A Day in the Sun [Contract Search]

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The sun was just rising up over the monstrous dunes on this fine morning. The early morning briskness was still in the air as the boy made his way across the hazardous terrain. Though the Diamond Maelstrom was no more there were still numerous amounts of threats that lived in this plethora of sand. His quest was simple, he wanted a break from his family and from his studies. He found the desert sands to be extremely relaxing with the bright pinks, purples, and reds across the winds and sky. The cold air blowing through his hair was a pleasant change from the harshness that came from the noon high's heat. The young boy was excited to be free of responsibilities, even if it was just for the day.

The boy slowly made his way to the lowest portion of the dunes before laying his head back onto the sand as he fell into the dusty clouds below. He let out a sigh as he watched a tiny little dirt devil in the distance roll across the horizon. His training was about to become vigorous as he stretched to his last semesters of training. The time for Shin to decide to his fate was coming soon. Should he join the Main Branch and become a foot soldier for the Kazekage? Perhaps he would attempt to join the shadows under the ANBU Branch, if they would accept him that is.

Medical? He sighed, this was probably the best branch for him and his obsessive ways. His knowledge of poisons could come in handy if he were to even come into a situation on the field that would require it. Perhaps what his dad has taught him could come in handy when working on prosthetics, but then again how would he do in the moment of emergency when there are large amounts of blood? Has he even been in a situation of dire need like that before? He couldn't think of a time where he saw an injury worse than a minor cut or some bruising? The young shinobi sat up and looked at his hands, trying to think what it would be like holding another's life in them. Would he be able to handle the stress?

He let out a sigh when he realized that it was starting to become morning and the sun was bringing the heat back to the barren wasteland. It almost seemed too harsh for life to even exist out here but somehow his village has made it. Looking back to his village Shin could see a glimmer of civilization in the whisping heat over the nearby mountain of sand. Squinting his eyes he thought he could see something that wasn't the village, but he wasn't quite sure. Slowly standing up and knocking off the sand that now rested in his loose garments. Making his way up the nearby hill, Shin raised his hand to block the sun from his direct vision to try and get a better view of what is up ahead.

[WC:507]

 

[Tomomi]

YOU HAVE FOUND THE BIRD CONTRACT! DO YOU ACCEPT OR DENY THIS CHALLENGE?​

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

YAS (accept)

 

[Tomomi]

Earlier in the week, a team had been journeying in the desert on some private business that unfortunately cannot be disclosed at this time. They were investigating a matter that had begun to show up more and more in Wind Country related to a particular group and were monitoring the situation to see if there was anything that they could do to either stop this issue completely or at least slow down its progress before it eventually had everlasting effects. So far during their investigation, they had been left with some troubling results to put it mildly and many of the members of the team would merely shake their heads in disbelief or disgust at what they had witnessed. Unfortunately, they had to continue to press on for private reasons that was easier said than done for many of them.

It would be later in the week during one of these journeys through the desert that the young academy student of the Hidden Sand village, and hopefully the hero of our story, would notice an adult-like figure resembling a bird of some sort investigating a body that laid on the ground in front of him. This corpse that laid on the grounds in front of this blue bird-man, who dressed oddly for being in the middle of a desert, appeared to resemble another animal that had been the unfortunate victim of an ambush from the predatory creatures that roamed these hot sands or some people would assume as our little bird-friend was on a gadget that resembled a headset. Of course, from the position that Shin was in currently, he would obviously be unable to understand anything that this figure was saying to someone else on the other side. However, he was always free to leave his position that he was at and make the "voyage" to where Big Blue Bird was currently stationing himself to get a better glimpse to guarantee that his eyes were not playing tricks on him and to gather more information if he decided that was the best option for him. He had better hurry however as the bird-like human figure had yanked a notepad from a pocket in the interior of his jacket and had begun to jot down some notes about what he had stumbled upon. It would only be a matter of time till the creature would likely move from his position and continue traveling as the sun had not rose to its upmost position and began to scorch the sands that surrounded the creature. When that occurred, it was likely that the odd-dressed fella would probably seek shelter from the elements until it wasn’t practically unbearable or so a human would assume at the very least. In all honesty, our little hero of this story probably was dumbfounded at finding such an oddity and in the desert no less!

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

As the boy approached the top of the mound of sand his vision began to clear up and he could see a man standing off in the distance. There was something in front of him but he wasn't quite sure what it was. Slowly making his way down the dune and towards the man he could start to make out some detail, the most noticeable was the color. Blue? Was this man actually blue? This couldn't be right but as Shin came closer he started to notice that this man was in fact a bird. Well, it may be better to say a man-bird hybrid of some sort. He had heard of legendary shinobi having animal traits but this was a little much, even for the world of shinobi. The boy thought perhaps he was seeing a Genjutsu so he pinched his leg, but nothing. The bird man was still there. Still standing over what started to appear to be another person, or perhaps animal? More details became more prevalent as he closed in and the young Yamanaka could see the headset being used by the creature. he was curious and wanted to know more.

Still not close enough to speak to the bird he was plenty close for his telepathy. Hello, I'm Shin. What are you? The boy's unique trait that came from his Yamanaka heritage came in handy more than one would think, but as he sent his message he realized that could have been taken poorly. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be rude, but I haven't seen the likes of you before." Probably still a little rude, but better than what he opened with the boy grew ever closer. probably within earshot now he could definitely tell that this corpse in front of the bird man was probably one of it's kind. Still, Shin had been taught some basic manners and one of which was to show empathy for those who have recently lost a friend so he tried to approach slowly and respectfully. "Was he your friend?"<i></i> Now close enough to speak he looked down to the poor beast with a sorrowful look on his own face.

 

[Tomomi]

The well-out-of-place individual who was standing over a Common Sunagakurian Crow would click the side of his headset to end the communication with the others. But, it seemed that he would not be done talking anytime soon as a voice went into his head introducing himself as Shin and asking the falcon what he was. This voice at best was that of a child approaching puberty as it was still a slightly higher pitch than one who had begun the puberty stages of the human life. Nevertheless, the bird-hybrid was going to respond promptly to the child, but he would soon be met face to face with the boy who was asking him if this crow was his friend. The fact that the boy had initiated the conversation and had appeared right beside the bird-man was a surprise considering most people would be hiding and doing more investigative work prior to making a move. But again, this human being was merely a child and children were not always known for thinking correctly as they still were growing up.

In any case, our falcon-hybrid fella would merely look down at the crow and then at the boy putting his hand on the boy's head as he spoke. "This Sunagakurian Crow was not my friend. But as you can see from his physical appearance and mine, we are both from the group of endothermic vertebrates, characterized by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton. In other words, we are both birds and thus I had to wonder who or what managed to maim this bird and if they did it out of fear or game. If you bend over and look at its leg, it is twisted almost like something or someone was trying to break its leg but yet it has no other signs of foul play with it. I have to wonder if the attacker had tried to get him and he escaped or if something else completely happened."

If the boy decided to look at the bird, he would verify what the falcon said as the bird's one leg appeared broken as it was twisted in a peculiar way. But if he looked even closer, he would also confirm that there were no other signs of foul play on the crow. Quite interesting to say the least and a situation that a child should never be in but here he was and it was going to be quite an interesting adventure if he decided to stick around. But before any of these thoughts could go into his head, the falcon would speak once more: "You are Shin, the one who spoke to me telepathically correct? Why exactly are you out here in the desert? Shouldn't you be in the village with your family or friends? I mean if you want to stick around with me, you can but I cannot guarantee your safety or well-being if you do. This desert is a brutal creature after all and there is no telling what you will see or find out there that will make you turn your stomach or try to kill you."

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

((OoC: this response isn't the best but i had a slightly hard time trying to get this transition going))

The boy looked down to the bird laying on the ground. It was a sad sight to see. He dropped down to his knees to get a better view. The bird-man was right, it looked like only the leg was broken. The poor crow, maybe it didn't see it coming. Hopefully it didn't suffer as it passed to the next life. Standing back up the boy looked over to the bird-man. "I hope he didn't suffer."</COLOR><i></i> The boy's voice was saddened. He hated seeing death, he wished there was a way to prevent this loss of life. "I am Shin. That's a unique trait I have, I am sorry if it disturbed you."<i></i> He turned to face the village. "I am taking a break from the village and I find this desert to be beautiful and relaxing. I know there are dangers but I feel as if I can protect myself for the most part." He looked at the bird. <COLOR color="blue">"I am training to be a Shinobi, and if there is something that may be wrong within the Land of Wind I am obligated to offer my assistance."<i></i> The boy extended his hand and put on a smile, as if trying to properly introduce himself. "You know my name, may I know your's?"<i></i>

 

[Tomomi]

This boy was an odd one to say the very least as he would bend over and actually check on the deceased crow to confirm that the bird indeed was dead and its leg had been broken. Maybe this was something that all humans did since they couldn't assume something without physically touching it themselves or this boy was just a different kind of human since he was still merely a child and growing up and letting societal norms slowly enter his body. In any case, it was a touching scene that Katsu had not expected from the boy as many people would've just left the creature along and let nature take its course. But, this boy known as Shin would be different and different was not necessarily a bad thing!

However when the boy rose from his position and had a sadden tone in his voice, Katsu knew that he was going to hear a long-winded explanation from the boy which is exactly what happened as he would introduce himself and offer his services to the falcon along with extending his hand and asking for the bird's name as well. In response, the bird would extend his talons on his one hand to the boy and carefully would shake his hand so he didn't pierce the hand and need to get emergency medical services out here to tend to a bleeding child. As their handshake ended, he would nod and respond: "I am Katsu. As for your unique trait, Shin, do not worry about it as everyone is unique in their own ways and it is something that we cannot help. For example, I am a falcon and yet I am the height of a human being and capable of talking much like you. Do you see animals talking in the human tongue often? I doubt it."

He would then take a moment to think back to why Shin was out here in the first place being that he was taking a break from the village and relaxing. Indeed, Shin was an odd ball for sure but Katsu wanted to how Shin would respond to his proposal. He would say the following: "I don't necessarily need your assistance, Shin. But, you are free to tag along if you want under the assumption that you are protecting yourself as I am not taking responsibility for your livelihood as I am working right now. So if you choose to tag along, be prepared to fight if need be and also to assist me as needed. But, I will not hold it against you if you want to turn around and head back into the village since we are going to be going farther out in the desert and I don't want your family to be concerned about you!"

[OOC: No worries. Mine was below average too]

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Katsu. That was his name. It was true that he had never met an animal that could speak like a human before, but the boy was aware that this world had some amazing things that he had yet to experience. Something like this would not surprise the boy as he was still young. Perhaps if he was older and had experienced the world this would truly come as odd, but in the pass few weeks he had been introduced into a world of unfathomable feats due to the new jutsus he had experienced. He, himself, could warp the perspective of those around them making them see and hear whatever he pleased. This was previously unimaginable to the boy, but he quickly learned to never think that something was impossible. All he had to do was summon the strength inside and he knew that all things could become reality.

A pulse of chakra flared the boy's body. He wasn't about to back down from a challenge! After all he had just made a new friend, and he wanted to aid in his mission as much as possible. The boy understood the basics of the ninja art and felt as if he could stand his own against anyone, or anything, without his formal training. As long as he didn't have to go against hose of a high rank such as Chuunin or Jounin he believed he could come in handy in a fight. "Katsu, I am here to help. Don't you worry about me, I won't get in your way."<i></i> A smile slipped the boy's mouth as he was excited to put his newly developed skills to the test.

 

[Tomomi]

In the mind of Katsu, he assumed that little Shin would consider the opportunity to travel with him, but would decline the offer after weighing the pros and cons of going. He was absolutely wrong as Shin would not even second guess the opportunity to tag along which prompted a smile from the falcon. However, he didn't feel like Shin was truly ready for accompanying him into the desert until he was shown something from the young, blonde lad. It maybe was a lack of confidence in the boy that prompted Katsu to do the following, but he knew the harsh realities of the desert and all that lived within it would show no mercy to anyone foreigner or a citizen of the country. It was for this reason that the falcon would place a hand on Shin's shoulder with a simple nod as he knew what the child had to do, but he didn't want to break the child's soul in the process if things got dicey which was likely.

In any case, he would allow a heavy sigh to escape his body before looking right into the blue eyes of the boy. It had to be done and he knew it if Shin was going to be able to survive out here. He would place his other hand on the boy's other shoulder and then give a simple response to him of the following: "Very well, Shin. How about you show me the skills that you have developed thus far in your life." He would not expect much from the child as he looked like he had just become old enough to begin to become a student at the academy or at least that was what he assumed during his travels around the world and meeting various people.

Luckily for Shin, he would not have to wait for the task that he would be required to do as Katsu would continue speaking after a brief pause. It would be an easy task for a shinobi with any skills learned, but this was Shin and he might have a difficult time of it if he had little to none. Regardless, he would nod at the boy and provide the task as followed: "There are Dune Rabbits over there. Please capture one of them either dead or alive using any means necessary. I will wait over here for you to bring me the creature." His one hand would leave the shoulder of the boy as he pointed in the direction where a bunch of Dune Rabbits were hopping around with one another possibly playing or savaging for food, it didn't matter to Katsu one way or another.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Seeing the smile on the falcon's face made Shin's slip of a smile fully grow to a grin. He was excited to see where this journey would take him. As the falcon placed his hand on the boy's shoulder he realized that there was going to be something he would have to do. He knew he was just a child but he was also a shinobi, and he could fend for himself. Having to show off his skills to Katsu would be hard as his strength resided in his mental strength. Genjutsu was his forte and he wasn't sure how to show off this skill except by casting the techniques on his new friend.

Katsu wanted a Dune Rabbit? This would be an easy task, and he wouldn't have to kill the Dune Rabbit to bring him one. The Yamanaka loved animals and hated death so he would do anything to protect it's life. Walking over the dune he could see them, this would be an easy catch. Weaving a few hand seals the boy would focus in on one of the bunnies before casting a genjutsu that would case the bunny severe lethargy. This was step one. After this jutsu he would shift a single handseal to cast another illusion. This one was meant to cause the target a moment of paralysis by stunning their sense of movement. If this combo was successful the bunny would be slow enough for the boy to scuttle over to it and pick it up into a cute looking snuggle.

 

[Tomomi]

Fortunately for Katsu, he would not need to further explain his intention nor repeat himself to the young, blond flower child known as Shin. The boy had his "mission" given to him and he was already on hot pursuit to capture one of these creatures. This definitely would please Katsu to know that Shin could be goal-oriented with a little push given to him, but he knew that this lad was not going to be pleased with what would happen moving forward with Katsu if he truly decided to stick around. But, he would not know anything as of now as his goal was to obtain a bunny and that was what he was trying to do as he went through some handseals to make the target bunny sluggish first followed by stunning the nervous system momentarily. It was at this point that Shin would pick up the creature carefully and cradle it into his arms accomplishing his mission technically, but there was more that Katsu wanted from Shin.

He would approach the boy after the capture causing the other herbivores to scatter away from them leaving the three of them alone. He would actually applaud the boy by clapping his hands together as it was a fine Dune Rabbit for sure. However, his applauding would stop after a short while as he extended his hand to Shin and simply said: "Good work. Now please hand over the rabbit to me, Shin." He knew what the boy needed in return, but he would just have to wait until the rabbit was handed over to him before Shin could be rewarded for his quick time and effort. There was another task that he had in mind before he was feeling confident enough for him to tag along, but that would come when it come. For now, he needed them to finish this task first so Shin could learn some more before they headed out.

He also would need to get back on his mission that was assigned to him as he was burning daylight by spending time with Shin. Now, he didn't mind the child at all but he was too innocent and too young to see the cruel world that they lived in. The crow was probably one of the first incidents that he saw death and actually left the thought of life and death creep into his mind. Then again, Katsu could always be completely wrong but he was a smart falcon and he didn't believe that he was wrong at all!

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

Shin was very much a do as you are told child. His obedience was probably instilled in him at a young age from being raised by not only two shinobi but a Yamanaka mother. He learned very early on that if he did't do what he was asked he would just be forced to do it anyway, so as he aged he just learned how to respect those that were in a position above his own and would follow their orders as that was the job of a shinobi. If he wanted to become a shinobi that was useful to the village he would have to learn how to become a tool for the village's sake. But regardless of what he needed to do to grow in his wanted career he was excited for this task. Cuddling the Dune Rabbit the boy could easily understand why so many families in the village had these small mammals as pets. It's fur was soft and at it's core this little bunny was warm. The boy's cheeks probably blushed a little as he was overwhelmed with the cuteness of this bunny,

Turning around at the sound of applause the boy's face would reveal a large grin as he would hoist the bunny up into the air as if showing off a trophy. He did after all catch a Dune Rabbit like Katsu had asked. As the falcon approached the boy shifted his arms to hand the hair to his new comrade, well because he asked for it. He didn't think that this falcon had any ill intent, just that he wanted to hold the bunny as well. Besides, who wouldn't want to cuddle up with this thing. Almost as if the dead Sunagakuran Crow had slipped from his mind the boy who was just at the verge of an emotional break was now all smiled and butterflies. I guess that was the power of holding something cute and fluffy.

 

[Tomomi]

The rabbit would be handed over to Katsu without a moment of hesitation from Shin, a smart decision since the bird-man probably would've demanded the rabbit more and eventually took it out of the boy's hand with force if need be. The creature in his hold was recovering nicely from the blonde's attacks earlier when he took the rabbit by its ears in his one hand and snapped the neck with his other hand with no remorse or any sign of pity for the creature. This would obviously cause the creature to turn limp in his grasp before he tossed it back to Shin and spoke directly to the child giving him an order in the process: "Skin the creature. We will use it for food on our journey unless you are fine with eating it as it is. Regardless, the creature needed to be killed to eliminate one of them from reproducing and slowing overpopulation. If we had more time, I would've asked you to bring me a few more of them to kill and eat, but we don't have the time."

It would be at this point that he would cross his arms as he looked at Shin who was probably traumatized by what had just occurred. After all, the boy had not done well seeing the crow earlier and he was surely going to bawl his eyes out any minute now for what Katsu just did. But, the bird-man truly did not care as he saw Shin as a little, sheltered child who needed to reach manhood even if it was forced upon him suddenly like he was trying to do right now. After a few moments of silence, he would speak once again to Shin with the following: "You have to understand that a rabbit while it is a pet to some is prey to others. You also should be aware that this world is a cold-hearted bitch who doesn't care about your feelings or emotions. The crow was a victim of a vicious cycle which is why I truly do not feel anything when you approached me and talked to me about it. There are reasons for what we all do in this world and the sooner that you realize it and understand how everyone fits into this, the better, Shin."

He would then turn his back to Shin and continue to walk leaving the boy alone with his rabbit if he chose to not follow. It truly did not matter to Katsu as he tried to get through to the boy's mind and explain how he viewed the world. Shin could listen and take it in or leave it out there in the open and continue to live his life as he saw fit, it was no true concern to Katsu who needed to continue his mission in this desert until his superiors said that it was a success. Exactly what this mission was, nobody aside from Katsu would not in the general vicinity for now.

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

With a smile on his face the boy would let go of the bunny as the talking falcon would take it from him, but that smile snapped off of his face instantly. The falcon just killed the rabbit before his eyes. This shocked Shin and he didn't know how to respond at first. Purely terrified by Katsu's actions he just stood there staring at the bird blankly. Then just a mere moment later Katsu tossed the corpse at the young boy. Reacting slowly the Dune Rabbit hit the chest of the academy student and then fell in his arms as tears began to fill up his eyes. Shin began to tune out the bird as he told the young Yamanaka to skin the rabbit to prep it for food to be used later on during their journey. Dropping to his knees the tears in his eyes began to fell down his cheeks as he felt remorse towards what just happened.

Anger dwelled up in the boy as he placed the rabbit on the ground before weaving through a few handseals. The fury blew up and out as he yelled at Katsu "If you were hungry you should have just said something!"<i></i> Secret Art: Floral Fields! Slamming his hands on both sides of the rabbit the boy sent a surge of chakra through the ground causing a slight shift of the sand around the pair. Almost as if waiting to spring forth small sprouts began to poke through the ground. The desert floor quickly became a small field of plants that would continue to grow into varying vegetables. Cabbages, leeks, and radishes became visible as they seemed to quickly ripen in seconds. As the plants grew the ground under the hair would lower before vegetation would grow on top of it causing the corpse of the Dune Rabbit to slowly disappear. As it vanished in mere seconds a young oak tree would sprout up a few feet as if becoming a small tombstone for the wild animal.

Getting back to his feet and staring at the falcon across from him the boy would respond. "If you are so worried about the over population of the species which could cause the decrease of resources why don't you just support them in a manner that is more humane?"<i></i> The boy's words would seem to be beyond that of the average intellect for children his age. "If an ample amount of food can be produced for a population that doesn't hinder another then overpopulation shouldn't be a concern. Simply raising the Carrying Capacity could solve the issue you seem to care so much about."<i></i> At this point some brave Dune Rabbits would wander back to where they were to begin eating the vegetation. "Death isn't the only way to maintain a population's balance."<i></i>

He watched the falcon turn around and walk away. Send out a mental thought the boy's eyes angrily stared at the back of the falcon's head. "I'm still coming, but now I'm determined to show you that you can still achieve what you need without causing unnecessary harm. Even if you can save a single life in this world then your life has a reason."<i></i>

[WC:532]

 

[Tomomi]

Life was strange especially for an anthropomorphic bird-man like Katsu. He was merely on a mission in Wind Country trying to accomplish what his superiors had set out for him to do and yet, he was "babysitting" a child from the Hidden Sand known as Chikamatsu Shin. The bird-man would try numerous times to get the blonde to not tag along with him which included simply telling him to not come along because it was dangerous to killing a rabbit right in front of the pure child. However, this child was stubborn from what Katsu could tell as he would telepathically tell him that he was still tagging along and determined to prove Katsu's way of thinking was incorrect which made a simple smirk appear on the bird's face. Oh, this child was truly naive and he couldn't even handle a simple killing right in front of him; he would not last long as a shinobi if he couldn't handle death like an adult. It was probably smarter for Shin to hang it up while he was still young and become a cook, florist or some other civilian job that required little to no thinking and there was no true death involved. But, he could also prove Katsu wrong which would be amazing since the bird-man highly doubted it since Shin was so young and still so innocent; he was not corrupted by this cruel, twisted world yet.

Oh, Katsu saw what the young man did with the rabbit and creating all the vegetation in the desert. He also heard the boy practically screaming at him for killing the rabbit. See, he truly did care about what the boy was saying but he was pretending to not care because he was trying to get a message across to Shin. Also, his words that he would have spoken would probably have sent the boy into a blind fit of rage to the point where the child was putting his own life on the line and being careless. In the desert and in heat like this, it was quite idiotic to get heated like that so Katsu kept his beak quiet for now and allowed the boy to let it all out like a pissed off partner or a parent scorning their child. When the boy finally was finished letting his emotions all out, Katsu would look at him and simply say: "Are you finished? You have a lot to learn from me and show me in due time especially if you think you are going to prove me wrong, Shin."

He would then turn his back to the boy again and stand there momentarily looking ahead. Hopefully, Shin would be ready for a long journey through Wind Country with Katsu and survive the hellacious, unforgiving desert and all who lurked in it. They had met dune rabbits and Katsu had made his point with them, but he knew that more dangerous beings lived out in this world that were both human and animal. He didn't know which one would be worse to encounter with this flower-child following him, but he knew that Shin agreed to the conditions and knew what he was getting himself into even if it was death. Oh well, Shin was probably gonna die and never see his family or friends again; it would be sad but life would go on if he did.

In any case, Katsu would turn slightly to look at Shin and simply say the following: "If you want to tag along, let's go. Stick close to me though or you will be putting your life on the line more than you already are. Also, I hope you have more techniques to use because it is likely that we will be encountering more problems as we continue along to my destination. More things will likely die unfortunately for you so try to be strong as they are simply things that have to be eliminated to keep this world going in general and for us."

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The young Yamanaka was clearly passionate about helping the underdog and he valued life more than almost anything else. He was ready to prove this bird wrong and there wasn't anything that Katsu could do to make him believe otherwise. Life was precious and needed to be protected. "Yes I am, and I guess we will be teaching each other a lesson. Let's see if we can find a balanced common ground with your disregard to life and my vow to protect it."<i></i> The boy would knock some of the dust and dirt off of his knees and his clothing. His gaze looked through the vegetation where he locked his eyes on a few ripe specimens. Extending his fingers slightly glowing strings projected out from them and connected to a handful of plants. Flipping his hand palm side up and closing his finger the boy would draw the food closer to him using the chakra strings he learned from his father. Shin reached into the belt pouch on his left hip and pulled out a small scroll. Unraveling the scroll slightly the boy's chakra threads moved the fresh produce closer to it before they dissipated into a puff of smoke as he stored them in the scroll. The young Yamanaka returned the scroll to the pouch before shifting is sky blue eyes back a the feathered creature before him.

Stepping up to Katsu's side the boy would respond to him. "I already said I will help you and you can't get rid of me that easy. You will see my side by the end of the day."<i></i> a cocky smile slipped from the corner of his mouth. Clearly the boy's emotions passed quickly as he expressed them as soon as they were felt. "You don't need to worry about babysitting me. I am a Shinobi of Sunagakure after all. He are known for our outstanding skills of survival in this harsh landscape. And as for there being death on our journey I will prevent any unnecessary death to the best of my ability. Life has to be maintained in this death-filled landscape."<i></i> If more and more creatures of this desert died then the ecosystem would be destroyed and the sandy dunes would truly become a barren wasteland. Life needed to be supported to help maintain the balance of the species while minimizing outside influences. Leaving no trace was a principle he learned in the academy and it was something he took pride in.

 

[Tomomi]

Once again, the bird-like man would listen to Shin talk and shake his head at the garbage that he was hearing. This kid truly thought that he was going to be able to protect every single living thing that existed in Wind Country and unfortunately for him, that was truly not possible in the eyes of Katsu. However, Shin seemingly had an urge to prove Katsu wrong and Katsu felt the same urge back; it was almost like one was playing the Angel of Death and the other was playing the Angel of Life and they were perfect for one another. But, you would not want to make that reference to them unless someone wanted to get scorned in the process and told why the other "angel" was wrong. Honestly though, Katsu wasn't out to kill every single thing that came their way as he merely was trying to prove a point to his little blonde partner that chose to follow him.

In any case with the spewing of nonsense from his mouth, Katsu would just shrug his shoulders as they began to head off further into the desert. If there was one thing that he knew from being out here already, it was to keep a low profile unless you wanted to be seen and possibly eliminated from these lands by the grace of the gods above. He knew it was likely that they would meet something that would change Shin's opinion eventually to see things through his eyes, but he didn't know what quite yet. What he did know however was there were Pugilist Scorpions in the distance seemingly unresponsive to what was going on around them as human-like figures had rushed in on them and were met with a low-strength poison that had slowed down their central nervous systems. Of course, their screams would attract the attention of other creatures as a pack of Sand Wolves would swarm them and feast on their delicious bodies as they fell to the ground. It was at this time that Katsu put a hand out beside him to stop Shin as he whispered ever so quietly to the boy: "Stay quiet. Those are Sand Wolves and they aren't usually out during the day as they are nomadic. The screams of those creatures that appeared to be humans must've awoken them and they saw an opportunity for a free meal. Let's move behind something to get out of sight before they notice us."

It was at this time that Katsu would lead the charge as he carefully and quiet, as much as possible, moved behind a large boulder that had a few cacti nearby where Dune Bugs seemingly were trying to get some nutrients from. Luckily for Katsu and Shin, these creatures were not harmful to living beings and rather enjoyed feasting on plants and dead things like those humans that would likely be left with little to no remains in that pool of blood that splashed the sands where they fell. If anything during this trip, Shin was meeting a lot of different fauna of his country that he could take back to his family, friends, and teachers. He could even possibly go to the Oracles and assist them with information on these creatures since their records were detailed but always looking for new additions.

[OOC: Congrats! Your post made my total post count 3000 =P]

 

[Chikamatsu Shin]

The distant screams would draw in a pack of predators that did what predators do, eat. These canines were scavengers like vultures in the desert sky circling on anything hurt or ill. Swooping in quickly to finish of what sounded to be men the Sand Wolves gorged themselves on the flesh that was still warm with life. This was something that Shin was no prepared for and his heart nearly skipped a beat. Hearing the faint whispers of the bird the the young boy was just following snapped him back to reality. These beasts were consuming men, human flesh. This was something that boy was hoping to never have to witness. His blue eyes began to fill up with tears as his heart went out to the families that had just lost their loved ones. The idea of not knowing someone close to you has just died in a tragic way would make the devastation of learning to truth that much more painful.

A deep sigh slipped from his lips as he pressed his back against the stone that he was directed to. His mind was operating at a much faster rate than normal. How could he help remove this imminent threat? Sand Wolves alone were as strong as a Chuunin, and he was just a mere Academy Student. He looked around at the flora that was nearby. He wasn't sure if there was anything useful, nor did he know what Katsu had planned. His eyes locked onto the nearby cactus and he grinned. It was almost the season for this species to bloom, and their petals were noticeably pointed. With a grin the boy looked over to the bird before speaking to him telepathically. "Get ready to move." Placing his hand near the spiked vegetation a familiar green aura would pulsate causing the cacti to begin to bloom quickly. This his other hand the boy would raise two finger into the half tiger handseal.

The petals would begin to deepen into a rich purple that was infamously connected to the Yamanaka Poisons. Kimberlily, a toxin that would impair the perceptions of the wolves in both a physical and mental capacity. The toxin wasn't strong by any means but it was abundant to say the least. The petals began to float off of the plant as the boy used them in his clan's Hanabuki fighting style. The petals would quickly sharpen up and appear to become very shuriken-esque. The green glow would dissipate as he shifted his hands. Dropping the half tiger seal of his left hand the boy's right hand would face the pack of wolves that resided on the other side of large stone that was concealing the location of the boy and his bird. The petals were numerous stories above the wolves but in an instant they could rain down upon the pack. Shin looked back at the falcon before releasing his jutsu. "Have you found a place to go to get away from these beasts? I may be able to slow them down but I am no match for them."<i></i>

 

[Tomomi]

A sigh would leave Katsu's beak as he seemed to be grabbing something at his side that was likely a weapon while they were situated behind this large rock spending their ever-precious time together. He obviously was trying to devise a strategy that he could use at the very least to get himself or them both out of this situation that they were currently in still alive even if a limb or two would be lost in the process. However while he was thinking of what to do, Shin was taking action as he was using his magical powers, that the humans called chakra, to cause the nearby cacti to bloom quickly as the petals turned dark purplish. This odd color for these petals fascinated the bird-man at the very least, but when he saw his "partner" getting into a combative stance, Katsu wanted to scream out that Shin was being crazy or suicidal, but he unfortunately could not or he was going to alert the wolves to their presence and they would be chow-chow for sure especially since these wolves should have been sleeping since they were nocturnal creatures.

However, Katsu have to admit that the boy's grapefruits had finally dropped due to the reason that he knew that his life was in danger if these wolves found them and hunted them like a pack did. Nevertheless, it was admirable that this blonde child was actually able to logically think at his age and devise a plan that was at the intellectual level of a Genin or lower Chunnin if one were to ask a shinobi from the Hidden Sand, but nobody obviously was because Shin and Katsu were in the desert trying to survive. However, his strengthened petals that were above the wolves would cause them to stop to eat for a moment likely due to them being curious about these oddity floating above them. Of course, it was likely that some of them would continue to enjoy their well-deserved meal, but some of them were letting their sniffers do their job and they were searching for nearby "predators" to them. Fortunately for Shin and Katsu, these canines were not intelligently as smart as Katsu or they would've been able to talk and be more civilized than merely tearing apart their prey.

In any case behind their rock, Katsu would give a nod as he knew what he could do, but he wanted to get Shin away from harm before the boy did something that would shorten his life or worse, put him six feet under at such a young age. It was due to this that Katsu would whisper as quickly as he could while he clenched his weapon at his side that Shin could not see from his current position. "Shin, use your technique and then run for it. It is likely that you will be able to stop the majority of them, but I will stop the the stray ones that survive. Run towards your village and don't look back nor worry about me. I have been in these deserts long enough to know how to survive them unless one of those legendary creatures appears and attacks me...then I would be dead. Nonetheless, use the technique and run for it, you are too young to die" the bird-man would speak in a demanding matter as he didn't have time to sit around and play nice with Shin to not hurt the boy's feelings.

In the distance, more trouble was looming for them but they would be unable to hear or see it currently. Nearby though, the dune bugs that had been near the cacti had begun to swarm towards the dead carcasses in the sands that the wolves had destroyed. It would appear that the bugs would be able to start having their own little feast on these dead humans even though some of the wolves would bat at them or growl in disapproval. However, some of the other wolves would continue to sniff around and try to find Katsu and Shin while others were still uneasy about the floating petals in the sky. If one thing was for sure, these wolves were definitely in a tight situation that would not have a good ending for them nor Katsu and Shin.

But Shin had one thing to address. Would he attack and run, would he attack and protect Katsu, or would they team up against the wolves? Knowing the unpredictability of the child and the roleplayer behind the character, the blonde student would likely do something unorthodox that caught Katsu and his moderator off guard like this post managed to do.