Kazoku Arc [Private - Eiji, Ryuichi, Shizuka only]

[Kiri]

It was a cold dark night. Mist formed with each breath, quickly blown by the night breeze. It wasn’t that time of the year for snowfall and yet the mountain was already as cold as it should be. He only hoped the rest of the kids were properly prepared and suited up for this mission. Wearing a black hoodie under a white coat that reached past his knees, coupled by similar black pants and combat boots, a yellow backpack, and his already frowning expression, Uri turns back to face the kids to see if they were keeping up.

This was a mission that was given to the kids as part of their assessment tests. Becoming a genin was a big step up from just mere academy students and much were expected of them. Well, it was, perhaps, appropriate. It was time they knew that they were no longer going to be treated as kids, and that this was the start of the long journey to what they covet.

Just this morning, they had gathered by the entrance of the village. For some strange reason – perhaps being the mentor of the two, and that his fate as well as Shizuka’s seemed to be intertwining a lot lately – he was called to be the one to supervise the mission that was assigned to the kids. He didn’t even know that they would be grouped as such. He was just glad that no random kid had shown up. This way, he had an idea of what they were capable of and could confidently just observe.

The mission was a quick recon survey of the mountains after reports of bandits have been pillaging one of the outlying villages. Still, if there was a point were they would have to engage in battle, they would have to prepare. Of course, Uri made it known to them that he would let them handle the encounters unless he thinks it’s too dangerous. Something along the lines of experiencing real life combat situations was important now that they were genins. But that didn’t mean he would be complacent. In fact, he knew for one that the mountains they were heading off to were one of the harshest and coldest in the country. It was more of a battle against the elements that should worry them. So a simple recon should be enough, and hoped the kids won’t be put to danger amidst frigid situations. For unlike them, he could let his blue flames ebb within his body and keep himself warm, thus allowing just enough layers of clothes to cover him without burdening himself or stifling his movements.

And so, as they have reached the entrance of the mountain pass, it was already nighttime, and he could tell that the kids were already feeling the chill in their bones. Not a good start, perhaps.

“Surveying the entire vicinity can take a week at best. There should be caves along the way, so we’ll take shelter there. Don’t push yourself too hard or else you’ll find that mother nature isn’t too kind for your liking. If at any point you feel like you’re having trouble breathing, or you body is getting heavy, please let me know immediately. You might think you don’t want to be a burden to everyone in this team, but falling ill due to stubbornness can be fatal, and we all will be returning alive to the village, even if I have to force you all and fail this mission. Do you understand?” Said Uri. Perhaps Ryuichi and Eiji would have been used to his sort of threatening tone by this time, but there was something different tonight. It sounded far more serious. There was still that aggressiveness, but there was also something of a protective tone that they would probably feel as though Uri was not about to give a fuck on anyone’s complaints. It was like he had his mask on but didn’t have to. Not entirely a completely different person yet, but certainly not the usual Uri. Perhaps it was the lack of mischief and the way his eyes burned red like blood that made him different than usual. “On that note, at the nearest village at the foot of the mountain that we just passed, there should be a mednin stationed there. Here are flares for each of you. If at any point we are separated or injured, do not hesitate to use this. As I said earlier, I prefer to return home in time for next week’s class with all three of you ready and alive. No one is dying under my charge. Got it? Aside from that, I’ll put Shizuka as interim leader while I will supervise. You all have the map of the mountain, so let’s start.”

He gave them each a signal flare wrapped by a cloth to keep the magazine safe from the cold and possible accumulation of dirt or snow. Then, when they were ready, he would only follow from behind them, making sure he was within easy reach to grab any in case if something were to happen.

[Topic Started]
[Requesting Eiji, Ryuichi, Shizuka]
[Private Topic. If invaded, prepare to be bmod called upon]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

Thick jacket, check. Scarf, check. A backpack with things she thought she might need and a blanket rolled up into a tight roll fastened to the underside of said backpack, check. A small amount of snack, check. For water they could melt snow or find a little stream. Besides, it being Cloud, she figured it would rain if it wouldn’t snow, anyway. Tightening the scarf around her neck, she dug her gloves-clad hands deeper into the pockets of her charcoal grey jacket. Somehow the cold seemed to bite through the various layers of clothing she wore. It was a good thing the boots she had picked had fur on the inside. Otherwise she might have lost some of her toes already. Not that she was complaining too much, the cold was better than heat. She really hated baking temperatures and melting sun rays, but this.. this was a bit much, even for her standards. The question arose of what she had done to earn herself such a mission. Walking up the hill had her remember the survival training she had done as a student. This seemed a bit more extreme, even if the last time they had been drugged and dumped on the mountain without any warning or preparation. That was some crazy time, she thought to herself while a gentle smile touched her lips.

That was until she caught the team leader mention “failing the mission”, or something like that. Her thoughts had been elsewhere. So, Shizuka turned a little, nose sliding under her scarf as it was hidden from the wind. This, then, appeared to be a real mission or.. damn, she should have re-read the instructions handed to them, probably.

Cosily nodding in her scarf and jacket, she frowned a bit when the aggressiveness seeped through his voice. Something about the guy was always on the edge. She didn’t give it too much thought, though. Mostly because she trusted him to be on their side - to be true to his words. That’s why he could be looking threatening all he wanted to, he had just told them that he cared. She found this behavior oddly amusing, but also a little fascinating. In ways they seemed similar-

Huh?

“What?”

She found that she had blurted out the question before processing the full extension of his words. He had to be kidding, but the look on his face said otherwise. The little Senju growled inwardly, shifted a bit in her layers of baggy, cosy, clothes and gave him a darker frown. It was a “you could have at least asked..” look mixed with “what a hassle”. Now he had decided to drop a responsibility on her she hadn’t asked for. Great, the genin sighed to herself while putting away the flare.

Unfolding the map took some fondling with it. Especially with the gloves on. Sigh, the road curled onward. She wasn’t sure if he expected her to plan the way they would do the whole survey or what, but she figured that noting down the possible shelters was the best course of action. They could, perhaps, even set up their first camp a couple of miles further - if the cave would be large enough.

Crunch, crunch, their steps echoed through the area.

“Depending on how tired we are.. I would suggest making a shelter here,” pointing toward the potential cave, she hoped that whoever had created these maps was somewhat decent at his job. “or.. we move further and try over there,” another pointing, clumsy fingers in gloves. “Going even further seems dangerous in case a storm hits or something..”

Being open to suggestions, she looked from Eiji to Ryuichi and then to the one who actually got to decide matters, unless he planned to hang back and relax. Then he really had some trust in them, which was both flattering and risky.

* * *​

 

[Otani Ryuichi]

Ryuichi stood behind the others in a heavier haori than his usual attire, along with his usual teal scarf and a newer matching bandana. His black katana strapped to his back, and a careful air around him. Every breath he let out would release frozen air in front of his face. Despite wearing less clothes compared to the senju, all his clothes were lines with metal bars that react to chakra making them warmer, much like how Uri could easily have the same effects without outside help.

It was ffffffffffffffreaking cold, He was barely able to hear the members of the squad through the blowing winds and general outside noise. However, what would a nin be without the ability to hear a simple conversation like this?

Sucking up and listening to the adult in the group, Ryuichi nearly protested the Senju being the leader. However, it was nothing besides the right answer. She was completely outclassing both Eiji and Ryuichi in terms of skill, and tactics if their previous training was anything to go by. 'Eiji...' He glanced at Eiji in the snowy white fields. 'There's something about you. Something weird. Why did you let shizuka do all the work back then? What if we get into trouble here? What the hell was that weird chakra? Is that why you're slacking?' The Training nin thought to himself, walking along.

He cut himself from those thoughts for the moment. Things like that could plague the mind, and make accidents more prone to happen. That was something that was completely unacceptable for the elite. Hearing Shizuka question the two of them, Ryuichi was the first to answer, activating his sharingan and looking into the grey skies. When he was like this, even the smallest differences in color seemed to pop, and make a world of difference. Seeing one cloud shades of gray darker than many of the others slowly drifting towards them was cause for worry.

"I see a large, darker cloud in the distance. I think we have an hour or two before it drifts close. It may not even be cause for worry, but it's information we need ta' keep in mind. What do you think, Eiji?" He said looking over to the doton specialist as his eyes shifted to their usual aquamarine shade.

 

[Keigo Oen]

"...Gotta shapen up..."

"...Tsk tsk... You're running away from me? You act like I'm not here? Its completely unbecoming of you Young Eiji~"

Eiji would freeze in place as he stood infront of the mirror looking at his reflection. The Dreams were becoming more and more hazey. He could see her... a woman with six arms sporting a loose Kimono with spiritual beads for prayer. Her skin was frigidly blue and the flowing sakura flower colored hair seemed to wave all around her. Her hands... seemed to always be reaching around the shoulders of Eiji, but every time Eiji saw her face to this point all he would see was a blinding light. 'I cannot look upon the face of... whatever she is...' thinking to himself as he stood infront of the mirror just before hearing her voice again.

He felt her presence... within his chest. He felt her all around him, but he'd always felt like he was never alone. Always feeling a presence just behind him...

"I'm going crazy... Thats gotta be it...", shaking his head again he would feel himself losing grip of himself from time to time. It made him... not want to do anything, not so much lazy as it was the fear of what was with him being something he couldnt control. And that would place alot of pressure on him to keep things together. The less he used his chakra the lesser chance he had to have whatever he was feeling to come back.

'Shit... Today we have that mission.' he'd think as he heard Uri rumbling about the flat, Aya was off doing something else, so it would be Ryu and Himself going with Uri-senpai to go figure out whatever they needed to do. The mission was simple from what he heard Uri mentioning it. Eiji could use minimal chakra and ability to get through this hopefully and relying upon his natural abilities which didnt take much chakra at all. "Heh, Ryu when we get back... How about a game of shogi?", he'd speak before they headed out. Though once at the gate things would take a different tone.

Eiji was happy he always dressed rather thickly, because this was a particularly chilling day. "F--fff-f-f-REEK! Its Cold AYE EFF out here!", the winds seemed to cut through his layers of clothing, but Eiji kept his respirator on to give himself optimal breathing because they were so high up in the mountains that the active oxygen levels seemed to fluctuate. Whether that was scientifically proven was to be seen... because Eiji didnt know anything about that. Though they would be met with Shizuka, she was a cute gal, younger than Eiji but stronger than anything he'd ever seen from someone her age. She was likely the strongest person in his age group.

"I can go for getting shelter for a bit." looking to Shizuka before turning to Ryuichi, "Uh, Well if we take Shizuka's idea we might be able to get a bit more info in the surveying of the field. I know with my ability to feel the area through the vibrations under us... I can tell if we're walking into an ambush or not... but we wont be any good if we're taken off guard by something... so I'd say lets wait it out.", though his tone was a bit lazed in its tone but he did have a hint of seriousness behind it. It was almost as if he didnt want to believe his own words but he would not want to give anyone bad intel. So, the best intel was the 90% to 100% Factual information... Eiji liked beind completely sure before committing to anything.

"I'll leave that up to Shizuka... might as well." with a nod though, Eiji would feel himself hands over his shoulders running down his chest upon looking down he could see the hands of the woman from his dreams reaching around his neck and chest, "You've got to find your confidence... you've got more... do... more..." though only he could hear and see her, Eiji didnt know that so he would find himself flailing a bit before looking around between all his comrades.

"YO! DID YOU SEE THAT!?"

[WC=698]

 

[Kiri]

Having placed their options to the kids, Uri didn’t mind their momentary planning. It was important that they learn to make choices for themselves as well as for the whole. However, he noticed something strange. His eyes narrowed down to Eiji as he could feel something about the boy. It wasn’t abrupt. It had been a recent thing, and though he didn’t voice out anything when they lived together in the apartment, he figured he should now that they were in a mission.

“I don’t think it’s anything malicious though,” said Chika’s voice as the soul inside him stirred. Uri allowed her to manifest her chakra and perhaps this might have caught the boy’s attention even for the briefest of moments, and maybe the strange presence within him. The sight of the horned soul would surely make anyone jump, but as far as Uri was concerned, only the few could truly make out her appearance. And after a while, Chika would nod her head as she seemingly settled to putting her hands around Uri’s neck like a floating spirit who was lingering far too long, with eyes that stared intently on the boy in question. “Hmm… yes, at the moment, it’s nothing to worry over. If anything, you have the option to burn. The flames of retribution, the blue flames, will not be so easily deterred, even by migrant souls.”

Uri raised a hand at those words and the entire entity would disappear, his chakra pulse normalizing. He didn’t wish for things to come to that point though, so he briefly approached Eiji from behind and placed a heavy hand over the boy’s head. “Don’t lose focus. You’re more than just a back-up, you know. You’re the van of the group.”

Then, he looked over at the map and nodded at their assessment. “Alright, if you deem it necessary, then let’s settle in the cave and wait until at least the gusts die down. And we might as well check on your conditions. We’ve only begun but we need to make sure your rations are within acceptable,” he added.

He would follow from behind them as they would begin to move.

[WC: 362 + 853 = 1,215]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

Watching the map in her hand shiver a little as she tried to fight the cold, Shizuka took a deep breath. Airs icy claws ran through her lungs. That’s when she realized that it was too cold to go on like this. She had to use at least a little chakra to keep herself warm. Saving energy for emergencies was a good idea, but if she would end up being half-frozen by the time she had to move her fingers to make hand seals, well, that seemed like a bad situation to get herself - and her group - into.

Thin tendrils of warmth slowly crept through her body. They made their way through her chest, her limbs and into her fingertips and toes. She let the guys hold onto the map as her stiff fingers managed the necessary seals. This would do, she thought as the shaking from before grew less and less until it faded. The cold air against her face was almost refreshing now. She let the fire inside simmer, then took back the map with a steady hand.

Her eyes followed Ryuichi’s into the sky, but saw nothing. His sharingan were truly great. She was happy to have him around for with him they could perceive things better. And everything he missed, Eiji might be able to catch. Slowly she was gathering more information about her teammates and could try to figure out a plan of sorts. One that didn’t count on Uri, because he was the back-up.

“Alright, let’s build a shelter there th-,” her voice went lost in Eiji’s sudden outburst. He flailed, but Shizuka couldn’t see anything on him. There was no way that he could be already hallucinating from the cold, right? Just a moment ago he was at ease and talking with confidence. Surely this had to be a joke.

“Dude, you okay?” She started out but it seemed that sensei planned to handle this one. Perhaps that was the best scenario, because she wouldn’t know how to stop someone from hallucinating aside from slapping them. Oh, apparently, patting, sort of, helped too - she watched the hand placed on Eiji’s head. Then smiled.

“Alright guys, let’s go before Ryuichi’s cloud hits us like a bomb.” Nodding she set out. If she was to lead for now, that was fine. She would try to pay attention to the road, to her surroundings and potential dangers. Hopefully, the ones behind would too. Being far from flawless Shizuka felt like Ryuichi could have been the better option to walk up from, his eyes saw further than hers did. There was a brief moment where she wondered if she should ask him to actually go first, but a part of her didn’t want him to get hurt. Not on her account. Maybe that’s where she understood the redhead’s thought on the matter of them dying. None in this group were allowed to.

They walked, the snow crunched. She no longer felt that there was a need to hide her gloved hands in her pockets. They held onto the map, tightly. Now and then she had to shake off a couple of lost flakes.

“There, seems like we’ve made it. Hmm, if someone could melt some snow so we don’t have to sit in it, then I’ll set up a small wall on the side so we don’t get snowed in… maybe.” While not entirely sure if that would help should the snow try to cover them completely, she felt like having a connection to the entrance.

* * *​

[Total words: 1.238]

 

[Otani Ryuichi]

Hearing Shizuka take his knowledge to heart gave Ryuichi just a twinge of pride, as well as a donning realization of why he felt that his contribution meant so much. 'my first mission...' he thought to himself, letting his sharingan come back to life once again to keep an eye out for anything that could damper their plans. Right. It was his first mission it was also the first chance to fail. If anything went wrong, then there wouldn't be enough of a reason for him to be AiT. If he was stupid enough to let anything of note go unseen, then he'd be to blame. What if an enemy nin was stalking them? What if the terrain itself began to fall apart? No matter the case this mission had to work out.

Ryuichi's life before he had joined the academy wasn't the worst one could imagine, but it's what caused this mindset to sprout. He was around 8 years old when he found his mom's old handheld blade, not even well-crafted enough to be called a dagger, or kunai. Just a simple blade with a wrapped up ribbon handle. After he had discovered that a ninja's main weapon for e was throwing it at a log one day when his dad was gone, not able to get it to land and stick into the wood. Then. The one time. The single time he had slipped up...

Ryuichi felt a phantom pain, remembering the sensation of a razor sharp blade digging into his leg due to him tripping. He remembered how it slid from just below the knee to nearly at his ankle. He remembered the bleeding, the crying, the fear. He thought he would die. Why had Ryuichi remembered all of this now of all times? It haunted him in his dreams. He almost died before his life began. But he was alive. So why? Why was he so afraid...afraid of death.

During this time lost in thought Ryuichi's breathing became a little rushed, and the thinning air around him only made it seem like everything was moving. Why now? He had repressed this during the genin testing. He thought he was over this.

However, in an attempt to look for something to direct his focus to he saw the situation with Uri, and Eiji. In front of him he could see two people. Two people he could call closer than almost anyone else at this point. But something was off with their chakra. It was as if their own chakra was a simple, sustaining fire in their core. Only to be brought out when it was needed. Uri's was a lighter shade of blue, and dance like any fire would. Eiji's was brown, and blue, and shifted in patterns of quick movement followed by moments of stillness.

But something was coming out of each of them. Behind Eiji was a mass of bright pink chakra that had movement that could only be described as a million falling cherry petals. It had the vague shape of a human, but nothing else Ryuichi could tell. Uri-sensei had another figure forming around him, kind of like some kind of cloak of normally unseen chakra. It had the same movement patterns as Uri, but the color was a darker, yet more brilliant shade of blue...exactly like the fire he used in battle.

Bewildered by the sight, Ryuichi couldn't talk for a good few moments and only followed shizuka, only looking away once the sight before him vanished.

Once they arrived, Ryuichi had caught up with himself, and thought to throw a suggestion towards the senju. "If you make a wall that doesn't look natural then we'd be obvious to anyone on the outside. Same goes for me using a fire jutsu to melt the floor, since the light would be a give away. I don't think we're being followed, but we need to act as if we are...this is kind of a test, yeah?" He thinks for a few seconds and snaps his fingers. "How about you use your wood style to make a floor along the cave? If you can manage more complicated things, then some kind of opening in the floor for hiding if things went south would be optimal. Me, and Eiji can both take turns on watch. With my eyes being able to see past each snowflake, and Eiji being able to see with the ground in a way...it could work out." He finished with no emotion on his face. Right now he wasn't sure if Eiji was fighting fit, nor did he know if there actually was a catch to this mission. The final decision lied in shizuka's hands.

[757 wc]

 

[Keigo Oen]

Uri's hand would raise to calm Eiji, placing it on his noggin and telling him that he was the 'van' of the group. Whatever the hell that meant, but he took it as a compliment. Uri wouldnt be trying to tear him down, right? He was supposed to be a teacher and teachers were ment to bring up the youth. Eiji's eyes would gloss for a momsnt before coming completely to. It was apparent that he would have to indeed focus himself... because the more he would try to shake it, the more he would feel a presence with him. Something that was pursuing him, trying to get something out of him. Who knows what it could be... or what it would mean for Eiji's future.

"Ye-..yeah I'm fine Shizuka-chan. I'm just... trying to get pumped for the mission.", nodding once again he would find himself pursuing more of a chance to invigorate himself. Listening to Shizuka's leadership he would nod. This was a mission he would likely get to support his comrades and show his skills. Genjutsu and Ninjutsu being his foremost abilities. His Taijutsu was still lacking, and Ranged was even worse. Though, that would change in the future, as for now it was his present day feelings. Eiji'd look to the cloud then to the cave, the snow fall around them seemed gentle but the silence of the snow as it crunched below them would be alittle unsettling.

Following Shizuka he would fee himself becoming more and more... aware of his surroundings. Maybe it was just him but he felt like someone was staring over his shoulder looking at him and awaiting him to turn to meet their gaze. 'Focus Eiji, geez man... why do I feel so eerie.' thinking to himself but once again the woman would speak out in his head. "...tsk tsk... Perhaps I'll leave you be... but When you see me again... I may not be so nice...", and with that even to those sensing the chakra they would no longer be able to sense it... but to visually see it, it would dramatically decrease... to a miniscule level. Enough that Eiji would seemingly become normal after it.

"Hm, Ryu... There has to be a counter, but we'll be fine for now if anything tries to come up against us while we're in here. The Earth in these cave walls I can manipulate a bit... as well as some other elements. Water and Wind. So any support you need will be covered by either myself or Ryuichi.", nodding again he didnt know many Fuuton jutsu but he knew enough to make Ryuichi's fire jutsu more potent in tandem.

"Alternatively... I can... Help Shizuka with the wood stuff... I'm not the best at it... but I'm working on it." he would be able to make a few jutsu he learned on the fly but nothing of any glory in ranking. It was all up to Shizuka at this point. Eiji would follow... until he would have to lead.

 

[Kiri]

With the group seemingly coming to a decision on their first strategy, Uri would give them the green light to proceed. “Alright, let’s do it. It’s better than freezing outside at this time of the night.” He followed from behind as they would find the cave mentioned in the map. While he was confident that their formation at the moment would allow them an optimum way of working with their strengths and weaknesses, he felt more secure when he was the one bringing up the rear. He didn’t want them to have any added burden of potential danger from behind. That, and because he wanted to observe their actions without much intervention. He knew that if his presence before them was too much that they would end up relying on him. This was their mission, after all, and so he would let them take full reign.

Coming to the cave, the group would begin their work to try and prepare their base of camp. With a cloud looming in the distance that threatened to make their journey perilous, this decision may just save them from further trouble. Or so they would think.

Suddenly, as they were preparing, Uri would look to the distance of the silhouette of the mountain up ahead as a sudden tremor shook the ground they stood on. Afterwards, there was a flash of light across the sky, lighting the darkness. It wasn’t a natural lightning, that was for certain, especially when the sound that rolled after it sounded more like an explosion than a thunder.

And then, amidst the darkness and the snowcapped mountain peaks, there was a fiery sea that reflected on the clouds and it came from the direction of the mountain up ahead. Danger was upon them before they even knew it.

[WC: 299 + 1,215 = 1,514]
[Note: There are 3 options here: 1- investigate, 2 - ignore and stay inside the cave to keep warm, 3 - leave the mountain and report to the other team in the nearest village]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

She would lie if she would say that she had actually thought about wood looking unnatural, but the idea of it being snow covered by the time anyone would appear almost had her point it out. Regardless, she nodded. A floor of wood might be less work than melting all the snow in there. The water would freeze in front of the cave, too. Ryuichi was pretty much right. “Alright, I’ll let you guys take care of the front then.” Surely Uri would help them, or her, out. Whoever needed it. She assumed.

About to turn to herself as they would proceed, Eiji mentioned wood. He immediately had all of her attention. She wasn’t aware that he either knew it from the start or had been working on combining elements. “Oh, if you would prefer that, I’m fine with it as well. I wasn’t aware that you used it.” It was up to him, really. She would be happy with both.

As they prepared the floor, the entrance, a potential hide-out and something resembling seats made from vines, the storm hit. At least that’s what she thought at first, but when the thunder rolled over and some sort of explosion seemed to follow, she tensed. Her eyes flew toward the opening of the cave. Crossing the logs that’s been growing from the ground for them to make themselves comfortable on, she was outside and in the snow a couple of moment later. The sky was ablaze.

The sight had Shizuka stand there, frozen, for a moment. She blinked, frowned, then figured out that this was begging to be investigated. If they would stay here then they could be hit by something unexpected any time soon. On the other hand, going back would simply let the potential danger come closer to the village before it would be noticed. That’s why, in her opinion, they had to go out and make sure that it wasn’t anything worrisome. Perhaps.. perhaps there was a training going on there, or an experiment.

Otherwise, they would need to gather information and alert the village. She hoped that it wouldn’t be anything bad. In fact, she really didn’t like the idea of something having come so close to her home before revealing itself.

Maybe it was just nature being as perilous as ever. Though, it didn’t look natural.

“Guys! I’ll go investigate! If I fire the flare, don’t come after me, warn the village! Once I’m aware what’s going on, I’ll try to send a clone.” Kept warm mostly by the fire jutsu, she threw a look from one to the other as the snow melted on her skin. Uri was the last one to receive her worried gaze. He had to know that they didn’t have much of a choice. Leaving her with both Ryuichi and Eiji would mean that if Uri died they would certainly be unable to make it. On the other side, if she were to be killed or captured, they could still get away and get back up.

Hopefully that wouldn’t be necessary. She knew death was certain for all of them, but she didn’t want it to be this soon. Slapping herself mentally, she concentrated on the task ahead and vanished into the snowy forest.

* * *​

[Total words: 1.782 | MFT 544]

 

[Otani Ryuichi]

Ryuichi quickly found himself sitting cross-leggerd, andstaring off into the distance as the others were creating their temporary hideout as the snow falling from the sky began to grow thick, and violent. His attitude becoming that of a steadfast guardian, watching over his people. If anyone, or anything threatened to come close he would know, being able to see past every snowflake in the dark sky to see what lies beyond, where the normal person's vision could normally be blocked by a hazy white distance.

The white hiding what lies beyond couldn't do much against the coming flash, however. Ryuichi quickly stood up, making sure everything was all right with his team before noticing the clear as day red in the sky. "I don't think lightning storms are that effective..." He said, watching as shizuka prepared to head out.

Ryuichi would have been the first to object if this wasn't the entire point of their mission. If he went against this now, then lives could be on the line, and so would his position as an AiT. Instead he made sure that Shizuka wasn't paying attention to him. Looking over to EIji, he sent a glance that could only say 'let's go with her' before holding his hands up into a cross-fingered seal, leaving behind a clone of himself. A few more flashes of his hands and began to sink into the ground below, vanishing to all except those who were actively looking for his chakra.

In this state he would carefully follow Shizuka. If anything went wrong, he knew he had the capabilities to at least try and save her and get out of their. Though, if anyone was able to beat her the chances were slim. 'I don't care. I won't let anything terrible happen.' he thought to himself, using his sharingan to keep track of the much more powerful, and fast girl through the earth.

when Shizuka was long gone from the base, Ryuichi's clone vanished, leaving nothing behind with Uri and Eiji.

 

[Keigo Oen]

Eiji'd figure that this would be an intriguing mission though, he was sure that he would know if something was coming especially since he was actively using his Earthen sensory. Though, things seemed to be getting strangely like those missions that you turned out more worse for wear by the end of it. It was unnerving not having that safety net in Uri to help them through this and to figure things out... but Eiji was lazy like that. He didnt mind doing the minor stuff. Subduing the enemy, collecting the secret document, pass the shrine of the silver monkey, Yanno, stuff like that. However, you ask him to camp out and prepare for some enemy that he may or may not even know is coming? It was rather unsettling to think about it.

"Heh, yeah I've known Mokuton for a while... just not to the extent that you know it. Though I'll cover this, you save your energy in case we get into a jam. You're tons stronger than I, and I trust you.", though as that would be said Eiji and Shizuka would prep the flooring and give it a soft wood feel. A subtle cushion... looking to Ryu he'd tilt his head wondering what he could be thinking throughout this.

Then looking at the storm with him, "Surely not, but then again it could be a distraction for something else.", looking to Ryu and nodding Shizuka would spout out and say she would go to investigate it and RYu's want to not let her go alone. Eiji had a clone jutsu as well but it wasnt the best. He could only make one at a time, and they only lasted one hit. Though he'd form the handseal for it, before allowing it to leave with them.

It kept its distance, but tracking with Ryu's clone they would watch... awaiting the next moves to be made.

TWC: 1,515.

 

[Kiri]

Without a moment too soon, Shizuka would take the helm as the leader and quickly give out her orders. Uri kept a good eye on her, watching for any sign of wavering or doubt. This unexpected scenario was definitely something far too fast for their liking, and as much as he would like first send out Karura to scout the incident, this would seem the perfect time to test their capability as a group. Besides, it would still be part of their given mission to simply scout the area for anything that was unwarranted. But just as he was about to respond to Shizuka’s bold decision about leaving alone, Ryuichi took a stand of his own, declaring he would follow her. Splitting up wasn’t exactly the best way to go about the situation at this very moment, and he was just about to interrupt them when Eiji chimed in his opinion on the matter.

When they were finally away, Uri turned to glance back to Eiji and patted him on the head. “Not bad. If there is something worth remembering, it’s that in every mission, you should never be separated from the rest. This is no simulation back at the academy, so it’s not something you three should take lightly,” he said as he walked towards the entrance of the cave. “Too bad. You guys took some time and effort to actually make this place but we’ll have to abandon it for now. Let’s go. We can’t let those two out of our sight. It’s bad teamwork from the get-go, especially when we don’t know what we’re up against.”

Meanwhile, as Shizuka would be moving in close towards the light of the flames along the mountain pass, she would suddenly hear the movement of the earth, and a yelp from behind. Unknown to her and to Ryuichi who was following close, a chakra pulse had struck the ground, coursed along before rising up to form a large clenched fist that would strike at where Ryuichi was at. And should Shizuka turn to face it, another would breach the ground behind her and grab her with a tight squeeze.

[OOC: sorry for delay. Free for all actions.]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

As quietly as was possible considering the crunching of snow wherever she put her feet, Shizuka smoothly moved forward toward the exciting yet terrifying sight. Her group depended on her, at least partly. Sensei was there to take care of the worst bits, she knew that much, but having taken up the responsibility of scouting the potential danger that lay ahead, she had to act as if she was the group’s spine. Now that she thought about it, all of them were. In fact, they were like pieces of a spine that allowed the body to function. The group was the body. One that was slowly moving toward the danger. She hoped that she would have the time to give them a sign should things get out of hand. Somehow the idea of being late caused her more fear than the idea of struggling on her own.

Concentrated on being quiet and not slipping, she was caught off guard when earth cracked and rolled. While she kept her balance physically the sound of her teammate yelping brought down a wave of confusion. Ryuichi was somewhere near?

Grabbing the trunk she slid around the tree she had landed on and made her way back to where earth was gathering into a fist. Forming seals in order to try to help out her friend, she soon noticed that she too was being under attack. From behind the earth slid up, curled around her and started to tighten.

Mere seconds ago she had been worried to be too late, to be a failure. The fear had been real and she had been convinced that it was worse than being crushed in battle. Right now, however, she wasn’t sure if that feeling was still true. Of course, the need to help her friends was there; a heavy pull, forever present. Yet, with her limbs being squeezed against her sides, she knew she didn’t want to die here.

“Damn!” the genin coughed, trying to move her arms just a little. It was too late for seals. Wood had to be her savior now. Either that or sensei, but with the latter nowhere in sight, she went with the Armor of Thorns. At least it would protect her a bit, perhaps even give her the opportunity to escape or attack the source of this smothering earth jutsu.

“Hey!” she growled, wood coating her body like a second skin. Thick branches tried to grow through the earth that’s been holding her. She struggled, tugged at the chakra around her to get it just right in order to have some seep into the ground. Then, from beneath the snow, sharp logs rose. Shooting out they tried to crush the hand holding her near the wrist. Should it succeed, she might be free at last. Then she would try to help - or.. should she move forward? Hide? Look for the ones behind this eruption of violence?

Biting her lip, she decided to take one step at the time. Freeing herself was the priority now.

* * *​

MFT: 506
Ooc: Hi guys! Sorry for the long wait. I hope that the post is alright. I'm a bit rusty. ^^

 

[Senju Shizuka]

[Considering this has been out there for a while and Eiji seems to be Leaf now, I'll have Shizuka leave this topic - IC it's just a vague mission that might have happened at some point.]

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