For [A] Later Use [Anarchy!]

[Takahashi Aki]

To beat the game. You must play the game. Humanity was a sick twisted being. It sometimes had to be struck to get back into line. By the looks of things it would need a very severe whipping. Masashi Mako saw the darkest sides of humanity. This was certainly one of them.

Keystone was destroyed, and all of her grandson's tools and weapons were either destroyed or deployed for nefarious uses. Sousuke was out there. His mission was kept mum, and of all things this had to occur. When he returned the boy would do one of two things. The first, and most probable, would be that he would resort to his former self before he had ever met Okibi. He would be emotionally dead. That was perhaps the best scenario. The second option would be that Sousuke would break down. An over gushing and oozing show of emotion. It was polar opposites. Quite frankly she really wanted the first to happen. Suna needed an individual to surgically slice out the cancerous cells that were giving death to the realm. Suna needed the Steward to be cold and calculating.

The looting. People going wild. Mako had 'acquired' a boom box. She held it with her one and only free arm. Mako did like music, and radio. Granted of course the radio waves were dead. She had acquired this electronic item for later use. Give Sousuke a box of scraps and he would give you something ten times its original worth in the beginning. The Masashi eyed a broken chakra crystal that was hanging from a light pole. Sousuke would love that too. He could restore it or make something better out of it. If only she had her other hand ... but no. The war took that from her, as well as her arm. "Damnit." She cursed lowly. She needed a hand, but was too damn prideful to ask for it. Veteran's honour and all.

 

[Enatsu]

Re: For [A] Later Use

As he walked down the stained roads, nothing seemed to speak more volume than the disorderly chaos of this village. Stores were looted, people were terrfied and some fell to the maws of death. Prisoners had roamed this place as if they owned it. What kind of life was this? Why make everyone suffer if they had a grudge with the shinobis. Maybe they just wanted to destroy everything around them and didn't have any goal more than watching Sunagakure burn to the ground. If he could at least figure out a goal an endgame maybe it could open room for negotiations to get people free. After the Elders death he knew that things could only get worse as time progressed and Kenji was going to lose his nerve. A lot had been clouding the mind of Koga, worrying about the Ikoji clan would not set Sunagakure free from these tyrant's grasp. The leaders of this village were gone and things seemed like they were only spiraling down.

Koga patrolled the streets however he was not looking to save everyone. Some crimes, and some injustices he had to turn a blind eye to in order to focus on his task. It hurt his very being to watch these people suffer because they were innocents strung in the crossfire. First it was the tower, then the someone unleashed the crazies from the Mental Ward, and Obsidian Palace is lost. ANBU worked to get sensitive information out. Some of them are hiding within the endless shadows using their obsidian signet rings to find warm embrace within. Mikaboshi taught him this lesson but he had to find a way to recreate the rings en masse. He had to protect his people and there was virtually no where else they could hide and reorganize their current plans. So many components to the shinobi force he was trying to work out and yet he didn't have the answers. He wasn't a genius nor was he a heavy hitter. All he had was bones where everyone else had these amazing talents and constructs to their very command. He was at a lost but it did not deter him from trying.

Currently their were many people running around with the Steward's creations hurting themselves not knowing how the equipment operated. Neither did Koga but he understood that some of it would not respond to these fools. Hopefully they'd kill themselves or eachother with the weapons maybe it'd save him a ton of time from doing it himself. As he walked there was a woman who stood in the street under a light pole. Who woman seemed to be eyeing something on the pole. She held a boombox in one arm but seemed to be focused on the item dangling. Koga would avert his gaze to the item to see it was a chakra crystal with a few cracks in them. Obviously this is what she wanted and so the warrior would comply with silent generosity. He'd wave his arm through the air releasing bone bullets to hit the wire that held the crystal.

Koga would approach the old woman as the crystal fell catching it and handing it to her politely. "I saw you eyeing this thing like a hawk. Figure since we're all out scraping for survival mine as well help someone get along. What do you plan on doing with this it seems broken? I'm sure there are some better crystals in the village possibly the ones in the forest? Village doesn't like people touching them but considering this now... Oh I almost forgot to introduce myself, I'm Koga." He'd bow to his elder and offer his arm. "Do you want me to carry your boombox for you?"

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Re: For [A] Later Use

Mako watched as the crystal fall but then it was caught. Her one good eye followed the pathway as it landed in the hands of a young man. He offered to take the boom box from her. She snorted. "I think this boom-box just to be a bit too heavy for you son. I've got one good arm, and that's all I need to carry this prize." She answered. She heard the name and thought about it. It sounded familiar. She put the box down for a moment. She began to pick at her eye patch. Bloody thing needed re-adjusting. Every once and a while. "Koga eh? Ah. Yes. I remember you. House Ikoji." The time had come to reveal a thing or two. Discreetly of course. Damn Cabal listening to everything. Watching everything. "You were at my grandson's birthday party... back in December. That giant bear didn't quite give you a scare, but it did give you a slight run for your money." Mako's expression reached a certain neutrality matching that of a certain unnamed individual. Mako despite being over fifty-five still had some purple streaks in her hair. Move silver these days.

After getting his eye patch fixed up Mako paused. More looting and pillaging. She had a mind to activate her sharinghan and begin suggesting to folks not to do it, but then she'd reveal herself. Not exactly a bright thing to do here and now. "My grandson. Smart boy he is. Give him something broken and he'll make it better than new. Broken things sometimes have the most value." She answered cryptically. "His parents like to think he's got all the smarts from his Dad's side, but I am quite certain I gave him something good too. I've survived three vicious campaigns, and two wars. I've got some survival instincts, and if Mother Suna was good she'd have given him that knowledge too. This feels like the Plague Wars all over again. Feels like yesterday." She offered her gloved hand outward. "Masashi Mako. Seven Division Hell's Halberd."

 

[Enatsu]

Re: For [A] Later Use

He didn't even notice that the woman was so seasoned. Her body told many tales as she only had one useable arm and was even missing an eye. Koga could sympathize with the eye loss even if his false eye seemed "real" now. The old woman even knew of his clan and his name. He wondered how but surmised she must be active within the shinobi dealings of the village. It was then that she mentioned her connection to his person, revealing that she knew he was at her grandson's birthday party. The only one he'd been too since being here was Sousuke's. Koga began to observe the granny as her tone began to sound more void of emotion and looking at her hair he could see strands of purple after each cluster of silver. "I see now yes there is a strong resemblance when you connect the dots." He'd chuckle slightly as he thought about the socially awkward meeting with the Kazekage. They never did meet up for that class, blame it on the ascension of Koga's abilities.

Granny would fiddle with her eye-patch until she was comfortable. She would explain how much of a smart boy Sousuke was and how he could fix anything. It made the young Ikoji wonder if the Steward could fix this problem as well. Even so he wasn't about to rely on people whose presence was not there. Right now they had to toil and get the village back in order. The woman would then go on to make a statement about the many wars she had survived and how much she had hoped her grandson would adopt those qualities as well. Truthfully this would be the first war Koga was really in. "If you know of the Ikoji then you know of our bloody period in time. Over a decade of war and we committed biological genocide to end it all. Far before my time but it still happened and it's still a sad situation. A stain my clan can never wipe themselves free of. However I wish I knew more about war more than ever. Mako was it? Maybe we could take a stroll and you could tell me about the many dealings of your past in war?" Koga would begin to painfully wrench the bone inside of his left arm pushing it through his palm like a cylinder carving words with the bones in his hand as it left. He would hide this bone in his robe acting like he was scratching his chest while double checked his rough carvings. When the cylinder was completed there would be a message engraved onto the white rod.

"I have plan. Need help."

The words were toughly written but you had to give him props for the ability to control his bones enough to carve messages onto them while expelling them. He would hand the rod to Mako while apologizing for the appearance. "I just thought about this, I found that rod somewhere seems like it has a bit of chakra maybe we can use it to fix that crystal of yours?" Who knew what was watching them, and since she was Sousuke's grandmother she was likely a high profile target. Koga wanted more than anything to hear her words and possibly pick up on some advice from her. He could only hope that the old woman would take him somewhere safe to do it. Call it tactical planning if you will.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Re: For [A] Later Use

Mako recalled the time period of which Koga spoke of. "The ends justify the means Koga-kun." She would simply say. "Like it or not your clan's legacy endures and will endure for another few generations. Some people myself included see that the ultimate endgame is legacy. Someday I'll be dead. You'll be dead. We'll be rotting in the ground, but what matters is that something is left to go on." She spoke. It wasn't condemning. It wasn't hateful. It was simply spoken words. "The number one thing you have to realize about war. It's always easier to defend that it is to attack. These ... guys? These aggressors? They can't hold the ground forever. They're not used to our surroundings. Sure they have got by the balls and the tits, but one's grasp can only last so long." Mako spoke. It was pretty crass language coming out of the older woman, but Mako wasn't a 'lady', she held various military ranks throughout the years, she had stripes and stars. She was a Masashi but she wasn't a wanderer. She stationed herself in Suna.

The rod was handed to Mako. She looked it over. Her one eye looked it over and saw the message. She pocketed the rod in his military coat. "Hrmp." She growled. She picked up the boom box. "I'm parched Koga. I know a good place to get a drink. Assuming that the place hasn't gone dry. I'll even drink the cheap stuff." She titled her head. "Tommy on Red's. He's got a crossbow underneath the cash register. Don't talk about his mole... he might shoot you in the arm." The military woman would lead the way. She stalked off taking her time. "I like long walks. I especially like long walks with pretty noble boys." She spoke casually. It was hard to tell if she was being sarcastic. "You're not a pretty noble boy. Heh. You're still alive. Usually pretty noble boys die quick. They have their manners, and everything but manners get them killed in war. If you so much as see a pretty girl on the other side. Do yourself a favour and kill her first. In fact I'll do it for you if I have to. Lost many boys that way, until I learned my lesson." Mako spoke. Arrow through the heart. The head. It didn't matter. They had to be put out. "Tommy's. Here we are." The door was dislodged. Mako kicked down the door easily enough. "Tommy ya dead in there?" She called out. She looked about and found several crossbow bolts in the walls. "Shit. Stinks like death in here." She looked about. Blood stains on the walls. "Well. Let's figure this out son. I hope Tommy's head isn't in a fridge or something. We got ourselves a room, but might not be safe. If something pops out ... and isn't one of us pop it back down. Try not to shoot out the brandy in the back there. I need a glass of the stuff."

 

[Enatsu]

Re: For [A] Later Use

"I understand that, I still think it's a pretty sad situation. To be honest if the world could be my way then I'd like a place where no one has to die... But that's not possible not in this plane of existence. So for now I settle on bloodying my hands if the situation calls for it. I don't plan on showing "mercy" it has no place on the battlefield. When I find them and I find my opening their dead. All of this death and destruction around us because we let people live far too often than not. If it's this easy to wreak havoc how much effort will it take to clean it up?" Koga would followed suit as Mako walked towards Tommys a place she knew and one could guess frequented. This woman was a hard ass but it was all for a reason. You could tell she was a seasoned vet just from the way she spoke and the way she moved.

As they walked Mako called him a pretty noble boy. She also made sure he knew well not to fall to the attraction of the female persuasion. It dawned on Koga that woman had not been an interest of his. "Thank you, but I don't think you'll have to worry about me falling for any pretty girls on the battlefield. By the time I'm done with them they'll reflect the streets they've run with Sunan blood... Excuse me I've been on edge more lately. I'm usually not so prone to violence first..." He had to do well to think of his mother when the bloodlust set in but due to all of this pain, the death of the Elders there was just so many images running through his mind. Battle was one of the few things that could calm his bones now, it was a troubled state of mind he was in now days. '

They reached Tommys in ample time items still in tow. The first thing that stuck out was the door, somebody had messed it up. The next odd feature was the stench of blood and death coming from the inside. Mako kicked the door down fearlessly. "Yeah it's the blood looks fresh too. Couldn't be more than ten minutes old. Signs of drying but not completely... The arrows in the wall.. Tables turned over for with bolts in them. Your man Tommy's crossbow is something fierce. Know him from your war days?" Koga would tread carefully checking the counter first to make sure the weapon was not there. Two small empty bolt packs laid on the ground behind the bar but no sign of Tommy or his crossbow. Koga would take heed to Mako's permission to take out any threats but he wasn't seeing any signs yet.

Observing the building he saw three doorways and a door in the ground. One led to the restrooms, the other two led to unknown areas but one of them looked like it was connected to an office room. Probably Tommy's office, at that. The ground door led to a cellar most likely another place to keep liquor or other items. Koga would bend over touching the padlock on the door. Metallic like bones would cover his fists and he'd strike the padlock slicing it in half. The cellar smelled of blood as well but it could have been from blood seeping through the wood. More bones would cover his forearms, shins, feet and face. They nestled themselves neatly under his clothes staining the white attire with crimson. Koga would then jump down into cellar without thinking anything of the danger.

As soon as he dropped down his body was slung as a burly man tackled him. The brute had arrows in his shoulders, thighs, and chest. He was bloodied and seething with anger seeing red as he punched Koga's bone covered face repeatedly. He was strong and full of adrenaline but his hands couldn't take the pain from the hard bone. A sharp elbow would be placed in the man's right eye and Koga would lift him tossing the aggressor against a wall. Before he had a chance to recover he'd recover to bone covered fists barraging his face. Koga was unleashing some of his fury as he kept punching the man never stopping the assault once. It took everything in the Ikoji to stop bashing the guy's head in as he realized this guy probably got attacked by Tommy. He'd place one final kick in the brute's midsection before yelling out to Mako. "Bastard! ..... Hey.... Mako I got someone down here and he's big. He's got some bolts in him looks like your man got to him first." No sign of Tommy down here yet but they had one of his attackers. Maybe he knew where the owner was.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Re: For [A] Later Use

Mako activated her sharinghan. Her eye turned blue and the yings surfaced. "You've got reason to be edgy." She assured him. "Tommy's crossbow is a nasty thing. He's certainly unloaded it here." She spoke as she walked about. She placed the boom box down on the table. Lot of spilled liquor, but the brandy was intact. That was good. She looked about trying to find the man. He wasn't going to be found easily. Tommy could hole himself up good. "Tommy served with me for a half a campaign. He came in at the very end. He tried to put the moves on me being his CO, but I threatened him with castration. Once he fell into line, he was a god solider. He didn't age well... but who does?" Mako continued searching about. She backtracked along the walls, and closed the door to the tavern.

The sound of a crash put Mako on edge. The Masashi bit her lip and headed her way down. Koga got himself into a fight. Hopefully the boy wasn't a greenhorn. From the sound of things he wasn't screaming. Mako got down and entered. Her eye glowing in the darkness. "Whoo boy. You did get yourself fat cat there." She turned him over. "Shit man. Tommy shot this guy three times." She pulled out the bolts. "Tommy'll like to use these again." She paused as a blot of blood dripped down onto her. "Shit--" Something dropped down, but by the time that person had got down, Mako had a bolt point at the neck ready to carve that neck open. "Tommy?"

"Commander?" Spoke the man. He was maybe ten years younger than Mako. He had a large mole on her lower left chin. "It is you. Blessed be the Mother." Mako lowered the bolt, she handed it back to Tommy. "Thanks." He shifted slightly to see Koga. "I heard him call you, but I didn't think it'd be you. Recruiting kids again? I mean ... well I-I didn't mean it that way." He raised his hands. "Yeah. I give." A grin cracked Mako's face as she punched Tommy hard in the shoulder. "Lissen. Everyone in your er ... family alive? Kazekage tower blew up high. I almost shat my pants. I know you don't get alone with your daughter, but your grandson ... he's..."

"Dealing with a threat in Soon's." Mako answered grimly. Tommy nodded his head, and then made a gesture. "Yeah. It's not pretty. Not a good home coming for him. I personally wanted to detonate Keystone Prime but they beat me to it. Sousuke'd give me hell for it, but he'll get over it. He's not like his mother in that regard. Doesn't hold grudges ... at least not with family members or people he knows. Oh and that goes without saying Koga-kun, Tommy-boy... that..."

"We don't talk about what you said. Gotcha. I know that tone." Tommy coughed. "So... didja see my crossbow? I sort of lost it... after going through about thirteen bolts. I've never been good at the hand to hand combat." The barkeep shrugged. "I holed myself in here hiding in the ceiling. Kinda glad you showed up, but I'm thinking you didn't come to rescue lil old me."

"Hah. I've been saving your ass for thirty-years. What's one more debt you owe me." Mako turned her head to Koga. "Boy has got a plan, and we needed a place to stew. I figured a fight would be here, but it's a lot safer here than out there." Mako shook her head. "Sousuke'll be here sometime. It's not a matter of if, but when. I know we can't sit here and wait for him to pop back in, assuming he can think his way in. We gotta band ourselves together and roll. Where's Sideswipe these days?"

"He's whoring his way in the Red Light District... assuming he's not dead." Tommy answered. "Sounds like you wanna get the old company together. Shame we can't use the telephone. They got it blocked out. I think Taker is close. He's probably on his way here, always come here for a drink and for cards."

"Mmm... you got any friends in the area Koga-kun?" Mako inquired. The three of them would walk back up to the bar.

 

[Enatsu]

Re: For [A] Later Use

Mako jumped down and the first thing Koga noticed was her blue glowing eye. She had some fierce power in that eye but he wasn't sure exactly what it was just yet. He knew it was a doujutsu but he just hadn't ever seen a doujutsu like it before. Mako commented on the fat cat with pig stickers in his body. She pulled them out making a note that Tommy would want to use them again. Before they had time to search for Tommy someone plopped down from the ceiling. However Mako was ready and prepared an arrow to point at his throat however this situation was soon diffused as she realized this man was Tommy. Koga chuckled as the man exclaimed his excitement to see her.

Mako told Tommy that Sousuke was not in the village and was out in Soon. Koga began to speak with a tone of excitement. "I met someone who was eagerly searching for that one. However we have to keep information on a lid. I've probably said more than necessary out loud but it wasn't my full plan, never would reveal that."</COLOR><i></i> He would recede back into the embrace of silence as Mako and Tommy chatted some more. Apparently they had some old friends who could possibly help and possibly she wanted to revive her old unit in this time of war. The veteran trained her attention on Koga as she asked him if he had any friends.

<COLOR color="#008080">"Hmm yeah I got a few I suppose. Mind if I use that wall over there?" Koga would walk to an empty wall in the cellar and begin to create bone shards at the tip of his finger. Using the boned finger he'd claw shapes and letters onto the wall while explaining his thoughts. "Biggest unit of support I have at my disposal is my clan. We're warriors and healers. Agile, durable and got a good sense for battle. I'm the general of sorts these days but the clan leader is my childhood best friend. So if I tell him something has to get done he listens. Next I got a few shinobi in mind who I know we can trust. For one there's this guy named Harpuia. He uses sand at his disposal and he's very perceptive. With someone like that we can control the terrain think about it, the guy could literally reshape the terrain and create a battle ground to our liking. Or create passages tunnels all by breaking stone down to sand and reshaping it." His mind was moving very quickly and at this point he was rambling but he had to sell his plans to these vets and for now they needed his allies.

"Next is this Uchiha named Nari. Her sharingan seems pretty strong but she's more note worthy because of her family. She has kin who are of the Yamanaka clan and with their mental powers we think we can create another form of communication one safer from the enemy. Which brings me to my next topic. There are a few tings we have to do in order to take back this village. We need to be able to detect the enemy's explosives so we can avoid further causalities. They goaded us to find the explosives, and try to get rid of them. I challenge that, on a level. We should try to find them but do nothing to them. Instead we need to figure out how to counter them. Now that would take some form of counter engineering but I'm pretty sure we can find the right minds to do it. If we can engineer either something to dampen the blast or something to counter it we can safely create havens to protect ourselves without worrying about the explosives. Least to protect ourselves and our stations. Now I've seen one shinobi with an usual talent for explosive jutsu but I have no idea where to find him. We'll probably need someone who knows chakra inside and out. I'd honestly suggest a puppeteer and Sousuke's father is an excellent one as any." Yes if Judori could figure out the chakra patterns to the explosives and what makes them tick possibly he could figure out what could cancel the blast. It was a shot in the dark but one that could be accomplished.

"Now back to Nari and her Yamanaka kin. Comm systems are down and to keep us from fixing it they've got a jammer. Even if we did fix the tower radio waves won't broadcast. Using runners will take too long but what if we established mental connections with everyone in our unit? Now this plan all rests with how many mental shinobi we can gather and how far their chakra can spread. We'll need an amplifier, a conduit to increase the spread and range of chakra. Like I said I'm no engineer but if taught I'm sure I could learn a thing or two but we need experts. We need items that are good at circulating chakra, my honest guess is to take up those stones from the starlit lake. I've been told they can hold chakra pretty well and if so then that means it should be able to circulate well. Unless anyone else knows of a source that's what I think may help our chakra amplification." Koga would take a deep breath as he moved onto the next topic before he'd shut his motor mouth.

"If we can counter the explosions and get comms running again we can build a strong militia. We won't need to fear the Cabal or whatever because we can actually fight them on equal footing. As you said they got us by the tits and balls but it can come to an end. We need to get the village back under control but with these prisoners and nutjobs running loose that will be very hard to accomplish. So what I propose is that we fix the Obsidian Palace. Most people don't know the inner workings, most people won't be able to deal with the shadows that place truly holds. Not even the Sennin can without a certain tool and I know what it is. I can't discuss it any further but if we can get these fools down there I'm sure they couldn't leave not easily. It's also that I propose we need to make a new type of lock, something that can't just be opened. I'm thinking we go with something deeper than a chakra seal. This lock needs to read certain chakra signatures exclusively to those in ANBU and Senninship. However I feel that no lock is perfect so these locks need layers. It could go from an Takahashi steel lock, to a chakra signature coded lock, to a lock bound by runes in Runic Terran language. Incantations hold great power, what I"m specifically speaking on are blood spells something foreign to this land but in each of us.... I hope I'm not losing you with these ideas. There's a lot here but I believe if we can get this under control we can cripple the Cabal's forces that much more. They wouldn't have the chaos of the prisoners to feed off of any longer. It's just a matter of how many hands we can get to enact these plans and how we go about them with complete efficient success. The Sennin are missing and right now we have to make moves to take back our village..." Koga would turn back around and look at the wall that was littered in his handwriting. Lines of plans, sketch work diagrams and small notes painted the wall. These were just his brainstorm plans but they were thought out bringing him joy he wasn't crippled by this war. If anything it was keeping him on his toes.There was of course a few more such as strongholds, equipment, medics, and strike tactics but for now these points were the ones that stuck out to Koga the most.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Re: For [A] Later Use

Mako and Tommy listened to the plan. Tommy went to the bar and put together a brandy for Mako. She drank it in a single gulp. She seemed quite pleased to finally have a drink of sorts. "Gonna need another Tommy-boy." Tommy was of course delighted to oblige. She continued listening to Koga as he began to name individuals. When asked if he minded his wall being scrapped up, Tommy shrugged. "Tommy doesn't mind. He's had worse things done to his walls." When Koga spoke of Harupia, Mako nodded his head. "Harupia. He's a good one. He's Sousuke's friend and quite dependable. His Father and Judori go back, it's no surprise that those two are good friends." Next on the list of Koga's was Nari. Mako knew of Nari's relatives. They sung Chiyoko's praises when she married Judori out of love, and she didn't abide by the nonsense of that Uchiha elder Taguro. Mako hated Taguro equally. The Masashi wondered if the old bat was dead. "Tommy here knows the power of my persuasion." Mako revealed cryptically.

Koga next went over about dealing with the explosions and using Judori's particular skill set. It was ture that Judori was best at chakra-attunement and detection. "That's assuming they're using chakra. They might not be. They could be using C-4, dynamite, heck maybe they're using some dark powers." Tommy suggested. He attempted to clean up his bar. "I wouldn't try playing them on that bluff. They could be double bluffing us and pull the trigger on something. I mean, my insurance is good, but I don't think it'll be any good if my insurance company goes up in smokes." It was a poor joke, but it was a stab in the dark. Koga next spoke of "I... I... ain't too big on them fancy mind intelligence techniques. One slip up and then they reveal everyone involved. Either that or we open ourselves up to a massive physic attack of sorts. We could try messenger animals. Like ... I dunno dogs, cats, ferrets... rats even. People don't expect rats these days."

Koga detailed a plan circulating about the prison. "Let's assume they don't have the Palace set to blow. You have to assume that the place is already crawling with cons. Getting order and locking them back up invites disaster later. You need like more than a mere militia to do that. You need an invasion force. Even then we don't know if they figured out how the place works." Mako spoke. She shrugged. It was a very real possibility. "It's an end game thing we need to look into. Like Tommy mentioned earlier they might not be ninja, they might be something else. For all we know they might just walk through the wall and turn off the prison's power grid." She frowned slightly. "We're gonna need to adapt ourselves. We're gonna need to become different people entirely too. We can't keep meeting here all the time, as we are. That's gonna draw attention, and then we're gonna be in a sinking boat. Back to basics." Mako preformed a series of one handed seals and transformed. She appearance changed to that of a younger woman. Blonde hair, blue eyes, red full lips. She had both arms. Mako was gripping with her new arm. "Gonna have to get used to this."</B><i></i> She said seeming slightly uncomfortable. She hadn't used the transformation jutsu in quite some time. Suffice to say Mako had a more stunning apperance. Tommy in turn served her another brandy. <B>"I know what you're thinking Tommy. The answer is no. Another reason why you don't like the mental-linking communications."

"Didn't say or think anything ... truly despicable Commander." Tommy said as he chuckled nervously "Well. I reckon I've got deep cellars here. Could hold supplies here, and then set up other safe houses. We're gonna need more supplies than just a simple boom box and a broken crystal. Got a mind to uh ... liberate more goods for the greater good?"

 

[Enatsu]

Re: For [A] Later Use

Koga's plans were immediately met with opinions from the vets. A smile would creep onto his face as he was hoping they would throw angles or possibilities he hadn't thought of. They made good points about the bombs not being chakra oriented, but if they weren't then Judori's help might have not even been necessary. Still there was a chance it could prove useful information and that's exactly what they needed. There was also the fact that mental links weren't seeming to be a go for them and they needed something smaller, more simple and stable. "Hmm the bombs not being chakra oriented may or may not be a problem. I'll be damned if we can't figure out a way to shut them off through jutsu. Any ideas on how we can contain the blasts? Got all these amazing abilities at our disposal, something's gotta give right? You bring up a fine point with the communication Tommy. Using animals would be good but how are we going to ensure they get to where they're going? Whose to say we still have messenger animals at our disposal, whose to say they haven't been replaced with the oppositions. It's all too vague, and like you said mental communication is bad it leaves us too open. Guess we gotta rely on our own two feet, send out multiple messengers all headed to different locations with common goals. That's just too risky....Inuzuka will get us noticed... Wait that could work... Alright what if we gather Inuzuka and have them get their canines to communicate with other animals. That's a tad bit primal but it may work. Another idea is to still use those Yamanaka because they're more than just telepaths their mental infiltrators. They could take control animals force them to do their bidding. Hell the Uchiha could work too, simple but full of options." He was questioning as well trying to get into their habit, picking up the action of thinking about every angle. These vets were just what Sunagakure needed.

When Mako commented on the Palace Koga wondered if he should just be blunt about what's truly in there. "Naturally I don't expect a small force to get the job done. We'll have to do recon on everywhere we plan to strike. Every movement will have to be researched and investigated into. That much I believe to be a cardinal rule in this warfare. We want nothing less than efficient success. I'm curious but do you know what lies beneath the Obsidian Palace? There is a place there, blacker than the darkest pit with a city wreathed in shadows. It feels unreal entering that plane, cold shadows that drain the energy out of your body. The only way to escape their chilling embrace is to wear this ring that appears made out of the same stone from the Palace. These enchanted rings keep your safe, from harm now imagine if we could acquire them and lure the prisoners down below. What I'm proposing is we play as bait, and lure them under. We'll be safe but they, not so much. That was where I was going with this, cons crawling or not if we can get them down below we may have a fighting chance. However there may be too many loose ends on that one now that I'm thinking on it more. Allow me some time to see if I can find other ANBU. I have a friend who was marked by a curse seal and has the ability to mutate into a snake man now. He may know the status of the prison. I've got some intel to double check as well." Mako would bring up more points such as their meeting place and how they had to set up multiple places at once. Clan Houses were obvious Koga could see that now, they needed somewhere else, somewhere that the enemy would have to think twice and look thrice as much to find them. There was the possibility of creating underground bunkers where the enemy wouldn't dare look. What this shinobi would give to revive Greenskin in all it's glory. The elder Masashi would then whip up a transformation to change her form giving the impression that they should follow suit. Weaving seals he'd also go into a transformation jutsu as well.

"What is the best way we can draw these terrorist out? If I was them I'd be looking to cripple the enemy on both fronts. The things they hold close, and those they look up to. The bottom and the top to hurt them at once. I'd attack the leaders, meaning Sousuke, Kuro, and Mikaboshi. After or while that happens I'd focus on the weakest the academy. It'd cause extra pain and grief but I haven't seen much violence from academy. We have to figure out how to get one step ahead of the enemy just a pain in the ass trying to figure out where to start."

[MFT]

 

[Sand Council]

Re: For [A] Later Use

The creak of a broken door, foot steps crunching on shattered glass, and the knocking on the worn out bar would alert everyone in the cellar to the arrival of someone else.

"Is anyone still alive in here? I saw people come in, and was hoping it was still open. I could really use a drink."</COLOR><i></i>

Burnt tobacco would filter down to them as the stranger puffed on a lit cancerstick. There was a joyous humming that followed as well, a song rather well-known in Wind Country. It sang of glory and freedom from overwhelming oppression. Oddly appropriate considering the circumstances now settling onto the Suna-nin. The person to come greet the new-comer would see a man with rough, unkempt hair. A decorated eye-patch covered one eye, but the other was a wild blue; alive and full of clarity.

For any who had seen the dedication of intent over the artificial sky, it would take a moment or two to realize it was none other than the Leader of the Cabal himself: Kaito.

<COLOR color="brown">Kaito​

 

[Takahashi Aki]

The moment someone walked in, the game would change. Chiyoko had her back turned to the entrant. Tommy's expression would light up like a holiday tree. "Hah. Well there's a few dead folks in here. Just a few. Gonna have to get rid of their corpses I spose before the smell really kicks in. Toss em into a dumpster or burn em." Tommy paused for a moment. "As for a drink? Well I'm out on Bourbon, I should go acquire some I spose from some of my rivals who might be ... well, let's just say they may have finally paid the cost of business." Tommy reached for under the table and pulled a tooth pick which he promptly inserted into his mouth. "Watcha lookin fer? I figure a man like yourself would like some sake or ... some '67 Scotch. I usually know a man's drink by looking at em square in the face."

"Top up."<i></i> Mako would speak slightly slurred. She fell into place. Tommy had begin to speak his usual business like way. Mako would turn around to see Kaito indeed. Her transformed blue eyes looking at him squinting. A bit of a show really. "Ooooh. A celebrity. Oh ... boy."<i></i> The act was on so to speak. While Tommy awaited Kaito's order, he did serve up another brandy for Mako. Now the time was to read the man. Mako in her drunken act made notes about him. The eye patch, the cancer stick. Her mind was running about with some ideas very much like her grandson. Mako would pucker her lips slightly, and then whistle the remaining notes left to the tune he was whistling from before. There was an irony here, an irony that didn't sit well with the solider. His choice in tune was ... well at best to her inappropriate. Still though. She had to keep the game going. Certainly there were already a number of errors in play, but not to continue playing along here would be the biggest mistake. "Have a seat with us? Got any war stories? I like those."<i></i>

"I'm starting to regret giving you that top-up Tomoko." Tommy would say as he rolled his eyes. "She's one of my regulars. Wouldn't be a day if she didn't drop by. Though the banks are out, coin is coin for me. I'll be stock piling the stuff under my mattress." Tommy would shoot Koga a glance. "Ken go into my office and go through my tape deck, that boom box needs to be put to good use. I hope that my office didn't get raided. Get me that tape by Seven Sins. The one they recorded three years ago. Gotta get this place more lively. Music'll do that considering I got a few corpses to remove and set out."

"Four alive. Four dead? Seems equal to me. Everyone wins."<i></i> Mako would say as she lifted her drink up.

 

[Enatsu]

The trio would make there way back upstairs as a man would enter the tattered bar seeking a drink. Koga would take the time to examine the man to look for a threat in him, or a simple customer. However when the realization snapped in his head, rage would begin to brew. The man before them was none other than the leader of this attack himself. The face in the sky, the vague information, he was it's retainer. With gritted teeth Koga would hold himself back and tend to the tavern to keep himself in check. He'd start by flipping up the tables and pulling out the bolts one by one. Broken glass and bottles, would be swept up with his hands alone not caring for any minor scratch that might have cut into him.

The balance of the transformation was good, keeping up the stable appearance of an old war veteran. When "Tomoko" would ask for more war stories Koga would speak up. His voice was raspy as if he smoked too much. "Damn Tomoko, do you need a war story every hour? I swear girl can't get enough of two things,alcohol and stories." He would chuckle to himself silently taking note of the terrorist. He was scruffy, and had an eyepatch meaning a few things. He could either be missing an eye, or hiding something special. He was also a smoker, very avid as he even had a cig in his mouth during his little broadcast. Maybe he's got weak lungs, if we get into a long drawn out battle how would his stamina hold? Koga would continue his cleaning of the tavern until Tommy called him out. He would refer to him as Ken, and it came out of the man's mouth as if he knew this "Ken" for years.

"Yeah yeah Seven Sins, how fitting." He'd gracefully stride to Tommy's office searching around through his Tape Deck looking for the "Seven Sins" tape. It didn't take him long to find it. The cover was very intricate depicting each of the fabled 7 Sins on the cover using Oni as the art. Koga would come back tossing the tape around in his hand as he made his way to the boombox. "In all my years Tommy I don't think I've met anyone else with this tape. I still can't find out where you got this damned thing from. Gotta appreciate good art and good music. Here kid take a look." After removing the tape he'd slide the case over to Kaito so he could take a look at it. Deep down inside he wish he had a tiny explosive in the box to take away his hand but that was just wishful thinking. "What do you think of that, intense art right? Fits the hell on earth we got in these streets. I pray for the people who can't defend themselves out here." Koga would go to a window to look out watching for any other stragglers who might stroll on in, as Tommy's Tape began to play.

 

[Sand Council]

Kaito​

"A scotch would be wonderful. '67 is a good year."<i></i> Kaito nodded to Tommy and turned his attention to the blonde who had so excitedly finished his song for him.

The worn-looking Leader smiled to her, giving her an appreciative nod, "Few people remember such old songs. Only old war buffs and veterans, but luck has it I happen to be both. So I do have some stories I can share."<i></i> An exhale brought life to numerous smoke rings and a sweet scent to the air. Tommy clinked down the empty crystal glass and deftly poured the scotch, being careful to not slosh it, "How about something a bit more recent, an epic from the Plague Wars."<i></i>

This was when the disguised Koga returned, turning on the music and passing over the cassette box. A careful finger drew over the artwork, thoughtfully forming the shapes of the various imps, "People die in war, some without purpose and those are the most unfortunate."<i></i> Kaito stated, trading the tape box and his cigarette for the glass of amber liquid, taking a sip from it, "Plague."<i></i> The word hung with a lot of presence and he took another sip, "A time many would sooner forget than recount due to how dark it was. The initial outbreak was ended with great sacrifice on part of this village. The leaders, both its Kage and its Steward gave up their lives in exchange for their villagers. A noble and powerful gesture that would cement loyalty for decades."<i></i>

While it the air was tense as he spoke, a smile spread across his lips, "But such acts blind people, make them complacent. Especially when they dug their own grave and put the village into it calling it a safe haven from the outside world. As long as things seemed normal, nothing could be wrong. As long as things looked like they were there no one cared. Pieces of an ancient evil had been excised from Sunagakure and taken out into the wastelands of Wind Country. A group of mercenaries had been hired to transport said item and by the time they reached their destination all had died, save for one."<i></i> An index finger turned towards himself, "Isn't it scary to think that something that created the Red Death is just out there? It could have even found its way back here! Opportunity veiled in the turmoil. What was that old idiom? The best laid plans of mice and men.."<i></i>

Whenever they spoke of the Sunan people they were called 'mice'. Small animals, with even smaller brains locked inside their cage with no means of escape. Unleash a rabid animal inside and they would all soon be eaten. Plague, Predators, or just their own People would do the job. Tapping the counter-top to signify a refill, he turned his gaze back to Tomoko, "Not exciting in the typical sense, but it does end shivers down your spine just thinking about it, huh? What all has been happening that people haven't seen?"<i></i>

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Mako's eyes widened as she listened to Kaito speak of the Red Death. What drunk stupor she had seemed for a moment to be system shocked out of her, whether it was real or not. Mako remembered that war. It was a long terrible thing. When asked about it herself, she refrained from talking about it. Still though. "Hic."<i></i> Apparently her drunkeness was still present. "You do look good for your age. You look better than Ken does."<i></i> Mako sat there with a concept stewing in her mind. A very dark concept. She hadn't thought of it before, but it could be a possibility that the bomb could be a biological weapon. If that was the case then no man, woman, or child could be safe. A bio-bomb if detonated would force Suna to go into the wilds, which were currently in no state to be tamed for save haven. Yes. The Masashi were above. Yes. There was the caravan. Yes they would provide aid, but there was a limit. "Ken I luv me a good story. This one just sent chills down my spine. A real thinking one."<i></i> Mako would say as he returned.

Tommy took the tape from Koga and left the bar to grab the boom box. "Well. If you flip to the mini book you'll see that I got this signed by Zass. It was a long line up, but well worth it." Tommy smiled at his good fortunes. That smile turned into a frown. "Yeah. It's survival of the fittest out there... I can't say I'm a fan of that. Most of my clients I spose are weaker folks who need quick answers to their problems. Some of em aren't, some of em just drink casually. Others ... ah you know peer pressure." Tommy chuckled. "Tomoko here though, I think she's a girl who just wants to have fun."

"Thanks for the War story ser."<i></i> Mako would say. She chewed on her nails. "Kind of a shame really."<i></i> She would mumur.

"What's that?" Tommy would inquire.

"Your collection doesn't include any war time songs. You know just instrumentals."<i></i> She spoke softly. In response Tommy would shrug. "You and your rock music."<i></i>

 

[Enatsu]

Listening to the man speak brewed sympathy and anger in Koga. He could only wonder if all this was done out of revenge but he could only speculate since he truly didn't know squat about the Red Death. However instead of lashing out he only listened, being calm as he could muster. Koga would begin to tap his foot thinking on the words of Kaito. He was an old soldier seeking retribution or so it seemed to Koga. It still gave him no right, to involve those who had nothing to do with it. He couldn't help but wonder if the old idiom was referring to himself, or to Mako and Koga's plots, if Kaito heard them that is. Might be time for me to go, before he gets the drop on us. I've probably learned all I'm going to, and accomplished more than I thought. I'll take this as a victory for us and one step closer to stopping this chaos. Koga would stretch his arms backward and move to roll around his neck. He would begin walking towards Tomoko and would lean in close. "Looks like it's about time for me to hit the road little lady. I gotta get to the youngins before they wonder where daddy's at. Wouldn't mind seeing you around my place later if you got the time." He'd lean back out of her personal space hoping she got the message. Tommy, hold it down you hear? ... and kid, think long and hard about your decisions. Our sins all find a way back to us, in the end it's just a sword that wounds the one who wielded it." He wanted to make it known to the bastard who disrupted their semi form of peace that he'd face his sins in due time. While it wasn't said in malice every bone in Koga was wishing the worst upon Kaito. Justice or not, he caused the death of Koga's kinsmen and this shinobi would happily take the wound of revenge in order to inflict it. With a calm stride he'd move to exit from the tavern planning his next move. One to advance his position in this battle front.

[Topic Left]

 

[Sand Council]

Kaito​

"Good genetics mostly. It couldn't save my eye, but I've still good one good one left."<i></i> His fingers danced through the innerfold of the tape, studying the signature and thoughtfully put it back. Many in Wind Country would find themselves aging earlier on due to the harsh living it required of its inhabitants. Although young in visage, Kaito had been around long enough to see much of the indiscretions of the country, and much of the village's decisions that put it into the ground. There was something amusing to being in an environment where he was completely and utterly alone. That they were so accepting of his presence it was almost too obvious of a ploy. Ninja: no finesse anymore, no attention to detail. Or they were just mother-awful at forming plans on the fly. Not everyone had Kaito's legacy to back up his intellect.

"Instrumentals are the best, especially if you wind back time enough to where they're composed by the men and women who experienced the event."<i></i>

The man Ken held up a decent facade but made a hasty decision to leave their get-together early. While he did well to hide himself, the emotion contained within him betrayed him more than his poorly chosen line to exit with. A digit played along the rim of his empty glass, picking up any remnants to the scotch he had just finished, "Then don't be the one wielding the sword."<i></i> He finished and watched the man exit. The veiled threat had been perceived and responded to in kind. Kaito would have to write a letter to the new government of Sunagakure when this was all said and done and make sure they include acting lessons in their curriculum since clearly few of the Sunan forces knew how to hold a character.

"As I was saying, it was a good time when people were expected to be professionals in all fields. That learning one task and repeating it endlessly wasn't adequate to survive in society. Dolls and puppets can do that. To be a warrior and a musician and a craftsman and a politician was a standard held to all. I myself play a string instrument that hails from Fire Country. It has numerous strings and a bow. Mastery of such an item can seduces listeners and transplant them into a different reality."<i></i> He got up from his chair and closed his eye, listening to the music and to the ruckus in the streets, "Can you hear it? The screams, the tired breaths, the pleading? A music all on its own."<i></i> A shrug followed, "I do prefer classical myself, but Seven Sins isn't too bad."<i></i>

Remiss at his empty glass even after the typical response for a refill, he tossed a tightly rolled wad of money on the counter and strolled towards the side of the counter that led him behind it, spying the bottle of scotch that had been poured for him by leaning over. A few swift strides put him past Tommy and in possession of the liquor; movement that had seemed entirely too fluid. It was only half full, but he was an optimist and could appreciate even a little bit of such a fine year. Hopping back over the counter, he filled his glass and set down the remainder. A full gulp was taken from the glass and he let out a satisfied exclamation, "So Tommy, how was it fending off all the ruffians and hoodrats that came in here? You did a real number on the pour bastards. I counted twelve bolts, four which killed their targets, and another handful remaining behind the bar. Getting rusty? That kind of poor aim get ya killed in these times!"<i></i> A playful slap hit the wood of the bar, and Kaito laughed, taking another sip.

How long would they entertain him? Kaito was curious enough to wait and see. The longer he kept them in place the less they spent time planning and preventing any of his plans from being put into motion. A leader didn't need to make all the moves himself to see his tactics executed. Sunagakure on the other hand had no leader, no concrete plans, and the rash shinobi that had left didn't really seem to have the wits to decipher a fraction of what was happening around him to even stand against the machinations that had been put into motion.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

A dark skinned man with a bald head and veiled eyes arrived with a guide a beastial looking man and his demonbeast tiger. The one with the tiger was the spitting image of Toraono Kuro and he made his way about as if he didn't care if anyone thought he was. As the blind man followed the beast man he led him to a moderately well lit corner and helped him up onto a stage where he sat down and began thrumming and tuning an acoustic guitar. As he strummed the chords and tightened the strings to his liking he checked his bridge with expert care and precision. It was clear to see by just looking at the guitar that it was made of elderwood and eerie violet crystals. He began his song in earnest and a two beautiful women with beautiful blue eyes and well made kimono's made their way to join him playing a drum set and another guitar all brought in by the beastial looking man while his tiger lay at the foot of the stage. It was then that the lights dimmed just a bit as his performance began. He didn't use a microphone but his voice was heard clearly.
"This is a song by Gyousan Ichiren no Arissu ((Alice in Chains)) if you know the words feel free to sing along.</COLOR><i></i>
"Tiger ((Rooster))"
ooooohhh oooohh ooooohhh

Ain't found a way to kill me yet…
Eyes burn with stinging sweat…
Seems every paaaath leads me to nowhere mmmhmmm

Wife and kids, household pet…
Suna Shinobi was no safe bet.
The blades of enemies screeeam for me from somewhere mmmhmmm


Chorus:
Here they come to hunt the tigeeeerrrrr aww yeaaahhhh

Yeeeeeah here comes the Tiger, YEeeeaaaaAH!!
You know he ain't gonna die!!
Nooo, no, noooo, ya know he ain't gonna die

The guitar begins to speak its own language as the song continues and those that listen hard enough can feel the angst and emotion of the song, the drive of the warrior to survive all.

Here they come to hunt the tigeeeerrrrr aww yeaaahhhh

Yeeeeeah here comes the Tiger, YEeeeaaaaAH!!

You know he ain't gonna die!!
Nooo, no, noooo, ya know he ain't gonna die

Walkin' tall SAMURAI maaan
They spit on meeeee in my home land
My girl sent me pictures of my boy
Got my pills against genjutsu death
My buddy's breathiiinnng' his dying breath
Oh god please won't you help me make it through mmmhmmm

Chorus:
Here they come to hunt the tigeeeerrrrr aww yeaaahhhh

Yeeeeeah here comes the Tiger, YEeeeaaaaAH!!

You know he ain't gonna die!!
Nooo, no, noooo, ya know he ain't gonna diiiie
ooooohhh oooohh ooooohhh
ooooohhh oooohh ooooohhh

Spoiler

Actual song for reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gHiR1xeOSs

Mouku Kuro identified the scents of everyone in the room, noting the new and the old and the man whom stood out with a scent of power was the smoker. He was very easily tracked now.. With a nod to his tiger to keep watch Mouku Kuro stepped back outside the bar to take in more scents and identify a few more targets for the upcoming hunt.

The singer readied himself for another performance nodding to the women behind him for their assistance before asking a question out loud. <COLOR color="indigo">" To all present does anyone have any requests I can play just about anything and sing just about any song especially if you have it in braille, so don't be shy please make a request." His sonar kept a steady pulse with his music and he could literally feel every movement in the chamber. Once he had a good feel for the room it would be time for another aspect of Kuro to make a check in on the area and ascertain a solid feel for the threats in the immediate area.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Bloody fool. He allowed himself to fall short. Granted he got himself out of there, but the alias of Ken was now probably defunct. Koga would need to take a new form it would seem, Mako hoped he was smart enough to do that. Mako didn’t put it past Kaito either to pick up on Koga’s shortcomings. This man was a veteran like herself. Kaito was probably already three steps ahead plotting to have Koga be met with on his way home by some unfortunate means. Mako herself didn’t want to lose a good solider like Koga this far in the game, which admittedly was in its early stages. “Gud genetics yous says? Gud genetiks go along ways.”<i></i> It seemed that Kaito like herself was missing an eye. He could still be hiding something like spiritual inventory to re-create an eye. Possible yes.

Tommy laughed. “Good gods man. That’s morbid.” Tommy would say as he listened to Kaito speak of the screams as a sort of music. “You call yourself a classic man in terms of music, didn’t expect you to like screamo.” Tommy pulled out some glasses and gave them an inspection. “Still though it takes an expert to get that ringing out of a glass. Now then, show me your hands.” Tommy looked at Kaito’s hands when he tossed him the money. “Now then. By process of elimination, I figured you played a … well I’ve narrowed it down to a viola, a fiddle, or a violin. Now I suppose a multi-facted individual like yourself don’t fancy a fiddle. So… that brings us to viola or violin.”

“Both of em looks the same toooos me.”<i></i> Mako would interrupt. Following the interrupt came Kaito’s sudden movement of hopping over the counter. “Hey nows… he’s got moves.”<i></i> Mako suspected that Kaito here could hold his own in a fight.

Following that Kaito made the remark of Tommy’s poor aim getting him killed some day. “Well. There’s a saying. Takes months to find a client. Seconds to lose one. Those corpses there weren’t customers. I know a customer when I see one, and you’re …” He would pause his eyes shifting over to the wad of yen. “You’re a customer. Hell I didn’t even have to forward you the bill yet.”

Curiously one Toraono Kuro would make an entrance. Tommy gave him a raised eyebrow. “I wasn’t expecting a band to come in.” Inwardly Mako was cursing herself and several other things. The game was getting deeper and deeper, but this? This was getting ridiculous. She knew Kuro had liked the theatrics, but this was too much…

“Play… plaaaayyy uussss Your Decizzzion. I luvs that song.”<i></i> She would call out. She would turn to Kaito. “I like Gyousan Ichiren no Arissu, bad terribal shaaame what happened to their old singer.”<i></i>

 

[Sand Council]

Kaito​

The arrogance of the Sunan shinobi had Kaito grinning awfully wide; the liquor acting as a good cover for his psuedo-giddiness. All major players had been identified long prior to anyone even sneezing in the general direction of Sunagakure. Toraono Kuro didn't need as much attention as the others due to his overly brazen style that made him stand out like a sore-thumb. All of his bodies weren't hard to trail and for Kaito it was easier than taking a swig from his glass. Shinobi blazed like beacons, their life essence more overwhelming than the standard human. Trackers were common in the ninja-world, but a true hunter knew how to follow its prey without letting them know and disallowing anyone from trailing him.

Even in the best efforts of the sharp-senses of the tracker Kuro desired to use, the scent of the man at the bar would suddenly change at next whiff. Each time he puffed outward on his cigarette, it changed again, making it seem like something completely different. To assume a man who had stacked the deck in his favor would do anything to freely hand out an advantage would be foolish. The countermeasure had actually been created for the famed Inuzuka clan and their ilk, but it doubled to distort any who an acute sense of smell or method of grabbing onto specific identifiers. The moment Kaito opted to leave, short of following him, he would vanish back into the chaos-strewn village undetectable.

Spinning on his stool, he leaned back against the bar, watching with mild amusement at the spectacle, "It's rather odd that so many people are just stumbling into this particular bar, isn't it? I counted at least ten different establishments on my way here that still had inventories intact to entertain. Peculiar, huh?"<i></i> The ringleader popped a hand up into the air and inspected it in a circle, looking at the wear of his skin and the telltale signs of his musical endeavors, "Quite right, though, Tommy my boy! Violin was my first love, but I did have a brief time in my life where I was able to learn a few others too. Even something as folky as the fiddle. Good observation! Next rounds on me."<i></i> A subtle roll of his hand and another roll of bills appeared. He laid them onto the counter without a second thought. They were stained with blood.

How long would they attempt to hold up the charade before they too thought it was over done and obvious? How long would they decide it was foolish to sit inside a bar when people literally died in the streets outside?

Kaito had all the time in the world.

They didn't.