Event [Event - RRV] Viral Rumors

[Ashikawa Shun]

Shun led his acquaintance along through the streets of Konoha, headed towards the outskirts of their village. "Crater City is our rougher side. A lot of deals happen here that usually end up interrupted by higher ups," Shun continued, having given a brief rundown of what little he knew of his village's enemies. He hadn't been alive too long, and a majority of his learnings had been herbal and combat, not history. "I happen to work at a bar here. It's closed right now, though, because of the virus." Once they arrived at the outskirts of Crater City, Shun started his path towards the side of town he knew. "I heard a little talk when all of it started, but the boss was quick to close, so I didn't learn a lot."

Whether or not the regulars he had would have information, Shun wasn't sure. What he was sure of, however, is that they love to talk. They might have heard something since their last encounter that could be useful. And if he could get ahold of Shion, he would definitely have insight on things Shun wouldn't in the city. "We could talk to a few people, see if anyone knows anything about the rumors. There's also a few herbal shops here that could sell spices. They might know where goods that unnatural would be going, if it's true." Shun didn't mean to feel so bossy, but the person he'd unluckily been paired with didn't seem like the type to listen too well anyway. He was sure his suggestions would fall on drunkenly deaf ears, something a lot of his patrons seemed to have in common.

"If you have any ideas, feel free to share them. I'm not against unique and unusual strategies." Once the words left his lips, he wasn't sure if it was a good decision to offer that to someone he knew absolutely nothing about. "So long as they don't cause us more trouble than good."

WC: 329
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[Kureji]

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I already know about ole Crater City. Only the deals with the inexperienced are the ones that get caught since they're sloppy and careless. Was looking more for someone with real dirt on Leaf, as that would help narrow down possible candidates. I doubt some careless nobody would come up with a plan like biowarfare." He said with such confidence that there could be more to it than just some faraway disease or even a curse. Being around the world helped him build up his own intellect in its own way. Yes, he's crazy, but Kureji is far from being a dumb person. Which reminds him... Since he's acting as a merc, he forgot to name his price for working for Leaf. Oh well, he'll just talk with Nao after this all blows over.

Listening to Shun speak some more, Kureji would over-exaggeratedly shrug his shoulders. "Cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. Sure you can check just any herbal shop, but to have something strong and potent, it would have to be from a gaudy ass herb place. Oooorrrrrr." He would elongate the 'or', "You can leave me to sniff out the real good black-market stuff to see if I come up with any leads."

He would smile, his face contorting in some kind of wicked, almost inhuman way, and start laughing hysterically as the younger shinobi asked him if he has any ideas since he isn't against any unusual plans. Shun would see the look in his eyes that would signify that the other one is now in charge of the body. He grabbed Shun by the scruff of his collar and whispered in a low tone. "Trust me and play along." He would say before raising his voice into a shout, "You Leafies are all the same ya know! You act like the freaking law around here when you need to mind your business! You probably don't even know what fun even is! You fun police!" With that said and done, Kyōki would let him go. "Screw this. Imma rock and party and hang with some real fun people!" He would walk away. His plan, to create a scene and push any peoples' thoughts of him working with Leaf so that he can chat with those who also don't trust Leaf or even might have a hand in this virus thingymajig. He just hopes that the kid is smart enough to catch onto the act.

(WC: 407)

 

[Ashikawa Shun]

Shun listened as his counterpart explained his view of the people getting caught in this city. Sloppy and careless...is that why we got caught back then? It seemed so, given how horrendously their deal went. Losing his entire found family to something he didn't even realize was that big of a deal when he was involved. A team is only as strong as its weakest link...was that me?

He shook away the thoughts. Now was not the time to get distracted. Especially as his words seemed to trigger something different in his companion. That smile, that laugh, it was familiar in a way Shun couldn't place just yet. Either way, he listened to his counterpart as his collar was grabbed. Hearing the words "trust me" nearly made him scoff, but he watched as the other put on quite the show for anyone nearby.

Shun had a bit of a name in this town, despite his strong connections to Leaf's shinobi. A lot of people knew he worked in the Medical field of Leaf, due to his busy schedule keeping him to a specific work routine. It took a bit of getting to know people in town and everyone not trusting him for a while before he finally gained a little bit of credit in Crater City. His patrons were great connections due to his medical knowledge providing them a relatively hangover-free follow-up to their drinking escapades, and the herbal shops were a regular favorite of his outside of work due to his workings in the Byoin greenhouse and his own personal garden.

"Just because I don't want to get myself in trouble doesn't mean I can't have some fun." Shun fell into step behind Kureji's boldness, adjusting his ponytail and removing his headband. He slipped it into his bag, since most of the people here knew he didn't wear it out of respect for their own dealings. Once he stepped foot into Crater City, he was deaf to the under dealings of the area. Anonymous tips, occasionally, sure. But not enough to ruin what little trust he'd gained so far.

Shun slid a little closer to mutter a message under his breath. "I work here. I have a reputation. I don't snitch on my people." Just to make sure Kureji knew his involvement wouldn't necessarily shut down their opportunities. If his counterpart were to approach someone he didn't deal with often, he'd keep his own distance, but he would check out his connections too.

As they made their way through the streets, Shun pulled out a notepad he kept in his bag and worked up a quick and simple note for his friend in the city. He'd at least slip it under the door while passing by in case Shion had any information to offer them.

WC: 466
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[Sazuki Nao]

They didn’t say anything else and quickly turned around, hurrying off with their footsteps getting faster and their laughter fading away. However, not everyone was scared. A pair of eyes glimmered with curiosity in a shadowy part of the alley. Lyra leaned against the rough stone wall, her breath visible in the cold air. She had heard the tales—about a man who spoke in riddles and knew all about the city’s secrets, its hidden treasures, and shady dealings. The laughter was like a siren’s song, pulling her closer to where it came from.

“Hold on,” she said, grabbing Rafe's arm just as he was about to run away. “We can’t just bail. This might be our opportunity.”“Are you out of your mind? That could be a total maniac!” Rafe replied, his gaze shifting anxiously.“ Or it could be a treasure trove to information,” Lyra argued, her tone steady yet quiet. “Consider it. We’ve been trapped in these boring jobs for ages. If he is interested in what's around here, it could show us a path to something better.”

Reluctantly, Rafe sighed, but he could see the determination in Lyra’s eyes. “Fine, but I’m not sticking around if he starts talking about sacrifices or some nonsense.” They cautiously made their way toward the source of the laughter. The sound grew louder, more chaotic... Finally, they found him. The figure stood tall, cloaked in shadows with a wild mane of hair. "You Leafies are all the same ya know! You act like the freaking law around here when you need to mind your business! You probably don't even know what fun is! You fun police!" he cackled, his voice echoing off the cobblestones.

Lyra exchanged a glance with Rafe, and despite his apprehension, he nodded. "Howdy there..." spoke the male of the two towards the crazed one. Lyra quickly chimed in. "Solve this... and we will guide you." And right there, Rafe would speak the riddle. “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?” Rafe’s brow furrowed, and for a moment, silence filled the air, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the city.

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

The news about the virus had reached every part of the globe, spreading rumors quickly like a fire. It was called a ghost, instilling fear in even the most courageous, with symptoms that could be deadly. Now, someone was curious about who was behind it all. The young male took the note from under a door. "Action so soon..?" He questioned softly before a smirk got to him. "I will play this game." As quickly as he could, he would try to get all the information needed while keeping tabs on Shun.

At one point, a pawprint note was stuck on a board where Shun would pass by, inside the note would be the following. “I’ve heard rumors. Some say it’s a bioweapon gone rogue. Others suggest a cult is testing something lethal. This isn’t just a virus anymore; it’s a game of power. People will kill to keep their secrets safe. Elias Kane, he holds the answers.” Within the note, a map would be drawn along with a picture of a mask. The map would lead further inside of the Black Market with a hidden entrance. A picture of the mask, that was a black auction. If Shun turned the note over... He would find a clock, pointing at 4pm.

[both post once, then I will take my turn depending on needing action.]

 

[Kureji]

Kyōki had a hint of annoyance as whilst Shun had caught on to his act, though the kid seemed to refuse to leave his side. With a sigh, he felt the need to have Kureji take over. And in a split second, Kureji was back. He was about to say something when a couple more kids rushed up to him and was talking about riddles and whatnot. Seriously, he's the type of person no village shinobi would want to trust their pina colada's with, much less a kid. Why? Well... He already has one kid, and well... Left her in Wind Country.

He shook his head and said, "Riddles ain't my thing." He waved his hand as he walked away. "I'll leave that to you, Mr. Reputation." And with that, he would go deeper into the city. By now, Cerberus would jump down from a roof of a nearby small building and land next to Kureji. "Finally we get some breathing room to sniff around how we want, eh Cerberus?"

All three heads let out a huff at the same time, signifying to their human brother that they agree. A man standing six foot tall with a three headed dog just as tall as him while it's on all four legs is bound to draw attention. And no doubt Kyōki's outburst earlier would bring the more desirables to him, the ones that have dirt on Leaf, and therefore, will have some sort of information he can work off on.

And, if that fails, he knows that Cerberus can sniff out anything unusual here. Cerberus himself has lived in Crater City for a long while now and knows the usual scents of things. Which means, if anyone were to follow them, Cerberus would know and tell Kureji. Likewise, Cerberus would be able to pick up any scents that are not common in Crater City.

 

[Ashikawa Shun]

Shun was glad that Shion's house happened to be on their path. He knew to keep an eye out for hidden messages in return, given he's less trusted in the area. It would take some time though, to get the information back. Shun focused on his friend and his path instead, shifting the bag on his shoulder. He was glad he'd helped his dad harvest the night before; his small collection of dried herbs would be plenty of reason to visit shops and ask for information. Whether or not it would be enough in return for communications, he'd have to see.

Two strangers approached them, offering a riddle that seemed aimed towards his counterpart. However, said counterpart left the riddle in his hands as he wandered off to investigate elsewhere. As the silence rang around him, Shun rolled his eyes, looking to the man that had offered the riddle to begin with. "Apologies for...well, him. Shun, bartender at the Peak Lounge." He took a moment to think over the riddle once more.

Speaking with no mouth...hearing with no ears...no body, alive in the wind. So not something physical... His memory brought him excerpts from literature in their library. He'd read many books about the different elements of jutsu, but genjutsu was a new realm he had been exploring recently. Four main types, but one of them stood out in his reading. One excerpt about audial genjutsu spoke on how wind carries sound. Shun felt a smile tug at his lips. "An echo. To answer your riddle." He lifted his gaze from where it fell in his concentration, meeting the male's gaze again. "Though I understand your intentions were to get him following, I'm happy to take your guidance." He didn't recognize their faces - either newer guests or they never visited his spot - but he didn't feel this was a bad decision. They needed information, wherever they could get it.

WC: 319
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[Sazuki Nao]

unbeknown to the rogue shinobi, this had been their test to him. Once the other person started to answer the riddle... They nodded to each other. "Since you know him we will guide you a little... but we won't help further." It seemed that they misjudged the first person... and all they did was lead them toward the black market's regular entrance.

--------- Somewhere else ---------
The air was thick and heavy, and there was a smell of damp bricks and something metallic. A man standing in his lab coat and watching the person before him. Across from him was a man leaning against a dented dumpster. He was a broad figure with a stained leather jacket, his face partially hidden beneath the cap. The only thing noticeable was the scar running across his face. "Dr. Thorne..." The voice of the booming man sounded rasp, almost like gravel against stone. Normally in a meeting, you would shake hands, but that wasn't the case here. The doctor felt his heart hammering in his chest as he started to nod. It never made it any easier.

The man chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. “The ‘Red Virus.’ A fancy way of saying ‘modified virus,’ doc. You scientists are always so delicate with your words.” He pulled out a cigarette and in the brief moment of lighting his lighter you could see his face, which shaped his scar even better. The man held out his hand as if he was going to receive something.

The doctor remained silent for a moment as if weighing the man's words. Finally, he reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small, sealed vial, holding it up to what little light there was. The liquid inside swirled ominously. The man carefully tucked away the vial, it felt heavier than it was looking... With the exchange complete, The man simply nodded once more and turned, disappearing back into the labyrinthine alleyway without another word.

The doctor stood there, legs trembling through the exchange. He knew the risks, of course, the ethical minefield he was navigating. He’d told himself it was for the greater good, that his work would ultimately benefit humanity. Slowly he started to laugh before he too started to make a move. Unbeknown to the few through the black-market.

--------- Back with the group ---------

"This is far as we are going to guide you... You should be happy pretty boy..." he would speak towards Shun before making a vanishing act along with the girl... But some others were lurking in the group that just entered. Even a few in cloaks got near, weapons drawn and the thrid one shot an arrow towards them.

[Ooc; please state your actions in an ooc message. This will not be modded with rolls, but you can only spend 10AP worth of actions. The only thing that will be rolled is a d20 in the start against one another of what will happen further. Right now you have 3 enemies, a doctor roaming around and a vial is being transported.]

 

[Kureji]

Kureji walked around bored out of his mind. Since Cerberus hasn't really picked up on much, Kureji decided to go to the more black market type of areas. And lo and behold! Who did he find there other than Ponytail himself! He was quick to recognize the danger Shun was in, though should he jump in?

Cerberus let out a huff that got Kureji's attention. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I should help out." He passed by a person that was near a karaoke machine and handed them a few yen, "Pick a song that has a good guitarist I can rock to. Then use the rest of the money for whatever you feel like. Just stay out of the biz biz that's gonna happen."

He flashed a smile that would make any fan girl faint and dream of fantasies before he brought out his own guitar, a weapon in disguise and strummed a few chords before yelling at the top of his lungs, "HEY HEY CRATER CITY!!! ARE WE READY TO ROCK?! Now I know we all don't like Leaf ninja, but let's keep the stabbings to a minimum till after the shows over." As he said that, he had channeled his chakra into his guitar and focusing on using the genjutsu that will come from his music at Shun's aggressors. Whether or not it works is another story, but he does have more up his sleeves than just music, In fact, this guitar is much more than it looks. He figured there's gotta be some people in Crater City that likes rock music, heck, rock music is like the definition of freedom, and he's betting that the people of Crater City yearn for something like that away from Leaf.

Meanwhile, Cerberus is lurking around, waiting for the opportunity to strike, a low growl coming from him that is now being masked by the sound of Kureji's Electric guitar and some people wanting to rock out.

 

[Ashikawa Shun]

Shun followed his guides who were kind enough to lead him despite their initial target running off for his own reasons. Upon his walking, however, he noticed a note fixed on a board that had a symbol he recognized. Shion managed to get back to me! With a slight grin, he grabbed the note and tucked it into his pocket. Despite their guidance only getting him to the entrance of the black market ring, he was still thankful for the two mysterious strangers. He didn't know this side of the town quite as well, given he tried to keep his nose out of these sorts of dealings to keep his reputation in the area relatively clean. If his vendors found out he was breaking underground deals on the regular, he'd lose half his business and likely his position, given Shion wasn't too keen on Leaf either.

Once they'd made it to the entrance, Shun pulled the note out of his pocket and gave it a quick read. Elias Kane? Well, at least they had a lead now. If they could track down Kane, they might get a lot closer to their answers. He saw a map scribbled on the bottom, something he took a moment to digest a little further. However, he didn't have much time to take in the rest of the information, given a familiar voice decided to make a grand announcement. Shun sighed and tucked the note back into his pocket before looking up and noticing an arrow flying his direction. Shun didn't have time to fully dodge, taking the arrow to his leg in his attempt to move out of the line of shot. This is familiar, he thought as he grit his teeth in pain. He'd have to deal with that later. Right now, he was surrounded, and it looked like his counterpart was taking up behind him for defense.

Shun readied himself for battle, drawing his kunai out of his holster and raising his hands. He took a deep breath to stabilize his mind before taking off in an attempt to strike his foes down.

Actions sent! This is gonna be fun

MFT
WC: 351
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