Lost and Found

[Kyuuji]

Riku would like to say he knew exactly where he was. Would like to say that despite he having only been in Sunagakure for a few days, that he had already memorized every monument and knew his way around perfectly. That’s what he would like to say. But that would be a big fat lie. Riku hadn’t a single clue how he’d got to where he had. The place looked vaguely familiar, though he wasn’t sure where he recognized it from. Perhaps he had passed by here when he had come to the village, but he had more focused on other things at the time. Like his father leaving him.

He stopped, looking for the ever present companion by his side for reassurance. Isamu was there, as always, the dog giving a whine before licking at his hand, the closest the dog could come to comforting the boy beside him. It provoked a brief smile and laugh from Riku, who petted the dog in return. “Thank you, ‘Samu,” He mumbled. His smile faded when he considered the situation he was in. He knew he was lost, no matter how much he didn’t want to be. If he could just get unlost that would be great.

“Should we ask someone for help, ‘Samu?” He asked the dog, carefully enunciating his words as practice, who only stared blankly at him. While the dog was a loyal companion, they hadn’t yet developed the bond needed for complete understanding. Isamu had a general sense for his emotions, like most animals seemed to, but that was all. He frowned, kicking at the ground. Hopefully he found his way back home- back to Michi’s place, that is, before it got dark at the very least. It wasn’t going to be dark for a while, but neither did it seem like he’d stop being lost for a while either. He wrapped his arms around himself.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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Kazuki’s presence was always felt before he could be seen. The part of him that belonged to the Deep Court had awarded him with a deathly cold aura. The Senju Overlord’s body naturally radiated an aura of cold that few were able to discard its effects. Such a sudden drop of temperature in his general vicinity wasn’t the only sign that he was near. The wind would begin to howl, a furious high pitch screech that would intensify the closer the White Wolf was, only to eventually subdue itself. The shadows in the area would grow livelier as he passed by, as if they had gained a sentience of their own, all of them trying to reach for the Occult Sennin as if procuring a blessing from their creator. The boy and his companion would, undoubtedly, feel something was wrong, more so than their inability to find some sense among the similar corridors of the Toraono Dojo. ”Who are you?”<i></i> a calm voice would reach Rikuto from behind him.[lb2][/lb2]If the Inuzuka were to readily turn around to face whoever had spoken to him, he would notice a very pale man with his arms crossed, staring at him. This guy had short, spiky and silvery hair and his face showed nothing but calmness. His irises were pitch black, stern and piercing and were fixed on the younger shinobi. The Occult Sennin was dressing a black and gray robe with silvery trimmings and an open colar, along with a large, red, flowing toga drapped around his body and across his chest. Black combat boots and black pants finished off his clothing choice. ”You do not seem a Toraono youngling. It seems you have lost your way young one.”<i></i> Kazuki would state as he walked one step closer to the duo. ”What is your purpose?”<i></i> he would inquire after yet another step. Nothing in the Senju Overlord’s stance or voice indicated any threat to Rikuto, but his figure was imposing and menacing on his own.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

A chill was in the air, was what Riku first thought. He shuddered. It was bad enough that he was lost, but now it was positively freezing. He was unable to stop himself from shivering, and he wrapped his overly large cloak further around himself, trying to keep himself warm in the face of the onslaught of such sudden lack of heat. When the wind started howling, it made him twitchy, glancing around, feeling as if he was hearing screams. It was a nightmarish sound, and he wanted it to stop, but he felt frozen in place, like he couldn’t move. It was when he saw the shadows were stretching out and curling, as if seeking something, that he began to feel terrified. He couldn’t even shiver anymore, frozen as he was in fear. His instincts screeching at him that something dangerous was nearby, and for once he didn’t doubt what they were saying.

So spooked was he, when a voice pierced the haze he was in, he could barely hear the words. He spun around, wide-eyes taking in the man. When the menacing man took a step closer, that was about all his human brain could take. It was so quick, that if one looked away one might have missed it. One moment, there was a terrified boy watching what he was certain was his doom, and the next there was a puppy. If one was accustomed to the wildlife of Wind Country, they might even recognize it as a dune wolf pup. The dune wolf shivered in the presence of the man, and it whimpered, tail tucked between its legs. Its ears pressed flat to its head, and it dare not move. All it knew was that this was a dangerous creature before it.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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”Who are you?”<i></i> would be Kazuki’s first question, one that would go unanswered by the younger shinobi. The boy would spin around as he heard the Senju Overlord’s voice, eyes wide open, in sheer terror. Was he doing something wrong? There was no real reason for such reaction. The White Wolf had not threatened him with a painful punishment, at least not yet. Innocent until proven guilty, that was the Occult Sennin’s operational mode. Of course, one couldn’t discount the surprise effect his sudden appearances tended to have. For one not accustomed to Reaper, it would seem the actual Grim Reaper had come to grab your soul and send it into the lower depths of the earth. He wasn’t there for that, though. He had saw a young kid wandering around the Toraono Dojo, seemingly lost, and he had approached Rikuto to assist him. Unfortunately, the boy was shivering with fear and as soon as the Deep Court Hybrid drew near, the boy simply vanished from sight. In his stead, a tiny pup, tail tucked between his legs, ears completely flat, awaited Kazuki. One step. ”Calm down young canine.”<i></i> Another step. ”I am not here to hurt you, quite the opposite.”<i></i> Another step.[lb2][/lb2]The Senju Overlord was less than a meter away now and he kept drawing near. A wooden platform would raise the pup from ground, allowing the White Wolf to inspect it without resorting to physically pick it up. Maybe the canine was terrified of the human male, but if backed into a corner, the logical response was to strike back and that would end badly for definitely not human of the two. [darkred]”Dune Wolf. Interesting choice for a companion you have here.”[/glow] he would note, speaking to the boy that remained out of sight. The platform would descend, releasing the pup once again. ”You can come out now. Your reactions clearly indicate you are lost and afraid. That you have lost your way. I can show you the right direction if you show yourself and talk to me. If you do not, I will have to drag you out from darkness, and you will not want that. I guarantee it.”<i></i> the Occult Sennin would warn him. ”Your choice.”<i></i> And it was an easy one.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

The dune wolf pup shivered as the dangerous presence approached him. A quiet yelp let him as he found the ground beneath his feet rising. He grew further tense as the sennin came nearer, and by the time that he the sennin backed away, he was just about ready to go on the offensive. As the shinobi backed away, the pup didn’t quite relax, but a tension in the air dissipated some. A tiny, not particularly intimidating, growl came from nearby, not from the dune wolf pup, but from the original puppy that had been by the boy’s side, making its presence known. It was quite clearly a dog, for all that it had pointy ears like its wolf counterpart. It had run off when the shinobi had approached, but upon seeing its companion being captured, it had gathered its own courage and returned.

Words pierced through the hazy mind of the wolf, reaching the human consciousness within. At first, the words were almost reassuring, and the foggy thoughts turned towards the idea of returning to his human form, giving it serious consideration. Riku wasn’t quite sure how to turn back, he had only been in this form once before, and he couldn’t quite recall how he had managed to change to his human form at that time. He had been exhausted and about to fall asleep when he had become human again, so it could perhaps be related to a state of calmness. But he had hardly been able consider that, when what was recognized as a threat came from the man, and the pup growled, though the sound was as pitiful as that of his companion’s. Thoughts of willing transformation were forgotten in lieu of alert instincts screaming danger at him. The slight calmness that had allowed him thought despite his fear was gone, leaving only a feral mentality.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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As soon as the Dune Wolf pup hit the ground, a second growl, coming from Kazuki’s left, made itself heard. Another puppy, this one a dog for certain. ”Another dog? It seems the Toraono Dojo is suffering a canine infestation.”<i></i> the Senju Overlord would remark as he took several steps back. Both pup and puppy seemed calmer now, maybe because they were getting accustomed to the White Wolf’s presence or maybe because the surprise factor, created by his appearance, was vanishing. ”You can come out now.”<i></i> Reaper would order, clearly addressing the Dune Wolf pup. After realizing, the boy wasn’t going to obey, he would analyze the situation. ”Transformation jutsu?”<i></i> No, although the jutsu was quite good at masking one’s appearance, this one seemed far too perfect. The resemblance to a real Dune Wolf was uncanny. ”No.”<i></i> the Occult Sennin would note as he scratched his chin. ”There is only one other possibility, you are an Inuzuka.”<i></i> That was the only real, logical solution to the problem at hand.[lb2][/lb2]”Remarkable. I have never seen an Inuzuka shinobi taking the appearance of a canine before. It is usually the other way around.”<i></i> the Deep Court Hybrid would note as he drew near again and began walking in a circle around the canine duo. ”If I were to guess, you are finding yourself unable to return to human form. You have probably done this by instinct alone and now do not know how to revert what you have done. I have a way to undo this.”<i></i> At least he hopped so. ”But you will have to stand still. Do not move. At all.”<i></i> A glowing circle of purple runes would emerge on the ground, singling out Rikuto and the boy alone. The wind would begin to howl again, growing in a crescendo as Kazuki’s jutsu began to take effect. The howling would reach its peak once a cloud of smoke concealed the Inuzuka. If everything was right, once the smoke cleared, a young student should be there.[lb2][/lb2]OOC:[lb][/lb]You’re free to decline what I’m trying to do.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

The words passed by the instinctual part of, unheard, but when suddenly surrounded by a glowing circle of purple runes, the pup was petrified once more. Daring not to move, even as the wind howled with more force than a dozen wolves. A smoke coated the area, leaving the boy that stood where the pup had moments ago disoriented, mind struggling to catch up to the situation at hand. But the smoke dispersed quickly enough for the boy to realize he was in the same situation that he had been in before. He stilled, keen eyes observing the sennin, but the overwhelming fear from prior had been reduced by the continued lack of offensive actions against him.

That lasted for about a moment before the boy was panicking again. His eyes widened in horror as he realized he had just transformed, in public no less, and that anybody that paid attention would have saw. This man now knew that he had the Fang Mark. They all knew. If he could’ve whimpered in this form, he would have. “Don’t tell Michi!” He blurted out, about ready to start begging. Rationality was not close to him at the moment, simply the overwhelming terror of Michi finding out about him being Fang Marked and then throwing him out. “Please…” He begged the terrifying man. His fear of the man was less so than his fear of rejection. Michi had been so nice to take him in, to take him as her apprentice, and take care of him. If Michi didn’t want him anymore, he wasn’t sure what he would do. It didn’t even occur to him that most people probably didn’t know Michi.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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As the smoke cleared, Rikuto was once again in human form. It seemed the kid was confused with what had just happened. In one moment, he was calmer than he had been before, but the in the next, his eyes had widened to their max in sheer terror. “Don’t tell Michi!” he would blurt him, finally finding his voice at last. Kazuki would raise his right eyebrow upon hearing those words. Michi. How and why did he know her? The Senju Overlord she barely had any acquaintances in Sunagakure and her only son had been vanquished, though, probably not for long, by his own hands, along others. The Inuzuka didn’t resemble her, so why. “Please…” the Academy Student would beg. ”What are you so afraid of Michi finding out? That you can transform into a Dune Wolf pup? I admit that is a rare skill, even for an Inuzuka, but that is no reason for you to be so afraid. What are you afraid of exactly? That she will reject you if she finds out what you are capable of? You will be surprised to find out what she can accept.” the Occult Sennin would inquire. He was curious to find out why the boy had reacted the way he did, but something far more important arose.[lb2][/lb2]He would raise his hand to stop the kid from speaking. ”But before we address this irrational fear of yours, something far more critical needs to be addressed first. What is your connection to Michi?”<i></i> The White Wolf still sought to know why the boy was so afraid and of what exactly, but knowing his connection to the last Oracle was paramount. ”I have not forgotten you have not answered my previous question. What are you doing here?”<i></i> Unbeknown to Rikuto he was actually near the armory of the Toraono Dojo and not far off from the entrance to the Senju wing of the Dojo. And only Senju were allowed inside the wing, strangers could only enter if invited.[lb2][/lb2][MFT - 336]​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

The man did know Michi, but he hadn’t a clue what his transformation meant, and he seemed to think that it was a trait related to the Inuzuka bloodline. “‘m Fang Marked,” He told the man reluctantly. Maybe he would recognize the name, maybe he wouldn’t. It was something that someone familiar with the lore regarding Fuujin might recognize, but for the most part the common folk has forgotten about them. But Riku assumed everyone knew what it meant to be Fang Marked, even though even he hadn’t known the term before his father had realized what his son was. This man seemed to think that Michi wouldn’t mind, that she could accept a lot, but Riku wasn’t as certain. “S’bad to be Fang Marked,” He informed the man matter-of-factly. To him, it was true.

Then the man was asking his connection to Michi, and he had to search for the word that Michi had used. Uhhh…. I’m ‘er a- a- apprentice,” He fumbled over the larger word, used to speaking small or shortened words. “...Dunno where I am,” He answered the man’s question. “...Lost,” He admitted hesitantly. “‘m I not suppose t’be here?” He asked. “‘m sorry,” He added before the man could get an answer out. “Dunno Suna,” He explained in as little words as possible.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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”m Fang Marked. S’bad to be Fang Marked.” Rikuto would clarify that his ability to transform into a Dune Wolf wasn’t stemming from his Inuzuka, if he was an Inuzuka at all, but from being a Fang Marked. Kazuki was forced to stress his eidetic memory to recall any information he could have about those two words. Eventually, he remembered what he had learned about that group of individuals. Selected by the Ancient Lords, these humans received a supernatural ability, endowing them with the act of transforming into feral wolves, whose sole purpose was to act as enforcers for the Ancient Lords. Enforcers hunted their own kind, which help explaining why they were viewed in a bad way. It also explained why they not readily trusted, if their Fang Mark condition was known. Still, Rikuto wasn’t at fault for being something he couldn’t control, just like the Senuu Overlord couldn’t be faulted for being a Deep Court Hybrid. In a way, they were both creatures feared by humanity and neither could be blamed for the genetics carried by their ancestors. ”I understand what you mean by saying being a Fang Marked is bad, but these are not Suna’s early times. The connotation that those words carry may still be negative, but that does not mean you have to live up to them. Are you going to hunt your own kind just because you can transform into a Dune Wolf? Are you going to worship the Ancient Lords of old, beings that no longer exist or, at least, no longer rule Wind Country’s humanity, just because the old Fang Marked did? You have free will, you can be whatever you want. If you want to respect the traditional role of the Fang Marked, do so because it is your choice, not because of some lost tradition.”<i></i> The White Wolf had come to realize the people of Sunagakure, and Wind at large, were mired in tradition, unable to unshackle themselves from the reigns of the old ways. It didn’t mean Reaper failed to follow any and all traditions that he carried from his country of origin, Fire, or his clan, Senju. But he was able to transcend them, whenever said rituals no longer made sense in the modern world of theirs.[lb2][/lb2]”Uhhh…. I’m ‘er a- a- apprentice.” ”Apprentice? You are Michi’s apprentice?”<i></i> the Occult Sennin would repeat, as if he was having a hard time understand what the boy had just said. In reality, he was having a hard time. The last Oracle had layers upon layers upon layers of plans, in which one did this boy fit in? Still, Kazuki was certain she would accept the kid, even if made aware he was Fang Marked, after all, she was partly Ancient. Nonetheless, the Senju Overlord wasn’t going to reveal the boy’s secret, because it wasn’t his to do so. ”I still believe she will not shun you for being what you are, you are blameless in it, but I will not tell her anything about it. I urge you, though, to consider the thought of revealing it soon. She might have more insight about this issue than I and she might be able to help you out more than I can. If, and that is a big if, she casts you away, come to the office of Sennin Senju Kazuki, he will help you out.”<i></i> the White Wolf would state, not revealing the fact he was the Sennin he spoke about.[lb2][/lb2]“...Dunno where I am. ...Lost,” Reaper would nod. ”This is the Toraono Dojo. Home of the Toraono Clan. A place of enlightenment, training and learning. It is also being used as the entrance to our village.”<i></i> And that way, Rikuto had just learned where he was. The Inuzuka student would realize that they had began walking, that he was being moved by Kazuki as he directed him toward the proper exit of the Dojo. “m I not suppose t’be here? m sorry. Dunno Suna,” The Occult Sennin would nod again. ”Yes and no. Anyone is welcome to enter the Dojo, for as long as their intentions are benevolent and they seek counsel or training of some kind. Our enemies are not treated so well, believe me. Still, you are treading into inner areas of the Toraono Dojo that are meant for members of the Toraono clan or those of its brother clans, like my own. Which is why I am directing you toward the more common places, where anyone is free to walk as they please.”<i></i> If Rikuto was confused to why he was being directed to, it would be clarified now. ”Is there anything you need from me? Or from the Dojo? Or should I bring you to Michi’s house now?”<i></i> Kazuki would question. There was no doubt that he would be accompanying the young Inuzuka into Michi’s home, but such journey didn’t have to start right now.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

He kept quiet as the man spoke, listening to what he said. He didn’t answer the questions, recognizing that those were the types of questions one didn’t have to answer, merely there to serve a point. The man spoke of free will, and his choices. If he had choices, he would have chose not to be Fang Marked, though. He had not choice in his transformation. He would have stayed with his not-fighting parents if he could choose. He said none of this, remaining silent. The man was still a stranger to him, having never introduced himself, and that made the boy somewhat less certain about speaking his thoughts. Around Michi, he spoke as he pleased, since she hardly minded what he said except for sometimes correcting his words. It was better to be with Michi than to be with his still fighting parents.

The man seem confused by his title. Riku was pretty sure he’d gotten the word right after he’d stumbled over it a couple times, so he simply nodded and gave a little “Uhuh,” in order to confirm the man’s question. The man seemed very certain that Michi wouldn’t reject him, and it was enough to light a tentative hope in him. He promised not to tell, though, and that was a relief. The man even offered an alternative for if Michi did kick him out, though he seemed very certain that she wouldn’t. Perhaps the man wasn’t so bad. “‘Thank you,” He gave a shy, uncertain little smile.

Riku nodded slowly as the man stated where they were. That explained why it looked sort of familiar, he must have passed if when he had enter the village. When the man asked if he need anything more, he started to shake his head, then paused. “...Um, which way ta get ta Grand Palais from here?” He didn’t like the idea of the man bringing him back to Michi’s house. It was hidden away anyway, and he doubted this man knew where it was. He definitely wasn’t going to bring a stranger, no matter how nice a stranger, back to there. “Jus’ directions,” He repeated. “Can figure it ou’ from there.”

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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“Uhuh,” Rikuto would confirm once he heard Kazuki repeating the word apprentice, not once but twice. ”So Michi is taking apprentices now? Interesting.”<i></i> he would remark. Why was she interested in him? What was her interest in the boy? The Senju Overlord wondered what she was up to now. ”Thank you,” the Inuzuka would mutter while the White Wolf was still lost in his thoughts. Being focused on what he was thinking didn’t mean Reaper couldn’t still walk around and even guide the student to the proper areas of the Toraono Dojo. “...Um, which way ta get ta Grand Palais from here?” Rikuto would inquire before adding. “Jus’ directions,” “Can figure it ou’ from there.” he would finish with certainty in his voice. The Occult Sennin would shake his head. ”We are in a state of war and it is not safe for a student to walk around, all alone, when it is almost dark. That is unnegotiable. I will either accompany you until you are with Michi or we are going to stay here until she comes to find where you are.”<i></i> Kazuki would state. ”Alternatively, I can summon her here to pick you up. Up to you.”<i></i>[lb2][/lb2]As he waited for her response, the White Wolf would grab his headset and he would begin configuring it for Michi's personal frequency, just in case he had to call her.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

The man refused to let him wander alone. Riku nearly bristled, but grudgingly, he nodded his head. “...Call Michi,” He allowed. He didn’t want to be here anymore, not with this guy, so he certainly wasn’t going to hang around here until Michi mysteriously figured out where he was. He could handle himself just fine on his own, but if this guy was insisting on staying with them, then he certainly wasn’t leading this guy to the house. The man made it seem like he was giving Riku choices, but none of these were choices at all. Calling Michi was the only real option. He frowned, staring down at the ground as he waited for Michi to show up. He didn’t really feel like talking to the man anymore after what he had just pulled. He would rather stand here in silence until Michi showed up. Hopefully, Michi wouldn’t be upset to be disturbed. That would be awful.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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“...Call Michi,” Rikuto would choose. An interesting choice, he chose to disturb Michi, disrupting whatever she might be doing, rather than just stay there and wait for her arrival or lead Kazuki to her house. In a way, it was an admirable sense of loyalty, he wasn’t willing to disclose the location of the last Oracle’s house. Truth was, the Senju Overlord had no idea where his future wife lived, because she wasn’t living with the Senju clan, that was certain. With a nod, the White Wolf would finish adjusting the frequency of his headset. ”Michi, this is Kazuki, I have your apprentice here with me. We are the entrance of the Toraono Dojo waiting for you. Try not to tarry, Rikuto is not pleased to be forced to stay here with me.”<i></i> Like a true Deep Court member, if your name is pronounced, you arrive. The Occult Sennin did so, the Lord of Shadows did so, Michi shouldn’t fail as well. The Deep Court Hybrid watched as people entered and left the dojo in silence. If the boy wanted to sulk, sulk he could. Kazuki would keep making calls via his headset to different people, issuing orders or requesting reports. Just because he was there with the Inuzuka, it didn’t mean he could stop his work.[lb2][/lb2]Night would settle before the woman formerly known as Michi would appear. ”Strange, she is taking longer than usual to respond.”<i></i> the Senju Overlord would mutter. Right after he said that, an explosion would be heard in the distance. What in Zabucho’s name was happening? ”How well do you do in a fight? I have a personal dislike of placing students in danger but, it seems I may have no other choice. If whatever is happening reach us, stay behind me and do not engage unless I tell you so. Understood?”<i></i> the White Wolf would order. His headset was uncharacteristically mute if there was a crisis going on. So the core question was, what was really going on.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Michi]

OC: Since I was not messaged to enter and Kazuki mentioned night fell without me arriving I will just post some excuse in here.

IC:

The boy had given away a tidbit of information without realizing: The Grand Palais. It was not much to go on, that portion of the city was not only huge but had an underbelly laden with secrets but it was more than Kazuki had before. If he thought about it, it was an obvious home for the reclusive Oracle. It was a place where you did not ask questions and you did not look out your window but if you did either you most certainly did not talk about it. Talking is how one gets dead. She would receive a call on her headset, one she would have picked up on if she was capable but the headset was not in her possession at the time of the call. In fact it was on the other side of the room with her clothes already laid out. Her clothes were pretty much always the same, a simple jacket that was sold in mass quantities in a neutral leather tone be it brown or grey or even black. A simple T shirt, a ribbed tank or a button down shirt with no image across the front or the back in a similar neutral be it white, grey or black. A pair of fitted cargo-like pants with lots of pockets, the choice of a utilitarian mostly, often in shades of earth, tan, black or grey. She was not like a real person, or at least that was the image she portrayed. There was safety in blending in, it was harder to find her and harder to know what would hurt her.

What nefarious deed was Michi performing... naked?

The most dastardly of all...

She was taking a tub. Near scalding water filled the massive tub half way. The porcelain bath was large enough to fit a pair of obese men, so it was like a small pool for the tiny woman. Bubbles crested over the edge of the tub. With bubbles up to her jaw and the scent of lavender and roses in the air, Michi was resting in her clawfoot tub. OK, no she was not resting but she was 'researching.' OK, she was not researching either, she was playing. The sound of splashing water was not enough to mute Kazuki's call but the music playing in the background was. She was listening to music on the radio, it was be presumed that she was listening to some classical piece but she was actually listening to some sort of rock-metal music with powerful lead vocals. She did not hear the headset call out her name, she was too busy entertaining herself in her empty household.

Captain, there is a disturbance in the waters!

Nonsense, carry on your scurvy something or other.

But Sir!

Carry on!</B><B>

From beneath the water a monster would emerge, its great yellow form would breech the surface.

Captain!

Oh great merciful Suijin.... we are going to die....

*splash* *splash*

Roar!

Oh nooooo~[/color]

Yes, she was playing in the tub, she was not plotting the terrible end of her allies or enemies or recording the answer to the common cold. Thank Jashin that nobody was there to see this. She would totally miss Kazuki's call.

Congratulations Kazuki, you got yourself a new kid.​

 

[Kyuuji]

The shadow man made the call, but nothing came of it. Night had come and still Michi had not appeared. It was enough to make Riku worry about her, and about his choice to call her. What if he had interrupted something important? What if she was mad at him? What if she somehow knew he was Fang Marked and didn’t want him anymore? The boy had worry after worry, though he tried to keep calm by petting Isamu. Some time passed this way.

When something finally happened, the shadow man was commenting upon the absence of Michi, and then he heard it. It was loud, and Riku could admit to being frightened. If he had to guess, he’d say it was an explosion, but surely that would not happen in Sunagakure. The man questioned the wide-eyed boy, and he shook his head. “I- I don’t,” The boy admitted. He had only been a part of the academy for a few days, hardly enough time to have progressed beyond that of a civilian child. He gave a nod at the rest of the shadow man’s words. “O- Okay,” He agreed uncertainly.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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“I- I don’t.” Great. Kazuki was expecting a different answer. Yes, Rikuto was an academy student, ergo, his fighting capabilities wouldn’t be that great. Yes, there were exceptions from time to time and the Inuzuka could’ve been one of them. Unfortunately, he was neither an exception nor a sufficiently trained student. So they could be in trouble. “O- Okay,” the academy student would acquiesce to the Senju Overlord’s original orders. ”On a second thought, do not engage at all. Stay behind me at all times and, if I tell you to do something, do it without question. Unless I am ordering you to shield me from damage or anything that may put you in danger. If I do that, ignore me. Other than that, do it. Understood?”<i></i> the White Wolf would change that the orders he had gave Rikuto a moment ago. The Occult Sennin had no idea what was going on. In fact, a series of smaller explosions followed the first main, each one closer to the Toraono Dojo. ”Nagato. Do you copy?”<i></i> Reaper would call his cousin. He waited a full minute before concluding there would be no answer. Communications were down. The people in the Toraono Dojo, trained to react in an emergency were already performing their expected duties.[lb2][/lb2]”Listen up. This is not a drill, this is a real crisis situation. You all heard the explosions and communications seem to be down. We are this village’s first line of defense and, at the moment, it seems we are its last. We all know our duty to this village. Follow your training, protect the shinobi next to you and we will survive this. Anyone with a headset should be trying to broadcast an emergency message to all open frequencies. Explain what is happening and request information.”<i></i> he would assess the situation and spread instructions as needed once the fighting personnel gathered around him. ”You and you. You are our best scouts, go outside, stay low and see what you can find of this situation. Return immediately if you find anything, do not engage whatever it may be assaulting us.”<i></i> Kazuki would call for an older Inuzuka and a Hyuuga. The two men nodded and left the dojo. Thirty minutes later, only one of them would return. The man was on the verge of collapsing, his head with an open wound and his clothing burnt. ”We were ambushed. I managed to escape, barely. A small army of humanoids, able to wield fire, is marching toward the dojo. They should be here any minute.” And the man would collapse, senseless. ”Someone bring this man to the infirmary. Let’s avoid another casualty. Long ranged fighters in the back, melee up front. The most defensive shinobi will form the first line of defense and the medical ninja among us will support them. If our shield wall is broken, we will fail.”<i></i>[lb2][/lb2]Moments later, the night sky would illuminate itself as an explosion, next to the Dojo, happened. As the dust settled and the blinding light decreased, at least hundred humanoids, growling, became visible. A hundred versus a dozen. The odds were not in their favor. ”Stay hidden, this is not over yet.”<i></i> A blinding purple light would flash and as it disappeared, a dozen zombies would emerge from the ground. Time to even the odds.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

Sunagakure was under attack. That was the only explanation, except that shouldn’t have been the case. But it was, it became increasingly clear as the shadow man handed out orders left and right. Riku remained hidden as best as possible, following the orders that he himself had been given. It seemed like the shadow man knew exactly what to do.

Riku watched as men left the dojo, and was distinctly horrified when only one of them returned, and he returned with an injury. For a moment, when the man collapsed, Riku thought him dead, but the shadow man’s orders contradicted that assumption, thankfully. The shadow man spoke to him once more, telling him to remain hidden, and Riku nodded, though the man likely couldn’t see the gesture.

Even he could see that blinding purple light though, and he watched as zombies clawed their way out of the ground. He shuddered, glad that they were so far away. He held Isamu tightly, hoping this would all be over soon.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

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Thankfully Rikuto remained hidden and the boy seemed to have no desire to become seen, which meant Kazuki had no need to look out after him and he could fully focus on the battle ahead. The first wave of the assaulters clashed against his zombies and the undead were quickly obliterated. What the humanoids didn’t consider was the creature’s ability to regenerate from any damage and return unscathed. You could kill one, but they would keep coming and coming until the Senju Overlord stopped the technique. They were nothing but a nuisance to the advancing army, but since their sole purpose was to act as decoy, the defenders could punish the assaulting platoon with impunity, not needed to worry with friendly fire as well. Fireballs were launched, exploding into huge pillars of fire. Giant boulders were shot, dragging humanoids and crushing them beneath tons of rocks. Gusts of wind became hurricanes that shredded creatures. Kazuki’s reaping nature kept finishing off enemies, that had been maimed by the other offensive ninjutsu, as he sucked health from a distance. For someone witnessing battle, this was a spectacle not to be missed. The Inuzuka kid was the only one in position to do it, though he had to mind he should remain safe. The Occult Sennin issued orders left and right and the defenders worked as a well-oiled machine. Another flash of purple light would bring forth a horror long forgotten. An abomination made of bones that would break from the ground, beneath another wave of humanoids that rushed toward the entrance of the Dojo. Chaos would ensue and the defenders would, once again, repulse the assault.[lb2][/lb2]The endurance and stamina of the defenders gradually decreased as the fight went on. The offensive army was relentless and their numbers appeared limitless. Minutes turned into hours, though, for those involved in the fight, time had stalled. The Deep Court Hybrid checked Rikuto’s position from time to time. As the numbers withdrew of the offending army, without a single casualty, a miracle on itself. ”Keep fighting. The battle is not over but we are gaining. Fight on if you wish to see the end of this. Surpass your limits today or we will all perish. We do not know who is attacking or why they are striking at us, but it does not matter. We are shinobi of Sunagakure and we will not faulter. FIGHT.” If morale were to faulter, they would fall. ”Boy, help those ladies bring supplies to the fighters. Keep them well supplied. Our defensive maneuver depends on this. Now.”<i></i> Kazuki would order the boy. This would help their defense without endangering the young Inuzuka. This would also be a test of the kid’s mettle.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Kyuuji]

It was like a nightmare come to life. The dead had woke and now walked upon the surface, attacking enemies left and right. Even if one fell, more kept coming. It made Riku relieved that the shadow man seemed to be on the side of Sunagakure. More than the dead were on the field, though. The elements themselves had taken it upon themselves to aid Sunagakure in the attack, or at the very least, that was how it appeared to the young boy. Distantly, he recalled that this was probably the ninjutsu he had heard about, but he had not yet seen them used to such an extent. Another flash of light, and a true nightmare creature arose, an abomination made of nothing but bones.

Riku hardly knew how much time had passed, as it felt both like forever and no time at all. The shadow man continued his orders all the while, and the boy flinched when the orders finally turned back to him. He had felt like he had been forgotten before, and he had really much preferred it that way. Better forgotten than a part of this fight. But the shadow man felt that he could have a potential use in this fight, and everyone else was obeying the man. So clearly, he too should obey him. He gave a slow quiet little nod, only to realize that the shadow man would not see it. “...O- Okay,” He agreed hesitantly. He glanced at Isamu, unsure whether to take the canine with him, but he couldn’t imagine leaving the puppy behind. In the end, the dog followed him out, determined to stick by the boy’s side, and that decided that.

He helped out the aforementioned ladies pass out supplies, and so did Isamu, once the dog figured out what to do. He felt absolutely terrified, knowing that if an attack came all of a sudden he would not be able to defend himself, but he would do what the shadow man told him, even if he wished to keep hiding. After this, he was going to spend so much time training, he decided. He firmly promised himself that he would get stronger, enough to be able to protect himself and his companion.