard in the rafters. If he started to make a move, Daichi was going to attempt to deal with the nin swiftly. Nothing would get in the way of Tetsuo's little "negotiations" with the merchant if Daichi could help it. He spun the huge sword and, with a pump of his muscled arm, stabbed it into the wood at his feet so he would be free to make hand signs. He wondered how Dokan would react?

[Dark_Prophet]

(Posting Callos' results at his request. Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/PZG6VX/music/Y6QPH7oQ/final_fantasy_tactics_ost_tension_1/))

Nishi focused, and then gave a anguished roar, as black lotus petal markings spread across his body. He sprinted, moving at abnormally fast speed as he headed for the bookshelves in the nearby corner. When he was almost at the foot of them, he pushed off, soaring upwards in a great leap, his umbrella clutched tightly in both hands.

As he reached the apex of the jump, the top of the umbrella fell\away as the inner, hidden blade was revealed, and slicing out into the shadows at the top corner of the room. There was a spray of blood, and a stout figure in a tan ninja fest fell hard onto the bookcase below in surprise with a cry, laid flat, while Nishi landed beside him, blade ready to follow up the strike.

Dokan, his face shocked by both Nishi's violence and Tetuso's summoning of the dark ninja, reels back in his chair in surprise. "What? Who are you?" He shakes his head, stumbling to his feet, crossing his hands over his chest in a defensive position as he speaks up to the ceiling. "I don't know how you found out about these meetings, but I don't think you understand what kind of position you're in. Kill them!"

(You guys got surprise - everyone roll for initiative. Fanatic, you can take your surprise round before we start the count fully.)

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi
AC: 20
HP: 60/60
Chakra: 24/28

Initiative: [roll0]

With a quick tug, Daichi ripped his greatsword free of the wooden floor, spinning it in front of himself once again as he looked around the room, waiting for whatever surprises Dokan had in store for them to show themselves. In preparation, he started chakra running through his entire body. He felt the room slow down around him as if someone had put a stopper on time, reducing it to a slow crawl. "Come on, then!" he growled, a feral grin playing over his face as he waited for his attackers to come to him.

Holding my attack action until after the enemy has gone. Using a swift action to activate Nidan Kousoku (Rank 2 Speed) and taking 10 on the Taijutsu check, easily beating the perform DC of 19.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Once the masks were dropped and the game is revealed, Akimaru wasted no time in following up on Nishi's attack. His fingers found that notched arrow and even as he ran, he set it to the string.

He jumped onto one of those large chairs, one foot on the seat and another on the back, the momentum of his leap toppling it over so that the overturned seat would grant him some measure of cover against the assailants.

Thus positioned, he draws his bow and shoots at the second enemy - the blue clad girl. Even as the arrow is loosed, the inscriptions on its shaft seem to glow maliciously.

Initiative: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
If the attack hits and deals damage, she must succeed a Fortitude save DC 17 or be paralysed for 6 rounds.

I'll post my actions for the main round once I know my initiative, and the results of others' (and my) actions.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The blood lust had come over the genin so suddenly there hadn't been any chance of trying to reign it in, even if Nishi was inclined to do such things in the first place. An axe-happy grin of unbridled violence was plastered over Nishi's face as the black lotus marks spread across pale skin and soon Nishi's body was so full of chakra that it was practically thrumming with power! When the movement came, the urge to make something bleed overcame the impulse to keep up the facade, the movement was too fast for normal vision or those not moving quite as fast as Nishi was.

Sandaled feet had briefly run up the vertical side of the bookshelf before leaping through the air and pulling free the unique blade concealed within the umbrella out of it's hard sheath. One edge of the blade was a sterling white, the other the color of plain steel and that was the edge brought to bear on the male ninja hanging from the ceiling, cutting him fiercely enough that he was startled to fall off of the ceiling and land with a thud.

"Hahaha! What's the matter? Fall and hurt something? Want me to make it feel better?" Nishi said softly, low enough that only the prey-creature in front of the disturbed genin would likely hear it as both hands gripped the pommel of the umbrella-sword and raised it up in the air. With that the kimono-wearing genin viciously stabbed the sword blade down into the fallen ninja, cruelly twisting the blade once it was buried in the vulnerable flesh below. "See? I bet you don't even feel the first cut now! Hahahahaha!"

Attack roll:[roll0]
If Critical: [roll1]

Damage: [roll2]
Crit: [roll3]

[Dark_Prophet]

Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/-FPOcNvm/live_a_live_killing_fieldmp3/)

Surprise Round
Daichi successfully activates his Shodan Kousoku, and the world seems to slow down a bit for him as his body and mind go into overdrive.
Akimaru's arrow goes through the girl's blue robes, only to be barely stopped by armor underneath as she drops down from the ceiling in surprise.
Nishi's strike goes straight through the shinobi's heavy vest, drawing another splash of blood with another scream. Although the tan ninja is wounded, he's far from dead, as he struggles to regain his balance.

Normal Round
23: From the opposite corner behind him, the hilt of a sheathed katana flies out and slams into the back of Akimaru's head. He stumbles back, but manages to avoid being stunned (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1826211/)for one round, still taking 6 points of bludgeoning damage. A muscular boy with cropped black hair with dark skin in a light blue ninja vest drops down, sprinting forwards and catching the sheathed katana as it lands, a deadly look in his brown eyes as he looks at the archer.

(Daichi, your attack action also on 23, acting simultaneous with the newcomer - no attacking him yet, unless you're holding until after him. Everyone else refer to OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5363300#post5363300) for order. And yes, I will roll for you guys ^_^)

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Has the newcomer already acted? If not I'll go after. And it's Nidan Kousoku, not Shodan.

Catching sight of the newcomer, Daichi leapt towards him with that sick grin turning eager as the opportunity to cause pain and destruction was presented. The muscular boy in the light blue ninja vest was a challenge to him, a chance to show his prowess and inflict the maximum amount of damage. Daichi flew into a frenzy, everything else forgotten, only the new target taking form in his mind. He would RIP HIM APART, MAKE HIM WISH HE WAS NEVER BORN. He felt his breath coming faster, almost a seizure as the bloodlust overtook him. The desire to cause death, to take life and keep it for his own, to symbolically extend his own life through the suffering of others...That's what he wanted. "YOU! SCREAM FOR ME!!" he raged, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the newcomer.

There would be blood soon.

Daichi laughed maniacally at the top of his lungs as he lept into the air in a blurred flash, spinning his huge greatsword above his head several times disturbing the air with hollow fwumsh sounds before grasping it in both hands and coming down in a falling slash at the newcomer's neck and chest, intending to open him up from stem to stern. "DIE NOW!!!"

Attack: 1d20+10=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1826237/) +2 from Nidan Kousoku = 25
Damage: 2d6+5=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1826242/)

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

To be filled in later:

Taijutsu check for Asshou!: [roll0]
Attack Roll: [roll1]
If Critical: [roll2]

Damage: [roll3]
If Critical: [roll4]

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo grimaced at his companions'... reactions. Again, he was reminded that most of the world viewed people like them as monsters, and not necessarily without a little justification. Even Genira, before... He couldn't let that distract him. He had to focus.

Dokan is obviously a cautious man. He had himself set up with defenders, and was confident that they could handle any problem, not thinking any betrayal would be from ninjas. Cautious, rich, proud of himself and cunning enough to have confidence... He's going to run.

Tetsuo gave a quick mental command to the kagemusha to determine for itself the closest major threat and engage, and then advanced in Dokan's direction, attempting to block any retreat.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Sorry again for the delay, things finally calming down up here.)

23: Daichi's opponent turns to the source of the shouting, and his eyes wide as he manages to move aside before the greatsword arcs down, sheering into his right shoulder with a gush of blood. "Augh! Dammit!" He stumbles back, clutching at it, glaring at the rustblood.

18: Nishi's thin blade cuts into the prone ninja's side as he puts all his weight behind it, drawing even more blood that flows down the bookshelf.

17: The shadowy figure darts behind him Daichi's opponent, and its sword catches him as he reels back as dark energy flows from the wound, his movements becoming slower and more lethargic. "Ergggh...!"

16: A figure detaches from the last far corner, a girl with short, cropped red hair. "Get away from Koma!" Two blades of orange chakra in the shape of short swords spring from them as she charges at the Kagemusha, slashing with the forwards one. It cuts into the shadow warrior, and gives a screech as the girl pushes forwards, and then uses the embedded chakra blade to pick it up like its nothing. She shouts, running it into the far wall by Nishi and the others, leaving the orange chakra sword embedded in it as it struggles to break free. She glances towards the girl in the shadows in the corner of the room. "Veira, disable the Kamitora user!"

15: Veira drops down to the bookshelf adjacent to Nishi and the prone ninja, a grim smile on her face as she gestures at Tetsuo, her ponytail bobbing. "All right, but we need that freak off Bouso and fast. Say goodnight, cutie."

(Akimaru, you act the same round as Veira. Tetsuo, get me a Will save vs. Genjutsu!)

Kagemusha http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843328/
Soryu (Soul edge girl)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843388/
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843399/
Kagemusha was bullrushed to the wall, not pinned or anything else despite fancy description.

[Fanatic-Templar]

How do I keep missing these things?

The aching head from the third ninja's attack proves to be a greater injury to his pride than anything else. More troubling is that a quick glance shows that the room, large though it may be, is hardly the ideal situation for his preferred distance combat. And once Nishi's target got back up, he'd be facing two ninjas by himself.

With a shout, Akimaru tosses away his bow and kicks the chair he'd been using as cover towards the man who'd just struck him. Then, unsheathing his father's katana, he runs straight towards the girl who'd just dropped next to Nishi.

The kicked chair is just for flavour. I don't actually have an action to spend on it.
Shodan Kousoku: Take 10 (23) vs. DC 15
Charge: Attack [roll0] (Includes +2 for flanking), damage [roll1] + sneak attack [roll2]

Hit points: 44/50 (4 stamina damage)
Chakra points: 22/24
Armour Class: 18

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi
AC: 18
HP: 60/60 (5 Stamina Damage)
Chakra: 22/28

Instead of pressing his attack against the muscled boy he'd just slashed, Daichi flipped backwards and broke into a run towards the pony-tailed girl, Veira! He didn't yell this time to warn his new opponent, he just smirked as he blurred across the intervening distance, still moving shockingly fast, and came at her back with his greatsword leading. Faster than an eye blink, Daichi rammed the nearly man-sized sword through Veira's lower back and out her stomach in a gout of viscera. As the blood began fountaining out of the gaping wound, Daichi leaned over the kunoichi's shoulder and whispered into her ear, "Night, cutie." with a mocking smile. Twisting the blade, he spared a small salute to Tetsuo, who of course had witnessed the whole thing from a few feet away, and pulled it back out, letting the girl drop to the ground unconscious and bleeding.

Lotsa Rolls:
Tumble against (Koma's?) AoO if need be: 1d20+3=19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843548/)
Piercing Fang 2nd Stance (DC 20): 1d20+14=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843528/)
Charge Attack: 1d20+14=33 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843531/)
Confirm Critical: 1d20+14=31 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843532/)
Damage: 2d6+5=12, 2d6+5=11, 2d6+5=14 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843535/) (Damage is tripled as it was already doubled from piercing fang before the critical hit was applied. Leave out the last roll if the crit doesn't apply.) Total = 37
Special: Target must make a Fortitude save or fall prone and be dealt and additional 1d6 damage. (1d6=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843541/)) All damage for this attack is piercing.)
Converting 5 Chakra to Stamina Damage (DC 15): 1d20+9=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1843545/)

[Dark_Prophet]

Veira, the blonde haired girl is first struck by Akimaru's hit, trying to Kawarimi away but not managing in time. The katana cuts a line across her chest as she winces and stumbles back. The silver tip of a greatsword bursts through her torso from the back with tremendous power, as she looks down blankly and grasps it before falling off of it into a crumpled, bleeding, unconscious pile. (btw, Fanatic, I described poorly, but you don't have her in a flank, so no sneak)

7: The boy on the ground, Bouso presumably, growls as Daichi impales Viera, and lightning flares into his hands. He swings his arms at Nishi from the ground, and the electricity jumps out from them, engulfing the demonic genin as the prone ninja rolls and tumbles away, avoiding providing any more openings. "DIE!" He falls off the bookshelf but lands on his feet at the foot of it, covered in stab wounds but with a gleam in his eye.

4: Dokan cowers as Tetsuo approaches, then when he sees Veira go down, he draws out a knife concealed in his jacket. The blade is covered in dark venom, and the old merchant swings it with surprising speed at the Kamitora user, nicking his outstretched arm. "The Mizukage's dogs are not welcome here in my city!"

Genira watches patiently behind all of you, her hands relaxed at her sides as she seems to evaluate the situation, a faint smile on her face. A grimace crosses it as Dokan stabs Tetsuo with the hidden dagger, her stance shifting to more offensive, flicking open one of the bottles of water at her belt, her hands almost absently forming a little ball of ice as she waits for his reaction.

New Round

21: Koma stumbles back, breathing hard, then steels himself, seeing Daichi covered in Veira's blood. "BASTARD!" His speed increases to a blur as he sprints across the room (read as Shodan Kousoku), taking a flying leap midway, the jump carrying him the rest of the way up to his target. He arcs the greatsword down at Daichi's exposed back, putting all of his weight behind the strike as it shears deep into his shoulder with a spray of blood, cutting to the bone. "Ryu Tsui Sen!"

Bousuo: Using Raikouno, provokes no AoOs. Damage [roll0] Need a fort and reflex save for Nishi
Koma: hits Daichi, doing extra 10 damage (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1850430/) from Ry Tsui Sen for a total of 24 damage. Need a fort save from Daichi to avoid being knocked prone.

Edit: Added on Koma's action, since he acts simultaneous with Daichi at 21 on the last round.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

There was no flinching away from the splash of lightening that cut across Nishi's body, though the pink kimono certainly looked the worst for the wear as the sword grasp tightly in hand was raised once more to be stabbed down into the fallen boy until he leaped off of the bookshelf. Just as the demonically grinning genin was about to follow after him though Nishi caught sight of Dokan scratching across Rio's arm with what was very likely a poisoned blade.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Nishi shrieked, flying off of the bookshelf in a blur and rushing towards Dokan like a person possessed. Ignorant of any blows the other shinobi or Dokan himself leveled at the erratic pink-clad form, Nishi's outstretched hand sought to drive into this fat indulgent merchant, to push him back even as the bloodied steel blade was raised high in the air to chop down into Dokan. There was no maniacal grin or axe-happy expression of blood-lust on Nishi's face anymore, just one of horrible and terrifying rage.





Bull Rush: [roll0]

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi
AC: 21
HP: 36/60 (5 sta dmg)
Chakra: 15/28

Daichi turned and grabbed his opponent's blade, looking over his shoulder as he lifted the sword out of his flesh and let it drop away. He turned around, lifting his huge greatsword easily in one hand. "Nice hit. I don't think I'll be able to use that arm for awhile." Daichi said with that same sick smile. "Maybe you will be an opponent actually worth killing, eh? Let's see." he continued as he began to twirl the greatsword. As he did so, his movements began to blur even faster than they were already, until he became nothing but a vague silhouette. His strike, when it came, was hardly perceivable; just a flash of metal and another splash of blood. It was most likely only Koma's surprise that saved him from the followup blow. "Good reflexes! Now, I want to see more blood! It doesn't matter if it's mine or yours! SHOW ME!!"

Sandan Kousoku (DC23): 1d20+12=31 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1851419/)
Attack 1 (-3 Power Attack): 1d20+10=27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1851421/)
Attack 2 (-3 Power Attack): 1d20+5=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1851422/)
Damage: 2d6+8=15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1851423/)

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo's eyes widen as the dagger appears in Dokan's hand. Attempting to dodge the strike proved futile, as it nicked his outstretched arm. A moment of worry passed, as Tetsuo realised he couldn't feel any effects of the poison. Annoyed, Tetsuo focused. The mission was paramount, and Dokan was the mission. Considering I was stupid enough to not think up a real plan, this is going alright, I think...

A sudden shriek cut through the air, as Nishi hurled himself bodily at Dokan, apparently in defense of Tetsuo. Surprised, and slightly flattered, Tetsuo had to act quickly. If Dokan died, there went any real information on the bandits. "Thanks, Nishi," he got out as he advanced on Dokan, "We'll deal with him later, okay? I'm fine, and I think he's going to be out of action."

Tetsuo reached up and laid a hand on Dokan's forehead, reminiscent of the touch he'd laid on Sagata. "Listen, you fat pompous bastard," he smiled, "we can't have you dying. Get some rest." With Dokan out of the way, the attackers could be dealt with.

Touch attack roll19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1856180/)
Jukusui no Jutsu Perform DC 16, take 10, 10+11=21. Will save DC 17

[Dark_Prophet]

(Just a little recap to make sure we all know what chronological events are happening this round)

Round 2

23: Daichi stabs Veira and kicks he unconscious body off his sword. Koma runs up and cuts a big piece out of Daichi's shoulder in response with his large katana.

18: Dokan swings his dagger at him reflexively, but just misses as Nishi bullrushes Dokan back 10 feet, the light boy's demonic form easily lifting the heavy aged merchant.

17: Tetsuo casually walks over and places a hand on the disoriented Dokan's head just as Nishi stops. He immediately starts to crumple, becoming groggy and beginning to fall asleep.

The Kagemusha stabs at Soryu, but she deflects the strike with her orange chakra blades.

16: She immediately counterattacks with a flurry of four strikes, two with each blade - only the first two hit, with the second going harmlessly through the shadow. The first, however, flares with orange chakra and cleaves it in half as if it were substantial, the rest of the kagemusha dissipating instantly to harmless shadow afterwards. "Now then...Veira" She turns towards the rest of the room, retaking her stock of the situation, and her jaw tightens.

15: Veira continues to bleed out, more blood dripping down from the bookshelf. Akimaru flashes several quick hand signs, and then releases a gust of wind that slices straight into Koma, tearing into him and knocking him 10 feet clean off the bookshelf into mid-air, causing him to fall hard to the ground. "Augh - dammit!"

7: Bouson rebalances himself, catching his breath at the foot of the bookshelf, feeling the blood running down the walls and staining the books. Seeing Nishi and the others with the collapsing Dokan, and then those fighting above him, swiftly moving to the center of the room, out of combat range of those fighting. Once there, he raises his hands, beginning several quick hand seals, and then glances around, checking the locations of all of those around him. Seeming satisfied, he finally flashes the last hand signal, and a arc of pure, white electric energy streams out to all within its range - Daichi and Akimaru. The electricity does not reach as far as any of his teammates, due to his careful positioning, their prone positions, and his control of the technique.

Everyone hit by the electrical shock, get me DC 18 Fort and Reflex saves. Those who fail the Fort are stunned for 1d3 rounds, those who fail the reflex take the full 19 points of electricity damage instead of 9.

4: Dokan is tired, but manages to try another slow, half-hearted stab at Tetsuo, just barely missing. "Damn you this is...my city..." He falls to his knees, barely awake.

OOC: Sorry about some of the confusion there - this is the full round. Stored Chronic's roll and results for his next action if he chooses to use it. Also, just wanted to make a ruling note - in the n20 book, it says you can take 10 on ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, and chakra control checks, but I interpret that as only if you're not under pressure, just like the rest of the skills. Anyways, I'm back, so with that, its onto round 3. Going to be edit updating this depending on whether Daichi makes his save, and if so, does the same thing or not.

[ChronicLunacy]

Fort: 1d20+8=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1858243/)
Reflex: 1d20=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1858246/) +4 (Hit the enter key early.) = 21

Arrgh...more damage! I KILL YOU!

[Fanatic-Templar]

When Daichi suddenly appears to shove his sword through the girl, Akimaru starts looking for his next target. The character with the chakra blades seems threatening, but perhaps not the ideal opponent for a ranged fighter like himself. And the boy who was just now getting up, well he was lightning gifted, wasn't he? Hopefully, Tetsuo could deal with Dokan... and Nishi, if it came to that? This must be why those born with bloodlines are considered monsters. Perhaps that was a cruel thought, but Akimaru had to admit, he was glad Nishi was on their side. Damn scary.

Speaking of which, it wouldn't do to simply leave Daichi facing... Koma? Or whatever his name was. That was the guy he hadn't seen. His pride demanded some measure of revenge. "You're in the way!" Akimaru stated, stabbing his katana into the floor so he could perform hand seals. "Kamaitachi!"

A cutting gale blasted towards Koma, blasting him away for a few seconds. "I'll be going for the dark haired kid. Can you deal with things here?" Though, if his initial impression of Daichi was anything to go by, he wouldn't admit to it even if he couldn't, so Akimaru didn't wait for an answer before charging his opponent, straight through the spreading electricity, gritting his teeth against the pain...

Reflex save: [roll0] against DC 18 (with evasion)
Fortitude save: [roll1] against DC 18, Stun: [roll2]

EDIT: You're kidding me. I succeed the Fortitude save but fail the Reflex one? This was supposed to go the other way 'round!

Hit points: 25, 8 stamina damage
Chakra points: 22
Armour class: 20
Shodan Kousoku: active for 2 more rounds.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

"The dead don't own anything, you'll see." Nishi promises as one hand reaches out to steady the out-of-shape merchant so the glistening and bloodied blade of the genin's sword could be placed against his fat neck. But then Tetsuo's hand came down on his head and the old merchant began to fall asleep, but there was a quick moment where, just as Tetsuo had reached into Nishi's range of vision, when he could see the kimono-wearing genin's eyes flash over to him and muscles spasm in a way that showed how close Nishi came to striking out at him for interfering in what looked to be Dokan's imminent murder.


"But...he...Tetsuo-kun!" Finally, with another inarticulate noise of rage the oddly marked genin spun and dashed towards the one who had unleashed the lightening. Even if it hadn't actually struck Nishi, being able to feel the hair raise up from the closeness of it though, Bouson proved an easy target for the rage Nishi desperately needed to let out.

Just before Nishi reached the other, the genin hoped atop the table that had separated Dokan from them at the beginning of these talks and leaped into the air. Those frenzied movements where still a blur as the sword-umbrella's blade was stabbed down into Bouson's chest, close to the shoulder so the blade wouldn't be fouled on any ribs but it was still another deep wound and the other surely couldn't take much more of them.

"I will rip you to bloody chunks if you don't surrender right now." Comes the sweet promise from between gritted teeth, the first time Nishi had even made any attempts towards something like this but if it was honest then it was a way out for the lightening throwing Genin.

[Dark_Prophet]

23: Daichi jumps down, his greatsword cutting deep into the belly of the wounded swordsman. He grins at him, twisting it, causing him to clutch at it and collapse to the ground as the rustblood removes the enormous sword, kicking the katana wielder off of it.

Koma stumbles to his feet, his face ashen and blood leaking out of the hole in his torso, but he still manages to bring the sword up, laughing slightly with a grin fixed on his face. "Haha...you're all dead now...haha..." He hobbles several steps towards the corner, and then readies his large katana for a strike...sheathing it so quickly that all of you can feel the force expanding outwards throughout the section of the room like a shockwave. "Ryu Mei Sen!"

But then the shockwave quickly subsides with a noise like a crystal bell breaking, the sounds of the room restabilizing as if nothing had happened, leaving a near death and angry swordsman with a very sheathed large katana. "Damn it! Why now?"

"Because a little bit of frozen ice in one's sheath tends to take all of the force of a Ryu Mei Sen shockwave." Genira breaks her silence throughout the fight, a small smile forming on her face, which just seconds ago was a mask of concentration.

"Now, don't mind me - please continue?" She smirks, waving her hand to the combatants of the room. "Oh, and boys - remember the more prisoners we can take, the better we'll look."

18: Nishi stabs the lightning channeler, causing him to reel back and clutch at his bloody shoulder. Glancing back around the rest of the room, Bouson's face is a mask of worry and uncertainty as he regards the almost lost situation.

(OOC: I can just tell you guys Koma is at 1 hp, and Bouson looks like another of those hits will kill him. Next up: Tetsuo and Kagemusha, followed by Akimaru and the unconscious Veira)

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo heaved an inner sigh of relief. He knew how volatile Nishi was, and yet, the strange boy had listened. Tetsuo paused for a moment, stunned by Nishi actually offering surrender to the other boy. Blinking hard, Tetsuo snapped back to the reality of the situation with Genira's call.

He looked around the room, at the situation which had unfolded. Things were going their way-even if he'd been stupid enough to not formulate an actual plan. He snapped back after Genira's order. "You heard her guys," he called. "We want to take them alive if possible. Daichi," he looked at the large, imposing genin, "Knock out that guy, will you?" he gestured at Koma.

He turned and faced the chakra wielding girl. Glancing slightly, he took in the remaining opponents. One was down, and one was wounded. "Nishi, if he doesn't surrender, take him down. But Genira said prisoners are better, so try to keep him alive! And Akimaru, that leaves you to target this girl."

Tetsuo's hand started moving. "I don't think things are going to go your way, do you?" he smiled at the girl. "Magen - Anrakushi!"

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru was darting through the oncoming electricity when one bolt suddenly arced unexpectedly straight towards him. "Oh sh..."

The shock that went through him stunned him for half a second, and during that half second Nishi blitzes past him, striking viciously at the boy. Okay, so I guess I'm not needed there?

Turning around, he realises that the battle is nearing its conclusion. Only the girl with the chakra blades still looked in shape to endure prolonged combat. Genira and Tetsuo seemed to have realised the same thing, as priority had switched from victory to taking additional prisoners.

"Right," he told Tetsuo, heading back to the corner where he had dropped his bow at the beginning of the battle. "I don't know that they'll surrender willingly, but this battle is over now. Captain has not even seen it necessary to involve herself," he finishes, preferring to gloss over the frozen sheath incident to accentuate the severity of the situation to the enemy nin.

Reaching his bow, he picks it up and puts an arrow to the string, preparing one of his father's signature jutsus if the girl should decide to continue fighting.

Readied action to use Hail of Arrows Technique on Soryu if she attempts some form of combat action.
Perform check: [roll0] vs. DC 21
Quickened conversion check: [roll1] vs. DC 14
First Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll2] (+1 - Action point) and damage: [roll3]
Second Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll4] and damage: [roll5]

Hit points: 25, 8 stamina damage
Chakra points: 22
Armour class: 20
Shodan Kousoku 1 round remaining

[Dark_Prophet]

15: Soryu takes a step forwards, a confused expression crossing her face as Tetsuo's technique begins to affect her, then she shakes her head, gritting her teeth and shrugging it off. Just in time, the soul edge in her left hand spun up to block the first hail of arrows as she darts aside, her speed drastically increased. The second hail, however, managed to catch her full in the chest and penetrated her light ninja vest, sending the soul edge reeling for a moment from the vast trauma. Her eyes narrowed, and she hefted both orange blades, tossing them at the archer. "Onmyou Hasshi! Bouson! Don't give up! Kirigakure is relying on us!" The first one lands behind Akimaru, vanishing in a flare of chakra right after impact, while the second arcs right behind, and slammed into his chest, lodging there before vanishing in a flare of orange chakra as Soryu summoned another into each hand with a tight grin. (7 damage to Akimaru)

Viera continued to bleed out.

7: Bouson grunted, and raised his hands to perform the same maneuver "Seishinko no - AGGGGGGGGGHH!" as Nishi sprung onto him, plunged the thin blade into him, disrupting his concentration and causing the technique to dissipate. He lay there, clutching at his wounds and glared at the monstrous genin on the edge of death with a combination of rage and fear (0 hp).

4: Dokan groaned, and sunk further into sleep, trying to get up but failing as he collapsed.

Combat Block
Technique activation rolls for Nidan Kousoku and Nittouryuu - Onmyou Hasshi (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1880346/)
1st attack [roll0] Damage [roll1] 2nd Attack (Akimaru denied dex against htis one if first one hits) [roll2] Damage [roll3]



(All right, back from holidays! Hope everyone had good ones! End of round 3 And Daichi is UP!)

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Daichi turned a bored eye towards Koma as his opponent fiddled with his iced-over sword sheath. He stood looking out of the corner of one eye at Koma as he rested his oversized weapon upon one shoulder. "Oy, oy, oy...you still alive over there? I'll give it to you, guy, you're pretty tough." he said as he let his greatsword slowly tip off of his shoulder until it succumbed to gravity and buried with a crunch about six inches into the floorboards. "If you survive this maybe we'll talk again. See, I know we're supposed to take prisoners, but...I've always been more of a ready, fire, aim guy...know what I mean? We'll let fate decide if you're a corpse or a prisoner. ...Prepare yourself."

It was at that instant that Daichi dashed the intervening distance between him and Koma, dragging the greatsword across the floorboards and leaving a gaping rent in the wood behind him until he reached the other swordsman. Daichi was burned and bleeding from several places, but for now he still moved in a fantastically fast blur, roaring in bloodlust as he brought his sword arcing up for the final exchange of steel.

Attack: 1d20+13=29 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1894809/)
Damage: 2d6+5=11 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1894813/)

[Dark_Prophet]

(Soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVrUYYLeWig&feature=related))

21: Koma rushes at Daichi in the same moment he rushes at him, and he shouts "Ryou Sou Sen!" - and the clink of swords can be heard twice after both of them end past each other, the world holding its breath for a moment. Daichi almost slumps over as a enormous horizontal line of blood flows down his chest, and Koma looks back at him and grins. "Good one, even for a traitor..."...right before he collapses, a similar line of blood across his chest as he lies unmoving, a pool of red spreading across the floor.

18: Nishi steps on top of the unconscious Bouson, and plunges his sword through his chest into the floor, causing him to thrash for a moment, and then go limp as the pool of blood flows outwards around his body.

(Tetsuo! Akimaru! You're up! The only one of your opponent is a remaining standing is Soryu, who's looking very, very pale with wide eyes right now.

And sorry for the delay - I blame schoolwork, but I'm still here and kicking, and plan to be no matter what, even if it takes me a bit sometimes - try to move faster, though. :P)

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

There was another crack of wood as Daichi plunged his greatsword into the floorboards and leaned heavily against the pommel. He took deep, painful breaths, each movement of his muscled chest sending another layer of fresh blood down his sliced open ninja vest to trickle over his abdomen onto the floor. Now that he seemed to have calmed down, he looked a little worse for wear, even though he was still smiling. He strained, looking over his shoulder as Koma collapsed onto the floor in a lifeless heap. "I was going to say exactly the same thing." he said, painfully coughing out two loud barks of laughter before nodding reverently to his fallen opponent.

Turning to survey the rest of the room again, he stood straight, no matter how much it seemed to pain him, and looked at the last standing member of the other squad. He spit blood onto the floorboards, but said nothing. Despite the wound across his chest, his burns from the other boy's lightning blast, and other gashes and cuts he'd sustained during the fight, the tall teenager still looked dangerous. It seemed like even if he died he might keep on fighting. Maybe he was dead, covered from head to toe in all that blood...except for those red eyes and that mad smile of his. It was unnerving. Even now he seemed to want more violence.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

It's coming together. Finally, just time to wrap things up...

Soryu attacked Akimaru, which was expected, but surely she'd give up once her friends were knocked out. Bouson fell to the floor, incapacitated, but alive. Probably because he was paying attention to Soryu and Bouson, he failed to overhear Daichi's statement.

He did not miss the actions.

Whatever semblance of satisfaction Tetsuo had vanished immediately. Daichi and Nishi killed their respective targets willingly. Gleefully. For the first time since he'd left the Academy, Tetsuo felt his calmness of mind gone. He was angry. Beyond angry. Stoically, he straightened and looked at Soryu, maintaining a calm voice.

"Surrender. As you can see, my teammates aren't above disobeying orders just to kill opponents."

Tetsuo approached the fallen Viera. Kneeling down, he applied the appropriate first aid to cease the bleeding. "There. She'll be okay for now, but I wouldn't be surprised if she 'somehow' dies too."

Silently, Tetsuo turned and headed for an exit, not sparing a glance at anyone in the room.

[Dark_Prophet]

Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/w65E3Vem/toshiko_tasaki_boss_battle/)

"Y-you...monsters! I'll kill all of you!" The crimson topped soul-edge's face twists in fury, and she runs towards both Nishi and Daichi, stopping ten and fifteen feet away from each and hurling her two chakra blades, one at each. "Kaiten Hasshi!" The first one plunges into Nishi's back, while, the second sticks in Daichi's chest, causing both of them to collapse right next to their respective opponents. "Murdering bastards..."

The chakra blades vanish in a puff of orange energy from each of the wounds, and she focuses, creating two more as she turns towards Akimaru, Genira whose smirk has turned into a very dark look, and the retreating Tetsuo, bringing her crackling blades to bear on them. "Now, for you...don't think I'll let you get away with what you've done, you loyalist dogs!"

Daichi took 5 damage and fell unconscious! Nishi took 8 damage and fell unconscious! Enemy Soryu went into a murderous rage! Next up: Akimaru

OOC: I finally got my own dice back, so I'm rolled things up here - hope everyone's all right with that, as opposed to just doing posts. So yeah, lets see some action!

[Fanatic-Templar]

"Uh..."

Confusion sweeps across Akimaru's face for an instant as Daichi and Nishi clearly act against the mission by finishing off the dying opponents, however, it swiftly passes, and Akimaru's eerily shifting eyes stare blankly at the situation. All right, let's not annoy the bloodthirsty murderous elite ninja, shall we?

Of course, that danger is immediately replaced by another, as the last remaining treacherous mist-nin drops said bloodthirsty murderous elite ninja to the ground. "Ah, that's just fantastic. This is turning out to be a great day, isn't it?" Damn it! I didn't even want to be part of this team in the first place!

He wipes his forehead with his sleeve, and this time he's not sweating only from the heat. His role in this team did not include fighting combat-specialist shinobi one on one, but it seemed his luck continued to run rotten, as it had ever since he'd been discovered to be 'gifted' with the Katsugan.

Damn it!

"I'd ask you again to surrender, but I really don't think we're seeing eye to eye on this. Zankidan!" As soon as the hand seals are formed, a sickling blast of air snaps out towards Akimaru's remaining foe.

Perform Check: Zankidan, DC 17: [roll0]
No conversion to stamina.
Damage: [roll1], reflex save for half.

Hit points: 18 (8 stamina damage taken)
Chakra pool: 16
Armor class: 19 or 20, see below
Shodan Kousoku ends this round. If Soryu is still standing after that attack, I expend 1 chakra point to maintain the technique (hence the additional AC).

[Dark_Prophet]

Seeing Akimaru's attack has left their opponent standing, Genira immediately flows into action. She flashes through several hand signals, and then gestures to the enraged soul edge with a look lacking any emotion whatsoever, her other hand on her largest flask of cold water "Hyouki no Jutsu." Soryu instantly freezes in her aggressive stance, and her skin takes on a frigid blue palor, her chakra blades dimming, and then collapsing onto themselves in orange flashes. "I am not impressed. I had hoped I would not have to take matters into my hands...a second time." A split second later, the hapless rebel falls forwards, her skin still pale and her eyes staring wide blankly against the floor, surrounded by her fallen friends and enemies.

"Tetsuo, Akimaru, see if she's dead. Bind her wounds if she isn't, along with the rest of our 'comrades'. We're leaving with the target before the situation gets any worse." The Jounin's voice is as expressionless as her face as she directs her gaze first to Tetsuo, then Akimaru, then the fallen individuals in the room, taking her hand off her flask and moving towards the unconscious Dokan, carefully picking him up.

(And with that, we're out of combat sequence!)

[Fanatic-Templar]

To Akimaru, who had not desired to be part of Team Genira and took no particular pride in his abilities as a tool of destruction, Genira's displeasure in not really troubling, especially given that he had managed to evade the fate of nearly every other ninja in this room.

Indeed, he is more troubled by their early departure. "So, what about the bandits?" From the beginning, despite the stated objective of removing Dokan being to stop the raiding bandits, it seemed that the bandits were really an afterthought. And after hearing those ninjas they'd just fought...

What were Mist-nin doing here? They know it's illegal. And why do they name us traitors, while Dokan calls us the 'Mizukage's dogs'? The apparently contradictory statements pique Akimaru's curiosity.

For now, obeying Genira's orders, he approached his sensei's victim cautiously to ascertain her condition.

Untrained Treat Injury check: [roll0]

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo doesn't respond to Genira's words, merely doing as she asks. Approaching each fallen ninja to bind their wounds, rebinding the one which Akimaru had tried. Looking at the young man, he spoke in reply, "We were always going to learn about the bandits from Dokan. Now we just have more...questions to ask. I imagine they'll at least be inconvenienced for the meanwhile. I'm certain they'll be taken care of."

Standing, Tetsuo hoisted the girl up as best he could. Reluctantly, he spoke up again. "Genira-sensei, I assume I should make some transports? Out to where we left our main weapons, and then back to the village?"

[Dark_Prophet]

(Sorry for the massive wait. Just a bunch of stuff happening all at once again. Also, long post is long.)

Tetuso manages to stabilize and stop the bleeding of two of the three survivors - Viera, Nishi, and Soryu. Daichi, on the other hand, appears to be made of tougher stuff, having just passed out from fatigue on top of his numerous wounds, particularly the one Koma left him with across his chest. The said swordsman is among the deceased, as is the unfortunate Bouson.

Genira surveys the arrayed bodies, and shakes her head. You're not sure if its in disgust, or bemusement, while she speaks with her usual detached voice. "You're right on the mark, as usual. Get us out of here before anything else goes wrong - I swear, if those two don't die in transit, then I might kill them myself afterwards." She sighs. "At least we have two extra prisoners. And if anyone asks...the other two died accidentally. Move them onto the mounts." She moves over, begins moving methodically around the room, stopping here and there...leaving prepped greater explosive tags. If asked, she doesn't respond and merely finishes her work.

As Tetsuo creates the mounts, first Dokan, the most important captive, is tied up, and loaded up onto Genira's mount, followed by Nishi and Daichi (unbound of course), who are secured by your Jounin unceremoniously to the saddle via rope, their limbs dangling over the edge. Veira and Soryu are also bound and loaded onto Tetsuo and Akimaru's mount, the genjutsu user being given to Tetsuo to watch, and Veira to Akimaru.

(Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/FHvPt99Y/makoto_hosoi_burn_away/)) After everyone is stowed away, Genira finally finishes, and gets on the first mount. "All right, Tetsuo, take us out of here - this place will become a example for those who side with scum and bandits - and a nice distraction for the guards to boot." As the mounts begin to leave the mansion, she throws a kunai at one of the prepped greater explosive tags - as the mounts rush out through the double doors, fire erupts behind you, singeing the backs of your mounts as you fly past. Seconds later, similar fire and explosions erupt out of the windows and buildings, sending glass and splintered.

Only several of the soldiers on patrol of the grounds notice you, the rest preoccupied by the sudden conflaguration and destruction of what they were guarding. They can't be heard over the sound of the fire and explosions as more greater explosive tags are set off, and the few that have the presence of mind to fire arrows at you miss due to the smoke. Once all of you are out of the immediate blast range of the fire and smoke, Genira smiles viciously and brushes back several strands of her hair, which have come undone from her usual bun. "And that's how we deal with enemies and traitors of the Country of Mist. Everyone will think that our prisoners died in the fire...take us up. Over the cloud line, until we're out of sight. We'll pick up our weapons, and find a safe place far away from here to regroup and recover for the night."

True to Genira's directions, Tetsuo's mounts climb out of sight, and only drop down to pick up your stocked equipment, before taking about two hours to reach the inaccessible, grassy glade high up in the shade of the mountains, where Genira unpacks and begins to set up camp in the evening light. By this time, both Nishi and Daichi have recovered, while your other prisoners have remained unconscious.

Once the camp is all set up several minutes, Genira looks over all four of you with a unusually cold expression even for her, leaning back against a tree and glaring icy daggers. "All right, I want someone to go over what happened during this mission - what the plan was, what didn't go according to plan, and why what happened happened. I want to make sure all of you understand this that way it won't happen again unless I order you to. Begin."

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Daichi, sitting shirtless with white bandages wrapped many times around his torso to cover the gashes he'd received courtesy of Koma, and spat into the fire. He absent-mindedly reached over to drive his greatsword point-first into the log he was sitting on. He kept a hand over the pommel, leaning against it slightly while his other elbow rested on his knee. If the group had taken time to retrieve the items they left behind at the start of the mission, he'd replaced the headband/helmet of his around his forehead. He looked around at the others for a moment before that smirk of his split his lips, showing gleaming white teeth. It was less of a smile and more a snarl.

"Isn't it obvious? Nishi and I had everything under control until these two couldn't find the time to take care of the other two we hadn't put down. If they'd managed to at least knock out one each I wouldn't have had to ride back strapped to that damn ink bird. Instead they had to waste time trying to talk them down." he grimaced in disgust. "Next time don't think about accepting surrender unless it's at the tip of a sword. They'll be a lot less likely to stab you in the back if you've cut an arm off first." Daichi finished, spitting into the fire again. "Still don't see why we needed to bring both of those kunoichi anyway. We can get our answers just fine from just one. "

[Fanatic-Templar]

With his blindfold once more wrapped around his head, there was no one to see Akimaru's eyes roll. He was still aching from the wounds received in the battle, and was not particularly enthusiastic at the ramifications of this discussion. As such, he'd lain down on his back, preferring to enjoy the cold mountain winds which reminded him of home.

Daichi's confrontational attitude was really ideal. As in the battle, his reckless behaviour drew attention to him, and all Akimaru could hope for was that the swordsman would keep Genira's attention, keeping Akimaru out of the whole mess.

Keep talking, Daichi.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

It was a slow rise back to wakefulness once Tetsuo had tended the genin's wounds and they had fled Dokan's estate on the back of the Kamitora's trademark ink creatures back outside of the village's walls to where equipment had been stashed before retreating even farther away to a secluded glade where Daichi and Nishi were able to finally get their eyes open once more.

As Genira set up camp, Nishi slowly crawled off the ink creature and returned the special blade he had been given to it's sheath before looking about confusedly as if something was missing. When the disturbed genin didn't catch sight of whatever it was, Nishi pats down the torn pink kimono that had been torn up by the one kunoichi's final attack to reveal a slender and surprisingly girl-like figure wrapped in white bandages before turning a distressed gaze to Tetsuo. "Tetsuo, where is he?" Nishi asks with a slightly shrill tone of voice before the genin's head swiveled about to look at the jounin.

Even before the jounin finished speaking, the distraught genin was pulling knees up to chest height with ankles crossed to preserve modesty. By the time Genira had finished, and Daichi as well, drops of wetness had gathered at the corner of deep blue eyes as Nishi violently shook about his/her head and spoke in a soft voice that seemed almost saddened. "I lost control Genira-sensei, I didn't mean to but I couldn't help it. It wasn't like in the other village, and I didn't mean to kill Bousun...It just...happened and it wasn't supposed to. We were supposed to go in, grab Dokan-san, and get back out and I screwed it up when I went after the other ninja and I'm sorry.

The rambling speech finally stopped, Nishi gazing down toward the ground and refusing to look up at Genira or even the other members of the squad. Instead one arm went about the genin's knees and Nishi used the other to absently pull up grass as if that simple act was soothing.

[Dark_Prophet]

Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/skycross/music/ApR_QSRd/taniuchi_hideki_near/)

As soon as he finishes speaking, Genira reaches over, and grabs Daichi's neck, her eyes blazing. "Listen, you wild unruly wolf. My team is the only thing that has a chance of actually giving those with bloodlines a place and a shot of overcoming the sins of our past over the last century. Regaining all of our honor and maybe getting something like respect? Do you know how hard I worked to even get the Mizukage and the Swordsmen's approval to form this? And what do you do? Do you know what you ****ing do? You go against my direct orders to make us look good for your own little kicks. You're the second troublemaker in my team - I know your history. The last one's...indisposed at the moment. Nishi's just plain crazy in the head, but obedient enough. At least he apologized. I might even accept it. But you? You just dig yourself in deeper."

Her grip tightens - she's not very strong, but you can feel a vague sensation of cold around the area of her grip. "Give me one reason I shouldn't add you to the number of accidental causalities that have taken place in this mission. I could have picked plenty of standout students for this mission - I got to choose from the finest bloodline users in Kirigakure. And for some reason I picked you. Tell me, why, you useless, disobedient rustblood." The look in her eyes is deadly as she waits, managing to somehow hold his large frame aloft with her small hands.

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Despite the obvious danger, Daichi's teeth flashed in that grin that seemed more like a snarl, an animalistic showing of teeth. He turned his throat more into her grasp, almost rubbing his neck against her hand like a wolf pushing its head into its owner's hand. You never knew if the wolf was going to accept being touched or if it would bite. "Because, Genira-sensei...you need me. Someone who doesn't care about honor or respect or any of that nonsense. You can put me right up front against all of your enemies and then blame me when things go wrong and you won't receive a single complaint from me for it. Then, if I haven't fallen in battle and I get strong enough to become a threat to you, you can freeze my poison blood in my veins and sweep the crystallized remains to the wind if it pleases you. Hell, you could wait until I'm forty and laugh while I die from my own poison. ...You could do it now, but there's still so many people I have left to kill...it'd be a waste of your resources." he said, pressing his neck into her grip a little harder.

"You won't get any apology from me. I killed that swordsman because he was in my way, he was a challenge, and it was fun. That girl was lucky, but I'd cut her goddamn head off and mount it on a stick outside camp just as soon as look at her. Nonetheless, you have your prisoners. Dokan is out of business and the bandits have been dealt a solid blow to their supply lines. I'd say you will be applauded for your success, Genira-sensei." he sneered.

"So, shall I say my final prayers and await an icy death, or shall I go on killing for you?"

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo sat up; he'd been drawing as he listened. "What happened," he murmured. He looked around at his teammates, and reached into his pack. Retrieving Nishi's "souvenir", he passed it over to the strange genin. "Here y'go."

"What happened, Genira-sensei? The same thing as last time. I can take a bit of the blame, I suppose, for not preparing a contingency plan. I should have anticipated there being guards. My fault there." He stood, stretching.

"Nishi admitted he literally lost control, seems to be a byproduct of his bloodline. That played a factor, absolutely. And Akimaru and I aren't particularly suited to close quarters combat." He looked at Daichi, "So in that respect, you're kind of correct. If we were more "cut people in half" oriented, it might've gone a bit differently."

Tetsuo looked up, watching the clouds drift. "But your problem, Daichi, is simple. You're afraid. You're scared to die, and you're angry at the world because of it. I'm not sure if that's what made you a sociopath, or if it's just how you are, but your insubordination is willful and purposeful, unlike Nishi's loss of control. You are why people won't look me in the eye when I'm walking down the road. You are why this team was formed, to undo the damage bloodline users like you have caused to our reputation. You are going to die an angry, bitter person. And what's worse, is there's a way to avoid that."

Tetsuo looked at Genira, serious, his normal joking smile still wiped from his face. "Genira-sensei, thanks for your instruction. I will complete this mission, and go through debriefing. I announce my intention to quit this team after that. I may or may not remain in the village; I may decide to just go home. I'm happy to have been chosen for this team, and it did teach me much. If there's nothing else, perhaps we could get back to the village and complete our mission?" he queried, not sounding angry, nor kidding. Just sincere.

[Dark_Prophet]

Genira lets out a strangled cry in response to Tetsuo's deliver and lets go of Daichi, dropping him to the ground. "Aaaahhh..." She takes a deep breath, and then readjusts herself, her expression fading back to icy neutral. "I think you did well enough, given the conditions. But that is...your decision. You leaving would be a great loss to Kirigakure, during this crucial time. Excuse us a moment. We need to...talk." The slim jounin grabs Daichi, and roughly hauls him along behind her into the forest, out of sight.

Daichi
She pulls you along for about a half minute, perhaps 100 ft. in, and then pushes you up against a tree, although your feet still touch the ground. Somehow manages to keep her voice quiet, which makes it even more intimating as she whispers in your ear in obviously controlled, colder fury then before. "All right, listen up you uncultured violent little piece of ****. If you just cost me my favored disciple who the Mizukage also has his eye on, I am going to make your life living suffering. I will make sure you don't die for days, that you are tortured and put on icy display in front of the whole village as a example to your pathetic clan until you die, whose honor will be ever shamed and will curse your name and family."

She takes a deep breath, and the continues, a slight smile forming as the tone warms almost imperceptibly. "Now yes, you're useful. You're good at killing and dying. I know I can count on you to do your job, especially if we need to make sure someone troublesome accidentally dies. But not that useful. I don't care if you have to wear a mask, put on whatever you have to do, pretend that you lost control of yourself, apologize, that you're actually a good person deep down, do whatever it takes to get him to stay, and I'll make sure that you stay a valued and respected member of this team, in the village in general, and overlook any further...indiscretions. Maybe even see if we can find a cure for your clan's little ailment. If he leaves, what I just described will become all that's left of your pathetic, broken world. Are we clear?"

(More school, more delays. Still here as always, though. Anyone who wants to listen in on Genira roll me a DC 25 Listen from where you are. Or alternatively, you can try to get closer, which'll make it lower, but I'll need a move silently for you to not be heard yourself in the process.)

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo chuckled silently a she saw Genira drag Daichi off to the woods. Once they were out of sight, he silently crept towards the trees, staying well out of sight of the two. Once he thought he was close enough, he listened intently, trying to overhear.

((Rolls were made over IM with DP.))

[Fanatic-Templar]

Through his blindfold, Akimaru's katsugan follows the strange change in situation. You're going to just quit this team? I was under the impression that it wasn't quite that simple... doesn't everybody here have a reason to be, whether we want to or not?

Sitting back up, he removes his headband and wipes his forehead with his sleeve. He starts knotting it up again, then changes his mind and tosses it on the ground nearby. He probably wouldn't need it tonight anyway.

"Ah, that reminds me. I also still have some of your stuff, Nishi." He quickly unties the second belt pouch at his waist, and hands it back to the peculiar genin. "Here."

The thought of Tetsuo leaving does not fill Akimaru with glee. That would leave me alone with Daichi, Nishi and Genira. Although, if it was so easy, why shouldn't he quit himself? Well, it would probably disappoint his parents. It's one thing not to be selected, it's another to throw away this... opportunity.

There was something altogether strange about this situation, he decided. And it was probably best not to get noticed just now.

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Daichi remained wordless from the time Tetsuo had spoken to him all the way through being led out into the woods and shoved hard against the tree. The slash upon his back ground painfully into the bark, but he paid it no mind. He just met Genira's cold eyes with his own crimson ones until she was done chewing him out. Again, he seemed to recognize her threat but at the same time he didn't look too concerned about it. He looked almost accepting of it. When he did speak, it was in that same low whisper.

"Reputation, honor, family...pfeh." he turned his head slightly to spit on the ground. "Wasn't anyone listening before? I told you I don't give a rat's @ss about those things. I'd burn my house to the ground along with all of the sniveling dogs that lie within if I had the opportunity." he grinned sadistically. "And as for THAT..." he nodded towards the camp site, obviously referring to Tetsuo, "I'd very much like to kill him, too. Why you think so much of that guy I'll never understand." He looked down for a moment, looking almost shy if everyone didn't know better. "But if that useless person staying means I can go on killing, I can put on any mask you want. Pride is another one of those meaningless things I told you about." he chuckled.

The fact was that Tetsuo had been wrong about Daichi. He wasn't afraid of death. Death was an old companion of his. Few knew for certain when they were going to die, but Daichi had known for quite some time now that he would be lucky to see forty. Actually, the truth was much worse. Daichi wanted to go out in a blaze of glory and that was much more dangerous. That was why he was so brazen, so insubordinate. He didn't want to die wasting away in bed, sick and poisoned, lasting for days until finally his body gave up. He wanted to die in battle, preferably, but being frozen to death had a certain artistic appeal.

"You all think you understand me. You think that torture and death are going to scare me? I like pain. It excites me." he said, leaning his head in as much as he could toward Genira's. "I also have a thing for older women. Has anyone ever told you that you're positively radiant when you're angry, Genira-sensei?"

((OOC: Oh yeah, I went there. :smallbiggrin: ))

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

It was odd, in a sense, that everyone was becoming more tense and angry about the emotions from the last mission boiling over that the only one who seemed unconcerned or uninvolved was the bizarre Nishi. After having apologized, the genin fell silent except for the nigh un-hearable noise of grass being ripped up from the ground to be torn up and discarded until Tetsuo pulled out the stuffed samurai doll and held it out to Nishi.

"Ohh, Tetsuo-kun thank you for grabbing it!" The genin gushed before yanking it out of the other's hand and holding it tight before the Kamitora user began his own disturbingly serene debriefing while Nishi began to feel this mission had finally begun to look up. That is until Tetsuo dropped the bomb about leaving the team once they had finished the mission and the doll fell forgotten unto the grass below as Nishi's eyes went wide and surprised.

"What? Tetsuo-kun...that's not funny." Comes the soft voice, unheard in Genira-sensei's own outburst and the following noise of Daichi being dragged off into the woods. "Tetsuo-kun, come on..I said that wasn't a funny joke. You...you can't just leave Genira-sensei and me like this!" Nishi quickly rose to his feet as Tetsuo slinked of into the woods, staring after the other genin until he disappeared out of sight. It was only Akimaru's voice that jarrs the disturbed genin out of the trance-like state, and it seemed it was a good thing that he had. Just before the blind-folded genin held out the belt pouch Nishi's face began to twist into an animal-like snarl, teeth clenched so tightly it looked like they might snap as his lip twitched up into that alarming expression.

"Huh?" The sound of another person's voice seemed to snap Nishi out of it though, luckily, and the genin's head swiveled about mindlessly to look at Akimaru before Nishi nodded and reached out to take the belt pouch from him. "Oh. Thank you Akimaru-san, I had forgotten completely about it to be honest...aren't you going to go too?"

The nod Nishi gives off in the direction that Genira had gone made it clear what the genin was talking about.

[Dark_Prophet]

She narrows her eyes at Daichi, but doesn't squeeze him any tighter. "Do you have a deathwish, or are you just a idiot? You're just a child with no real status - a bloodline chuunin whelp. One who's likely going to be dead within a couple years at best on the path he's on right now. I have bigger fish to fry - fish that can at least hide their basic desires in order to do great things. Show your loyalty to the Village of Mist, stand out from among your peers as a exemplar instead of a troublemaker, and then we can talk."

Genira half-smiles at him, and then lets him go, re-straightening her hair and outfit, which had slipped out of her normal groomed perfection during her fury. After a moment, she turns away and begins to head out of the forest. "Now, shall we return to my team?"

Tetsuo moves back in line with the other two team members as he hears the conversation end. A minute later, the Jounin comes out, Daichi lagging behind her. She smiles at the rest of the team, the previous cold anger replaced by a rare neutral positivity. "Now, despite everything that went wrong, I think we should focus on the fact that we're all out alive, and that we have two prisoners more then the absolute bare minimum required for the success of the mission. So, while we reflect on what we could have done better, lets also remember that accomplishing the mission is better then not, and living is better then dying. Now, let's rest - we'll head back in the morning to report the success of our mission. Tetsuo, you'll have first watch - Akimaru will have the second, Nishi the third, and Daichi the fourth. Even though I doubt the bandits will be able to discover what happened, much less reach here in time, we can't afford to let our guard down."

(Commence downtime! Whenever it looks like people are done, I'll move ahead to the next morning, assuming nothing happens in the night...)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Before he answers, movement catches Akimaru's eye through the cloth. "Seems whatever was happening is finished... anyway, I'm sure it was nothing important." He shrugs and heads back to the spot where he'd been lying as Tetsuo and then Genira and Daichi return.

With the day's excitement over, Akimaru eagerly sets himself to sleep. It was unlikely they would be allowed to sleep late, so he should take whatever opportunity he had. Genira seemed to have mellowed down, Daichi had apparently said or done something right while they were alone, though what that could be remained a mystery. Enough trouble for today, there'll be plenty to endure tomorrow. As he unwinds, the aches of the day's battle become apparent. I can't believe I let myself get caught by that raiton jutsu. Bloody careless.

And with that final thought, he drifts to sleep.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

He betrayed no hint that he had eavesdropped on the conversation in the woods, merely nodding before sitting down by the fire, willingly complying with the orders. There was no visual cue as to what might be going on in his head as Tetsuo pulled out his drawing implements and sat wordlessly by the fire, waiting whatever things may happen on his watch.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The genin nods numbly as Genira gives the order to hit the hay, finding the proper gear and laying out on the ground facing away from all of the others. For all appearances it looked as if Nishi fell asleep the moment that black-haired head hit the ground but the reality of it was far different. Nishi was simply waiting, quietly and patiently, for the others to fall asleep during that first watch before rising up from the ground, blanket used to cover up around the slim figure's shoulders like a robe, and quietly padded across the grass before taking a seat beside Tetsuo while he took watch.

For a time there wasn't any talking, Nishi just stared down at his own legs while thinking things through in that messed up head. No weapons, the umbrella had been left where he had laid down, and no sense of hostility coming from the feminine genin whatsoever until finally Nishi spoke in a soft voice.

"Do you want to leave because of me?" Nishi asks smally, finally looking up at Tetsuo with wide crystal blue eyes that seemed dangerously intent on the boy sitting beside Nishi. The genin didn't even wait for an answer before pouncing, grabbing Tetsuo by the shoulders and pushing him down to the ground all the while staring down at him.

"Listen, if it's me then I'll stop. I won't give in anymore, I won't let it happen again, I swear!" The genin whispers frantically, trying to keep the noise down so the others don't awaken and interrupt the private conversation. "I won't change anymore, I'll stay in control, but please don't leave! I'll even stop killing people but I don't want you to go too, you...you..." It'd probably come as some surprise to Tetsuo, who had seen Nishi, as happily as Daichi, skewer people at the drop of a hat, began to cry with the other pinned beneath him. Tear droplets fell to scatter on Tetsuo's face as Nishi shook his head and took a deep breath to try and gain control of himself.

Soon his hands leave the other boy and Nishi leaned back unto the grass to allow Tetsuo to sit up, the pink kimono wearing genin looking miserable and refusing to look up at Tetsuo. "I...I don't want you to leave, please don't feel like you have to because of me. I'll...stop. All of it, just tell me what it is. I-I won't stop you, but I'm not going to help you either..."

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo sat at the fire as his watch began, pensively staring at the fire. He slowly heard the sounds of the others settling down as they dozed off. As he watched the fire burn, he realised how much of a stress this team had been. Before, he'd been a relatively relaxed person, enjoying his art and his friends. Joining this team was an honour, but it was proving to be terrible for his state of mind.

As Tetsuo poked a stick into the fire, adjusting the position of the logs so they would burn better, he reflected on the fact that he would possibly be giving Gawa a black eye. I don't want to, but I am sure that Gawa will understand... As Tetsuo looked up, he noticed Nishi, sitting near him by the fire, silent. I guess he can't sleep.

Suddenly, Tetsuo was ambushed by that first question, and before he could respond, he was ambushed by Nishi himself. Thudding to the ground, Tetsuo could barely contain his surprise as Nishi began pleading with him to stay. He even offered to stop using his bloodline, stunning Tetsuo again, before starting to cry.

As Nishi let him go, and Tetsuo sat back up, he looked at his unusual comrade. He took a moment to think before replying. "Nishi, that's... flattering. And if that was the only reason, I'd stay for sure. But Nishi," he looked at the other boy, "I'm not leaving because of you. It's a lot of things, so, don't be sad, okay? I'm sure you'll do great." He smiled and patted Nishi on the shoulder. "Try to get some sleep, okay?"

[Dark_Prophet]

(All right gents, my extreme apologies for the delay. Thanks for hanging on with this one as the rest - as usual, I blame school, but I just finished the core of the stuff that was making me lose my mind :) Will edit as appropriate, this is just the default - lets do this thing again!)

The night passes tensely but uneventfully, the different group members rotating through their watch posts. When morning dawns, Genira immediately rouses all of you with a clear, loud statement that echoes throughout the camp. "Our guests are awake - we're heading back to Mist pronto before anything else goes wrong. Assemble, pack up our assorted baggage, and lets be off." There's a disturbingly cheerful tone to her voice; those who do not immediately report are doused with ice water from out of nowhere, which immediately reforms and retreats back out of the tent. This seems to indicate a good, almost playful mood.

Once outside, you can tell that the hostages are indeed awake. The redhaired soul edge struggles despite obvious tiredness, a defiant look on her face as muffled curses spew out, while the blonde Genjutsu user barely moves, still very pale and weak as she dully takes in any newcomers. The old merchant apparently seems to have followed in her example, apparently having resigned to his fate. Your Jounin stands behind them, keeping both a careful eye on them, and also apparently taking the rare moment to bask in your victory, a smile on her face, waiting for each of your arrivals.

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

Daichi remained silent as well. He'd been up for several hours now as his had been the last watch, so he observed with quiet amusement as their jounin woke everyone else up. He kept an eye on the soul edge and the other prisoners from where he sat on his log, his huge sword stuck into the wood next to him. He gnawed absently on a piece of beef jerky that was attempting to pass for breakfast as everyone got up and set to move.

His eyes turned to regard Tetsuo for a moment. He had put off trying to get the kid to stay out of irritation, but Genira's orders were Genira's orders, so he had to get it done eventually. Daichi tore another bite off of his breakfast and continue to chew silently. Ugh...he might actually have to try and be tactful about it. Talk about adding insult to injury... He grimaced as the thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, then spit out a particularly tough piece of gristle onto the ground. He'd make sure he was on Tetsuo's bird and talk to him once they were in the air.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

As Genira's voice rang through the small camp, Tetsuo immediately sat up and began preparing. He stowed any equipment he needed, and made sure there was little left to indicate he'd slept there. He said not a word as he did so, glancing around, seeming almost... content. He arrives near the prisoners and Genira, and sits down, silently. He pulls a bit of food from his pack as he awaits the others, munching contemplatively.

[Fanatic-Templar]

For Akimaru, who hadn't slept in the tent to profit from the night's cool air, the morning call was most unwelcome. While he'd been awake for some time, he still felt like laying there, eyes closed in a state of restfulness. There was no need to let the accursed sun dictate his hours of sleep and wakefulness.

So it was that Genira had to demonstrate that it was not the sun, but Genira who dictated those hours. Akimaru bolted upright and shook his head, spraying water from his hair much like like a wet dog would. "Now that's refreshing!" The wet cloth was a soothing balm on his still-shut eyes, but he was up nonetheless, reaching about to pick up whatever stuff he'd left on the ground, tying his headband back where it was supposed to be, and so forth. "Since we've apparently got a mountain spring nearby, you mind if I get a drink before we go?"

As his mind woke more fully, he could make better sense of the previous day's events. In fact, he had a few questions he wouldn't mind seeing answered.

[Dark_Prophet]

Once all are assembled, Nishi having already gotten up long earlier, Genira laughs. Her gaze drifts over each of you, stopping finally on Tetsuo, her posture relaxing and one of the first happy smiles you've seen slips across her face. "Sure, you can drink from the mountain spring as long as you'd like. All right, now, anyone have anything more pressing then getting our guests of honor back, safe, and secure in the Village of Mist, and basking in our well deserved reward? I'm really hoping you don't...Tetsuo, conjure us up some mounts in the meantime, will you?"

(Once again, accursed school. If anyone has anything to say here, post em - otherwise, just let me know, and if not, I'll edit this to be more...time-covering.)

[Dark_Prophet]

(Sorry about the delay, guys, life started kicking my ass again *laughs*)

Tetsuo creates the mounts, and Genira splits you into two groups, one for each: Genira, Daichi, Nishi and Soryu on one, and then Tetsuo, Akimaru, Viera, and Dokan on the other. The flight is long; Soryu is the only one who even bothers to put up a quiet struggle through the flight, but is unable to cause any trouble with all of the attention on her. Over on Tetsuo and Akimaru's mount, Viera starts to look a bit less pale, but still fades in and out of consicousness, while Dokan is both morose and subdued.

Along the flight up the mountain, you note that Kirigakure's namesake is out in force - flooding down the mountain, and obscuring the blue sky and even the sun as you begin to near the peak. The mist is obscuring, but cool and relaxing, the feeling of passing through it seeming to lift everyone's moods. Finally, after several long hours of flying, the familiar walls of the Village of Mist come into view, and the guards wave you past as you soar above the afternoon bustling city, heading straight again to the bridge to the Mizukage's palace, the mounts setting down, and all of you disembarking, with the bound prisoners intact. The ever present, masked guards watch silently until Genira approaches them, smiling. "We have the target, as well as some of the...traitors alive, as a bonus."

The prisoners are delivered, handed over, while the apparent leader of the ninja guard speaks in a quiet, cold voice, eyes behind the mask shifting as they take all of you. "Excellent performance, Team Genira. The Mizukage is currently busy at the moment in a meeting with the Seven Swordsmen, so the debriefing will have to wait until tomorrow....return at midday for it."

Genira nods, and then turns back to all of you, the smile still on her face, although something flickering behind it for a moment at the guard's words as she exchanges glances with him. "All right, I want all of you to go, relax, and enjoy yourselves, because you've earned it. In fact...who wants to go grab the best dinner in Kirigake to celebrate? All on me, of course...." She looks around with a slight, mischevious grin. "Assuming all of you still have the energy for it, that is..."

(Everyone, take for 2000 xp for storyline advancement, and a extra 1000 for going beyond the required goal! I believe that should bump everyone up to effective character level of 7, if not, you are there at 21k. Extra xp to be given out individually *grin* Sorry again for the wait, but if nothing else, this is gonna be a rather quick advancing campaign, like I said.)

[Fanatic-Templar]

In the Sky

Akimaru sighs with relief as the artistic beast descends into the mist, obscuring the glare of the sun. Even with the blindfold, he could always feel its presence looking down on him. As a habit, he removes his headband to wipe his brow.

"So." Sitting behind Tetsuo on the strange bird, Akimaru can't see his comrade's face, but he expects him to have heard anyway. "Are you really leaving the team?" Regardless of Tetsuo's answer, Akimaru carries on. "I was wondering, you see, because if you don't intend to interact with us afterward, why bother spying on Genira-sensei and Daichi?"

On the Ground

"I'm certainly not one to pass an opportunity for a free meal. Plus, I was wondering if anybody had a clue why they'd call us traitors. It's pretty obvious that we wouldn't be walking here if we were."

Well, this is my bloodline's wasted level, so aside from improving my ECL by 1, nothing much for me to do here.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The ride back with Daichi was...less then welcoming from Nishi's side of things, his gaze is fixated down on the ground below instead of on his companions or the prisoner with a far off look in his eyes that was mildly disconcerting. Luckily enough it seemed to stop as Kirigakure came back into sight, awareness returning to the genin's eyes as he straightens and stretches languidly with a wide yawn, but considering the feminine boy had gotten little to no sleep that wasn't too surprising.

He did his best to appear alert and on guard as the approached the Mizukage's palace, hearing the interior voice of his true sensei admonishing him for not looking his best even as he tries his best. Not a word spoken to the ninja guards but a brief smile flitted across his face at the mention of the Swordsman.

Yumi-sama is inside? I wonder if I should wait until she comes out... He mused to himself before Genira-sensei made her generous offer. Looking about at the others the black haired genin shrugged a bit then nodded. "Sure thing Genira-sensei."

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

As they flew through the air, Tetsuo enjoyed the breeze on his face, brushing blonde hair out of his face. He was glad he'd gotten to sit with Akimaru, as opposed to Daichi or even Genira. When the other young man spoke, Tetsuo smiled just a bit. I suppose it doesn't really make sense, does it?

"Yes, I believe I am leaving the team. As to why I eavesdropped on Genira and Daichi? Hmm.... Personal curiosity, I suppose. I was intrigued as to what, if anything, Genira might say to him with regards to the whole situation. I found out, and that's definitely something I'm thinking about." If this satisfied the genin's curiosity or not, Tetsuo would divulge no more information. Other topics, however, Tetsuo seemed more than happy to talk about, no hint of animosity or an upset temper.

After they landed and were told to return, Tetsuo gave an inward shrug as he heard Genira invite them out for a free meal. Hoisting his pack, Tetsuo put on a generic smile. "No, thanks. I'm a bit tired. I'll see you guys at midday tomorrow. Have a good time." So saying, Tetsuo headed at a leisurely pace towards his home.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru nods thoughtfully at Tetsuo's response, though he obviously can't be seen doing so. For an instant, he considers asking Tetsuo what had been said that was worth thinking about, but he changes his mind and instead simply says: "So, any idea what you intend to do instead? Best of luck to you, whatever it is."

Akimaru listens to Tetsuo's answer, and continues chatting amiably. Eventually, the subject dies off, and they continue their flight in silence. Finally, as the mists of Kirigakure become recognisable, he asks the question that the more experienced ninja can really help him with. "Hey, Tetsuo. You've worked with Genira-sensei and Nishi before, right? They seem to like you well enough, is there anything I should know, or some tips you can give me to better work with them?" That was surely something to worry about. Nishi was unpredictable and confusing to him, and while he understood Daichi well enough, or so he felt, that didn't make the reckless man any less dangerous. He'd surely need all the help he could get if he was going to keep serving in Genira's squad.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

((Of course this conversation was on the ride. For my "on the ground" section, see the end of my previous post.))

"Thanks," he nodded with regards to the luck wished. he brushed hair out of sky blue eyes before continuing. "I'm not sure what I'll do. Like I said, I may remain a ninja, or I may try to go home. You know, somewhere where what I can do is viewed as a benefit instead of a reason to hate me. I'm not 100% sure yet."

Tetsuo gave a short mental command to move out of the way of other, flesh and blood birds as they approached the village. "Nishi and Genira? Well, Nishi is a good guy. A bit weird, to be sure, but his heart is in the right place. I've got no doubt he'd have my back in a heartbeat. Very loyal friend." He paused for a moment, seeming to gather his thoughts, as a hand reached to adjust the shoulder of his outfit. As he shook his right arm to have the fabric fall into a more comfortable position, he spoke up again. "Genira... Follow orders if you think they're sound, but if they're not, don't be afraid to say so. Make no mistake, she's extremely volatile. She appreciates efficiency, is willing to listen to others, and she has total loyalty to the Mizukage and the village.

"She's a good jounin, and she taught me quite a bit," he finished before glancing back, his trademark smile back on his face as he laughed. "I guess that's the long answer. Short answer, don't piss them off. You saw me get Nishi's doll? That was so I didn't get cut in half. I enjoy my halves connected, thank you very much. I have also seen Genira turn someone into a barely living icicle. I enjoy icicles as much as the next guy, when they're not me."

The birds neared the village, and Tetsuo gave the mental command to begin their approach. Overhead, the sun faded as mist obscured and surrounded.

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

"Tetsuo!" came a shout from behind as the ninja continued to walk leisurely toward his home. Through the sparse crowd of peasantry could be seen the tall figure of Daichi, his sword at rest against one shoulder with the other arm bound in a sling. He still bore many of the injuries he'd gathered during the mission, but that didn't stop passersby from getting out of his way. He had a scowl on his face like Genira had just told him to scrub the public toilets and he made no act at hiding it. He approached the other ninja and stopped some feet away from him.

"Here's the situation. You don't like me, and I want to put your head on a spike. Unfortunately, Genira-sensei's made it pretty damn clear she likes having you around for some reason and she's blaming me for your sudden desire to run away. I don't honestly give a crap if you leave, but she wants you to stay. That means I have to make sure you do. So, stay and we'll agree to stay out of each others' hair. If you want an apology, you have it. Pride means nothing to me." he said flatly.

((OOC: GAH! Finally able to get on GitP without it timing out on me. Hopefully it stays this way.))

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

As he walked home, a small smile on his face, he was snapped back to reality by the call of his name. As he shook out his shirt sleeve and turned to face Daichi, Tetsuo stood listening to the imposing genin, though he bore no malice.

As he listened to Daichi conveying what he was ordered to with extreme distaste, he nodded and straightened. Wiping his forehead lightly, Tetsuo seemed to gather his thoughts before replying. "Daichi... I admit I don't like your methods, and it's obvious you don't like mine. I honestly have no idea if I'd like you as a person. It hasn't come up. Genira likes having me around for some reason I'm not too sure of either, but don't make it so personal as to think that I'm leaving because of you. You played a part, but don't think it's personal. It's also not sure that I'm going yet. If I stay, I stay. Either way, I'll see you at the debriefing tomorrow." So saying, Tetsuo waved goodbye and turned back towards home.

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

"That's not the point, pipsqueak. It doesn't matter if you blame me or not. The point is that Genira does and if you leave it's my hide she'd going to take it out of." The rust-blood stepped in front of Tetsuo. Even with his arm in a sling, Daichi seemed to loom over the other ninja, his greater than average height casting a shadow over Tetsuo. "I promise you, if I survive what the Ice Queen does to me as a result of your departure, you will not. On the contrary, if you stay, I will let you keep your head and our issues will be settled. I'd consider it a favor repaid for letting those @ssholes back at Dokan's place use me as a pincushion so you could finish them off." He let a small grin split his skull, his white teeth standing out prominently along with his rust-colored eyes. "Heh. Anyway, see you at the briefing." Daichi said in parting, letting Tetsuo continue on his walk. He had to return to his master's to heal anyway.

[Dark_Prophet]

(Sorry about the delay as usual! Also, big thing, probably not going to have net access for a month in a couple days, although I might - gonna be in France)

Akimaru and Nishi Genira's taste in expensive dinners, as Akimaru and Nishi find out, is pretty darn good - by the time its over, all of you are in considerably better moods despite the lack of Daichi and Tetsuo. The food and enjoyment of being able to relax outweighs even the mixed looks of respect and dislike you get from the various patrons and staff alike. Your Jounin seems oblivious to all of it, however.

Daichi When Daichi returns home to his master's dojo, he finds that he is out, having been taken along with the Swordsman for the conference. Everyone is tense, presumably from the discussions, the topic of which is never directly disclosed. As a result, there are a great deal of murmuring and glares from several his fellow students and teachers, including a couple of derogatory comments about his team's performance.

Tetsuo There's a great deal of tension in the village as you head home after the meeting. You can feel the gazes of your friends and strangers alike as some wave to you who didn't before, and others who did...ignore your presence.

The following day, around noon, everyone gathers at the now standard meeting spot by the row of statues in preparation for the debriefing. Your Jounin appears to continue in her disturbingly good spirits as the palace guards allow you past after a moment, journeying again into the dimly lighted depths of the palace. "Did everyone have a nice long rest?"

Despite her words, there is a continued feeling of tension in the air carrying over from the previous day - even the palace guards eye you carefully and appear to grip their weapons tighter then usual. When you finally reach the lobby outside of the Mizukage's room, it becomes clear you're the only team reporting this time. As you arrive, you're immediately called in by the Mizukage a "Begin."

The blue masked figure of the Mizukage's eyes seem to glint and look past each of you as Genira begins her report, seeing your true self in contrast to her glazed and honeyed outlining of the unfolding events. "...thus, we were barely able to take either of the additional prisoners alive due to the dangerous level of their skills. We took appropriate measures to...discourage further cooperation of the locals with the bandits."

The Mizukage nods, then speaks in a cold, flat voice. "After my meeting with the Swordsmen, we uncovered some interesting facts. Dokan himself held no surprises, but one of the survivors was pliable enough to confirm several details. The first was that she and one of her companions were renegade ninja from our own hidden village, and the second was that the other two, including the stubborn one, appear to have been from the Hidden Village of Cloud. This is troubling, and will be examined closely - as a matter of fact, I have the other teams looking into it as we speak. When they return with the necessary information for a more detailed course of action, there will be further assignments for you." He turns away, clicking his fingers quietly in a eerily sound that echoes around the room. "Oh, and I hope all of you train hard together during your break - your team is beginning to develop a reputation for straddling the edge of failure on even the simplest of assignments. Some of the Swordsmen are beginning to question the wisdom of forming such a team in the first place. Make sure the Village, and more importantly - my - continued confidence in all of you is...well founded. Especially you, Genira." The Mizukage sits back down at his desk, making it clear that the debriefing is over. Beside all of you, Genira's good spirits slowly fade away to very distraught expression before reverting back to her usual icy mask as she turns to leave with a wordless nod, gesturing for you to follow. (Unless anyone has any responses or snappy comebacks, month of training time, ensues!)

[ChronicLunacy]

Daichi

During his time at his master's dojo, Daichi concentrated on healing as he was still pretty banged up from his fight with the renegade swordsman at Dokan's place. Still, this did not distract him from noticing the glares and comments from the other and some of the teachers. Daichi met every glare, every snide remark with one of his own, along with a predatory smile, daring them to do something about it. Even injured, he rested the huge sword of his in plain sight at his side. It was a well-known fact that Daichi had no respect for anyone there save for his sensei and the master Swordsman. As such, no one really bothered to follow up their glares or comments with anything more. Typical.

The next day, Daichi was clean and dressed as he had been when they'd first met there. He'd recovered his headband sort of helmet with its hanging temple/cheek armor and had found his way into new clothes similar to the ones he'd worn before with a black cloak covering them. His sword had been wrapped in a long length of white linen but otherwise rested on his shoulder as usual. He remained silent through the Mizukage's briefing, one time attempting to place just who he was referring to when he spoke about the various prisoners the team had brought back. He smirked when he wondered which of them had broken during questioning. He hoped the chakra-blade b*tch had resisted until the torture started.

The smirk disappeared however, when it seemed like the Mizukage was disappointed in them, and his teeth started to grind audibly as he worked his jaw back and forth. He knew better than to try to add anything to the discussion, however. So he remained silent as they left, preferring to think instead about the month of training they had been given leave to participate in. It was fortunate, since there were several skills he'd been meaning to expand his knowledge of. When the next mission rolled around he would be that much more ready to crush whatever challenge was presented. This time, hopefully, without passing out in the process.

I still need to go about leveling up, don't I? Well, off to the character sheet to do that, I guess.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru attended the debriefing with a carefully studied mask of expressionless obedience that served mostly to hide his similarly impassive face due to the boredom of sitting in place, listening to Genira and the Mizukage.

By this point, he was unsurprised that the brigands who were allegedly the cause of the entire mission were not mentioned at all, and whatever may have caused the gathering of missing-nin from the Mist and Cloud was not of much interest to him, evidently business for higher-ups in the hierarchy of the Hidden Mist.

And the reputation of mediocrity that their team was apparently gathering served little to motivate him, but rather confirmed in his mind that this whole operation was just a futile endeavour of life-risking operations. This is the pits. Whoever had the bright idea to recruit me to this team... was probably having a joke at my expense.

The promise of a month's vacation - training session - does sound promising to Akimaru, but only until he catches the exact words used by the Mizukage. Train together? He recalled Daichi's complaints, and looked to Genira, and sighed. Someone's going to get it into their head that I should learn to use that sword, aren't they?

I'll post in the OoC thread once I get some idea of what I want to train for.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

The sun was shining lazily when Tetsuo opened his eyes, having slept in a bit due to his long chat the night before. He idly checked the time as he ran a hand through blond, sleep disturbed hair. He went over the previous night's conversation in his head as he washed up, wiping the sand from sky blue eyes, and suddenly he realised he had an actual smile on his face, like he had before all the stress of this team had overwhelmed him. Weird how you miss the little things.

As he ate breakfast, Tetsuo leaned out his window, enjoying the day, waving to those he knew as they passed by, whether they'd waved to him the day before or not. Finishing up his meal, Tetsuo tossed on his clothes and headed towards the meeting spot. It was early, but he wanted to take his time, chat to people. Rebuild bridges which he might have neglected. Plus, he brought his sketchpad to burn time if he arrived well ahead of the others.

As it turned out, he did. No matter the chats he struck up, he still arrived at the row of statues with an hour to spare. Pleased at the extra time, Tetsuo leaned back and just started sketching whatever he thought of; the reflection of sunlight from the mist, a detail of one of the statue's hair, and random doodles as he waited for the others.

Whenever he would hear footsteps, Tetsuo would look up and greet them with a smile and hello. Once these footsteps became those of his team, it almost was a flashback to when he'd first joined, with the grin and enthusiasm. Even when Daichi arrived, he had a bit of a smile as he gave a friendly hello.

Through the debriefing Tetsuo remained as serious as appropriate, allowing himself only a slight smile during the recounting of events, when Daichi would learn that he hadn't let the enemies use him as a pincushion and then "finish them off". Tetsuo did take note of key phrases in the Mizukage's response, probably more noticeable thanks to Tetsuo's chat the night before. All in all, Tetsuo left the meeting after making a slight pause, as if to address the Kage, then just carried on.

Stepping outside, he stretched, saying idly "Training together, huh? I wonder how that's going to work out," he said, with a little grin.

[Dark_Prophet]

ONE MONTH LATER...

Soundtrack (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/LdkgbXoW/kenji-kawai-drizzling/)

The Village of Hidden Mist had been all a-murmur. After its short but admired (and some would say rough) run of cutting into the banditry preying upon the merchant caravans traveling to and from Kirigakure in the neighboring area, the experimental bloodline team had been put on hiatus. However, suprisingly enough, its members afforded notice and respect instead of ridicule and scorn...even admiration in their respective districts, as they trained and continued their daily lives. People who had once looked at them with fear and contempt - many of course, still did - some even more. And sometimes they had the feeling of being watched and observed even more then normal in the already tightly surveyed Kirigakure.

But lately, there'd been rumors they were going to be finally be moved back into action - and not just one team, but two now. No one really knew why there had been the hiatus, although rumors spoke of politics behind closed doors and negotiations. For all of Genira's promises of training together, most of them had barely seen each other during that time. And after that long month of relaxing, idling, and wondering, none of the original members really believed it, either the new and old additions. At least, that is until they got the official orders dropped at their doorsteps - with the Mizukage's official crest stamp, to report the following afternoon at the "Meeting Ground". The deserted, silent forest of statues right outside the palace still avoided but now watched by many of the village.

And when all six of them assembled there, a familiar, ice cold woman was there to greet them, clad in her light, flowing blue robes, and complete with the dark jug of water across her back. "Good. All of you are here. We have much to do...feel free to get used to each other, since its been a whole month. But if you'll do it as head inside? We haven't much time, and the Mizukage needs brief all of you on your first, critical joint mission. And I'm sure some of you have been getting a bit...restless." She gives a flourish with her hand and smiles, her long dark hair bobbing, surveying each present shinobi with her striking blue eyes, silently evaluating each of them, saying the last she passes over Nishi and Daichi. With that, she turns and begins to slowly walk across the bridge, past the silent elite guards, and into the misty palace, beckoning the assembled ninja to follow her.

(Here we go. Everyone in here - feel free to reintroduce and describe yourselves, since its been a while. When you're all done, it'll be outside the Mizukage's room - feel free to reply/have at each other until then ^^)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

The tall, broad (some would say overdeveloped) sixteen-year-old at the end of the line responded to Genira's comments with a not-so-subtle wink and a smirk. He hefted the naked flat of his blade, a greatsword almost as tall as he was, to his shoulder in one smooth motion and tilted his head to the side to look at the others.

He had black hair, spiked up out of his unnerving, crimson eyes save for two longer bangs with the assistance of his forehead protector, which was more of a helmet really. It was one of those armored headbands with cheek protectors that dropped down to cover his temples. On his muscled torso he wore nothing but a simple, light vest which left his upper arms and most of his stomach bare, showing lots of heavily tanned skin. Below his elbows were a pair of ornamental vambraces that covered his knuckles but stopped short of his fingers. The belt which held his kunai pouch and a slender wakizashi helped to hold up his baggy, black pants, which were tied up below the knees by strips of white linen until they got to the tabi on his feet. Finally, his ears were gauged by 3/4 inch jade disks. There was no sheath for his greatsword.

As he started walking, he spoke up loudly. "I'm Ruyuno Daichi. Who the hell are you new guys?"

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

"'Kay then, Genira-neechan!"

The bright and cheerful voice belongs to a newcomer among your midst, a young girl of about 15 clad from knee to neck in warm looking, dark purple clothes. A corset worn overtop the ensemble helps hold everything in place and silhouettes her figure, slender arms and legs covered by long sleeves and knee-high brown boots. Both her skirt and and her long silvery hair sway vigorously from her enthusiastic waving.

"Hi there! My name's Natsumi, neechan says I'm gonna be working with you guys now. Pleased to meet ya!"

Her eyes are a much softer sort of red than Daichi's, and right now they are shimmering. As her waving arm drops at long last to rest in front of her waist (covering the headband that signified her as shinobi), you can't help why she's here at all...

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Sitting with his back against one of the statues, legs brought up and eyes shut, covered in sweat as he typically was, one could have easily suspected Akimaru was exhausted, despite his easy breathing.
Looking fairly mundane, with forgettable features, a slightly crooked nose and short black hair that clung in spikes more due to the sweat that occasionally dripped from them rather than any artistic choice, you get the impression that the Hidden Mist headband he wears over his forehead is very much intended to keep sweat from getting in his eyes. He wore a white baggy-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned for its entire length revealing a well toned body which, though not as massive or muscular as Daichi's, demonstrated extensive physical training.
Old fashioned weapons are at his side, a katana sheathed to one side, and a quiver of arrows on the other, a supply for the monstrous bow he'd left lying against the statue.

"Hey there. I'm Nakamura Akimaru, pleased to meet you." As he spoke, his left eye blinked open, studying the others present. If the rest of his facial traits were unnoticeable, his eyes more than made up for them. Irises flowing like quicksilver as they reflected everything in sight, blues and red and greens mingling in hypnotic fashion before turning to grey. Purple entered into the dance, and Akimaru looked positively horrified at the thought of someone wearing such an abundance of clothing in this weather. Just the thought of it nearly gave him heat stroke, and in a nearly automatic gesture, he untied his headband to wipe his forehead with one of his sleeves, before knotting the forehead protector back into place.

Sighing, he closed his eyes again.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

Like on the very first meeting of Team Genira, Nishi was very likely the last one to actually arrive though it wasn't for as simple a reason that he had merely taken his time to enjoy the sights on his way. The raven-haired feminine boy approaches the meeting ground with a slow and measured pace, clear blue eyes watching every subtle movement of his own legs and feet with each step as much as how the white cotton kimono he wears this day moves around his limbs. A dull pink obi was tied at his back and the bottom hem of the rather formal garment was splashed with what one could only hope was a crimson dye and not something more sinister. Wooden sandals, raised up above the ground so they clonked with each step kept the almost always dew-damp ground from soaking the garment and gave faint announcing of his arrival before even Nishi himself was heard.

"Cherry blossoms gracefully bloom o'er the fields that lie,
High up is the castle wall, where have warriors gone?
Where is the moonlight that brightly shone up high,
Shone upon the warriors who drained the glasses dry?

White frost o'er the autumn camps freezing the whole night,
Flocks of wild geese cry and pass just below the moon.
Where is the moonlight that might have shone so bright,
Shone upon the warriors' swords gleaming through the night?

Oh, the moon is rising high in the depths of night,
Silent is the ruined site lying on the ground,
Ivies creep o'er the gate in the cold moonlight,
Rustling are the pine trees through the windy night.

To rise and fall is people's fate, the moon shines so bright,
Looking down upon the world lying far below,
How sublime the moonlight o'er the ruined site,
How I love the moon that shines in the depths of night!"

An old children song, a memento for Nishi since the Meeting Ground reminded him of the first time the original four members of Team Genira had gathered and they had demonstrated their unique abilities. Oh how Genira had scolded him for beheading one of the demon statues! By the second repitition of the song by that high and clear falsetto, the opened blue umbrella came into sight, clutched lightly in one bandaged hand that idly twirls it as Nishi approaches the group that was significantly larger then he remembered. He paused, blinking in surprise as the many familiar faces came into sight, and even a new one.

The slender boy, and it was most difficult to tell even that, was clearly swaddled in bandages underneath of the long-sleeved kimono, all the way up to the very tips of his fingers and despite the immaculate clothes, he had a somewhat...haggard look to him as if worn completely out.

"Aaah! Genira-sensei, you didn't tell me that you had a sister! Why did you keep such an adorable secret from us?" He asks brightly, even if a bit confused, as he hesitantly approaches Natsumi in a manner very vaguely reminiscent of a hound feeling out a stranger. Apparently he seemed to accept what he say because the unconsciously tightening grip on the umbrella gradually eased up before Nishi's eyes take in the other familiar faces.

[Catch]

Miharu

The thick embrace of pine encircled the gathered genin and their instructor, needle-studded boughs stirred in gentle waves by the passing breaths of wind. The trees sighed in response, swaying to and fro in dance with no steps. Their green spindle tops pointed toward the span of cloud cover that hung over Kirigakure. From the ground, it seemed a ragged blanket of dirty cotton, stretched tight to seal the sun behind rolling, endless grey. Above, the trees were a swath of rich green, rising up through the milky mists that gave Kirigakure no Sato its name.

The shrill shriek of a hunting hawk sang out above the bristled canopy, and a large raptor wheeled around the clearing in a dihedral. Sharp eyes scanned for movement and tawny wings were tucked close as the bird dove below the tree line toward scurrying prey. The dying squeal of a pinned animal faded as the wind rose up again to whip through the pines, their bristled whispers rising in tone and frequency.

Shhhhh-shhhhhh Shhhhh-shhhhhh

A shadow passed above and the sharpest eyes could spot a blur of red and brown as it swiftly dove into the clearing, swooping low, growing larger and a figure landed in the center of the clearing with swirl of air. Tree branches thrashed violently as fallen green and brown needles skittered around the clearing, tossed by the wind. As the debris settled and the gust passed, the girl (http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5613/miharunomask.jpg) stood, flicking golden eyes over gathered genin, settling on none. She brushed pine needles from her coat, which lapped at her ankles in the residual breeze. Auburn hair flowed freely to her waist and each of her fingers ended in curved talons.

Her head dipped a fraction toward the eldest of the gathered ninja, recognition a gleam in her eyes. Acquaintances they were, maybe? Or perhaps more. The girl's voice was surprisingly soft, delivered slowly, as though schooled from a former terseness. "Genira-sama. Hayama Miharu, reporting as requested."

Her bow was practiced, deep - the perfect inclination, yet preceded by the slightest hesitation. Having presented herself, she stepped off to the side smoothly, but the slight twist of her lip belied a certain uncertainty. Familiar faces received the slightest of nods - friendly Tetsuo, odd Nishi - before she retreated to the the shade of an especially tall pine, leaning against it with crossed arms. Shadows drift over her face as those golden eyes evaluate each of the ninja in the clearing, imprinting their likeness to memory. Familiar faces, new. Talents of all sorts. Threats. Liabilities. But teammates, they were. She would cooperate. She would do as ordered.

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Before she had asked Natsumi (specifically!) to come and join the group, Genira had spent a long while laying down advice and rules. One of the very first ones was to "try not to say too much". She figured what that meant was to do her best to let the others be the ones to start the conversations, at least until they got to know her better. And of course, it's very important not to disappoint Genira, so as the various members of these special teams filter in, she stares jubilantly at each of them (and in Nishi's case, more than a bit enraptured), but stays quiet beyond her initial introduction.

The effort is starting to make her fidget. She shifts her weight back and forth on her feet while idly running one hand through her hair. Is everybody always this quiet? No way. It must just be this moment. Well, she'd show it! She'd make it through to the other side, where conversations are allowed. And she'd do it obediently, just the way she was told. Well... that's the hope, anyway.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

A long month had passed, and to the surprise of many, himself included, Tetsuo was at the meeting. He'd arrived a bit early, as was his wont, and had been sketching out a drawing of the statue Nishi had beheaded. As Genira arrived and called out a hello, sky blue eyes looked up with a trademark smile and called back. Hopping down from his perch, blond hair fell over his eyes which he quickly brushed back.

The month had been long, and eventful. He'd turned 15 early in the month, and frequent chats with Gawa had lent a sobering sense of reality to Tetsuo's experience on the team. His work to cultivate friendships was being undermined by the spread of knowledge of what he was and could do. At the same time, Tetsuo had become more confident of his place on the team, no longer rambling to show off his plans, merely making the correct choice with a smile.

As the others arrived, Tetsuo took note of everyone who showed up. He was glad to see all of them, including a face he'd not seen in a long time. He smiled at Miharu as she stood slightly apart in the shadow, glad she was back-anything to avoid talking to Daichi. Tetsuo actually cringed when Daichi opened up his ******* mouth, arrogant and offensive as ever.

There was a face he hadn't seen before, the young girl Natsumi who'd called Genira "neechan". Rationalising it to himself as needing information on everyone involved, Tetsuo stepped over and smiled, offering his hand in greeting. Nice to meet you, I'm Tetsuo. So, what's your specialty for the team?"

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Using the offered hand as an opening, Natsumi slips inside Tetsuo's arms and throws her own around him in a friendly hug, pressing her face against his chest for a moment before remembering herself and slowly letting go. She smiles brightly.

"My specialty? Same as neechan's, I guess. I form and shape snow and ice, but sometimes it's fun to just have a little bit of a sparring match, too. You said specialty though, so..." she pauses and nods, for emphasis.

"Ooh, I can do a really neat trick that makes a flock of snow-birdies! You wanna see?"

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

So, the runt decided to come back. That meant that Genira-sensei wasn't going to turn Daichi into an ice statue and put him in this courtyard beside the one Nishi had decapitated. Genira had been pretty persuasive when she'd told Daichi to make sure that he didn't leave the team. All Daichi had done, after flirting brazenly with the older woman in response to her threats, was threaten to cleave Tetsuo's head from his shoulders if he left (and Daichi's survived Genira's punishment), but it looked like Tetsuo had either taken it to heart or just decided to remain on his own. It was easier for Daichi anyway.

The big teenager wasn't afraid of death. In fact, it was a foregone conclusion for a Sabiketsu, or Rust Blood, like Daichi. (Though calling him a "Rust Blood" to his face was inviting having that huge greatsword rammed sideways up your nethers and out your face.) Daichi just wanted to go out in a blaze of glory, and while becoming a statue had some appeal to him, he'd rather die fighting. So he gave Tetsuo a mocking salute by touching the first two fingers on his free hand to his forehead protector and then flicking them out in a little wave while smirking. He didn't say anything to the guy, though, since Daichi didn't want to draw the annoying, hyper girl's attention onto himself.

[Dark_Prophet]

Soundtrack I (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/xbFwP-0K/kenji-kawai-the-stargazing-tower/)

Genira stops at a large entry way of decorated double doors, raising a hand for silence as she knocks on it in a coded sequence, the sound echoing throughout the palace. She had led all of you through a different path then the previous two forays the of twisting, dimly lit hallways of the Mizukage's palace. And this time, you had a silent procession of a half-dozen the elite guard follow you from the bridge, escorting the whole way, silently watching you.

After a tense minute of waiting, the elite guard watching you from behind their masks, the double doors slide open, opening just enough for you to enter two abreast. Inside is...well, what could only be a briefing room, with a four sets of four chairs each, three flanked by one in the back. Except, in the case of the last set of the four, which has only the initial three. The first two are already filled by ninja that most of you recognize as the members of Team Akamatsu, and Team Gawa, complete with the two jounins, leaving only the third full and the last incomplete sets of seats empty.

Behind these sets of chairs sits a enormous table, covered with maps and reports, and behind it, sits the Mizukage, decked out in full blue ceremonial armor, flanked by the village elders, all wearing their lesser but still impressive ceremonial ninja garb.

Soundtrack II (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/FVyYkZOU/kenji-kawai-dressed-with-importance/)

"Good...all the players in the first phase of the crucial operation for Kirigakure have arrived." The Mizukage speaks, his voice carrying from inside his veils. "Team Genira and Team Shize, please seat yourselves, and I will begin the briefing.

Genira directs all of you silently as she moves to sit down. "Tetsuo, Akimaru, and Miharu, please sit in front of me. Daichi, Nishi, and Natsumi, please take the other three seats. I'll explain later, but for now, you are all Team Genira to me for this next mission and from here on, whether you have the name or not."

(Assuming everyone takes their seats)

The Mizukage clears his throat. "Loyal shinobi of the Village of the Mist, I am sure that all of you have heard of the bandits recent activity around Kirigakure. They have been raiding caravans travelling to and from Kirigakure with increasing frequency over the past month. Through Team Genira's efforts, we discovered that they are in fact in league with and being supported by shinobi from the Village of Cloud. Team Akamatsu and Team Gawa have similiarly discovered that there is a central "base", although it was not possible to determine where." The eyes rake over both teams. "Now, in the past month, all of you may have heard rumors of tension and political infighting. This has caused a fourth team, Team Shize, to be formed on behalf of the Swordsmen of Kirigakure from half of Team Genira. The truth of this is that we have been receiving fewer and fewer successful shipments of food and supplies - more and more have been taken by these Kumogakure sponsored bandits, and that we have been tapping into our stores to prevent a mass panic and unrest." He pauses, allowing the implications to sink in, then continues on.

Soundtrack III (http://www.imeem.com/vincenttheturk/music/tkuVoPMI/michiru-oshima-patriotism/)

"What Kumogakure is supporting with their own shinobi is inexcusable. These activities are grounds for a declaration of war, but first, we must look after the safety of all the members of our village. Councilmember Saizen, please outline our plan."

The Mizukage then nods to one of the councilmen, an old, scarred ninja with black goggles and blue-black armor gets up. "All present ninja teams, in addition to the normal caravan guards, will escort a special trade caravan leaving from Senkou with crucial supplies for the village. Without them, we will soon have to begin rationing supplies in all districts. We expect that this caravan will come under heavy attack by bandit and Kumogakure forces - protect the cargo at all costs. As a additional but secondary objective, attempt to capture any leaders who may have intelligence on enemy movements, or most importantly, the location of their base of operations. However, the arrival of the caravan to Kirigakure is your first priority.

"You will be accompanied by your jounins to meet the caravan at Senkou, but afterwards, they will embark upon a special mission, which they have already been briefed upon." Genira nods silently to all of you as the elder ninja sits back down, Gawa and Akamatsu mirroring with their own teams.

The Mizukage begins speaking again, this time not standing up, but spreading his arms as his voice echoes around the audience hall, seeming superhuman and carrying into each of your cores, stirring at your emotions. "Thank you, Saizen. As you can see, we are on the brink of war, so think not of yourselves, but of your friends, neighbors, and clans. The arrival of this caravan will allow for not only their continued happiness and health for now, but allow us to focus our efforts and preparations on what is likely a inevitable war to come rather then beginning already lacking supplies and therefore on a weaker state. So go forth, and be as the Mists of Kirigakure, impenetrable and unstoppable in your vigil, and we shall prevail!"

The other two teams salute, and then stand up as their jounins follow suit, filing out. Genira waits outside, as the other teams whisper and murmur in the waiting room, both eyeing Team Genira and Team Shize. Both have taken full advantage of the far couches across the room to sit down, leaving two free near the entry to the briefing hall.

(Afternote, I realize that a couple parts may have been confusing, so just to clarify - Daichi, Nishi, and Natsumi are Team Shize, while Tetsuo, Akimaru, and Miharu are Team Genira. However...there doesn't seem to be a jounin Shize present currently for some strange reason.)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi did as he was bade and sat down in one of the chairs on the end with his greatsword point-down on the floor next to him. One muscled arm clutched the crossguard of the sword and he leaned forward to place his elbow on the other side on his knee as he listened to the plan, only once shooting a glance at the other two teams.

Hmph, he thought to himself. This is glorified guard duty. No need to make so much fuss over it. Daichi sucked at his teeth for a moment. At least we're pretty much guaranteed to see some action, he ruminated as a sick grin split his face in two. Then he got up and slung the greatsword back up onto his shoulder as he sauntered out to the waiting area.

Daichi took a look at "Team Genira" as he sauntered out with everyone. So the Mizukage was splitting them up, eh? He clicked his tongue in brief disappointment at being separated from Genira-sensei, but grinned when he looked at the bright side. He wouldn't have to deal with that golden boy runt, Tetsuo. He also figured that he'd have an easier time hitting on his ex-team leader now that he wasn't technically her subordinate anymore. And speaking of jounins...Team Shize's namesake didn't seem to have elected to join the briefing, leaving the three new members of the Swordsman squad to linger. Daichi took a moment to look over his teammates. Nishi was good for a sh*tstorm of insanity every now and then, which he liked, but Natsumi...Natsumi he didn't even know past the fact that she was apparently Genira's younger sister and could pull of the same ice tricks.

Once in the waiting room, Daichi amused himself by locking eyes with the toughest-looking kid from one of the other two teams. Then, holding his gaze while the genin or chuunin tried to be a tough guy, Daichi licked his greatsword, opening up a long cut on his tongue and coating the blade with his own blood. It wasn't enough to cover the entire sword, of course. He'd do that later. It was still unnerving, however. The entire time he never flinched. In fact, that sick grin seemed to grow wider until such time as the other kid happened to look away. (If he did at all.)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

The relief from being separated from Daichi's entourage took the form of a subtle smile which even the somber tone of of the mission briefing could not entirely dispel. Not that the swordsman didn't have his uses, but he seemed far too unstable for Akimaru to deal with.

Of course, the mission they'd been charged with significantly diminished his enthusiasm. There was simply no way four teams of ninja would be sent out to deal with regular bandits, no matter their numbers. Obviously the Hidden Cloud ninja were supporting the bandits in their field work as well, as Saizen had said.

"Genira-sensei," he said once they were outside, quietly because as usual he didn't really care to be attracting any attention, "Bandit raids seem like something merchants would hire ninjas to protect them from. Would I be correct in assuming that the Village has received contracts regarding this? And if this is the case, how did those missions turn out, and what can we learn from their encounters?"

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Upon being told to sit with the team with the mystery jounin, Natsumi had put on an indignant pouting face before suddenly remembering she was warned that this exact thing might happen, after which she'd suddenly appeared very sheepish and quietly sat down next to Daichi and his very large... sword.

All throughout the meeting, she sat upright and attentively, nodding every so often even though she was relatively sure the Mizukage wasn't paying any attention to her. It just seemed a polite thing to do, is all. Bandits keeping food from making it to Kiriagakure? That's awfully mean... it suddenly made a lot more sense why Genira wanted her to help. She definitely felt much more motivated about having an actual mission now, that's for sure.

Afterward, she follows everyone out into the waiting area, a contented smile on her face. She catches the stares of the other two teams and hops up and down a couple of times, giving them a wave of greeting that's almost as enthusiastic as the one she gave the rest of you... and then she catches Daichi's antics out of the corner of her eye. She tilts her head to one side and watches him lick his sword.

She kneels down before the giant weapon, sticking her face dangerously close before poking the trickle of blood with her finger, staring at it a moment, and flicking it off towards the ground. She peers curiously up at the muscled boy.

"Didn't that hurt? I didn't know swords tasted so good it was ok to cut your tongue on them... wow. I would just lick the flat part, if it was me. Does the blood make it taste better? You should be careful though... I heard that if you cut your tongue too much, it'll become afraid to taste anything ever again."

She starts to stand up again, her curiosity apparently satisfied for the moment.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi grinned and knelt down next to Natsumi. Then he flicked the flat of the blade of the greatsword to produce a sharp melodic sound. "Something like that, girl. You see, I'm poison. Anyone my sword bites feels their strength leave them and their vision blur until they can't move at all. That means that everyone dies from the first strike. They just don't realize it until it's too late." he smirked. "So I wouldn't touch that if I were you, Natsumi-chan." he chuckled as he stood back up.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

As directed, Nishi took the seat he had been told to during the meeting with the Mizukage, but anyone with eyes can tell that he is not focusing on what was being said. Tetsuo could tell him about that later if it was important, no Nishi's eyes were fixated entirely upon a single person in the briefing chamber and that was the long absent member of Team Genira Miharu. The bizarre genin's expression was...difficult to read, because the storm of feelings in those big blue eyes was anything but simple to understand. At the forefront was unbridled glee and excitement at the sight of his old intriguing comrade along with relief that she was alive and well. But underneath that...well...it could only be described as a seething and murderous rage.

She left. Why is she back now?

Does it matter? Miharu-chan is back.

It matters! She left Tetsuo, Genira, and me with not even a reason or explanation!

She crushed the fragile bridge.

The next thing Nishi knew, the meeting was over and almost everyone was getting to their feet. Only seemed right he did so as well and followed the other members of Team 'Shize' out into the waiting room when the full-impact of what had just happened finally sank in.

Crack.

The sharp noise came from the bamboo shaft of the umbrella, the product of the iron grip that left the girly genin's knuckles ivory white and straining. Wide eyes stared straight ahead as if in a daze, the corner of his mouth twitching once then several seconds later as the kimono-garbed genin walked absently across the floor towards the exit of the room. He stepped past Daichi as if the bigger teenager wasn't even there, brushing into Natsumi for a moment as he reached the exit to the waiting room and tugged the door open.

Air. Get to air. F*** whoever Shize is. Air.

By the time he exited the waiting room, Nishi was hyper-ventilating and his pupils dilated to the point where they almost couldn't even be seen anymore. He could feel the burning sensation at the small of his back, making his skin itch and shiver with the turbulent and often unpredictable energy contained within. Finally he was outside, sucking in great gasps of the misty air as he rushed off to the side into the grass and vacated his empty stomach.

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Mouth open to reply to Daichi's retort, Natsumi felt something brush against her and turns her head just in time to see the person in the beautiful kimono (still no guesses if it was a boy or a girl) go rushing outside. Either he was sick, or she was very upset. But if that's true, then what could be upsetting him?

She glances over at Tetsuo.

...Oh. Well duh, Natsumi. Silly girl.

Her first two steps towards the door were hesitant, but after that she was quite quickly on the chase, and just in time to see Nish throwing up. Poor girl(?)... Natsumi quietly walks over to stand beside him.

"...It's because you're going to miss your friends, huh? I'm sorry. You must be really sad."

Her smile and her voice are a bit gentler than usual as she reaches out to softly place her hand on Nishi's back, not having any reason to suspect it would be dangerous to do so.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The noise of someone joining him outside might have been masked by the sound of his own retching, but it wasn't entirely un-heard either. The barest tilt of his head towards Natsumi was the only reaction at first as his stomach gave up on trying to expunge nothing.

What...? What is she doing here? Shouldn't she be inside meeting the jounin?

Her words tickle at the back of Nishi's thoughts but don't draw him away from the spine-curling sensation of the inner fury trying to release itself until the hand touches upon his back. A brief moment of tensing then he turned and found himself with his sword in hand without even realizing it. Before the thought of the consequences could enter his mind, Nishi slashed and slashed and slashed with wild abandon. Eyes wide and made as scarlet droplets were scattered about as rain, ruining flesh and bone at the same time as he hacked at the person who had touched him on pure bestial reflex. By the time he had done, he fancied that the mist around him was even tinged a light pink and the bloody pile of meat on the ground could never be mistaken for a person. Guards were calling in the distance and the disturbed genin found himself soaked in blood once more.

How curious.

The reality was far less horrifying but of equal value under 'poor decisions', sword slipping free from it's concealed holster and whipping about in a frenzy of cuts and hacks that would dismember an ordinary person. That much had been true, but when each blow left behind a thin white trail it became evident that the 'harmless' white edge had been the one he had used to attack instead of the steel one. A mistake he hadn't intended but one Natsumi was probably glad he had made if she knew the truth.

"Hah..hah..Natsumi-chan? What are you doing sneaking up behind me?" The feminine genin questions aloud as he slips from his bloody fantasy to find nothing had truly occurred. Each violent slash had very likely connected but aside from the faint press behind each stroke, had left no lasting mark on Natsumi. Confused eyes watched her, taking stock of the stranger who had approached him even as his damaged brain mulled over what she had said.

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

She hadn't been prepared for the attack, not in the slightest. Slash after slash found her completely off guard, to the point where it looked like she wasn't even trying to defend herself. And then it was over, and Natsumi found herself experiencing a distinct lack of pain.

Now, she wasn't sure of many things, but one thing she was pretty certain of was that swords are supposed to cut. And hurt. Daichi had just proved that point perfectly not a minute ago. So... what gives? Her eyes and her stunned expression drift towards the bared blade in Nishi's hand. One side looked different from the other. Blessed Thorium, maybe?

Oohhhhhhhh! And here she was, a very symbol of the thing that was taking this adorable person's friends away! And with a blade like that, the boy could slash away at her until sunset without leaving so much as a scratch... well then, obviously he was just trying to relieve his frustrations. After all, if he had meant to hurt her, he would have used the other side of that sword. Recognition dawns on her face, and she smiles softly at the feminine genin, kneeling a little bit and drawing him into an embrace.

"Hey now, it's ok. I'm going to be your friend, too! And we can always hang out with your other friends when there isn't a mission, so really it's just like getting bonus friends, right? Come on, cheer up!"

She releases Nishi and pulls away to look him in the eye. Her smile widens, and the faintest traces of a giggle escape her lips.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

What? Why was she still standing? And why wasn't she backing away in fear? Confusion seemed like the best thought pattern to settle on, and that's what Nishi's brain went with even as his smiling facade was repaired. That charming smile came easily to him because...well...it was just so natural. It got people to relax around him except in rather extreme situations which he had thought this might be. But as he was pulled into the brief hug by this new person, he was forced to come to the conclusion that this must obviously not be one of those cases.

A hand comes up, patting Natsumi on the back like he remembered to do, getting that same odd feeling he got around the girl students of Yumi-sama, but shrugging it off as the other spoke and he briefly stiffens. Eyes widened again, the light catching temptingly off his blade before he shooed the errant thought away.

"Ahh, Natsumi-chan it's not that I'm worried about. Let's just forget about it and head back inside. Shize-sensei is probably waiting for us." He offers lightly, as if the previous episode had not happened at all, a hint of jest in his voice as the disturbed genin slides his blade back into it's concealed holster.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

As the briefing had gone on, Tetsuo'd paid close attention to what was learned. Again with Senkou... At the thought that there was yet another team of bloodline users, Tetsuo could almost feel the acceptance he craved so desperately being withdrawn by friends and neighbours. It was something he didn't want to have happen, but he had no idea how to prevent it, especially considering the image those like Daichi put forward.

As the meeting ended, he strolled towards the hall with the others. Almost subconsciously, his mind began running numbers and ideas as he considered the four teams of ninja gathered and their stated mission. At the same time, he couldn't help but feel a measure of happiness that he didn't have to deal with the psychotic Daichi. As he gathered with the rest, he saw Daichi do something typically moronic, while Nishi grew wide eyed and flew out the door, while Natsumi followed. However, he had another person to speak to at the moment, before everything got underway.

He walked over to Miharu, and offered a hand, a friendly smile and a nod. "It's been a while. Glad to see you back," he managed to get out before pausing, realising that he didn't really have much of an idea of what to say, other than that. Caught off guard for a moment, he shrugged and continued. "I know we didn't really," he searched, "get along that well. But I trust you've been doing well?"

[Catch]

Miharu

The tawny-haired girl trailed her former jounin into the Mizukage's impressive palace. As the group neared the looming structure, a void grew between Miharu and the cluster of genin, as if an invisible wall rebuffed any attempt to advance. She followed with golden eyes were kept down, head tilted at a precise angle of diffidence, yet the girl stole glances under lowered lids, appraising the ninja she had not met.

Her eyes first settled on the feathered shafts jutting from the sweating boy's quiver. Swan fletching. The gold of her gaze glanced off the the shifting, mercurial colors of his, sparking recognition. Kaigan.

The talkative girl stood out as strange in a group composed of distrusted outcasts, but being related to Genira might have sheltered her from scrutiny. Another Hyouton-user. Not as frigid as her sister.

Miharu kept her distance from the last of the new genin. The tall boy with his shouldered sword seemed to radiate violence and something about him reeked of wrongness. Arrogant. Brutish. She pondered his origin and a familiar scent came to her, twisting her mouth in distaste.

Blood. Tainted.

Inside, Miharu quietly took one of the indicated seats in the large hall, next to Tetsuo, perching carefully on its edge. She listened to the Mizukage's presentation with carefully folded hands and her face schooled to stillness, though a rapidly tapping foot belied the tension of the effort. Sharp eyes flickered over the gathered maps and charts during the briefing and Miharu recognized a few of the locations. Under the "care" of the Taka clan, she had overheard rumors of preliminary missions to locate the bandits, with marginal successes. Instead of wasting manpower with searches, he wants to use bait. She nodded along, already mapping a possible scouting radius and trajectories for pursuit.

At the end of the Kage's speech, Miharu followed the mass of genin as they pooled in the waiting area, keeping a fair distance from Genira and the members of her new team. She surveyed the room in a glance and caught the vulgar display of the large boy in the newly-formed Team Shize.

The girl held a special distaste for the clan of Daichi's origin. Where the Hayama clan were contracted to Kirigakure no Sato as skilled scouts and hunters, the Sabiketsu were unpredictable barbarians, whose foaming mouths were directed away from the village and toward its enemies. Miharu had heard mutterings about a reckless genin who had almost caused the death of her former teammates. She maneuvered herself closer and his petty display certified her guess.

Sabiketsu. And I was called a liability. Recognizing him, Miharu stepped close and her husky voice cut through younger girl's inquiry.

"Yes, he's lethal, even to himself," Miharu added softly. "The blood oozing through his veins has already killed his later years and will continue to poison those remaining. Soon his short, dim candle will gutter and die," she sneered. "The Sabiketsu are a failed experiment. In a generation, all the rustbloods will be gone."

Her golden eyes found Daichi's red, leaving a clear and distinct message that she believed him inferior and that she was not to be trifled with. Miharu's stare was interrupted by Nishi and her head snapped around as he dashed past toward the exit and flung himself into the day. She followed quickly, pausing in the doorway as Nishi emptied his stomach into the grass.

Miharu bit the inside of her cheek as she peered out from the waiting room, unsure of what to do or say. The boy had been friendly to her in the past, even curious in his odd way, but she certainly had no friends. The younger girl, Natsumi brushed past her and Miharu watched as the Nishi unleashed a flurry of sword strokes on her, tensing before realizing they were harmless.

That's what you get for helping, she mused, yet a tingle of concern still flitted in her stomach. Chasing it down, Miharu did not notice Rio's approach. There was an empty moment where she stared at his hand before taking it awkwardly, though she smoothly met his question with the response prepared for her if anyone questioned her recent whereabouts.

"I have been in 'teamwork and coordination' conditioning under the supervision of the Taka clan. It was..." she faltered, "effective."

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

If Miharu was attempting to provoke Daichi, she was more than successful. Insulting his clan, assassins that worked for the Mizukage in exchange for a hollow promise of a cure, didn't bother him whatsoever as he'd left them behind. However, reminding him in a mocking way of his shortened lifespan and referring to him using a racial slur was enough to draw his attention. Calling him a "rustblood" was something he'd warned Tetsuo not to do twice the first time they'd met, but his was a simple slip of the tongue. Miharu had used the derogatory name intentionally. He almost cleaved her in half right then, not caring about the consequences, but then she fled outside. It gave Daichi a few moments to control his desire to use her skull as a bedpan, letting his temper simmer down to dim, but red-hot coals.

Daichi slung his blood-coated blade over his shoulder again as he followed her outside, his gait slow and casual. He approached Miharu directly, but his posture was non-threatening, almost lethargic. He took the greatsword off of his shoulder and placed it tip-down on the ground, leaning on the pommel like a cane. "Miharu, is it?" he smiled. "I'm Ruyuno Daichi. We haven't met nor barely know each other, yet you seem to think nothing will happen when you call me a rustblood to my face. That was very stupid of you, but we are expected to work together for the immediate future. So, I'm going to give you one chance to apologize for what you said. Then we can be friends. Okay?"

[Catch]

Miharu

Speaking with Tetsuo, Daichi's approach did not surprise the girl, and her alert golden eyes followed him as he sauntered across the room. She even admired his restraint a little, after catching a glimpse of his twitching hands on the giant sword. It was true that Miharu had intentionally provoked him to gauge his reaction. Perhaps out of curiosity, or maybe a dose of the Taka clan's cruel, spiteful nature had leached into her while under their supervision. Either way, the two sized each other up carefully; his casual pose was a subued front, just as her pocketed hands concealed talons within easy striking distance. She met his eyes deliberately and the corners of her mouth tugged up slightly in the image of a smile, though honesty or disdain could only be inferred.

"So they keep you on a short leash too," Miharu retorted, a thin vein of amusement running through her voice.

"But don't come to me with a pretense of civility, Daichi. We both know that in the field and away from Genira's eye, you wouldn't hesitate a second to try and cut me down. It's taking every scrap of will to leash that barbarian temper of yours," she continued.

"There won't be any 'friendship,' but we do have to work together. Stay out out of my way, I'll stay out of yours. I'll even pretend to be surprised if a stray sword slash comes my way."

Her eyes narrowed and a window of sunlight through the passing cloud cover caused them to flash dangerously. "But if you do anything to jeopardize the mission, I will put you down like the rabid dog you are."

Miharu smiled now, carefully. They both knew the elders were watching and no violence would be tolerated here. Later, it might come to blows, yet the girl knew how to be nothing but honest. "Until then we're 'teammates,' nothing more. Understand?"

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"Your overconfidence is refreshing, Miharu-chan." Daichi grinned. But the grin was only a mask. It was a pleasant exterior that hid the Sabiketsu's true nature. Even when he was being a jerk it was a front, because people thought they knew what to expect from him. If they could see his real face, his true intent, they'd run screaming. There was a monster behind that mask that had nothing to do with the poison in his veins. "I'll miss it." he added, somewhat sadly before turning and walking over toward one of the statues in the courtyard to wait for his new sensei and look bored.

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

It was impossible to miss the tension between Daichi and Miharu, even for Natsumi. She watches their exchange, folding her arms across her chest and frowning slightly, tapping one finger against her arm contemplatively. This was certainly odd... if what the other girl said was true, then Daichi will die while he is still young, without even needing someone to stick a sword in him or something. What was stranger was that Miharu seemed mad at him because of it. As far as she could tell, Daichi was a silly boy who liked to grin a lot. True, his voice and his eyes were a little scary, but that was hardly his fault, was it? Well, at least Nishi was looking better than before...

She walks over to Tetsuo and taps him on the shoulder.

"You know both of them, right? Are they going to be ok? It doesn't look like they want to be friends..."

[Dark_Prophet]

Soundtrack I (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/46IwbT5k/kenji-kawai-rivalry/)

Genira approaches, convening with the other two Jounin, who carry bemused looks. They talk quietly but with intensity as their teams watching the ensuing confrontation with a very mixed batch of expressions. From their expressions and looks at each other, it was clear that this silent tension went beyond just the current divide happening in front of them as several spoke out in support of one or the other.

Team Akamatsu seemed to enjoy the confrontation between the two predators, especially a dark, lanky, muscled rough-haired teen with a enormous black iron greatsword across his back. "Yeah, c'mon, lets see some action!" He was flanked by a pale, gaunt girl in a dark bodysuit, who stayed in the shadows, appearing somewhat similar in appearance to Daichi. She laughed quietly, smiling. "Show that stupid bird why you don't mess with the Sabiketsu of Clan Ruyuno, Daichi..." The last, a spectacled, composed boy in a formal, perfect blue chuuni's garb watched with a bored expression, then silently shrugged helplessly, the scrolls across his back bumping against each other from the motion.

Team Gawa seemed to have a similar, if less overt response. The first, a older teenager with a slight build and cropped brown hair, grins and settles back to watch the show, unpacking what appeared to be medical supplies in preparation as he hummed. The second, a dark-haired woman with a long, hook-like nose laughed in her dark garb, the crow on her shoulder cawing in turn. "Miharu, there's a good girl. Show him what you've learned! Ha ha ha...!" "Caw caw caw!" The last, a dark skinned man with a enormous, solid build compared to the usual lean Mist one, grunted with a smile and settled down next to the medic. He wore only a enormous leather vest and shorts that matched his enormous frame, along with the headband around his neck. He began wrapping his enormous fists idly as he watched, belying a possible interest in joining in on the confrontation from his intense, brown eyes.

Soundtrack II (http://www.imeem.com/knightjustice/music/dWlNoULq/taniuchi-hideki-near-no-theme/)

"All right, that is ENOUGH." Genira finally growled as she turned back, along with the other jounin, her quiet but firm voice just loud enough to catch Daichi as he walked away. She continues on in terse and controlled tones as if spitting out a lemon. "Apparently Master Shize is busy with other things today, and won't be joining us. As a result, I'll be leading both Team Genira and Team Shize...so get back over here. NOW."

She stands there, glowering, a look of barely restrained hatred on her face as the other teams laugh, waiting for both sides to approach her, then continuing on once everyone is reassembled, whispering harshly. "This mission is going to require all of you to work together...but frankly, I'm tempted to kill both of you MYSELF and just save everyone else the trouble." Her eyes flash as she looks at both Daichi and Miharu, her hand sliding back to the metal top on the jug of water behind her. "I have reached the limits of tolerance for your inability to present yourselves as anything less then a joke. Now you both of you are going to focus on killing those bandits...not each other. And you're going to show that this was not a waste for the Mizukage to have even created the bloodline teams in the first place. Do you understand? And that goes true for all of you." She glanced around, taking a deep breath as she composes herself again, turning back to the other jounin team leaders.

Akamatsu, a darker, bald man with a teal, third eye chakra on his forehead in flowing blue-green monastic robes maintained a serene expression though the confontation, keeping his eyes closed. After Genira's rebuke, he glances over to his enthusiastic team and gave them a silent look that immediately quietened and composed them, even the boisterous youth with the black iron blade.

Gawa, a cleanshaven man with blue glasses and a long, purple trenchcoat, watches with a mixed expression of exasperation and amusement, rubbing a hand along his dark ponytail. "All right, that's enough, Taka. Genira, do you need a hand there?"

"No, thank you Gawa, we're fine now. Aren't we?" She fixes Daichi and then Miharu with a ice cold glare that promised immediate action given a incorrect response, which then circled around to the rest present, before turning back to smile sweetly at the other two jounin. "Now....I believe we were discussing how best to coordinate our efforts? There are four caravans, appropriately enough, with the usual guards...loaded with the components needed by the village."

Daichi The girl on Team Akamatsu is a relative of yours from the Ruyuno clan named Mari - you know of her to be a skilled assassin.

Miharu The woman on Team Gawa is none other then Taka Hirasa, from the clan of your handlers. She seems to get along fairly well with you from the times you've seen her, at least as well as any of the Taka clan.

(OOC: Sorry about the delays getting this up! Also, hope I'm all right in assuming everyone comes when Genira speaks with ice cold murder in her voice ^^

Also, sorry about Genira missing Akimaru there. She's...er focused as it were. She'll respond once she figures out whether she need to make a example or not though. ;) )

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"I don't know why you're giving me that look. I just came over to ask for an apology. I've been the picture of politeness Genira-sensei." Daichi said, bowing formally with his free hand across his chest as he rejoined the group. His words may have been polite, but for some reason he always made Genira's honorific sound like a pet-name, and he did nothing to hide the appreciative look in his eyes as they roamed over her. He was courting death the way he flirted with the much older woman, but Daichi was more than a little reckless.

He let his crimson eyes slide over to Team Akamatsu and focused on those of the girl who stayed in the shadows, which were nearly the same color. He'd heard her comment, but wondered why she would have any kind words for him. He'd left the clan to train with Shimata-sama and Guro-sensei when he was much younger, cutting all ties with them. Apparently at least a few of his former clanmates had been following his career. He gave her a measuring look, trying to figure her out, but eventually just slid the pleasant mask back on his face like one might put on a new hat and smiled in her direction.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Obviously otherwise preoccupied, Genira completely ignored Akimaru in her haste to deal with the spectacle that was taking place in the hall. Not that he minded, at all. She didn't seem to be in a too pleasant mood, and there'd be opportunity enough to ask. Or maybe Tetsuo-senpai's already thought of it. That'd save me the trouble. He much preferred when her attention was focused elsewhere.

[Catch]

Miharu

The rabble of voices in the meeting area were to Miharu as waves lapping at distant shores - ever-present, yet easily forgotten. She had not trained with other genin, had never been to the academy and did not even wear a forehead protector. Kirigakure no Sato was a cage, not her village, and the jeering of its inhabitants became long ago a sound she had learned to ignore.

"Caw caw caw!" A raven's screech pierced Miharu's concentration and she snapped to attention, tensed like steel wire. Golden eyes swept the room for one of the cruel Taka handlers, and at the sight of Hirasa, the girl's shoulders relaxed slightly, though she remained cautiously composed. If Sayuri-sama or Mariko-sama heard even a rumor that she was causing disorder... Miharu shuddered. Best behavior.

The girl heeled to Genira's side, bowing her head in a gesture of humble acquiescence and apology, though for an instant her eyes flashed venomously at Daichi's mock sincerity. "I am sorry, Genira-sama," Miharu offered softly, looking suitably chastised. "Our mission is my first priority."

She straightened, settling into a stance that appeared comfortable, but deliberate. "The Kai- erm, Aikimaru, Miharu recovered, fumbling the bow-wielder's name from her memory, "asked a valid question. There have been several reconnaissance missions to scout for bandit activity, some of which were flown by my direct superiors."

She found his color-shifting eyes, elaborating with practiced articulation. "At least one report confirmed the source of the bandit activity, which was included in the Mizukage-sama's debriefing. Others were less successful, which is why the four teams here are being assigned to the caravan. Not only will we ensure it's safe arrival, but we can flush out the bandits when they try to ambush such a large and enticing target."

Turing back to her chilly jounin, Miharu's head dipped once again. "Excuse me for intercepting the answer, Genira-sama. Am I correct in assuming this?"

[Dark_Prophet]

Soundtrack I (http://www.imeem.com/groups/2Y__bUZi/music/Gg__LmOz/yoshihisa-hirano-and-hideki-ta-light-lights-up-light/)

The Jounin glares at Daichi, and sighs, lowering her hands as she relaxes. "That's what troubles me. As long as you two keep it at words, I could care less. But if one of you kills the other, I'll finish the job."

Genira smiles at Miharu as she finishes, her cold expression warming. "Why yes you are, Miharu. You seem to have been doing your homework to be able to answer a question like that from Akimaru. So thoughtful and attentive." She glances over to Hirasa, giving a nod of the approval. "I will give my regards to the Taka clan later. But for now...we have plans to make. Let's review what we know." The pale woman lets out a short, joyful laugh, matched by her corvid. "Haha~ Yes! Gooooo Miharu!" "Caw-caw!"

Soundtrack II (http://www.imeem.com/avenflame/music/9ZP79O2_/taniuchi-hideki-suiri/)
Gawa nods as he takes out some reports from within the depths his purple trench coat. He yawns as he looks over them, reading and musing as he goes. "Righto, then. There are four wagons, each heavily loaded with required supplies. They're going to be traveling a couple yards from each other, that way they all merchant guards on each one can keep in sight contact. According to the reports from some of our teams that've engaged them unsuccessfully, they seem to rely primarily on long range ninja specialists to weaken their opponents before overwhelming them with brute force." He readjusts his blue glasses, glancing around, especially at Tetsuo as he goes. "My initial suggestion would be that each team sticks to a wagon, and signals if its attacked by bandits or Cloud ninja. Anyone have anything to add or suggest to that?"

"That is a sound plan, but perhaps we should all travel in one vicinity so we can avoid being caught unawares and picked off?" Akamatsu interjects smoothly, speaking up for the first time in the conversation. The other jounin nod thoughtfully and look at him, Genira adding to it she puts a finger to her lips. "That's good point, Akamatsu. We'll know if any of the wagons are being attacked from the reactions of the normal guards, who will be able to draw their attention and stall us some time with their lives to get over there and deal with these marauders once and for all."

(Hope I'm not moving too fast, just imagined that Callos or Natsumi wouldn't have much to say on the plan plan part ^^ And it gives Tetsuo a nice foundation to build on...)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

"Ah, er, thanks." The girl had sharp ears to have heard him, even while she had her attention elsewhere. Tetsuo had mentioned that they were replacing similar ninja from the original team... might this be one of them? "If I may... Miharu-senpai? Genira-sensei?" he excused himself, retreating to the back of the group and out of the spotlight.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"We could gather all in one place, but wouldn't that make it easier to all be targeted at once? I say half of us hide under or in the caravans while the rest of us dress like the guards and mingle in with them. Then, when we're attacked the disguised ninja surprise the enemy and the hidden ninja hit them with everything they've got. They'll expect easy kills among the guards, especially if they're going to rush in and try to capture the caravan. If we can break their charge immediately we can overwhelm them with the counterattack." Daichi spoke up again as he opened several superficial cuts on his arm and started coating his greatsword with enough blood to cover the blade completely. ((3 "doses", not enough to fatigue him)) He used a small cloth to make sure it didn't drip on the ground and none was wasted. He seemed lost in the work even as he explained his plan. He only looked up toward the end with another grin as he thought about destroying the attacking ninja.

When he was finished, Daichi took a roll of linen from his belt pouch and began painstakingly wrapping his greatsword in a makeshift sheath that would unravel as soon as he drew it, but would keep the blood on the blade fresh until he could make use of it. "I'm also wondering where exactly the course of the caravan runs through. If we can run parallel to a source of water it would be beneficial to the suiton and hyouton users, and since I'd bet we have more than they do it would be a clear advantage."

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

"Disguise? But... but... if I take off my clothes, then I'll be..."

She lets out an indignant "hmph", leaving the thought unfinished. Natsumi and the cold had always had a very love/hate relationship, particularly as it never left her alone, even when other people said it was hot outside. The idea of exchanging those nice warm clothes for those of a common guard was distressing. Truthfully it never got that bad, just enough that after a few hours she'd start to wish she had a blanket or some hot soup... neither of which were likely to be on-hand during this mission. And tactically speaking, asking her to hide was even worse. No good, no good... but she didn't have a head for making plans at all.

She looks around at everyone with a pleading, hopeful look, both jounin and not, bloodline or no, hoping someone else would speak up with a better plan. Although at least this one sounds less... mean than Genira's. This was a side of her previously unknown to Natsumi, and it scared her...

[Catch]

Miharu

The idiot was cutting himself again. Miharu understood that the tainted blood running through his veins was a potent toxin, but Daichi didn't know when the caravan was leaving and he was already preparing for battle. She patiently listened to his strategy, scrubbing all disdain from he face.

An awful stink assaulted her nostrils as Daichi slathered his blade in blood. The linen wrapping did little to cover up the smell, but Miharu was grateful when he put the bandaged sword aside. Her nose wrinkled at the smell and she wiped at it with her sleeve before stepping forward to interject. Of course he wants to surprise them. All he wants is to slaughter as many as possible without interference.

"Genira-sama, If I may interject," she begain, catching her teacher's eye for permission. "That 'plan' would cause needless bloodshed. Disguising as guards would place our most valuable ninja as the primary targets of bandit attacks. Despite being stronger, we would still be caught by surprise and risk injury or death from an offensive that might not be easily anticipated. The most important aspect of this mission is to intercept the bandit attacks, not take them in the chest."

Her eyes found Daichi's. Fool. You only care about the body count.

"Instead of waiting to be attacked, we need to locate the bandits before they reach us," Miharu continued, broadening her gaze to cover the whole assembly.

"Ground scouts are limited by terrain and draw soldiers away from the group. Trees, tall grass, high slopes and low light all limit visibility, leaving the caravan vulnerable to an ambush. But we, the hint of a smile brushed Miharu's lips as her confidence swelled, we can rise above limitations. Allow me to show you."

The long-haired girl turned away from the circle, crossing the room to stand in the doorway of the palace. Looking up toward the grey, rolling sky, Miharu drew her breath in deeply, and with her head thrown back, let out a piercing cry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33DWqRyAAUw) that resonated throughout the chamber. For a moment, nothing stirred but the echo. Those with canny eyes may have noticed a winged silhouette that circled above the tree line, then disappeared. Miharu trotted back to join the others, standing a few steps away from the group, waiting with a surprising patience.

Then, a return cry was heard and a streak of brown feathers swept into the room with a gust of air, as a massive hawk descended onto Miharu's outstretched arm, wingbeats rustling hair and ripping clothes of those nearby. Alert, amber eyes flashed with a predator's acuity and dusty red tail feathers hung below the girl's sleeve. Perched on Miharu's arm, the bird (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/800pxnorthernredtailedh.jpg/) looms over the gathered genin, its size comparable to a common dog.

"This," the girl explains with a twinge of pride, golden eyes glittering, "is Aozomaru."

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

((A bit dissatisfied with this post. I may edit it as time passes, but the basic message will be the same.))

The intensifying conflict between Daichi and Miharu drew reactions from all present, Tetsuo making note of who made the most brutish comments. He nodded at Natsumi, "Daichi doesn't want to be friends with anyone. I'm not sure about Miharu." Tetsuo moved to stand by Miharu, a move which was unsurprising, he was sure, to Daichi.

As the other genin looked on, some spurring the conflict on, and others shrugging their shoulders, Tetsuo started to get angry. This was not how shinobi teams were supposed to act. Loose cannons are nothing but a liability, he thought, looking directly at Daichi, who had moved away with an acid dripping comment.

After Genira interrupted and stated that she was the jounin for all of them again, Tetsuo sighed internally, knowing he had to work with Daichi again. Realising that he had to offer something, Tetsuo looked around at the people in the room. A familiar look seemed to glint in his eyes as he began lightly tapping his fingers together. Quick, quiet mutters to himself were the only sound he made as he closed his eyes, drawing a small picture in the air which must have looked insane to the rest in the room.

After hearing the suggestions put forward by the jounin and Daichi, Tetsuo felt a tad nervous. Why am I always countering jounin plans? Looking distastefully at Daichi's self-mutilation, he raised an eyebrow. "Daichi, does that have a purpose, or is it just for attention? You don't even know when we're going, or when we'll fight."

Tetsuo paused as Miharu explained the importance of good scouting on missions, particularly escort missions. Already fully aware of where she was heading with this, Tetsuo smiled, and made a note to confer with her in the future on matters of scouting and reconnaissance. As her piercing, wild cry faded from his ears, Tetsuo recognised the new arrival. A flash of memory of his very first day on a bloodline squad when he'd made a paper hawk, and Aozomaru ripped it to shreds.

Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward. "Actually, there might be another option," he volunteered.

Reaching into his pack, Tetsuo smoothly pulled out a blank scroll, which he unfurled, grabbing some ink and a brush. "If I may?" he nodded to the jounin. He drew an approximation of the road from Senkou to the village, adding four squares to represent the caravan wagons. "Gawa-san, you recommended putting a team to each caravan, and Akamatsu-san," he looked at the relatively silent man, "you suggested we stay in one place."

Tetsuo looked at his drawing, and glanced around the room, as if confirming a thought. Pulling on the shoulder of his sleeve to make it sit more comfortably, he continued. "Here's my suggestion, feel free to offer advice or changes," he mentioned before continuing. "I think that rather than viewing this as four separate teams with a shared goal, we should treat this mission as if we were a single team, with a large goal. To that end, if we make proper use of our resources, it would be better than dividing by team, or merely waiting together." Tetsuo looked up then, pausing as he realised what he might sound like. "Er, or so I would think," he hurriedly added, hoping the jounin didn't take offense.

Pointing with the blunt end of his brush, Tetsuo continued. "We don't know where the attack will come from, or if it will be accompanied by a feint," Tetsuo lightly traced a pincer attack on the drawn caravan. "As the ostensible goal of the mission is to defend the caravan, we should focus on a defensive posture, rather than offensive." An ellipsis was drawn around the caravan. "If we create a perimeter, we can be prepared for attacks from all sides," Tetsuo looked around once more. "We can use Miharu's hawk, and the Taka girl's crow for aerial surveillance, as has been displayed," he nodded towards his tawny-haired companion. "A look around confirms that we have several close range ninja for an outer perimeter, including some who would be good at the front, like Daichi, and our friend with the iron sword, and others, like the large fellow, who would be excellent as a rear guard. And those who are better at support, or long range, could have a secondary perimeter, inside the first, closer to the caravans themselves."

Tetsuo looked towards the others, not for praise, but for opinion. He straightened his shirt sleeve once again, waiting expectantly for his plan to be accepted, rejected, or altered as everyone saw fit.

[Dark_Prophet]

No one seems to really pay Natsumi's expression any mind, except for the medic on Gawa's team, who sighs and rolls his eyes at her from his perch as he slowly puts away medical supplies. His quiet voice carries as he half-grins at her in exasperation. "What is it with all of the wet behind the ears kids joining ninja teams, now? You're a ninja, kid...you have to be able to do what's necessary no matter what."

The conversation and chatter stops as everyone listens and pauses to stare at the red-tailed hawk as it flies in with a triumphant cry. This startles the crow from its roost on the Taka woman's shoulder, unzipping and darting into her backpack as it pokes its head back out with hesitation, regarding Aozomaru. "Caw!...caw?" "Awww...its all right, Kraehe, its just Aozomaru. Ah, fine, be that way." She reaches back, petting her companion as the crow refuses to leave its position, eyeing the hawk warily. "People and their pets, I swear..." A murmur can be heard from the vicinity of Akamatsu's team, the irritation laced with a small amount of awe.

"Relying on all of the assembled strengths and cloaking weaknesses is wise indeed. But I do wonder. None of us will be present for the return journey, what with our special mission" He exchanges meaningful glances with the other two jounin, before returning it Tetsuo. "and the plan will no doubt require adaptability and change. Are you volunteering to be the leader, young man? No offense meant, but you are far from as experienced as some others of us." Behind him, the members of Team Akamatsu nod, eyeing the blond genin carefully, the glasses-wearing boy nudging his scrolls as he readjusts them.

A perimeter...I rather like the sound of that. Especially utilizing both of our avian companions." Gawa rubs his chin."Daichi, we'll be descending along the mountain, then across the plains, so we won't have any major water sources other then the mist itself and then several odd rivers to draw on. Good thinking, though - I'm impressed..." He eyes the lean swordsman, as if reevaluating him. "I think there is no one better to lead it, given that it was his plan. Wouldn't you all agree?

"I would. Tetsuo has a viable plan, and he'll lead the defense of the caravans as he sees fit - are there any objections?" Genira's words are a question, but her tone has the edge of finality to it, pausing for only a moment before continuing on. "No? Most excellent. Well then, Tetsuo, congratulations." She turns the address all twelve assembled ninja. "The caravans should be ready to depart within the hour, so we'll meet at the gates. Be sure to pack for a week's worth of travel, and whatever else you might need for slaughtering some bandit scum."

(Time Lapse - feel free to PM or IM me with anything of detail you're doing or I should know in the meantime. Also, if anyone has any responses, I can change things as we go. Just wanted to keep things moving as people wanted ^^)

At the gates, you can see the caravan. Its a impressive thing - the four wagons are each large and iron-clad, led by armored beasts of horses. All are marked with the symbol of Kirigakure and the crest of the Mizukage, and each is large enough for guards and passengers to ride in despite what must be a incredible amount of cargo.

The several dozen guards themselves are no less impressive, garbed in the blue battle armor of Kirigakure, sporting a variety of blades and even a bow or two, which they carry with ease. While most lack the ability to use ninja techniques, even the warriors of the Kirigakure are well known for their skill, many having even recieved some training from the disciples of the Swordsmen themselves. Despite all this, as they watch and refuel, there is a feeling of tension and unease among all of them, unsurprising given the recent history of bandit raids and caravan failures.

After a moment, a tall, tan-skinned man with even more armor and a enormous zanbato across his back approaches, eyeing the four ninja teams. "Well damn, looks like the Mizukage really decided to throw his full weight behind this, huh? Well, I'm Captain Saito. Pleased to have you aboard, given the importance and all. All of you ready for the nice long, boring journey?" He smiles sardonically as he takes off his headpiece, letting free a short mane of brown hair.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

The tall, broad, wiry form of Daichi was still carrying that gargantuan greatsword when his silhouette dropped from the walkway running over the gate. He alighted on the roof of one of the caravans and then casually sat down with his sword lying next to him. Hidden from casual observation, Daichi reached underneath the collar of his vest for a moment and drew out a lock of black hair. He pressed the hair to his lips and nose briefly, smirking as he caught some kind of scent off of it. He put it away before he rose and strolled casually toward the back of the caravan.

Heaving his gargantuan weapon across his back, Daichi stepped off and alighted on the ground in a crouch next to Captain Saito. "Impressive weapon." Daichi said with a grin, appraising the guard commander's zanbatou.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

The boy's katsugan swirled lazily, Tetsuo's image getting distorted and deformed as Akimaru kept his gaze fixed on his teammate. Other things reflected on them, other colours, but the genin didn't seem much perturbed by them, not the other genin's antics, or even the hawk that had just swooped in. So you're going to be our captain now? That's fine by me, but... Akimaru unwrapped his headband and wiped his forehead with one sleeved arm, the clammy moistness of the Hidden Mist kept him sweating all the time.

"Quite a bit of responsibility," he muttered. He didn't know if anybody had heard him. I wonder if you had planned for this? Do you like surprises, Tetsuo-senpai?

By this time, the people present had begun walking out of the room, so with a shrug Akimaru followed. He liked Tetsuo - though really, being in a team with Daichi and Nishi would make most people look fairly pleasant by contrast - but he certainly didn't envy him his situation.


*
* *

There never seemed to be any wind in the Hidden Mist, Akimaru had noticed. Likely that would upset the shroud that clung to everything here, but Akimaru missed the frozen winds of his mountain home. That blast of fresh, crisp air that stung just enough to remind you you were alive, eyes wide and breath condensing as soon as it left your nostrils... Here in the Mist, he felt like he was rotting on his feet.

As though to compensate for the desired breeze, Akimaru was energetically flapping one end of his shirt, unbuttoned for its entire length today, in an effort to cool himself off.

When he saw the wagons, he simply sat down on one of the large wheels, before turning to the caravan master with a question. "A long, boring journey to where, exactly? We were told we'd be taking the route through plains and mountain, but essentially, we'll need to get supplies from a port somewhere, won't we? This is an island, after all." He slipped a hand under his headband, not untying it this time, but his hand came away quite wet. Akimaru looked down on it with annoyance, then wiped his hand on his pant leg. "Speaking of which, I assume the ships are also being adequately protected?"

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

"Wet behind...? H-hey!" Natsumi shook her head violently, as though trying to jar something loose. She paused for a moment to straighten her hair before turning to give a wounded look to the medic who had just been mean to her.

"I... I just didn't want to be..." She stammered, blushing slightly. She suddenly felt embarrassed about her problems the cold, although she didn't understand why. Maybe she was worried that everyone would think less of her for it... you'd certainly never hear Genira talk like that...

Too flustered to come up with a retort, she retreated away from him, hiding behind the members of her own team. She made a mental note to try to one-up the jerk at the first opportunity.

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

By the time they reach the caravan, the entire incident seems forgotten, if the return of the bright and cheerful smile to her face is any indication. She gasps in amazement at the wagons, again at the horses, and again at the armored warriors who typically guarded it. Wow! She grins at the captain.

"Boring? But look at all this neat stuff! And there's supposed to be bandits attacking too, right? So, you mean with all of this stuff to see and do, you're still going to be bored!? Wow mister, you must live a super exciting life!"

A casual observer would doubtlessly be looking for sarcasm in the girl's voice, but any who try can only seem to get an impression of complete sincerity...

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The face-off between Miharu and Daichi drew Nishi's eyes no more then anything else usually did. Watching them with that dead gaze once more, somewhat like a shark's eyes before twisting about to watch when Genira appointed Tetsuo as the leader of the joints team and verbally rebuked them all.

She's not my captain anymore. Shize-sama is.

The long haired boy keeps looking around for some sight of the man, knowing him by word of mouth mostly and never having really met the man face to face. He would be...proper. Perhaps not a good teacher, Nishi didn't know enough for that judgement. No, best to stay silent and stick with the others. He'd pick up on what he was supposed to do eventually.

---

By the time they had all gotten to the gates, Nishi had made a brief detour to pick up the gruff looking samurai gift that he had gotten close to a month ago. Tucked into the obi of the kimono, only the scarred face could be clearly seen and it looked like it had gone through some wear and tear since last seen, small cuts where white stuffing poked out. Faux-cheerful blue eyes ran over the armored wagons and horses again and again, brow furrowed as if something was distressing the odd genin but what it was remained elusively out of reach. Ah!

"Ahhh! Won't anyone be able to tell this is the Mizukage's caravan? I thought we were going to try and be un-noticed..." Nishi says thoughtfully, reaching up to twirl the umbrella about as he looked to the various jounin and genin for an answer to his quandary.

[Catch]

Miharu

Tenk-tenk-tenk-tenk

Talons rapped against the iron carapace of the cavern's head wagon, where the four motes of mist had been engraved, marking the cargo as Kirigakure's own.

"No." Miharu caught Nishi's eye from her perch on the wagon's foot rail. "The intention is exactly to be noticed. The trick is to notice them first."

The shadow of wings passed overhead as Aozomaru circled the caravan. Miharu's golden eyes flicked upward and the warmth of a smile graced her lips.

"That's why we're here."

Her cold features made the expression seem cruel and predatory, yet the girl was genuinely pleased. She would prove her value, and the honor of the Hayama clan.

Keeping a sharp eye out for Tetsuo, Miharu waited patiently for orders. The boy was eager to please his superiors, but she acknowledge his unrivaled knowledge of tactics. Just don't forget about us this time. This mission is nothing without eyes.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

((Need to talk to DP about this one, for some details. Consider it a work in progress.))

Tetsuo was waiting patiently to address Akamatsu's point, his inexperience, and volunteer to let the mission be led by someone who would have more experience and command over the teams. Unfortunately, he never got that chance.

When Gawa gave his support to Tetsuo as the leader, and then Genira confirmed, Tetsuo almost choked.

"Um... Genia-sensei? I think that-" Genira fixed him with a look of utter resolve. Argument would not be brooked here. "Uh, nevermind," he quickly muttered as he nodded.

WHAT? Oh crap oh crap oh crap. Not what I had in mind. Wait, shut up. Focus.

Tetsuo nodded as he accepted the command graciously, hoping his face didn't betray his shock and nervousness at the unexpected "honour".

*****

During the time they'd had to prepare, Tetsuo had gathered what information he could on all the genin present, from themselves and the jounin, as well as getting whatever information he could on the mission. After using the information to slightly modify his perimeter plan, he'd packed the supplies he needed, and set about making the journey with the others. So much time spent flying on his creations had made walking seem insufferably slow.

Upon arrival at the village, Tetsuo observed the caravan, examining the wagons for defense as well as speed and pasenger and cargo space. Satisfied, he approached Captain Saito, introducing himself. "Yes, the Mizukage has had enough of these bandit raids. We're here to protect the shipment and stop the bandits should they attack. It would be a benefit if the trek were as boring as you say, no thrills means no attacks. I," Tetsuo looked uncomfortable for a moment, "have been given command of the mission, though I would appreciate any information you have which might assist, Captain."

Looking around, Tetsuo noticed the team members he would have to talk to quickly; Miharu, the lithe Sabiketsu girl, and the crow's owner. He could not afford to have this plan fall apart. The pressure was mounting.

[Dark_Prophet]

The caravan soon departs - and the journey to the bustling metropolis of (Kansou) across the Land of Water, and then back to Senkou takes a month - surprisingly without incident. The landscape shifts from the misty mountains of Kirigakure, to the plains and rivers of the mainland passing Senkou. It gradually shifts to the tropical forests on the far side of the island, and then back to the plains again as you reach finally return to Senkou, where your jounins depart.

During this time, all of the teams become further acquainted with each other through teaching and mentoring that begins, and many bonds form, the tension between Team Gawa and Team Akamatsu staying in place, but slowly being eased over. The openness of each jounin towards teaching any interested ninja varies, but a fair amount of cross-team teaching takes place - Akamatsu teaching a variety of unarmed taijutsu based techniques, including many of the exotic Gouken style. Gawa focuses on Genjutsu, especially of the supporting nature, while Genira offers limited offensive ninjutsu, focusing primarily on the exclusive Hyouton techniques, spending much of her time tutoring Natsumi. The team members themselves have even more diversity of abilities to teach, based on their respective disciplines, but are in several cases much harder to acquire teaching from due to their personalities and biases.

Edit: Drew up what you can learn/know about during break, for each
Specialities and focuses are bolded
Ukoha Akamatsu - Unarmed Taijutsu -Gouken, Chakra Control, defensive ninjutsu
Yamada Hibiki ("Dark Iron Destroyer") - Sword Kenjutsu Ougi and standard Taijutsu
Ruyuno Mari (Sabiketsu) - Concealment and Stealth techniques, basic taijutsu
Miyagi Itsuki (Glasses) - Ninjutsu, Suiton and Defensive, Chakra Control

Nechima Gawa - Genjutsu, Chakra Control, defensive ninjutsu
Taka Hirasa (Crow girl) - Taijutsu, Raven pact - Summoning ninjutsu
Ishimaru Katashi (Big Guy) - Unarmed Taijutsu, Doton Ninjutsu
Maeda Toku (Medical Ninja) - Medical Ninjutsu, Chakra Control

Aotake Genira - Ninjutsu, Hyouton and all nonelemental, Chakra Control

(For anyone not completely sure what's going on yet, one month of technique learning (30 days), choose something you want to learn or someone you want to learn from, how you're approaching them, either with me or post it here in retrospect from the timeskip. Sorry for not being clearer - so, hop to it!)

[Dark_Prophet]

(Dangling these to give people a idea of the kind of interactions going on throughout the caravans. I'll update when I get more on what Tetsuo and Daichi are studying)

Ah, there you are. Ready to further your training? Nishi stopped in earlier - he wanted me to teach him some Genjutsu to help him get along better with the others. What do you think? Is he trustworthy? He seems like a good kid, but with that seal..

He is? All right, I'll do it when he stops by again. So...what haven't I taught you yet? Hmm...ah yes, you need something to help hide you. All right then...how do you imagine yourself and the world around you? Yes, you do tend to stick out because you have the confidence. Try reducing the confidence...imagine yourself less remarkable. Now, try these seals...

Yes, that's better. It took me a second to realize you were there, but you really need to work on that hair of yours. It has enough personality to make up for the rest of you, haha!

~

...you want to learn the followup to the launching move? Twould suit your combat style from my observations, with your ability to fly. As long as you remember to put aside your instincts for learning it...you'll have to throw your full body into it and take the momentum from the impact with the ground.

You see this bag of wheat? I want you to send it skywards. And then make it come crashing down.Its all in how you start the jump...although you probably have more control then most of the others.

There...that's more like it. You still need to force yourself to follow through and not dart away, but have the instincts of a warrior, wild as you may be. Remember to temper them, lest you leave only slaughter and murder in your wake...humans are fragile things, and this technique will kill people, just like that bag if you aren't careful.

~

Nishi...I'm still surprised you would be interested in Genjutsu. Are you sure about this? Well, all right, if that's the reason...I'm going to need you to focus. Imagine yourself how you are, and then imagine yourself how you wish others to see you...

That's right...that's a good start. You're not a natural at this, but if you work hard, you'll be able to master it.

Yes, it looks cute...was the sparkling effect really necessary?

~

You want to learn something that doesn't involve murdering people brutally with your sword? I'm both shocked and impressed. You might actually have a proper chance with my dear relative at this rate.

Yes, I can teach you those. I am a master of all Ninjutsu after all, not just Hyouton. Now...focus with me. Still your mind, and make it a blade of ice, calmness and stillness. Imagine the area around you - you're a clever beast, I know you can. The far tree over there...yes, imagine yourself by it, but feel yourself moving. Now...watch me. Yes, see? That's how you do it.

No luck? Well, keep trying. No, I will not - you have to fulfill your end of the deal first, after all, boy...

~

Haaaa, lighteyes - you're a quiet one. Still taking target practice with those silly tags on your arrows? Sure, sure, of course they work. You just have to be able to hit something in the first place.

Oh, I'm sure you're a great archer. Right, Kraehe? Caw! Kraehe says you're good, but that there's no way you could hit her on a clear day.

Haaa...too afraid to give it a try? Caw caw. Suit yourself - you want some LIVE practice, you let me know - Kraehe could use some excitement.

~

...you call that frostbite, Natsumi? That's pathetic, but it'll do - anyone other then one of us and they won't be able to use that hand, likely ever again.

You want to go play with your rustblood now, do you? Of course you can. You're still full of openings, though....I think you might want to work on your defenses. I know a fine....oh, you think you're fine right now?

Tshink. Now, Natsumi, tell me, are you fine? Does that frostbite on your arm feel fine? No? Good, then I trust I have your full attention. This is how you weave the hyoton into armor...


~

And then, it is difficult to believe how quickly the time has flown by: all of you are back in Senkou after passing through it, parting with the three jounin on their special mission at the edge of town, readying yourselves to make the last, crucial leg of the trip up the mountain with only each other and the stoic guards for company. There have been on sign of the bandits so far which is almost suspicious...almost as if they're waiting for your jounin to leave. As you begin to travel out of the town, each of you can sometimes swear you can feel eyes upon you, watching you, but always, there is no one there when you look...

(Feel free to post your montages or interactions or the like - if not, I'll move onto the next ACTIONY bit once I get stuff from everyone or Wednesday (3 days from now, whichever comes sooner)

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

Nishi didn't seem to spend a lot of time actually 'guarding' the caravan while the three jounin were still among them, instead he seemed to spend most of his time searching out people among the ninjas assembled for this task who would be able to help sharpen his skills. In the end he only found two people with the skills that he really wished to learn from.

"Yes Gawa-sensei, yes it does."

---

But after those first two teachers, and Nishi did ensure to be cordial to them both so as not to disappoint his new teacher with his manners, the odd boy fell mostly to personal training just off of the road or secluded behind some crates in the big armored wagons. Focusing on how to improve his mastery of Yumi-sama's great school of sword-fighting and to improve the control of his wildly fluctuating chakra to a fine point instead of just wasting his energy like he had been lately.

Within that first month period, Nishi finally got down the basic techniques of the Shinmei Ryuu style.

---

At the town edge, Nishi found himself atop one of the great armored wagons, laying down to stare up at the sky above as the wagons began to move again. Of course he felt the attention focused on the wagons from all around, knew they were likely hostile, but it was such a nice day! He couldn't possibly ignore that! If Yumi-sama had taught him anything, it was to appreciate the quiet moments in life where natural beauty surrounded one.

That didn't mean he wasn't wary though, umbrella spread out above him to provide shade and one hand resting 'casually' on the hilt of the concealed sword-blade within the handle of the pink umbrella and whistling the children's song he had been when this mission had first started. If nothing else, he was in high spirits despite the non-appearance of his new jounin.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Akimaru had been practicing his shots from the roof of one of the wagons even as they were on the road, keeping an extra eye out for the enemy. Oh, their feathery friends would spot anything long before he did, but still. Even though he pretended that it didn't matter, and he tried to convince himself that he didn't care, his failure to spot one of the ninja at Dokan's mansion still rankled. Oh, he hadn't really wanted to be on the team, but still... Damn it, this is what I do best! I can't just screw up like that.

He was still there when he had his encounter with the crow girl. Cocking his head sideways, he watched her leave. What was she trying to say? Just gloating about the abilities of her nin-bird, or hinting at some uncovered weakness in Akimaru's style?

Fast as it probably was, Akimaru felt confident he could hit the crow at a reasonable distance - whether you mock me or not, you fiery devil! - though with its mobility it wouldn't have much trouble getting out of sight or under cover...

Akimaru spat. Scrubbing the sweat off his chest with the back of his forearm, he wondered why he even contemplated this. He had no intention of getting into one of those rivalries or pissing contests or whatever it was that had erupted back in the Mizukage's palace. Still, he wished he were as mobile as that bird. If I were all the way up there, I could do much more than swoop down for a bite, he thought sullenly.

And suddenly it came to him.

Akimaru jumped down from his wagon, and set off to find Tetsuo.

"Oy, Tetsuo-taichou. I was wondering about those giant birds of yours..."

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Glee shined in Natsumi's eyes from the very second the trip started. She proved to be a very curious individual, flitting about from person to person, asking them questions about their likes, dislikes, talents... as much as she can get them to say. But her efforts were interrupted (and quickly) by Genira, who had swooped in out of nowhere and dragged her off to train.

Of course, getting to train with "Neechan" was an incredible treat for the young girl, who took to it with incredible enthusiasm over the first twenty days of travel, displaying a surprising knack for learning... at the very least when the subject could hold her focus.

And also so long as nothing equally enticing showed up. And as fate would have it, events occurred and words were said, and "something enticing" took the form of one Ruyuono Daichi. As often as she thought she could get away with, Natsumi was sneaking off to go check on him. To watch him train, or see what he was up to, or just to flash him a brief smile before dashing off with a giggle to return to her training.

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

One faithful day she caught Genira doling something out that sounded a little too much like praise towards the end of a training session. She was pretty sure she nailed her last attempt, and the elder Aotake's words confirmed in her mind that she was done with training. She smiled sweetly at her jounin relative.

"Hey Neechan, it's all right if I go and play now, right? ...Openings? But I'm wearing more than you are, silly!"

Satisfied, she turned and started to skip away. *crack* The sudden slapping of an ice-sword across her back sent the girl tumbling to the ground, leaving no cut but plenty of bitter stinging cold. Tears were welling in her eyes when she turned and faced Genira again, looking very hurt and betrayed.

"N-neechan? Why? W-what did I...?"

A harsh glare and a reprimand silenced her. Still sniffling, she stood up and dusted herself off, watching and listening to Genira intently. Stupid, stupid, stupid... how could Natsumi disappoint her like that? She should have listened more; ice armor sounded like it would be fun... but surely Genira wouldn't let this one be a game, not after that little debacle. Stupid.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Daichi spent most of his time training with Genira-sensei, which coincidentally brought him into close proximity with Natsumi. For some reason he had actually toned down the outright flirting with the older woman in favor of something more subdued. He was actually spending a lot of time with Genira's younger relative, and even stranger they seemed to be getting along. By chance, someone might have even seen him being nice to her, which was odd in and of itself.

As for training, Daichi spent a lot of time mastering the techniques he had already learned, but most of his efforts were spent in learning and mastering an ability that was usually only the trademark of the ANBU or the jounins. Whenever someone caught him training with Genira, they'd see him standing in place making hand seals, and then in the next instant he'd disappear in a puff of smoke and reappear on a nearby tree branch. Sometimes he'd mess it up, but as time went on he got better and better at it, increasing his range and accuracy for the instant teleport. He got into the annoying habit of practicing it on the guards and suddenly appearing behind them, or in one of the wagons, or in a branch overhead from where he tapped them on the shoulder or helmet with the tip of his greatsword. All this was usually followed by a laugh and then he'd disappear again. Depending on the guards' sense of humor, he was either loved or hated by the end of the trip. If you weren't the one being pranked it was actually kind of funny, since he hadn't yet killed anyone.

More toward the present, Daichi still spent a lot of time with Natsumi, though what his intentions were...it was anyone's guess, since they usually snuck off or he'd grab her around the waist and disappear from view before they went to converse. He spent more time walking with the caravan, however. Now that they were in charge of the defense he was actually starting to take his job seriously.

[Catch]

Miharu

Beyond the circle made by the resting carvan wagons, a sleek zeyphr shot above the treeline in a red-brown streak, scattering leaves and a flight of sparrows that twittered frantically as they fled. Thirty feet above the brush of branches, the figure reached the apex of its flight and dove again below the into the copse at an incredible velocity.

Clutch the prey. Plummet.

Miharu plunged past tree limbs and fear hooked into her stomach, desperately trying to pull her out of the streaking dive.

Pull up. Pull up. Pull up pull up. Pulluppulluppulluppulluppulluppullup.

She snarled at the ground as it rushed up at her, digging talons into the grain sack she had pinned to her chest.

No. Before you break me, I will break you.

The earth shuddered with the impact and an explosion of spilt rice rained down onto the clearing, coating the grass with a layer of white grains. Above the ruined sack rent open, Miharu forced herself to stand. She drew shaking, ragged breaths, yet remained on her feet, swaying visibly. Staggering with the pretense of walking, the girl crossed the clearing and dropped the ripped burlap at Akamatsu's feet.

"Again."

"That's enough for today. I don't think--"

"Again!" she growled viciously. "I will do this again until I can stand!"

"If you're sure...."

---

In the span of a month, Miharu's traveling companions saw little of her. After taking her breakfast quickly, she would slip away each morning into a nearby copse of trees, sticking close to Akamatsu for the first week. Before nightfall she would return exhausted, looking as if she had run ten miles and back.

As the caravan made its trek through the mountain passes, Miharu rode perched on the wagon tops, sharp golden eyes making sweeping circuits even while she reclined after a long day's training. Circling overhead, Aozomaru keened at sights of movement, leaving the wagon train to hunt, but always returing with an extra rabbit for dinner.

She often ate silently, and conversation was terse and stiff, but the feral genin no longer glared at those who tried to apporach her, and managed to keep a wide berth of Daichi. Keen golden eyes had spotted him sneaking off with Natsumi, and Miharu knew any words she might say about them would raise eyebrows and maybe swords. Genira would not appreciate the unrest, especially when it concerned her younger sister.

Though Miharu still thought she should warn her. And maybe him.

[Dark_Prophet]

Theme #1 (http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/iVsmwBXn/michiru-yamane-keiko-fukami-masahiko-kimura-once-upon-a-ti/)

The journey continued as normal from Senkou, travelling back across the now familiar plain to the foot of the familiar mountain of mist. But the lack of the familiar, reassuring presence of the jounin continued to tell on the nerves of all, resulting in several minor arguments and debates on the best path up the mountain. Finally culminating in a decision, Tetsuo continued to lead the group, maintaining his perimeter approach with the lone assassin (Mari) concealed along the outside in the periphery, often on the slopes, with the close range combatants (Daichi, Nishi, Ishimaru, Yamada) forming a defensive ring around the long range and vulnerable combatants (Tetsuo, Natsumi, Miyagi, Akimaru, Maeda. Miharu and Hirasa are on the top) on the wagons themselves, protected by the guards. The ascent up the winding path of the mountain was much slower then the descent, with steep slopes often upwards to the left and downwards to the right, still retaining some of the greenery and grass from the plains below.

Theme #2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osfgAi5oTXs)

A little over a day up, at one particularly narrow path only twenty feet wide, forcing the ten by twenty foot wagons to go one by one and leaving only five feet on each side, the wagons slow to a stop as they round a turn. The reason for the stop is obvious, as a figure wearing a featureless white mask stands alone in the middle of the road, visible from the bend. She had a typical ninja vest on, and a ninja-to on each hip and over each shoulder. Her voice carried well in the narrow valley, making it seem like she is much closer the the 60 feet away she really is from the lead wagon, her tone making it sound like this is a perfectly normal day for her. "I don't mean to be rude, but I'm going to have to insist you stop here. If the members of Teams Genira and Shize could please approach me so we can have a brief conversation, that would be much appreciated. If not, I'm afraid I'm going to have to set off the explosives I have placed above you, likely burying you all in an avalanche, which no one wants. You have 30 seconds to decide."

"Oh god...its her. The bandits....the bandits are here again...we're all going to die if we don't surrender..." One of the guards, a veteran from past caravans murmurs, his face showing fear, as the others quickly adopt a similar expression, holding nervously, several looking already on the edge of fleeing. The captain takes a deep breath, his fear obvious as he speaks loud enough for everyone to hear, his tone tense. "We have the best ninja teams in Kirigakure this time, men....but I'd suggest our ninja do as she says. She hasn't bluffed before..." He looks at the assembled ninja around the interior of the caravan, his expression that of hope mixed with duty as he glances back at the figure, then at Tetsuo, and then any other nearby ninja with that tired expression. "Orders, sir? Or anyone? Ready to do our jobs the best we can...but she only seems to want you lot..."

(Can I get initiative from everyone? We're not in it, but as soon as one side initiates, we'll go from there.

EDIT: Can everyone roll me spot checks too?)

[Catch]

Miharu

As the caravan wound higher up mountain, the thick mist at its base began to thin and the milky-white blanket that had tucked in the sky was lifted, revealing clear blue that spilled as far as the horizon. The brisk breezes that gusted through the mountain pass tossed Miharu's auburn hair about in sleek waves as she rode on the roof of the lead wagon, and the curve of a smile broke her usual mask of indifference as imagined the gusts lifting her up and carrying her across the valley.

The sight of the masked woman, however, brings Miharu to her feet, three shuriken slipping reflexively into her hand. She whirled, taking a panoramic glance of the narrow pass and searching the sky for her feathered companion. Instead of his usual unaffected glide, he was circling the caravan with rapid, heavy wingbeats and Miharu could feel the anxiety roll from the hawk in sharp, pungent waves. He had spotted something.

Don't worry, I see it too.

A subtle flick of her fingers sent the hawk wheeling for a second pass around the caravan, before she spoke. Her low voice resounded between the sheer slopes, as she stepped forward on the caravan's roof, penetrating the stillness of the mountain with cool condescension.

"I don't negotiate with rodents, Miharu scowled with a baring of teeth. "You scurry too close to the ground to look up and see the danger swooping overhead. Or what's behind you."

Golden eyes found Tetsuo's, then drifted lazily upward, gesturing to where Aozomaru's tawny form rushed past the cliff face in a brown streak.

Stamping a foot on the wagon's metal roof, Miharu sneered at the masked woman, glaring a hole in the woman's head. "You wouldn't bury this treasure before it's yours, would you?"


Innuendo!
Bluff: 1d20+0=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2186358/)

[Dark_Prophet]

The white-masked figure tilts her head slightly to one side in an unmistakable gesture of curiosity. "Well, I guess the Jounin aren't here after all, I thought my scouts just missed them." Her voice has a calm and casual air that seems to imply her statement was a perfectly logical response to Miharu's. She pauses for one second, contemplating further, then nods to herself. "In that case, I can afford to give you a whole 2 minutes to decide if you will approach me or have me blow you up. Please feel free to talk amongst yourselves, no need for the coded messages, Miharu-dono..."

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"Lady, I hope you enjoy decapitation, because as soon as I can manage it I'm cutting off your smug little head. I won't do it pretty, neither. I'll leave part of an ear; your lower jaw. You'll go into the afterlife sputtering out of the hole in your neck." Daichi said, leaning casually on his greatsword, which was stuck point-first into the ground in front of him. He knew that the others would have a plan for finding and removing the bombs that the woman mentioned. The rest of them just needed to stall her, then kill her quickly if she figured out what was going on. Even though he looked very relaxed and unready, he was just waiting for the signal to spring into motion. This unfortunately meant that that he really couldn't do anything but make threats until that time, however...

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

There was a nice breeze on the mountain paths, which was Akimaru's only solace as he sat atop one of the caravan wagons, his face turned away from the merciless sun that kept trying to strike him down with wave after wave of endless heat. Even with the strip of white cloth that practically blindfolded him, it was a pain to even look upon that accursed enemy.

Unbent beneath that tireless assault, sweat dripping from the tip of his nose and chin, Akimaru stared at that mountain, and greatly hoped it would get cooler as they continued climbing. In the plains, beneath the cloistering mists, it had seemed as though he would sweat all the liquid inside him, even to his own lifeblood. It was even worse than in the Village proper.

So it was that Akimaru was suitably morose when they were confronted by the white-masked ninja. "And what's so special about us?" he complained to nobody in particular. "And how high does the leak have to be for her to know about Team Shize? As far as I know, even Team Shize doesn't know squat about Shize." While he ranted aimlessly, beneath the white cloth that kept his katsugan hidden, Akimaru's eyes darted this way and that, searching for the promised explosives. "Is Shize a male or a female name anyway?"

Spot check: [roll0]

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Natsumi had spent more than enough time talking to the guards to recognize the masked figure as the one that had been scaring them so much late. With all the stories about invisible blades and death, she had seemed pretty scary, but actually getting to see her, Natsumi wasn't so sure. A quick glance around didn't reveal anything that was likely to explode, either. She tilts her head to one side, mirroring the gesture of curiosity of the masked bandit, and steps forward a few steps.

"Daichi! That was a really mean thing to say! I don't think she came all this way to talk about that..."

She waves a little at the woman in front of them, obviously relaxed and unfazed by the danger of the present situation. Or perhaps oblivious, it was hard to tell.

"That's right, isn't it? Miss... uh... Bandit-chan? Are you here to talk, or blow us up? What did you wanna talk about? Whatever it is, I'm sure it doesn't have to be some big secret..."

She takes a second to glance around at her teammates, trying to see if anyone is upset with her for talking instead of letting the more experienced members deal with it. If they were, she'd have to apologize once this whole thing got taken care of. She didn't want people mad at her...

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

As the wagons pulled to a stop, Nishi sat up atop the wagon he had been laying on and lifted his umbrella up and off of the wagon. Curiosity gleams in his blue eyes, not unlike that of a little boy wondering what it'd be like to pull the wings off a fly, and Nishi scooted off the wagon to land on the trail with a thud.

With as much calm as the day, the bizarre genin walked to the front of the caravan to peer at the masked woman with some curiosity but not having drawn his blade yet. Nishi remains silent as Natsumi asked about the bandit, but glowered over his shoulder at Akimaru's questions.

"Shize-sama is one of the great Swordsman of Kirigakure Akimaru-kun! And he's a great man, just like all the other Seven Swordsman, but maybe not as great as Yumi-sama." Nishi says lightly, tone thoughtful despite the somewhat biting way they came out, but he didn't wait before strolling out in front of the wagons towards the aptly named 'Bandit-chan'.

"Ahh, you seem...how did you know Miharu-chan's name? Does she know yours? Do I know you?"

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

A most uncharacteristic expression comes across Akimaru's face when Nishi informs him of Shize's identity. He begins scratching his head while pointedly avoiding Nishi's gaze by looking at the sky, eyes closed - not that anyone could see them, beneath the white cloth - and smiling, obviously embarrassed. When he speaks, it's not in the sullen, morose tone that had marked the young archer since their trek through the plains below, but in the loud, rapid and falsely confident voice of someone trying to cover up his mistake.

"Ah, is he really? Well, that's pretty lucky of you guys, isn't it? I think you and Daichi are both pretty interested in swordsmanship, so it's pretty awesome that you'll have someone as famous as one of the Seven Swordsmen to lead you, and he can probably teach you some cool moves and all. I didn't even know the Seven Swordsmen took on regular shinobi teams like ours though, ha, ha, ha! I'm not native from the Village, see, so I still have a lot to learn about it and the famous people living in it..." with a visible effort, Akimaru finally forces himself to shut up on what was probably the longest work unrelated monologue you had heard from him since he joined the team.

Reddening visibly, eyes shifting away from the nearby people, he slips down from the rooftop. "Right. Uh, I'll be going back to doing what I was doing then." And he shuffles away from the front of the caravan, searching the cliff walls intently for some sign of the promised explosives.

I'll pretty much be trying to spot explosives until something happens or I get ordered to do something else. Don't know if I have the time to take 20

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"Natsumi-chan..." Daichi groaned, shoulders slumping a little bit. "I was trying to look cool and get her all scared. You're ruining it." he complained. He made a face at Natsumi, but smirked afterward, obviously just poking fun at her. It was kind of odd how none of the assembled genin seemed to be taking Bandit-chan's threats seriously. In truth, Daichi just wanted the masked woman focused on them and maybe have her get a little annoyed and unfocused.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo's eyes narrowed for just an instant when the masked girl used Miharu's name. That voice... Maintaining a neutral voice and expression he spoke up in reply. "We appreciate the time you're giving us to deliberate," he said gesturing towards the group he stood with. As time started to tick by, his mind raced furiously, half muttering words to himself while tapping his fingers.

This is what it comes down to, Tetsuo realised as he processed the information available. Eyes darted at certain team members; Diachi, Natsumi, everyone he didn't really know. One mistake could cost us everything. Quick glances skyward and at the surrounding area punctuated his efforts. Time to prove you've got what it takes.

Gesturing to Miharu, he leaned over and whispered something into her ear, straightening when she nodded that she understood. Glancing at everyone he could see, a small "Get ready..." was issued from his lips. Nobody could afford to be unprepared.

Turning back towards the masked girl, Tetsuo called out. "Thanks for the consideration in giving us that time. But, I'm afraid we won't be stepping forward," a serious half smile appearing on his face.

"Yuri."

[Golda]

Theme
(http://www.imeem.com/people/FGjDen7/music/5Q9hzcir/saito-hajime-s-thememp3/)

The masked woman stands there impassive for a moment and despite the mask it is clear her eyes are fixed on Tetsuo. Then slowly she reaches up and removes her mask. Below it is a plain, unimpressive face, mouse brown hair falling in a braid down her back. The only notable and, to those who know her, new feature is a wicked looking burn scar, running from the inside of her right eye down her face, almost like a scalding hot tear had dripped down her face. Her face doesn't have much more expression then her mask, but she does smile as briefly as she addresses the group. "Very good, Tetsuo-dono. No point in hiding then. For those who don't know me, my name is Ishashiken Yuriko, Yuri to my friends, of which I count the original members of Team Genria. And because of that friendship, I wish to speak with you before we resort to bloodshed, something you are making quite difficult for me."

Without any warning her hand shoots out, almost faster then the eye can follow, grabs a nearly invisible trip line next to her...and quickly and deftly ties another line around it, holding this new line in her hand. Then she slowly and calmly begins to walk forward. "Because of that friendship, I will meet you half way. As your scouts I'm sure have told you, the only area of this passage not trapped is that directly between us. If you will meet me there we can speak. I would prefer not to do so in front of the guards, my message is for my friends only, and the members of their teams. I swear on my family, I have no other traps targeting the area between us. This is a privileged the guards with you I'm sure can tell you I have extended to none before, please don't make me regret my kindness Tetsuo-dono" Yuriko stops about 30 ft away from the group, calmly awaiting their answer.

[Catch]

Miharu

A vicious grin split the sharp lines of Miharu's face. Tetsuo had known, as she did, the masked woman's identity, and the confirmation was satisfying to her in a cruel, arrogant sort of way.

From the roof of a lead wagon, a swirl of wind circled her feet, fluttering the edges of her long jacket and spreading outward to ruffle hair and scatter leaves. She bent low at the knees, crouching into a powerful stance and golden eyes tilted up toward the sky as a look of pure radiance bloomed on Miharu's face. A pregnant silence hung in the air.

And then she was gone.

In the span of a moment moment, the girl vaulted into the air with a rising blast of wind, hair hair trailing in an auburn lash. Her coat unfurled, billowing sleeves spreading like dark wings as she streaked at least thirty feet straight up. There was no way the lithe genin could jump that high, could she...?

Whirling in midair, Miharu locked eyes with masked Yuriko as she formed a quick succession of hand seals, ending with fuuton's most notable. Tori.

A second more violent burst of wind rushed through the pass, shrieking toward the near-invisible strands in a slashing mass of of air. Both sets of wires leading to the concealed tags were sliced in twain, falling limp in Yuriko's hands, just as a shriek was heard from above. Aozomaru's was visible for only a moment before diving as a red-brown whirling mass of feathers and claws that snapped the last set of wires that Yuriko held.

Miharu drifted slowly down to her perch on the wagon's roof in a lazy spiral, arms outstretched in a slight dihedral. She landed in a crouch, beaming a dagger smile toward the masked girl as she rose, calling across the cavern.

"What good is your word, Yuri-chan?" she sneered, adding the honorific with a deep measure of scorn. "As I remember, you were part of our team for less than a month and all you contributed then were empty formalities and a spit polish for Genira's sandals while real ninja did all the work. Is that why you defected to be a bandit? When were we friends, then?"

OCC (Miharu):

HP: 55
CP: 21
Ongoing effects: Tori no Akogare (0/1)

Initiative: 1d20+2=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2184875/)

Swift action!

Perform: Tori no Akogare (DC 19) 1d20+11=29 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2187733/)

- Miharu gains a fly speed equal to double her her base land speed.

Move Action!

Fly 30 feet straight up.

Attack Action!

Perform: Kamaitachi no Jutsu (DC 18) 1d20+11=21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2187749/)

Damage!

Wind damage in a 30-foot cone: 4d6=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2187752/)


OOC (Aozomaru):

HP: 40/40
CP: 8/11

Full-attack action!

Perform: Tsumetsuki (DC 17) 1d20+11=26 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2187765/)

- Charge attack, dealing an extra die of damage and double the user's Strength modifier.

Attack Roll!

Targeting the wire leading to the tags next to the woman: 1d20+9=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2190640/)

Damage!

2d6+2=8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2187766/)

[Golda]

Yuriko lets the now useless threads dangle loosely in her hand for a moment before dropping them to the ground. Her shoulders sag ever so slightly, in what looks to be disappointment. "You certainly are making this difficult for me, Miharu-dono. I will apologize for failing to be of more help in the Team's first mission, I assure you have already been reprimanded for it. I will not, however, apologize for being polite, either to Genria-sensei or to you. In my family, it is Required."

As she mentions her reprimand her right cheek makes a very determined effort not to twitch, and almost succeeds. Still, she moves on quickly. "I had hoped that the explosives would bring you all to the table and give me the bargaining power I would need to fix everything, even if you didn't believe what I'm about to tell you. But it seems a combination of mistrust, and Miharu-dono's amazing work has ruined that, so now I must hope you are wise enough to believe what I'm about to say." Yuriko's face shows very little hope, as if she already knows no one will take her seriously, yet still determined to try.

The young ninja pauses, as if collecting her thoughs, then continues. "You see, my sources tell me that this caravan may have, hidden somewhere in it, scrolls of certain forbidden techniques, ones so vile that everyone in our village would be appalled to learn someone tried to bring them here. I don't know for certain who ordered them to be there, but I know there is or will be some evidence that it was the Mizukage and that, true or false, this evidence will be used by the Mizukage's enemies to tarnish his reputation by making it seem like he was smuggling in forbidden jutsu to increase his power base. This is just one of several initial steps someone has put in place to start a civil war, and that is something I and my allies won't allow. So you see, till this caravan is inspected by someone I know not to be part of this conspiracy, I can't let you pass."

Yuriko's left hand rests itself almost reluctantly on top of her right hip sword. Her eyes dart from person to person, keeping all in sight, yet she betrays no sign of fear despite the horrible odds. "So what now? Will you let me inspect the goods, to help stop a war? Or do we do what we ninja's always seem to do, and reduce this to senseless bloodshed?"

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

"I'm liking the senseless bloodshed option." Daichi commented, still leaning on his sword, watching Yuri. A sick smile split his face, but the expression never touched his eyes. They remained like black holes cut into his head. They were the soulless, black eyes of a shark; of someone to whom murder came naturally and easily as breathing. He yanked his greatsword, which was nearly as tall as he was, out of the ground, and rested it across his shoulders. "After all, even if there are these scrolls in there, we don't need you to help us look for them. In fact, I don't really see why we need you at all anymore, bandit-chan." he mocked her using the name Natsumi had given her.

All of a sudden there was a flicker in his form, a slight fuzzing out. At the last second, Yuri caught attention to the fact that he was now in front of her and managed to dodge the swing of his greatsword that would have fulfilled his promise of removing her head from her shoulders. As it was, she was fast enough to duck and only lose a couple of stray hairs. Anyone perceptive enough might have caught the movement as well. However, the entire attack only spanned a fraction of a second. To the unobservant, it would look as if he hadn't moved at all as his movement ended with him right back in the exact spot he'd started from.

"Oooh, you're a nimble little bunny." Daichi grinned. "My complements."

Used a technique, but the attack roll missed according to Prophet. (That's a very high Defense you have there.) Anyone who beats a hide vs. spot roll ([roll0]) would notice that Daichi had moved. Anyone who fails thinks that he just stayed right where he was and will have no idea why Yuri dodged. Also, I'm taking liberties saying that Yuri dodged, so if you want to have her react in some other way feel free to correct me.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

The bizarre Nishi remained silent through out the revelation, tilting his head to the side like a confused dog after Miharu severs the wires and Tetsuo reveals her 'hidden' identity. But the only part that kept him from advancing towards the, now revealed, Yuri was to briefly pause so that the wires could be cut and the explosives that had been spotted to be disarmed for the moment.

He didn't even stop when Daichi dashes forward on the assault and gives Yuri an impromptu hair-cut. Soon he was standing directly in front of Yuri and he still hadn't drawn the dual-sided sword from inside of it's sheath. As a matter of fact he drops it down to the ground and opens his arms wide to pull the, most likely surprised, Yuri in for a warm hug.

"Bandit-chan! It's so nice to see you again! Ahh, do you know how confusing it was to just have you leave like that? I get worried about you, and I'm sure Tetsuo did too. I don't know what Miharu thinks anymore. And don't worry about Daichi, he's...er...I don't know what he's like actually. How have you been?" the feminine looking boy exclaims happily.

No, the hug isn't some hidden attempt at a grapple and if Yuri or him get attacked then he's gonna let go damn fast. :smalltongue:

[Golda]

Yuriko ducks quickly at the sudden, but hardly unexpected attack. One of her hands darts up in the blades wake, grabbing one of the newly liberated hairs, holding it lightly in her hand. "I'm impressed with your technique Daichi-san, remarkably good choice of maneuver for someone so impulsive, since not everyone will notice you attacked at all and you still retain your distance, possibly provoking me into being the...oh, hello Nishi-chan." Yuriko is forced to cut herself short as the gender-crossing ninja embraces her, which she returns affectionately. "I've been doing okay Nishi-chan, been kept extremely busy. I'm really sorry for leaving so abruptly, orders and all. I hope you've been doing well, we should have tea and catch up later."

She then speaks over Nishi's shoulder, her smile seeming happy but her eyes still scrutinizing the remaining ninja. "So, we seem to have found the two ends of the spectrum here. Anyone else care to join them? At this rate we're gonna have group hug dodge practice here." Yuriko tries to make a humorous smile, but it fades quickly. Then she releases Nishi and takes a step back, speaking to her softly.

"You probably better step away Nishi-chan. I have a feeling some of your team mates are going to make me do this the hard way, and so standing between me and them probably isn't the safest place. And if you feel the need to stand with them I'll understand, they are your team after all. Just don't hold it against me if I fight back okay? I'm afraid given the odds I won't be able to go easy on them, but if we both make it out of this I still owe you that tea. Oh, and I hope you don't go all scary on me. I have no desire to face that." Again Yuriko tries to make her comment seem humorous, but the gravity of the situation quickly drags the myth from her face, the nice moment replaced with the grim reality of what is almost certainly about to happen.

"So I believe the rest of you still have a choice to make."

Heh, yeah, defence is one of my specialities. I promise to show you the rest if this continues :smallsmile: And the dodge was fine, no issues here. For reference, my step back just means i'm not longer hugging nishi, i'm still in the square i was in, aka 30 ft from 'you,' meaning where the caravan begins. some of you of course may be ahead of or behind that.

[Dark_Prophet]

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/yagamilightsdx/music/zt4dTv8z/taniuchi-hideki-mello-no-theme/)

The tense situation is somewhat strangely abated by Nishi's, as the guards watch very nervously, clutching their weapons, but looking at each other as their ninja seem torn in deliberation. But the sounds from behind remind you of your constant traveling companions, the other two teams, who had slowly fallen into the rear guard along the formation.

"Hey! I think she's right, it sounds exactly like the kind of underhanded dirty trick the Mizukage would pull, passing it off as integral supplies for the village...I'm with her! Let me through!" The distinctive, carrying shout carries through from Yamada at the far rear.

"It's obviously a trick, you loud monkey. The Mizukage would never betray our confidence like that - and she just wants to distract us. Caw ha!" The response is equally distinctive from Hirasa, with the sound of Kraehae chiming her scorn in. "Caw!"

"Maybe she has a point. We should send someone to check one of the wagons - Yuri, do you know where it might be?" This one carries the flat note of the glasses wearing elementalist, and you can hear Miyagi moving towards in the inner wagons as he speaks.

"This is the one who has been leading the attacks - key word leading! Are you traitors, or just stupid? Has anyone else seen the rest of her forces? She's just trying to get us to lower our guards..." Maeda responds matter of factly, also moving towards Miyagi's voice, the sound of him activating his chakra scalpel carrying back.

"Why are you so afraid to check? Are you acting on the Mizukage's secret orders? Its not like we've been forbidden from looking!" Yamada too appears to be retreating back to the others - the voices converging.

"I tire of your accusations, you disloyal thug. Why are you so keen to listen to her? Orders from the Swordsmen to seize our precious cargo and keep it from the rest of the village?" This one is the low, bass rumble that you've come to recognize as the hulking Ishimaru, with a distinctly threatening edge to it.

The tension continues to mount, the voices all drawing closer together in the rear of the caravan, on the brink of outright violence between the two dissident teams - only Mari's voice is absent, as she was assigned to perimeter stealth. The guards, and the guard captain glance back, the conflict on multiple fronts obviously beginning to worry them, as they start to edge back into the middle, regrouping and preparing and attempting avoid conflicts that erupt on either side.

"We all have our duty to protect this shipment...can we try to stick to it? This isn't the time for this...!" The captain's plea goes unanswered as the heated exchange continues behind him, and he turns, looking at the divided ninja at the front as he glares at Yuri worldlessly.

(Also, another round of spot checks for everyone >.>)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Following Miharu's attack on the wires that connected the explosives to the bandit, Akimaru hopped back onto the wagons, with a satisfied expression on his face. Afterward, he didn't do or say much, simply keeping an eye out for this Yuri's lackeys and pretty much ignoring the conversation between his teammates and the bandit.

When the other Mist-nin started squabbling, however, he did add his part. "Before making some decision on this, you might want to ask someone who actually knows the girl whether she is trustworthy or not."

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

With confusion and accusations swirling around her, Natsumi starts to become confused and frustrated. The frown is highly unsuited to her face, accenting her sudden discomfort with the situation even more. She shakes her head violently, sending her long silver-white hair whipping back and forth.

"I don't get it. I don't get it, Bandit-chan. I don't. Forbidden jutsu don't make sense... if the Mizukage wanted to use them, wouldn't he just unforbid them? I'm not exactly sure why they'd be forbidden in the first place but that's..."

She shrugs a bit, and hangs her head.

"And then there's all the guards you've killed and stuff. Did Bandit-chan know that they're nice people? Maybe you should have just asked to watch the cargo get unloaded, so at least all the other important stuff could get where it needs to go. Maybe you like fighting, too? I guess I could understand all of this then.

I'm confused... what should I be doing?"

Without a strong cue to follow up on, Natsumi looks pleadingly at each member of her team for guidance.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

"Aah Bandit-chan, I'm afraid I can't really let you stand in the way of the caravan and stuff. Shize-sama is relying on my new team to make sure the supplies get to hungry hungry people." Nishi explains in a somewhat ridiculous no-nonsense tone of voice, without a twinge of regret in his voice as he remained in the same spot rather then stepping back as had been requested of him.

"So...if you don't move then I'll have to move you, and this ledge is awfully narrow to try and get you out of the way. We might end up going over the cliff-side." So there it was, the inevitable 'threat' of bloodshed as Nishi gave his usual bright smile to his former companion. "Cause what if you are one of the...conspira...consp..plotty people trying to disrupt the village."

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

((Oh man. I suck. Catch is up here visiting, which has kept me occupied and not posting.))

((PS, I am not happy with this, it may get revised.))

Tetsuo pondered Yuriko's statements regarding the contents of the caravan, not really getting much of a chance before the sounds of the mission crumbling echoed in his ears. Division and infighting were threatening to erupt based on nothing but a rumour, spread by an admitted bandit leader! How could they be so, so... illogical? The conflict only increased in volume while some few rational ideas were put forth, only to be drowned out. Planning, goals, and any remote semblance of trust was crumbling.

This is exactly what you signed up for.
What? No, it's not!
This is your plan, isn't it?
But it's crumbling.
So fix it. You can't be both a friend and a leader all the time. Step up!

"That. Is. Enough!" boomed from the usually cheerful and friendly genin. "I didn't ask for this command, but I got it nonetheless. All the jounin agreed, and so did you!" Blue eyes stared piercingly at the team members. The ever-present smile was, oddly to some, not present. "This mission was a direct order from the Mizukage, and we will complete it. If any of you feel I'm acting wrongly, feel free to say so when you debrief."

He turned back towards his former team mate, a serious expression on his face. "Yuriko, all I know is that you're not being totally honest. You have consistently attacked these caravans, stopping valuable supplies from reaching the village, with your "allies", whom I suspect are nearby. And all I can say is that I will bring your warning as a part of my debriefing, and I will make every effort to be there when these caravans are emptied."

Sunlight reflected off of Tetsuo's headband as he called back to the team members. "Whether or not you believe me, or Yuriko, or neither; whether or not you favour the Swordsmen or the Kage; this mission is for the village. The supplies in these caravans are necessary, and it's certain they can't all be these "forbidden techniques". So," he continued, "we will continue on our mission, Yuriko. I ask that you allow our passage. Go to the village and give your warning personally if you wish, but this caravan is going to Kirigakure."

[Golda]

Yuriko's eyes never leave Tetsuo as he lays down the law, her expression appearing vaguely impressed with his concise leadership. She begins casually tapping her right food, as though keeping time to his statements. She even cracks a slightly incongruous smile at the end, which continues as she begins to speak.

"Well, I have to say I'm impressed. You were not scared by my trap, you defused the trap notes and you managed to not be phased by my revelations. That shows a remarkable, and remarkably unfortunate, dedication to your mission and one that I must applaud you on."

Yuriko pauses briefly, tapping her foot again, almost as though she is counting. "I hope that you do make sure to include all this in your briefing and that you live up to your intention to independently confirm what I have said. Hopefully next time we meet, our interests will coincide. I guess this leaves me with only one more thing to say. Plan Alpha G2T4LA, Go!" This last statement is made in the same casual tone, but with far more volume, as Yuriko's hands flex, ready for action.

[Dark_Prophet]

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/people/DSCjqB4/music/2wMyrdg4/24strangenessmp3/)

...one of the guards clutches at his eyes. "Whats...whats going on? I can't see! Everything's blurry!" Almost all of the rest of them quickly begin to follow suit a heartbeat later, even Captain Saito, who draws his zanbatou. "Something's happening! We have to be under attack!" And then the rest of you start to have trouble seeing too -the world flickering and distorting through your very eyes.

From the cliff side above you your right, you hear sounds of rocks shifting as dozens of people emerge for well concealed hiding places, most of them stringing bows and readying arrows. In the bushes downwards from the slope to your left, you can see the undergrowth rustling, like at least one or two figures are moving within along them towards the caravan.

Behind you, you can hear the sounds of combat erupting, the clash of swords, raised voices and shouts. "Teams Genira and Shize! We have engaged the enemies in the rear! Protect the caravans!" "Yaaaaaah!"

OOC


Everyone, take a -4 to spot checks and attack rolls, as its suddenly extremely difficult to make out the world.

Intiative (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6593504&postcount=74) 22: Miharu and Nishi! You're up!

Edit: Modified post - I'd apparently misunderstood what "Will disbelief" meant earlier.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

"Bandit-chan, I warned you that the ledge was very narrow." Nishi chides, waggling one finger at Yumi as if somehow admonishing her would prevent the violence to come though everyone likely knew it wouldn't. And when Nishi felt the genjutsu over-take him, he staggers for a moment before reaching into his belt and pulling out on of the smoke bombs he always carried with him.

A quick dash of the hands and he smashed it on the ground, filling the air around him with thick red smoke, the bizarre genin using the cover to move to the side so his back was against the cliff wall and out of most obvious lines of fire from the archer's above. So thinking himself safe, Nishi's fingers went into the motions of a simple ninjutsu that all students knew.

Except no clones formed leaving Nishi a little mystified.


Move action: Draw smoke bomb.
Free action: drop it at feet
Five foot step to towards the cliffside
Standard action: Bunshin no jutsu [roll0] for 2 clones (2 chakra)

AC: 18
HP 48
Chakra: 24/26

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo straightened and shook his head. His vision had blurred, but only for a moment. Immediately realising what had happened, he called out to everyone within ear shot, "It's a genjutsu! Snap out of it! Or are we going to lose to a trick?"

((OOC- This was solely to cause everyone under the effect to realise they're in a genjutsu, therefore letting them make a Will save to disbelieve. So yes, that.))

[Catch]

Miharu

Yuriko's pleasantries were wearing on Miharu's patience and she ground her teeth with the effort to keep silent.

Keep talking girl, I will ram every word back down your throat.

Voices rose up all around the feral girl, a squabbling, violent chatter like crows bickering over a branch. It strained her to keep still. Every muscle in her body stretched tight, yet she waited. Tetsuo was in charge and though restraint rankled, Miharu would prove she was loyal. Dutiful. Obedient.

Talons twitched. Golden eyes fixed themselves on her target.

Tetsuo's voice, discernible amongst the commotion was drowned in the panic of the sudden attack and the world was dipped in fog, murky and indistinct. The hawklike girl shook her head, trying to clear the haze from her eyes, yet it resisted, crawling across her vision. It would not stop her.

Not enough.

Miharu uncoiled like a spring, launching herself from the roof of the iron-clad wagon. She swooped toward Yuriko in an auburn streak, low to the ground, long coat unfurled like wings. Predator seeking prey.

A cruel smile parted the girl's face. Swirling winds engulfed her right hand as Miharu's narrowed eyes met Yuriko's surprised. The message they bore was clear.

Traitor.

With a sweeping slash and a feral screech, talons tore open the girl's chest in a spray of blood. Yuriko's feet parted with the ground, the force of the blow and rising winds throwing her into the air before she fell limp like a discarded puppet.

Miharu panted softly, wearing a hateful, exultant sneer. Her voice rang out clarion above the din of battle.

"There is no mercy in Kirigakure!"


HP: 50/55
CP: 21/28
AC: 22

Ongoing effects: Sandan Kousoku (1)

Will Save: 1d20+3=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224354/)

Free Action!

Enter Speed Rank 3.

Move Action!

Move to square in front of Yuriko.

Standard Action!

Perform - Sageyoku no Ken: 1d20+16=32 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224328/)

- Chakra Control - Convert: 1d20+14=27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224337/)

- Attack: Critical threat! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224315/)

- Confirmation: 1d20+8=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224322/)

- Action Point: 1d6=6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224377/)

Total: 30

Damage!

Talons: 2d6+4=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224386/)

Wind: 8d4=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224392/)

Total: 39

Yuriko must succeed on a DC 21 Fortitude save or be knocked prone. Confirmed via AIM as a failure.

[Dark_Prophet]

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/hokkaido/music/0XUuPqwm/masaharu-iwata-back-fire/)

Even before Yuriko hits the ground, a series of red hot blurs erupt from the underbrush at the triumphant Miharu. First one swishes by her in the smoke, then the second slices into her skin with the smell of burning meat. The third swishes by in the smoke, then a fourth slides into her side. Burning leaves from the undergrowth fluttering in the air from the wake of each strike, only to snap in half and fall to the ground, as deep wounds, cauterized wounds become apparent a second afterwards on the ferocious hawk-nin.

One of the blurs becomes clear as it wraps around Miharu tightly - a cherry hot razor wire that sears her flesh further even as it holds her. A battle wire who's owner is just twenty feet away. In fact, the sizzling cable going back to the bushes on the descending left slope clearly indicates the location 10 feet down the gradual slope. A harsh, grating high-pitched male voice echoes out from it. "Hahaha! Nice move, freak - but you're going straight to hell before you cause any more trouble! Burn and die!" Behind it, one of the burning leaves slowly turns into ash as it tumbles down the 50 foot gradual slope, before dropping off to a sheer drop for 60 feet, going out as it falls into a flowing stream at the bottom.

The rustling of bushes at the top of the cliff ceases as a dozen camouflaged men wearing same white masks, all immediately emerge up from the cliff-brush in unison in a very un-bandit like fashion. They all pull their notched greatbows back together with practiced ease, and then releasing them. Before the first is done, a second is notched and sent after it. As they sight to the clouds above are temporarily darkened by the two dozen arrows, it soon becomes apparent that their goal is not to hit individual targets, but fill anything in the entire road full of arrows. Several of the guards manage to get to cover, but most are struck by at least one arrow, Captain Saito being the only one to remain unharmed as he ducks under the wagon, narrowly avoiding any arrows. "Archers! Archers on the cliff! Get to cover!"

OOC
Intiative 21: Shinobi 1 (Battlewire), Bandits, and Daichi!

Shinobi 1 - Battlewire (comes out of delay)
Miss chances due to smoke (low is miss, high is good) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224686/)
Full attack on Miharu (denied dexterity effect)
Wire 1 [roll0] Fire Damage [roll1] Piercing + Sneak Damage [roll2] MISS
Wire 1 [roll3] Fire Damage [roll4] Piercing + Sneak Damage [roll5] Edit: Piercing is 8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224763/) HIT
Wire 2 [roll6] Fire Damage [roll7] Piercing + Sneak Damage[roll8] MISS
Wire 2 [roll9] Fire Damage [roll10] Piercing + Sneak Damage[roll11] Edit: Piercing is 6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224765/) HIT

Kousen Shibari no Jutsu: Touch Attack on Miharu (also denied dexterity) [roll12] HIT - Miharu is Shibari'd

Bandits
Arrow Blanket Fire - Concealment chances for half damage for those in smoke cloud against the arrows (only applies to projectile AoE, not other kinds. (Miharu takes only half original, Nishi takes full but still gets his save (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2224708/))
Area of effect - Damage targeting everyone beyond Yuri (who is just inside the smoke cloud) [roll13] Reflex save DC 17 for half (Miharu takes full damage if she is bound)

Daichi! You're up as well!
Edit: Had to take into account concealment 50% miss chance from the smoke cloud! Sorry about missing that. Also

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi
HP: 62/68
Chakra: 26/32
Defense: 22

After realizing that they are under the affects of a Genjutsu due to Tetsuo's well-timed intervention, Daichi did something rather surprising. Instead of simply charging into battle, he stabbed his greatsword into the ground and formed a quick seal with his hands. He concentrated for a moment, as if seeking something, then shouted, "KAI!"

Attack Action
Reflexive Will Save vs. Genjutsu thanks to Tetsuo: [roll0]
Genjutsu Kai (vs. Save DC of Genjutsu effect +2 / Cost: 2): [roll1] + Action Point ([roll2]) = 18 (Ugh...a 5? Really?)
Targeting the genjutsu effect that's causing our vision to blur.
Reflex Save for Arrows (DC17): [roll3] (A nat 20 doesn't mean I'm free from all damage, does it? :smalltongue:)

Whether or not that happened to work, Daichi's attention was then drawn to the the ninja that had just appeared to threaten Miharu. With an evil smile, Daichi took off toward the man, snatching his greatsword out of the dirt as he moved. At the speed his was moving, it didn't take long to skid to a halt right next to him. He stopped with his face inches from the other ninja's, eyes wide with battle lust, and greeted him with that sick smile. "You first!" he cried with glee.

The fact that things had finally come to blows seemed to please Daichi to no end. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning, only wielding a ginormous greatsword and moving at incredible speed. Battle was his calling, his purpose. That he could come to Miharu's rescue, even potentially, was just an added bonus. He'd have fun shoving it in her face later. Alternately, he might just keep it to himself and confuse the hell out of her. Either way sounded like a riot.

Move Action
Readying a Shundou evade for next round targeting battle wire guy.
Shundou (DC17) [roll4] Costs 2 Chakra if he uses it as an instant action as a response to an attack.

I think I'm supposed to stop here? Do I get to go again because I'm behind? How many rounds have passed? Let me know then I'll post again if necessary.

[Catch]

Aozomaru

Above the gathered ninja, the sleek form of Aozmaru circled with watching eyes. He sailed on a warm upward draft that would have carried him for a quarter mile with only a few wingbeats, yet the edged twinge of tension the hawk felt from his handler drew the bird's attention and eye like the rustle of a rodent in the brush.

Wait.

The humans began shouting at each other and suddenly there was smoke and motion. Miharu disappeared, and Aozomaru felt anger from her, and then pain. She was struggling. The man with the wires was hurting her. Miharu could feel his razor determination, her own, bestowed through years of careful instruction. There was something more that seeped through their empathic link, coating the hawk's will to save his master. Rage.

He wheeled around with a screech (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33DWqRyAAUw), folding his wings into a dive and then a red-brown spiral of claws and beak.

I am coming.


HP: 40/40
CP: 5/11
AC: 19 (includes -2 from charging)

Will save: 1d20+4=8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2226581/)

Full Attack Action!

Charge attack, targeting the wires binding Miharu.

Perform - Tsumetsuki: (DC 17) 1d20+11=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2226584/)

- Attack! 1d20+9=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2226689/)

- Damage! 2d6+2=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2226691/)

[Golda]

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/groups/tppQRpkv/music/yXY4sAop/toshiro-masuda-bad-situation/)

For such a small woman, Yuriko certainly made quite a lot of noise when eviscerated. Her cry of pain mixes with the hawks shriek of rage to make a truly frightening din that echos off the mountainside out into the mists. In the midst of all this deafening noise its hard to make out the sucking noise coming from inside the scarlet cloud, and only the most observant would notice that the cloud shrinks a few inches, nor feel the subtle shift in the winds. It might even be possible that a few people missed the small ball of red..something, flying out of the red miasma towards the cliff side edge of the caravan.

But when the red ball explodes a few feet after leaving the cloud, no one could possibly miss the deafening boom nor the pressure wave that expands outward, crushing everything near the front of the caravan before a red tinted wave. The wave makes a clear, perfect circle on the ground, cleared of dust in the wake of the powerful blast. The smoke cloud is driven back by the blast, the red mist slowly giving way to the red stains on the ground. The most pronounce of these stains, a great swath across the ground, leads the eye inevitably to the small form on the ground. At first it appears to be Yuriko, just as one would expect her after the primal scream; broken and bleeding on the ground.

Three things might strike the observer as odd, however, in the split second there is to see it. First, the figure is smiling, a cruel and wicked smile that makes the homely, scared face even more unattractive. Second, Miharu is buried up to the elbow in the figures chest, claws even now ripping out a handful of entrails. Third, there is an explosive tag, already burning, sticking to her forehead. The figure rapidly decays into a puddle of mist surrounding a medium sized rock, still with the seal attached, and for the second time in as many seconds the air is rocked by an explosion, defacing the landscape with yet another crater.

Yuriko is a Dedicated hero level 5, and has Cool under pressure, meaning I will not be rolling for some things that others would. Everything else will be rolled and shown here, unless it would spoil an effect, at which point DP will be given the invisible castle link. So, to the effects of the techs...

Renku Dan (Compressed Air Blast)
Everyone but Daichi, reflex save dc 17 or take [roll0] damage

1 Exploding Tag, 3 charges
Miharu only, relfex save, dc 15 or take [roll1] damage.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo grimaced as everything erupted. So much for her peaceful intentions and ideas for the village, he pondered as Miharu raced towards Yuriko and Nishi, enveloped in the smoke cloud. It was a good idea; if Yuriko went down, the entire group would waver.

Suddenly screams of pain echoed from the cloud, followed immediately by Miharu's voice, triumphant. He couldn't see Miharu, but he could see the battle wire held by another enemy as he attacked her, and suddenly Daichi of all people was there, defending Miharu.

And then the air became painful.

Pressure and wind ripped into Tetsuo, bruising and thudding into him. Blood burst from his mouth as the wind was knocked from him and his vision flashed red as the capillaries in his eyes ruptured. As he looked towards the smoke cloud, he spotted Yuriko as a blur right before hearing an explosion in the smoke. Not paying attention, Tetsuo looked and managed to spot a well hidden Yuriko. If she goes down, the mission might yet succeed.

"Yuriko! So much for peace and friendship! I told you already, you will not halt my MISSION!"

A concentrated blast of chakra raced from Tetsuo's hand towards Yuriko, a small smile on his face as she realised he saw her. As the blast impacted, there was an explosion. Nothing on the order of what she had unleashed, a more personal size. Tetsuo allowed only a moment of satisfaction before vanishing only to appear next to Miharu and Nishi. Not able to see very clearly yet, he simply spoke to them.

"You two should get out of here. Remember the mission! If we take down Yuriko, I think we can succeed."

Reikiha 4 CP

Perform check DC 18 Success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227468)

Damage 22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227376/) Fort save for Half, DC 18.

Shunshin 3 CP

Perform Check DC 14 Success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227496/)

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi
HP: 9/64
Defense: 15
Chakra: 42/49

Natsumi was not, in any sense of the word, ready. She wasn't ready for hostilities to start so quickly, and found herself still gawking at Miharu's violent lunge as a hail of arrows streaked down towards everyone. So she wasn't ready to dodge those arrows, and staggered several steps at the sudden impact of the lethal projectiles in her side. She looked up the cliffs to glare at the archers above, and so she wasn't ready for the sudden rush of tearing winds from her other side as they pummel her, tatter her clothes, rip at her suddenly exposed flesh, and mess up her pretty silver hair. The sudden shock almost sends her collapsing to the ground right then and there - she wasn't ready for it to hurt so much, either. But the powers that be had made the young girl of tougher stuff than that, and so she stood her ground, albeit with rapid and ragged breaths and a large amount of icy cold blood dripping onto the ground below.

With Nishi's smoke bomb obscuring all other targets from view, Natsumi stumbles her way to the cliff face, leaning against the hard rock and using it as a prop to steady herself and make it easier to focus on the hand seals she would need to perform. Neechan would no doubt be upset at her for taking such a beating... but she'd be proud to see what came next, that much is certain! Her hands set to work rushing through an intricate series of signs, much practiced and much beloved for the effect she knew by heart they would produce.

The water she carries with her surges from its containers, caught in a sudden swirling updraft. In the chill, swirling winds, the individual droplets begin to freeze and coalesce, creating gleaming white birds out of the freshly formed snow. Their long tails shimmer in the sun as the swarm streaks upwards towards her intended targets. So pretty...

"Don't think I didn't notice you were shooting at Daichi-sempai..."

Up above, the streaking swallows were busy dealing frozen retribution to the hapless archers, their razor-sharp wings slicing open flesh and freezing the blood as it tried to pour out...

Save vs. Genjutsu: Success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2223533/)

Save vs. Arrows: Failure! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227108/)

Save vs. Compressed Air Blast: Failure w/ Action point! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227110/)

Ninjutsu - Tsubame Fubuki (DC 20): Success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227499/)

Damage - Tsubame Fubuki: 15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2227505/) (Cold/Slashing, Reflex DC 19 Half)

[Dark_Prophet]

Natsumi's ice swallows tear into the surprised archers, felling one, and wounding the rest, forcing them to break position to scatter back into the brush. There's a loud deathcry from another, two others crying out in pain as Mari bursts into view, brandishing her bloody daggers with a savage grin of bloodlust.

"Thanks, little Ice Princess!" She calls cheerfully, turning with a happy hum back towards the remaining archers, who cower away, the ones cut clutching at their wounds and beginning to howl in pain from the sabiketsu blood poison. "Sorry I took so long! Now, relax...there's enough of my blood for *everyone*...!"

Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ET31df91Y&feature=related)

A conspicuously large shrub that had been inching closer and closer towards Daichi and the Livewire suddenly explodes, sending green debris. Beneath it is muscled, but wiry man in the blue robes of a taijutsu master, who immediately launches a strong, bone crushing roundhouse that does no real harm, connecting with Daichi's chest and sending him stumbling back. "Haaaaaa!"

He jumps after him, and then shifts up into a ready stance, one leg poised, and then unleashing a flurry of four kicks lightning fast, one right another shouting with each strike. "WATATATATATATATA! WAAAAA!" As he finishes with a gentle tap from one fist, the off-balance Sabiketsu swordsman is sent stumbling back. The taijutsu master stands up in a monkey pose, one hand behind his back and the other inviting the staggering swordsman and those in the smoke behind him to challenge the confident martial artist. "Ha! Come on, Yuri - we have them! They are weak! Let us take our revenge! FOR MY BROTHER!"

He glares back at Daichi, turning his back to him. "As for you...you are already dead."

REMEMBER ME? (@ Tetsuo and Miharu)

Heroic Surge - Rendan Kidouki Touch Attack [roll0] If it hits, he is flatfooted and open to combo (otherwise, only the first and last attack occur)

Hyakuretsu Kyaku!
Attack 1 [roll1] Damage [roll2]
Attack 2 [roll3] Damage [roll4]
Attack 3 [roll5] Damage [roll6]
Attack 4 [roll7] Damage [roll8]

If two or more of the four attacks hit, Daichi makes a Fort save or be knocked back 10 feet DC23

Yes, I know I'm a bastard. :3

[Golda]

Theme
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRObwQOePRE&feature=related)
For the first time that anyone has seen, Yuriko eyes convey true surprise as Tetsuo's chakra explosion reduces her hiding place to rubble. Yuriko manages to stand up to the blast, gritting her teeth but refusing to move from the marginally comfortable place she has found leaning against a tree. Her eyes quickly dart about for her next move, for the next plot, but just as quickly fixate on the Taijutsu masters entrance into the fight. She curses under her breath, real hatred and frustration in her eyes. "Stop, Yaen. Can't you see they are both to weak and to determined for the plan to work? We must pull back now! No only am I injured, but at this point we may not be able to subdue them without killing them, and you know our orders! You know who we answer to if they die!" Despite her clearly precarious position, covered in burns and missing about half her chest, Yuriko's gray eyes seemed to channel the spite of her unnamed patron, clearly not in a mood for insubordination.

[Dark_Prophet]

The taijutsu master pauses, and looks over at the half-dead Yuriko in disbelief. What? What are you talking about, Yuri?! You're saying we should just let these murderers go? The orders be damned! MY BROTHER WILL NOT REST IN PEACE UNTIL HIS DEFEAT HAS BEEN AVENGED!" He clenches a fist, raising his leg and kicking the air in anger.

From the bush where the broken metal wire leads comes the cold, emotionless followup of the livewire.**** that, Yuriko; the monkey's right for once. We have them, and you're not my master. And that damn bird broke my battle wire. We're taking them down - no survivors. You can go with them for all I care.

Mari glances back over from the top of the cliff, glaring down from her advance on the remaining archers at the stumbling, off balance sabiketsu swordsman. "Daichi?! What the hell are you doing just standing there, you ****head? You're gonna be the swordsman who leads our clan to salvation - so kill that goddamn monkey bastard! And then kill that ****ing wirehead!"

[Golda]

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/yagamilightsdx/music/zt4dTv8z/taniuchi-hideki-mello-no-theme/)

Yuriko issues her companions a glare that could melt steel, but in a moment that glare transmutes itself into the genuine, unflattering smile warn by her double before it exploded. "Your defiance works out nicely actually. This way, if you do kill them, I get the credit for the plan and you get the blame for the kills and if they kill you, it removes two insubordinate minions for our side. By all means, carry on."

Yuriko then raises her voice slightly to cut through the sounds of the continuing conflict, to reach the ears of her older set of former allies. "As for the rest of you, I had hoped you would either prove tough enough to be safely beat into submission or cravenly enough to run when near death, but I can see in your minds that you won't give up and I can't afford to allow your death at my hands. I hope you do survive to learn the truth for yourselves. If any of my archers are still alive and surrender, I hope you will take them back alive. Kin, withdrawal method beta."

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Akimaru had been lounging lazily atop the first wagon in the caravan, apparently mostly detached from what was going on with his teammates and the bandit leader were discussing. It seemed unlikely he would be able to react quickly to the change in the situation, but as soon as the archers appeared at the cliff top, Akimaru burst into movement, adroitly evading the arrows in mid-air.

He hung there a seemingly inordinate length of time, only falling back to earth in the aftermath of Yuriko's attack, landing in a mess of strewn rocks, half-buried arrows and the wreckage of the first caravan wagon. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes at being completely untouched by the bandits' attacks, but in the typical manner of those quicksilver eyes, that reflected emotion did not remain long. In a blur, he'd notched an arrow and ran into position to fire, drawing a significant amount of chakra into his attack.

For a second, Akimaru's eyes were completely still, reflecting the two enemies before him: the blue robed taijutsu ninja, and the white masked livewire. And then he released.

One arrow turned into five, then twenty-five, then more. A curtain of steel-pointed missiles that dwarfed the concerted attacks of the bandit archers, all aimed at those two men who stood before him.

Hit points: 50/50
Chakra pool: 7/24
Armour class: 21

Ongoing effects:

Nidan Kousoku: Round 1/5

Performing Hail of Arrows Technique, empowering with an additional 9 chakra: Perform DC 21 [roll0] + Action point [roll1].

Hails of Arrows targeting Taijutsu boy:

First Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Second Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Hails of Arrows targeting the Livewire:

Third Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Fourth Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Fifth Hail of Arrows:
Attack: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

[Dark_Prophet]

From the next bush 10 feet down diagonally down the slope from the livewire and taijutsu master, there's the sound of a smokebomb being dropped, another one flying back and landing at Yuriko's feet. Both immediately begin emitting thick, blue smoke. The voice of a young adult male emerges from the first cloud "I'll follow when its safe. Get out of here, chief!"

[Catch]

Miharu

Standing over Yuriko's rent form, she swelled with victorious elation, the kill was hers! They would recognize her now, fully, as a hunter. She would drag this stupid girl back to the Kage and demand freedom. Finally! Yet the hawk girl's moment of victory lasted only a moment, broken by pain. It came suddenly as searing lashes cut into Miharu, striping a cauterized cross into her back. Memories surfaced, swirling, scintillating, then burst like putrid shiny bubbles, drenching her mind in old fear and new rage. She remembered.

"Stupid girl, not that way!" Krack!

"I'm... Ah! S-sorry..."

"Faster! You'll never graduate like this. Useless animal." Krack! Krack!

*sniff* "I'm trying..."

"Don't look at me like that, it's your own fault! Kekekeke, you must like being punished, ne?" Krack! Krack! Krack!

"Stop! D-don't...AH!"

Miharu's scream was something horrible and primal, throes of death and loss and untamed hated. It exploded from her lungs as the girl threw her head back, giving birth to a sound that was revoltingly un-human. Golden eyes glazed over, talons clenched. Her ears caught the scuffle of movement.

KILL HER

Stone crumbled under Miharu's talons and she ducked low to avoid the explosion that pelted her with fragments of rock. Her head whipped around, searching uselessly in the thick smoke for her prey, talons slashing at air.

WHERE

She felt a rush of air and dropped into a crouch as the explosion of wind dispersed the cloud like a misty breath. And Miharu saw him, sneering. Her. She couldn't tell... it was so hard to see. The lash, the pain. Hazy vision seemed to clear with the heightened focus of rage--It was her, her laughing, cruel tormentor.

*sniff* "S-someday I'll get out of this p-place... *sniff* Then you'll b-be sorry..."

"Don't you get it? We own you! You can never go home."

NO!

Miharu lunged toward the lash-wielder with with a unintelligible screech, her face marred in the rictus of a snarl, closing the distance with a leap. Her shoulder caught him in the gut, knocking the man off balance and she grabbed a fistful of his collar, reaching back with talons spread wide for the killing blow. There was no humanity in those golden eyes, and her visage could be described as nothing but feral. Someone was going to die.


HP: 21/55
CP: 15/28
AC: 18

Ongoing Effects: Sandan Kousoku (2), Frenzy (1/7)

Rolled my save against an involuntary Frenzy effect with DP and failed.

Free Action!

Miharu enters Frenzy.

Move Action!

Move adjacent to Battlewire-san.

Attack Action!

Perform: Taijutsu Ougi - Rendan Kidouki (DC 16) 1d20+14=21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2229121/)

Attack! Touch: 1d20+10=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2229117/) + Action Point 1d6=6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2229115/) = 29

If struck, Battlewire-san loses his next turn and is flat-footed until next attacked.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi
HP: 23/68
Chakra: 19/32
Defense: 20

I posted this before and then had to delete it because I was out of initiative order. The rolls are exactly as they first appeared when I posted it, but I had to copy and paste them a few times so they obviously won't look like normal rolls.
Fort Save: (1d20+9)[13]

Daichi stood there after the onslaught looking thoroughly bruised, his breath coming heavy and pained. He stuck his sword in the ground, but didn't seem to be leaning on it. He looked almost as if he was going to sit there and catch his breath until Mari started yelling at him. Then a vein rose on his temple and his eyebrow twitched. He turned his head, but not his eyes over his shoulder and yelled back, "What the hell are you babbling on about?! Shut your goddamn trap, you weird bitch!"

Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D2pIuvwHac)

Then, turning his head back to face the swordsman and the livewire, Daichi hocked and spit a good portion of blood onto the floor dismissively, like he was trying to get the taste out of his mouth. "You morons and your damned ambushes are getting on my nerves. Not only that, but that skank went and hurt Natsumi-chan." his eyes narrowed.

Gatotsu Nishiki - Piercing Fang Second Stance (DC20): (1d20+15)[24]
Charge Attack: (1d20+15)[26] +5 = 31
Action Point: (1d6)[5]
Damage: (2d6+7)[13]
Double Damage from Gatotsu Nishiki: (2d6+7)[14]
Additional Damage if Fort Save Failed: (1d6)[1]
Rust Blood Poison (Target must make a DC16 Fort Save)
Initial Strength Damage from Poison: (1d6)[4]

Readying a Shundou Evade on Taijutsu Master. (DC17) (1d20+15)[31] + 2 mastery bonus = 33


Suddenly, Daichi wasn't where he had been. Between eye-blinks he had moved. Now he was standing behind the taijutsu master, holding him spitted on the greatsword that he'd ripped back out of the ground in an instant and deposited with a tremendous slam through the unfortunate man's ribs. "Gatotsu Nishiki..." he whispered into the man's ear, flecks of blood landing on his neck from where they dripped from Daichi's lips. "You shouldn't have turned your back on the dead. I've come back from my grave to take you with me." he said as he twisted the blade in the man's innards. "Being dead, I should also mention that I've spoken with your brother. He says you should come join him in hell."

Daichi's lips peeled back into a rictus of pleasure, showing bloodstained teeth that reminded one of a shark's terrible smile.

[Dark_Prophet]

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/people/kuaZ9P/music/MYeSZEqw/naruto-shippuden-ost-anger-ikari/)

Miharu lands a solid blow on the livewire, knocking aside his feeble attempts to kawarimi, stunning him soundly as she rears up for the killing blow. Above, Aozomaru circles, his eyes glittering darkly, waiting, talons poised to dive in for the kill.

Daichi reels back, delivering a mighty stab into the taijutsu master's back with a charge, one hand guiding the enormous blade. The blade goes deep into his side, but despite the force he only stumbles back, glaring at Daichi as he pushes the blade free, falling back into a crouching, stance. "You...you have no idea being what a true warrior is! You're just a ravening beast! I will show you!"

Up above on the top of the cliff, the bandits continue to reel and scrabble before the dual onslaught. Several draw swords and try to swing at Mari, but she easily avoids them, as the rest run away, the ones already stabbed beginning to collapse one by one. The assassin pauses in her work to glance back down at Daichi as he charges at the Taijutsu master, delivering a cleaving blow to him. "Ahaha! That's more like it, Daichi! But guess what? I'M STILL WINNING!" Immediately after, there's another cry and the sound of another archer falling the ground.

There's a slight breeze that seems to be coming in from the clear skies, as the last of the red smoke blows away, revealing the prone, bloody figure of Nishi, Tetsuo standing only several feet away and focusing on the wounded taijutsu master.

Tetsuo grimaced in frustration though he quickly realized that Yuriko was no longer an immediate problem. His body still pounding in agony from the explosion, Tetsuo looked at the remaining two combatants. Miharu had just attacked one, and Daichi the other, though it did seem that Daichi's combatant was less stunned. With that in mind, Tetsuo's hands started flying. He might not be in the physical state to engage these enemies, but he could still help.

A tiny smile creased Tetsuo's face as he essentially mouthed the words, "Magen - Anrakushi."

Yaen, the taijutsu master seems immediately to notice something and reels back, rolling to the side as if from a blast, rubbing the gaping wound in his chest. "Aaah! Whew...heh, nice trick, Yuriko! Fooled me that you were actually running away with your tail behind your legs till you blew them all away. Now, c'mon, let's finish this wild animal and get the proof from the wagons while Tagu keeps the rear team busy."

The livewire raises his voice to gasp something out in response, his features twisting but nothing emerges. The wind has obviously been knocked out of his lungs by Miharu's strike as he watches his comrade trapped in the genjutsu. There's no sound from the genjutsu master's bush, either.

~

At the back of the caravan, past the forward caravan guards slaughtered and decimated by the compressed sound blast of which Captain Saito is the only survivor, the sounds of fighting intensify, finally audible and perceptible due to the lack of explosive sound on your side. "Dammit, the bastard won't die!" "Look out! He's going for the wagon! Block him!" "Stand back, I have this! Caw!" There's the sounds of dozens of crows cawing and descending, only to cry out in frustration as the target of their attack slips past them, joined by Hirasa's scream from what is audibly a bone-crunching attack. CRRACK! "CAAaaaaahhhh!" "Toku! Get over here now, or she's going to die! Hang on, crow..." "I'm coming, I'm coming! Protect her!"

THRRAAAACK! "WHAT THE FU-?" "AAAAAAH!" You hear a great sound, one of the wagons literally being thrown up a dozen feet by some great force to come crashing down, cutting off a half dozen screams, and prolonging several more, including a couple you know. But it seems to halt partway there before impact, almost as if some other force were catching it at the bottom and holding its entirety up by itself, bearing the brunt of its impact, and then slowly easing it down, accompanied by the deep, strained grunts of Katashi, as if in immense pain. "UHH! EEEERRRGAAAHH!"

After a long, stunned split second of silence, there's a long moment before Ibiki's unmistakable voice breaks it with the irreverent.""Aaaaaah! ****ING HELL, KATASHI! Did you just...?" "YES! NOW, KILL HIM!"


(Bariko's post integrated to save posts and also add results - Yaen loses his turn. Natsumi, you're up!)

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Feeling a little less woozy, Natsumi pushes herself off of the cliff face and takes a few steps forward. She spreads her arms out to her sides, as though she's attempting to emulate the wings of her icy creations, and turns her head skyward with a look bordering on pure joy passing over her face.

The reason is clear, as the glittering crystal swallows soar overtop of her, swooping down from the cliffs and pushed along by a chilly breeze that tugs playfully at Natsumi's hair. For the briefest of instants, the scene is one of blissful innocence, untouched by any sort of battle. But it fades when she turns her gaze back to the fighting, and the swallows soar past her on snowy wings towards the Taijutsu master to slice and tear at him just as they did to the archers above.

At the moment, her only point of concern is whether or not Daichi would be mad at her for joining in. The one thing about him she'd never been able to figure out is if he was a "do-it-yourselfer" when it came to fighting. Oh well.

Maintaining concentration on Tsubame Fubuki, and attempting at Craft: Hyouton (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2231459/) check to push the little guys far enough to reach a target.

Tsubame Fubuki - Damage: 21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2231471/) DC 19 Reflex for half, if the Taijutsu master is entitled to a save

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Dashing around his target, Akimaru sets another arrow to his bowstring, and this time wind starts circling around the arrowhead almost immediately. The Livewire was proving difficult to hit, even with his father's frightening hail of arrows technique, so it would probably be best to have the taijutsu ninja out of the way so he could properly focus on the remaining threat.

Chakra imbued wind spun furiously around the arrow head as he drew the bow, forming a visible ring at the centre of which the arrow would fly unhindered. "Strike!" he called out simply, as the arrow flew from him, and the wind roared.

Hit points: 50/50
Chakra pool: 2/24
Armour class: 21

Ongoing effects:

Nidan Kousoku: Round 2/5

Performing Eye of the Cyclone: DC 13 (auto-success).
Converting 5 chakra to stamina: [roll0] against DC 19.

Attack roll: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] (Arrow) + [roll3] (Wind)

Anyone within 10 ft. or the arrow's path (including the target, if I miss) takes [roll4] Wind damage and must succeed a Fortitude save DC 16 or be blown [roll5] feet away.

[Dark_Prophet]

Akimaru's arrow drills straight into the reeling taijutsu master, sticking deep into his side, coupled with his other wounds bringing him down to his knees, almost at the edge of collapse. Despite this, he still remains smiling. "Yuri...blast them all to bits for me..."

There's no movement, only a faint rustle from the bush further down, which might just be the wind. It's hard to tell...is anyone even in it to begin with?

(Everyone make me will saves and spot checks! Miharu, you're up next. Nishi can...not bleed dramatically on the floor.)

[Catch]

Miharu

KILLHIMRIPANDTEARBITEANDSLASHDIELITTLEMANDIELITTLE MAN

Miharu's bestial strength was immense and the urge to use it was incredible. With one hand she lifted her prey into the air and the panicked man struggled frantically, feet flailing helplessly above the ground like an overturned beetle's. His eyes watered and rippled in fear, and Miharu could almost hear his blood screaming to be spilled.

Tossing him up, she obliged it.

Solar plexus, throat, groin, stomach, face.

A ferocious sort of concentration had overtaken the girl - wild and primal, yet focused and precise. Such feral clarity made silent the world, blind her eyes to all but the enemy. He would die. Talons ripped flesh and scraped bone with glorious wetness as Miharu lashed out in a tawny flurry, spattering scarlet in a wide arc. A screech rang out on high as his body met ground with a dull thud, only to be torn open again by a brown blur of screaming hate. Aozomaru landed in a crouch, wings spread wide.

Predatory eyes met and agreed. No one would live.

Miharu OOC:

HP: 19/55
CP: 11/28
AC: 18

Ongoing Effects: Sandan Kousoku (3), Frenzy (2/7)

Full-attack action!

Perform - Juuroku Rendan! (DC 20) 1d20+14=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236416/)

Attack! 1d20+10=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236457/) + Action point 1d6=5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236485/) = 29

Damage! 5d6=21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236462/)

Saving throw done over AIM with DP. Livewire-San is stunned for 1d4=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236463/) rounds.

Aozomaru OOC:

HP: 40/40
CP: 2/11
AC: 15 (includes -2 from charging)

Ongoing Effects: Frenzy (2/7)

Full-attack action!

Perform - Tsumetsuiki: (DC 17) 1d20+11=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236493/)

Attack! 1d20+11=29 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236494/)

Damage! 2d6+6=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2236495/)

[Dark_Prophet]

The livewire's light armor is ineffective and comes off piece by piece as Miharu slashes into him, hands curled like talons darkening crimson red as they gash into him again and again. He stumbles back, clutching at his bloody torso, only for Aozomaru fly in from the opposite direction and sink his talons into his back and spine from behind. He reels forwards, still dimly aware of everything but unable to move from his recent massive trauma, bleeding heavily but still breathing as he looks up at Miharu and the again circling Aozomaru. "Uggh..aahh..."

The archers have completely fallen into confusion, dispersing into the undergrowth, deathcries and screams from the pain of the poison mixing with Mari's laughter echoing back.

(Livewire's lost over half his health and is stunned for two rounds - bandits routed. Daichi, you're up!)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi
HP: 23/68
Chakra: 19/32
Defense: 22

"No one's coming to help you." Daichi said to the Taijutsu Master as he walked toward him, murder dancing in his red eyes. "Just die already, damn you." He twirled his enormous greatsword over his head with one hand, then stopped with the blade pointing at the sky. When he began to swing downwards the movement almost seemed slow, but it aggressively picked up speed until the blade was just two flashes of light; one straight down at the taijutsu master from head to groin and the other upward across his body from hip to shoulder on the return stroke. Daichi calmly put the bloodsoaked sword back on his shoulder to watch the aftermath.

The Taijutsu Master looked unharmed for a moment, merely confused, before his eyes widened a fraction and unfocused. In that moment blood began to fountain from two straight lines where Daichi had cut him; one bisecting his body vertically and the other diagonally. He let out a gurgling cry of pain before his body separated into four neatly sliced pieces and fell to the ground in a horrendously gory pile. Daichi smirked as he flicked his sword to the side to clear it of any excess blood and viscera.

Attack 1:
Attack 2: [roll]id20+8
Action Point to Attack 2: [roll1]
Damage 1: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

[ChronicLunacy]

Typo on the second attack roll. Here it is again.
Attack 2: [roll0] + 2 (AP) = 31
That's a critical threat. I'll post that in the OOC thread. I don't want to triple post.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

((Sorry gang, university started up and I've been busy with getting back into the swing of things.))

The din of battle still ringing in his ears, Tetsuo concentrated on ending this battle as fast as possible. In addition to the supplies, he now had some new information to bring as a debrief.But it would be helpful to have a prisoner... he thought, eyes narrowing as he locked on the target of Miharu's rage.

His hands flew through seals as he felt that familiar tug, almost subconscious as his chakra found the water in the nearest caravan.This had to end soon. Maybe then Miharu could snap out of it.

"Suiryuudan!"

If anyone had been watching the water jugs, they would have seen them rattle for an instant before shattering. A dragon erupted from the caravan, and raced towards the battered opponent. With a roar, caused by the water most likely, the dragon crushed into the man, also striking the pieces of his former comrade with a resounding rush. As a fine mist fell upon everything in the area, the man was undoubtedly defeated, though alive it seemed, judging by his ragged breaths.

The water mixed with the blood on his face and started to trickle slowly down Tetsuo's face. "Keep him alive! Do not kill him!"

((Did all the rolls and results on AIM with DP. Also, I think this decreases the DC for Miharu to break out of frenzy.))

[Dark_Prophet]

The sound of the livewire's ragged breathing stops even as the water from the water dragon flows back down into the earth, leaving only mud and the still, bleeding redhaired figure slumped forwards from the concealment of the bush, blood pooling around him next to his severed battlewire.

Natsumi glances around as the dust seems to settle in the immediate area, the guard captain groaning and slowly getting to his feet. "Damn it, he got away...!" After, No further sounds of combat or wagon-tossing drifting in from behind the caravan, only the sounds of medical ninjutsu, mixed with caws and moans of pain, slowly abating. She gives Akimaru a cursory glance, before looking up just in time to see a smug, blood covered Mari return to the overlook of the cliff, her stained daggers glinting as she brushes her hair back. "All done down there already? Tch, and I was just starting to enjoy myself."

She turns around, running over to check on the bloodied Daichi with a worried expression. As she passes the eviscerated remains of Yaen, who has painted the landscape and nearby bushes red, with little splattering of vivisected bloody organs here and there, she stops, covering her mouth and averting her gaze, obviously trying not to retch for a moment. "Ufffff...Daichi-senpai, its everywhere. Gross..."

(Posting for Natsumi after talking to Phoe as per the one week clause. We're still in intiative, see if you can guess why...Akimaru, you're up! And after that, Miharu and Aozomaru!

Let this be a example to you all to avoid the unfortunate, inescapable effects of the GM being forced to run your characters. >:3
Ufffff...Daichi-senpai, its everywhere~ Gross)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

The archer watched silently from his position near the wagons. Miharu was ripping into her enemy as an animal would dig into the ground, blood and bits of flesh flung about like so much dirt. Daichi was amusing himself cutting the defeated taijutsu user apart, piece after piece. It should have been a horrifying sight, but it seemed so exaggerated, so unreal, that Akimaru found himself rolling his eyes at the frenzied assaults. This, he surmised, must be why the people of the Water Country fear bloodline users like us. It didn't seem so unjustified in this circumstance.

"Seems like the fight is over in the rear as well," he said, turning around, "but I'll check it out anyway. I'll leave you to finish your business here." There was a trace of contempt there, but Akimaru didn't especially care, and hurried off to survey the situation regarding the rear assault. The genjutsu user was still unaccounted for, but seen what had happened to his companions, he had probably run away when the occasion came. Hopefully, he had run away.

[Catch]

Miharu

The blood smell was overwhelming. Miharu's talons had flung the wire-wielder's vital red in wide splatters, and a glimmer of conscience pricked the back of her mind. Yet in the same heartbeat that she rent her claws from the man's chest, the girl whirled and saw Daichi.

Him.

He towered above her, muscular and brutish, and as his giant blade hacked apart its prey, Miharu drank deep of her hatred. The grinning, sneering face, vile as it was violent. Her muscles tensed involuntarily, a snarl twisted her lips and the girl lunged without a thought. Quick steps closed the distance and a whirlwind of air birthed around her hand before she struck. Crimson painted the ground again as Miharu's talons lacerated the boy, ripping five deep gashes diagonally across his face, from temple to chin. Both eyes, by a stroke of luck, were spared. A heartbeat later, the red-brown streak of Aozomaru slashed opened Daichi's back in a wicked dive, his screech harmonizing dissonantly with Miharu's own furious cry.

The two raptors breathed heavily, golden eyes locked, hearts surging. The hunt continued.

Miharu OOC:

HP: 17/55
CP: 5/28
AC: 18

Ongoing Effects: Sandan Kousoku (4), Frenzy (3/7)

Move action!

Move adjacent to Daichi.

Attack action!

Perform - Sageyoku no Ken: (DC 22) 1d20+16=33 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258716/)

Attack! 1d20+10=28 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258682/)

Damage! 1d6+5 slashing 4d4 wind=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258684/)

Aozomaru OOC:

HP: 34/40
CP: 2/11
AC: 15 (includes -2 from charging)

Ongoing Effects: Frenzy (3/7)

Full-attack action! Charge Daichi's falling body.

Attack! 1d20+11=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258703/), against Daichi's helpless AC (-4 penalty, Dex mod of 0)

Damage! 1d6+3=6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258701//)

I had originally rolled a 9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258701/) for damage, but DP and I thought Daichi shouldn't die like a bitch so I rerolled. Consider this his freebie.

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi
Defense: 22
HP: -6/68
Chakra: 19/32

Pain...I feel pain. Lots of pain. Daichi thought as his vision swam in front of him. He staggered and found his center of gravity slipping; something starting to pull him toward the ground. Maybe it was the cracked ribs, or possibly the lines of burning white agony down his face, but he was feeling...

My face? That bitch...she maimed my face... That...ugly...bird bitch...RUINED MY FACE!!

Daichi's bloodshot, red eyes snapped open wide and his grip on his sword arrested his fall. Some inhuman will kept his body from falling blissfully unconscious. His lacerated lips peeled open in a feral snarl, his teeth painted red from the blood leaking into them from his mauled face and from when he'd been coughing it up earlier. "That...was the last mistake...you'll ever make, girl." he spat. "YOU'RE GOING TO DIE FOR THAT!! DO YOU HEAR ME?!?!"

Daichi lashed out at Miharu with that enormous greatsword, not really caring where he hit her and just aiming for the center of her mass. When it hit her in the back it was as much of a blunt smash as it was a cutting slice. It punched the air out of her lungs, sending her flying into the ground face-first, and painted the dirt with her blood.

"See you in hell, you crazy...guhh..." Daichi trailed off. He staggered backward and then fell to his knees, his chin dropping to his chest. It didn't look like he'd be getting up again anytime soon. Amazingly, his eyes remained cracked open and his chest heaved with deep, but ragged breaths.

Using Tough Talent "Remain Conscious" to...well...remain conscious.

Attack: 1d20+13=30 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258919/)
Damage: 2d6+7=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2258924/)

(Maybe they'll both survive this with proper medical treatment? :smalleek:)

[Dark_Prophet]

...or rather, that's what Daichi's fevered, delusion, wounded mind was allowing in his near death state after the deadly strike. In reality, Miharu had propelled herself far out of the line of the attack, relying on her feral sense for guidance, coming to rest by Tetsuo, head bloodied by amber eyes gleaming at him for a moment before she stands up, her posture relaxing as she seems to return to herself. Natsumi watches, angry and confusion warring across her face as she watches everyone relax, her fists clenching as she clenches her lips together, looking down at the swordsman in his critical state and crouching over him tightly and protectively

Akimaru, on the other side of the wagons, beheld a incredible vision of devastation. First and foremost, one of the two armored wagons lay on its side, the middle having curled and almost snapped in two as if some incredible force had rammed into its middle. Beside it, a hulking giant sat hunched over, covered head to toe in armor of solid stone with deep cracks around it and blood seeping through them. Beside him stood other two members of Team Gawa, the medical ninja bending over the darkly clad Taka woman and healing her, a cawing crow beside him pecking at him furiously.

A dozen feet from them, the two present members of Team Akamatsu stood, the murmuring between the dark iron swordsman and the water elementalist audible from Akimaru's vantage, the first heavily wounded. "He caught the wagon...the whole god damned wagon!" "That stone...that's the Ishimaru clan bloodline."

Yamada seems to notice Akimaru and waves with the sword. "And where the hell is Mari? I mean, she- Oh, it's the archer. Hey...aah..archer, lost any wagons at the front to unstoppable taijutsu freaks? You don't have to be shy about it." "We got attacked by this kid that just plowed through us, nearly killed Hirasa, and then threw that wagon like it was nothing."

"...and then that bastard Toku caught it. He ****ing caught the wagon! How the hell do you even DO THAT?" The swordsmen gives the giant, presumably Toku, another dark look. Sensing it, Toku seems to straighten up with a audible cracking, the ground rumbling as he walks over to join them, both backing away from him. "Akimaru, good. We have a lost a wagon, and Hirasa is gravely wounded. What is the situation with Teams Genira and Shize?"

(One week clarification - Tetsuo next! We will stay in intiative depending on intentions of course...)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Akimaru's katsugan misses nothing of the damage wrought on the rear wagons, or on the Mist-nin that were guarding it. That this end of the caravan had also taken significant damage was not a surprise to the boy, but the account of what had happened was fairly impressive. Whether the damaged wagon would be able to finish the voyage was more worrying. Akimaru scratched his forehead, thinking about the situation. His fingers came away wet with sweat. Absentmindedly, he rubbed his fingers together to dry them off as he answered.

"The situation... well, we've beaten back the bandits on our end as well, though a number of us are fairly wounded. The front wagons are intact, more or less. None lost to unstoppable taijutsu freaks, as you say, but one of them's been tossed about by some ridiculous wind justu. As long as there was nothing too fragile inside, there shouldn't be any trouble though. What about this one, will it survive the trip?" he asked, gesturing to the twisted wagon laying on its side. "Actually, it's probably best I inform Tetsuo-taichou about this."

With that, Akimaru turned right back around and returned to the scene he had just left. Why Daichi was now kneeling, motionless and more cut up than when Akimaru left elicited a raised eyebrow from the shinobi, but it was clear from the attitude of the rest of the team that they were no longer in a combat situation, so he just walked up to Tetsuo to speak to him.

"Hey, Tetsuo-taichou. Battle's ended out back, and the good news is, seems everybody's still alive over there too." He hesitated a bit at that, shooting another glance at the motionless Daichi. "Right. Anyway, one of the wagons took a serious beating, I'm not sure if it'll make it all the way to the Village. And the front wagon was damaged from that Wind jutsu, too. Unless someone knows a trick to fix it up fast, there's a fair chance we'll be delayed either repairing it, or transferring what it contains to the other wagons, as much as possible. Your friend Yuriko escaped, as did the genjutsu user, I suppose. It would be bad for us if they returned with reinforcements while we're crippled."

"So I figured, since the enemy mostly ignored me in that battle and I'm still in a good situation, it might be a good idea for me to follow their trail and see what they're up to, and where they're hiding. You'll need your scout team to continue short-range reconnaissance, but I don't have any crucial role in your plans, so I think you can deal with my absence for a while. I'll catch up with you further up on the road. Or meet you back here, if the wagons can't continue on." Akimaru chews his lip, not really wanting to consider the alternative, but then, ignoring the possibility wouldn't make it go away. "If I think I won't be able to make it back, I'll shoot up a flare arrow. So. With your permission, taichou?"

Akimaru fidgeted a bit as he awaited Tetsuo's answer. He didn't really care for drawing attention or responsibility to himself like this, and he certainly didn't want to go acting the hero and taking unnecessary risks to show off, but this... he thought this would be a good idea, and likely to help everyone here. Almost everyone he'd seen had been badly wounded in that attack, and he didn't think they'd do well if another came. It would be best if that potential attack was prevented, or at least predicted.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

A wave of relief washed visibly over Tetsuo as Miharu snapped out of whatever she'd been under. Moving towards the inhumanly tough Daichi, Tetsuo pulled out a medical kit and moved to stop the bleeding, staunching the more grievous of the wounds. He cast a silent eye around the area. The devastation they'd all been through had taken what, a minute? Maybe there wasn't much damage and they could continue on...

A haggard cough escaped his throat as Tetsuo turned towards Akimaru's approach. As Akimaru outlined the situation in the rear, Tetsuo nodded, coughing out the air and dust he'd inhaled every so often. "You make some good points. Yuriko and the other escaped, but they were definitely wounded. It's still a good idea to be safe," Tetsuo nodded, hair falling in front of his eyes. "Alright. Go on back and keep your eyes peeled. I don't want you going any farther than, say, 1200, maybe 1500 yards. When we're ready to go, I want you back here ASAP, full run. Keep your eyes peeled for a signal," Tetsuo nodded towards the sky. "Probably Aozomaru, or a hawk of mine." Nodding one more time to Akimaru, Tetsuo headed towards the centre of the caravan, hopping up to be visible to everyone.

"Alright! Here's the plan," he looked at the medic. "Heal everyone in critical condition as a first priority." Tetsuo closed his eyes, as if he was trying to remember some elusive detail, sighed and continued. "Everyone who can move and isn't being treated for wounds, we have to get everything from the broken wagon into the others. This mission isn't over yet! Let's try to get this finished within 20 minutes or so." So saying, Tetsuo hopped off the caravan, and moved directly to the broken wagon. Lifting the first box he came across, Tetsuo groaned as he felt his ribs spasm in pain. It seemed that Yuriko had done a number on everyone...

Treat Injury to stabilise Daichi Success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2278283/)

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru

Akimaru acknowledges Tetsuo's directives with a single nod, before heading off the road in the direction Yuriko had vanished, searching for the trail his quarry would have left behind. With one wave back to his comrades, he heads out into the wilds and disappears.

Taking ten on my checks thus far.
Hide: 22
Listen: 11
Move Silently: 19
Spot: 22
Survival: 20

[Catch]

Miharu

The slash of Daichi's sword struck only air, yet the bloody steel cleaved though Miharu's rage, and the scarlet blindfold fell away. The girl's chest heaved as her heartbeat still drummed to a fading battle song. Auburn hair clung to her cheeks in sweaty mats, and Miharu wiped her face, leaving watery red streaks. The world seemed clear, cold and bright, as though she had viewed it from beneath a pond and surfaced for the first time. Bodies lay everywhere, crumpled and rent, blood pooling in red puddles spattered like raindrops. Distantly, she shivered.

Aozomaru squawked reassuringly and Miharu flicked a hand in an rising spiral, sending the hawk skyward to circle the battlefield. The girl made her own appraisal. Tetsuo was crouching over Daichi, issuing orders. Command seemed a strange tone for his voice, and from what Miharu could tell, he felt so too. She pushed him aside, neither gently no roughly, golden eyes fixed on Daichi's unconscious, ravaged form.

"Move, Tetsuo."

Miharu hefted his limp body, his clenched sword dragging a trail in the blood-crusted dirt. Her face was a hard mask as she carried him to one of the intact wagons, kicking open the doors and placing Daichi inside. Staring at him, lying in a heap among boxes and bags of supplies, a sneer formed at the corner of her mouth. Miharu reached for the sword around which his fingers were bound, and she pried it from his grasp, hefting the massive blade with appreciation. With the point, she flicked open his vest so that one flap lolled onto the wagon floor. The blade rose, and she stabbed it through the armor, sinking the steel into the wood until it stuck. With an amused snort, she slammed the doors shut, and finding a hefty length of wood that had splintered from the toppled wagon, she wedged the piece into the handles, dusted her hands, and returned to stand by Tetsuo.

"There," she said to no one. "Don't say I wasn't merciful."

[Dark_Prophet]

Akimaru
As there are no bandits or traps to harass you, Yuriko's trail is easy to make out - even moving as fast as she was, because of the blood trail. At first she appears to move down the mountain...then she doubles back onto a upper trail, the impact of her footsteps moving back to a normal as she presumably dropped the Shunpo, the line of blood vanishing as well. They continue up the mountain to a higher path, where they rejoin a second pair of footsteps, moving from back around where the rear guard were. Behind it, there's a indentation, as if it were dragging something heavy, perhaps the size of a person. After rejoining, both head straight up, carrying what is clearly a unconscious figure between them, as his feet drag on the ground. They take what you know to be a higher adjacent road towards the top of the mountain. Towards Kirigakure. The last tracks are recent, only minutes old, when he hears the piercing cry of Aozomaru echo out to his location.
Theme (http://www.imeem.com/groups/2Y__bUZi/music/2hq_0dBd/yoshihisa-hirano-and-hideki-ta-shunjun/)
Luckily, the armor on the wagons seems to have been tough enough to shrug off the compressed air blasts - and with their chakra driven wheel propulsion, they seem to ready to move at their usual pace within the hour. The guards, however, are not so lucky. Aside from the wounded Captain Saito, there are few surviving guards of the original several dozen, all wounded. Most take refuge in the farthest wagon ahead, but a several, including the Captain, assist with moving the goods.

Maeda mutters something under his breath, examining both critically wounded members before shaking his head. "Aaahh....****, what did these two do, decide to play ****ing hopscotch with some chakra landmines during a arrow rain? I can't do anything for wounds this deep other then give them a quick patch up with the medkit without a whole lot of time. They're both stable, so they should be fine though, thank goodness." He takes out a med kit, applying one first to Daichi, then moving over to Natsumi, putting a hand on her shoulder and inspecting her for injuries as she kneels by Daichi, allowing Miharu to drag him off without a second glance. "Let me just check on you real fast...hmm, I think you're all right."

Hirasa is carried over to the other wagon by Miyagi, while the remaining free members - Yamada and Toku, as well as half a dozen guards - help Tetsuo move the equipment out from the damaged wagon. Most of them are indeed supply crates for food and medical supplies, carried during the first trip, mostly by the enormous man. But as you prepare to make a second trip, you notice several larger, sealed containers in the back, heavily inscribed and layered with strange tags which glow softly, not immediately recognizable to any of the haulers. "Hey, uh, anyone know what these are? That glowing looks kinda-" "Maybe they're Shinobi drugs, or medical supplies. Let's take them back last." The Captain shrugs, appearing not to have any more of a idea then the rest of you as everyone grabs the supply containers.

Meanwhile, the medic finishes applying a medkit to Nishi, then stands out in front of the wagon, waiting for the haulers to return, turning towards them once they do. "All right, now Tetsuo, why don't you take a break so I can do something about those injuries-"

Theme (http://www.imeem.com/groups/S-lOIhBS/music/E-WD0ayT/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-chousa/)
Aozomaru shrieks a warning, allowing Miharu and Tetsuo time to turn around, Mari standing silently behind them with a strange light in her eyes, daggers held loosely. "Oh, you're merciful all right. Can you tell me what the **** you think you were doing there, birdbrain? Before I cut open your head and see for myself. And you're fine with this ****, Tetsuo? What the hell?"

"Yeah, that was pretty convenient for you, I have to say...and then we get these mysterious boxes. Sure you Mizukage dogs don't have something you want to tell us?" The black iron swordsman growls, putting down his crates to step beside the volatile assassin, fingering his sword. Toku wordlessly drops his crates, moving beside Tetsuo and Miharu in a defensive posture, irritation and increduliousness crossing his features. "She entered into a frenzy. And of course some of the boxes would be sealed to ensure their protection...you two are being more foolish then usual. Watch your tongues, or I'll rip them from your mouths."

The guards step back, looking between the two groups with almost numb and tired tension, hands on their swords, Saito muttering under his breath. "God damned Mist shinobi. I swear, after this, I'm gonna find a nice place to settle down and never have to put up with this again..." The other guards grumble in agreement.

(Sorry for the long delay, I was putting off the mega-post update with busyness. Thanks for keeping it moving in the meantime, though. Seriously, you guys are awesome.

And yes, no horses on the wagons. :P

No intiative or post order needed yet, as I have a feeling this will be quickly resolved. I could be wrong, though...

Medical techniques kind of suck for people in negatives. At least medkits still work, even if only once per day...apologies to those unconscious, but this should be done soon.
Daichi's medkit heals [roll0]
Nishi's medkit heal [roll1]

Tetsuo - Knowledge: ninja lore or craft: calligraphy to get some idea what the sealed containers are for)

[Dark_Prophet]

The tense moment passes, and although the tension bordering on violence persists for the rest of the loading, with only a couple extra minutes beyond the norm the storage containers from the downed cart are loaded into the other three, as Akimaru rejoins them. The journey back is best described as knife's edge - almost everyone keeps their weapons handy, especially the guards. And yet, despite all this, when the walls of Kirigakure finally roll into sight, all present relax and sigh a little bit - no more bandit attacks, no more divides bordering on violence as all walk through the gate, past the uniformed guards...

"Team Shize?" The leader of the ninja in charge at the gate asks, glancing around. He spots Natsumi, nods to himself, then begins looking around for the other two. "Report to the-..." He catches sight of the two prone figures, mentally matching their descriptions with the ones given to him, and then sighs, waving a hand to two of his guards to carry the wounded members. "...-report to the hospital."

"Team Genira, you go on and give your report to the Mizukage. Team Shize will join you when they've recovered. We'll take care of the wagons and make sure they get where they need to go..." He gestures, and several more guards move forwards, and begin to roll the wagons into storage sheds, and out of sight, as the remaining caravan guards follow after.

~

Team Shize

After you split off from Team Genira, you are lead along the streets - familiar and missed, but not quite reassuring. There's a undercurrent of tension present even moreso then the last time you were here. Even though its midday, the fog is particularly thick today, diffusing the light shining through and casting a bleak dimness over the town. You barely see anyone out on the streets except for the guards. No children playing, and when those out do pass you or the other guards, they avert their eyes to the ground and step a bit faster. For their part, its clear your escort resents carrying their burdens, grumbling and jostling them without a great deal of care.


The hospital is not far, however. When you arrive, your guards literally dump their cargo onto the hospital desk, having obviously tired of carrying it. "Damned psycho bloodline freaks...don't see why the Mizukage cares so much." They both then promptly depart, leaving Natsumi and the bewildered desk attendant standing there looking at each other.

In short order, both are transferred to private medical beds, the medical nin immediately going to work, apparently by special order. Natsumi is again inspected and held for recuperation, while the others recover in the same room.

After several hours and innumerable treatments, both are conscious and fully healed, if full of lingering pains and fatigue.

A nurse pops her head in. "There is a visitor to see the three of you..."

Immediately behind her is a tall, lean red haired man with a burn across his face, adorned in a tight, black skin-fitting outfit. He looks around impassively, surveying the three of you, and then his face cracks into a smile. "Well, decided to go nearly get yourselves killed instead of meeting your new jounin, eh? Can't say I blame you, if you've been paired with that ice witch...I'm Shize. Nechima Shize."

His smile drops off as he rubs a hand through his hair. "With all honesty, there appears to have been a severe misunderstanding - you three weren't supposed to have been sent on that escort mission. But, at least it was a success in some ways I hear...so, you tired of sitting around in the hospital yet?"

The jounin winks, mischief flickering in his eyes as he offers each a hand. "That escort trip of yours raised a couple bits of housekeeping around here that need to be looked into and cleaned up...more of the second then the first. But before we can get to the fun part, we gotta go report in with our superiors."


Team Genira

After Team Shize is escorted away with the other critically wounded members, the remainders of the other two teams follow along with you through the streets - familiar and missed, but not quite reassuring. There's a undercurrent of tension present even moreso then the last time you were here. Even though its midday, the fog is particularly thick today, diffusing the light shining through and casting a bleak dimness over the town. You barely see anyone out on the streets except for the guards. No children playing, and when those out do pass you or the other guards, they avert their eyes to the ground and step a bit faster.

After this long trek to the Mizukage's palace in wordless silence through the dim sunlight, you finally cross the bridge, and reach the gates. The black clad, masked bodyguards wave you past, and then its back into the flickering banals of the place. With your fatigue and wounds drawing out the last stretch to near a eternity, glaring statue guardian, glittering mounted swords, and silent, leading dark guides, you finally come to the waiting room outside of the Mizukage's office. The other teams immediately collapse down as if not more tired then each of you are. "Team Genira...please enter. You will be the first to give your report on the events that transpired." The masked guard standing to the left of the double doors intones.

As they slide open, they reveal the audience room - a veiled Mizukage, pink eyes burning through the veils, brighter then any of you recall. Genira is seated to one side, her robes flayed, burned, and torn, as if having been through a firestorm of whirling blades. "Ah, your team. Let us see if they have matched your hopes of them, Genira." The eyes move from her, to focus on all of you, and you can feel them gripping you, then releasing. "Please give your report of all that happened after your jounin left you." Genira stays silent, but gives all of you a small, victorious if strained smile.


(Sorry this was so long, it took a while to setup. For now, respond in spoilers regarding to your team, and don't cheat...this'll be a check to see who's still with us and if its time to split the threads or not. :P
Oh yeah, and everyone gets a LEVEL UP from mission complete!)

[ChronicLunacy]

Ruyuno Daichi

Team Shize: Contrary to popular belief, Daichi had been awake, if immobile, nearly the entire time. He had laid in the back of that wagon, his sword next to him, with his eyes nearly glowing with red hatred through his newly scarred visage. No one bothered him and he didn't speak to anyone the entire way back, preferring the company of his own thoughts.

Nor did his silence break when he was carted to the hospital, though he did commit the names and faces of the rather rude guards that had carried them there to memory for future reference. He hadn't much enjoyed their tone, nor their remarks when they had thought him asleep.

During treatment, Daichi instructed the medical nin to do nothing about the scars on his face. He'd decided to keep them, much to the surprise of the attending physician, as a reminder of what happened when you assumed your "teammates" would focus on a common enemy instead of turn on you mid-battle. He'd never make that mistake again, nor forget the particulars of his lesson.

Daichi was stretching his long limbs free of the aches and pains associated with recovery when Shize finally showed up. He turned toward their new team leader and, instead of displaying his usual attitude, bowed low at the waist. "Shize-sama, I'm Ruyuno Daichi. It is an honor." he said earnestly. His trainer, Guro, nor Shimata-sama would talk with him much about the other Swordsmen, but Daichi had learned some about Nechima Shize. Besides, simply being one of the Swordsmen of the Mist was enough to earn him more respect than Daichi would give even the Mizukage. To serve and train under him was very much an honor. "I'm more than ready to leave here. There is much to do." he replied, his lips twisting up in a small smirk.

[Fanatic-Templar]

Akimaru Nakamura

Tracking alone in the wilderness

Akimaru bent down to study the ground. The traitor, Yuriko, had evidently met up with someone from the attack on the rearguard. Whether the person they were carrying with them was a fallen ally or a prisoner, or something else, was unknown, but as far as Akimaru could tell, nobody was missing from the teams sent in the escort mission, so the former was the most likely. And apparently, she had not yet met up with the genjutsu user, so either that one had taken another path... or was still behind him. Akimaru scanned the trail at his back for signs of somebody's presence, but finding nothing, he quickly took up the chase again. Carrying that third person would slow down his quarry, he had a chance to catch up with them, something he very much hoped to do before he was caught in a pincer.

The hawk's signal was an unwelcome interruption. Just a few more minutes, damn it! I need to know something! The tracks were heading towards Kirigakure. Maybe these bandits were simply ridiculously brazen, but Akimaru didn't think so. Both times they had faced 'bandits' since he joined Team Genira, there had been rogue Mist Ninja among them, and both times they had claimed to be acting in Kirigakure's interests, and against the Mizukage. If Akimaru's reasoning was correct, these 'bandits' were being by some faction within Kirigakure itself. Which would explain the concept of 'Team Genira' as well. A team of rejects and freaks dependent entirely on the Mizukage... and therefore, loyal. In theory.

Since he already had a fair idea where he thought Yuriko was headed, he abandoned the tracking and picked up his speed. Trying to remain hidden as well as he could, he ran forth. Given the circumstances, and his katsugan he would almost certainly see the 'bandits' before they saw him...

Akimaru returned to find the atmosphere around the caravan much heavier then when he'd left. Despite having remained mostly distant from every other ninja on the mission, or perhaps because of that, Akimaru still felt the weight of the mood shift, and he was quite befuddled as to what had brought it on, since nobody seemed very eager to talk, or open to answering questions. As such, he kept by himself for the return trip, only speaking as they arrived in Kirigakure to say "Tetsuo-taichou, after the report, I'd like to have a talk with you."

Team Genira

Akimaru keeps his usual silence as he attends the Mizukage, unwilling to attract attention, as ever.

[PhoeKun]

Natsumi

Team Shize:
If the residents of the village wanted to make their views toward bloodline ninja known, they didn't show it quite enough to hammer the point home to Natsumi - she was much to concerned with the well-being of her friends and team mates to really pay attention. She wasn't at all sure what to make of her first mission, the thrill of a job done clashing mightily with the events that led to this point in the first place. Were all missions like this? Maybe that's why Genira seems so grumpy sometimes...

She was startled out of her reverie by the sound of bodies being tossed on the hospital desk, and apart from the bewildered stare she shared with the receptionist, from there she found it very hard to focus on anything but Daichi. She'd never been so scared as she was when Miharu had suddenly torn into him... she wasn't sure she liked those scars, either. She hoped they would go away.

By the time Shize himself enters, the girl has started to grow quite fidgety. Being cramped up in a single small room doesn't suit her at all, and the rush of having someone new to talk to washes almost all her fears and worries away. She beams at him, although her smile falls away to confusion in rapid order. She tilts her head far enough for her ear to touch her shoulder.

"Not... supposed to? I don't understand... Did somebody lie to Neechan? That was mean...

But, um... I mean... hi! I'm Natsumi! And I'm ready to go, sir! Please lead the way!"

Hopping to attention, she grins at the jounin, ever the well of boundless energy.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Nishi

Swimming about in a black sea, not even remembering the last thing that had happened to him before he had blacked out. Did he win? Something told him that he hadn't, the silent shadows lurking on the edge of Nishi's consciousness doing nothing but shaking their heads. Where they disappointed or sad? Mad maybe? He'd never been good at reading facial expressions.

Light then, finally able to crack open his eyelids inside of the hospital room, wondering how he had gotten there and what had happened to the wagons. He did remember splintering wood. And now, apparently, much soreness. With a wince, the feminine boy sat up and felt about for his umbrella. Fingers closed about the bamboo hilt and he relaxed a little, content to know Yumi-sama was still close to him, even as the door opened.

"Nanee? Are you Shize-sensei?" He asks confusedly, head tilting to one side as his brain processed this new information. Shize was one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist and...the one who had made his sword!

Another loud thud, as Nishi rolled out of the bed and unto the floor, kneeling there as he placed his forehead to the ground.

"Ahh! Shize-sensei! Thank you so much!"

[Catch]

Miharu

Mari had almost lost her head. The mindless aggression of the Rustbloods bristled Miharu like feathers rubbed the wrong way - they were a clan of mongrels, nipping, growling and swaggering in brutish displays of dominance. She had put down a favored son of the Sabiketsu in one swoop, and yet this little dog was still yapping defiance. Her head tilted to regard Mari with one eye dismissively.

"As if he would have not done the same."

The rest of the journey back to Kirigakure, Miharu could be spotted perched on the roof of the wagon containing the unconscious Daichi, eyes set toward the spot on the horizon where the village would appear. She had two trophies to return.

Team Genira:
Miharu enterd the Mizukage's audience chamber with diffidence, heeling behind the bodyguards and Tetsuo, then bowing mechanically. The tilt of her head, the curve of her spine, the dropping of the eyes - all came from muscle memory, under the tutelage of the lash. Once again, the hood was on, and she differed to her handlers.

Miharu waited for Tetsuo to give his report in full, and spoke for herself only twice, after being prompted. Her account of the bandit encounter was concise:

"My companion and I spotted discovered the pass had been trapped with explosives, by the leader of the bandits. It was Yuirko," She held back a snarl, "a former teammate of mine."

"She claimed the caravan was transporting forbidden jutsu, and thought politeness and our brief time together would cloud our eyes. But Yuriko had an ambush waiting for us. Miharu shook her head bitterly. "I almost killed her, but she abandoned her team and fled."

When questioned about her actions regarding Daichi, Miharu's response is flat and practiced.

"I had just dispatched one of Yuriko's guards when I saw Daichi execute a potential prisoner. The man had already been shot down by Akimaru, and Daichi cut him into several pieces, instead of dealing with the other threats. I had warned him about jeopardizing the mission, she said with a touch of unapologetic firmness. "So I stopped him."

For the rest of the briefing, she remained silent, letting Tetsuo speak as the leader of the mission.

[Bariko]

Tetsuo

Tetsuo basically ignored the aggression from Mari, nodding towards Toku. As the wagons were readied and fallen comrades tended to, Tetsuo sighed slightly. Looking upwards to judge the time, he nodded and made to call back Akimaru. When he arrived, Tetsuo nodded to his request to speak later, and gestured for the wagons to resume their route.

Team Genira
Tetsuo stood before the Mizukage, as well as Genira. Confident that he had completed the mission successfully, in returning the wagons and their contents to the village, he was nonetheless painfully aware that the mission had not been flawless, and they'd lost good guardsmen. Tetsuo stood somewhat ill at ease as he gave his report.

"The leader of the bandits was indeed Yuriko. She kept trying to reason with us, though they were obviously deceptions. I did get the feeling that she was working for someone we have no reason to suspect..." Bowing slightly, his hair falling, Tetsuo continued, "I apologize for not giving it more thought. I was more concerned with getting the wagons here and dealing with our wounded. I accept responsibility for the mission if you deem it a failure, or our losses too high. The success of getting the wagons here and still full was a team effort."

Tetsuo stood, visibly anxious, responding to questions as they came. His eyes flicked back and forth between the Kage and his jounin, trying to ascertain their response, hoping it's a good one.