Mission Purple Purplex (Otakemaru Sherlock)

[Kimari Bōmu]

Moonlight gracefully lighting the stage for a young couple to enjoy their blissful evening together this cold night, the two would happily stroll together through the street holding each others hands tightly as they would glance at each other sharing a smile and a kiss every so often. One carried a purple freshly cut rose with a carefully wrapped red ribbon on it's stem, whilst the other would be slowly reaching towards his pocket sweat falling from his scalp he took a small nervous gulp as the two neared the very bench where they first became a couple. "Emica... ever since I first met you time has flown by so quickly. My heart flutters when I am near you. A man couldn't ask for anything more than just to share sheer moments with you. Your grace, your beauty, your smile. I love you to the moon and back again my princess. Would you do the hon-" He knelt down as he would pour his soul out to his star crossed lover being at his most vulnerable, whilst his love would begin to tear up in shock covering her mouth and nodding her head frantically, and that was all it took. One moment. A purple mist would seep from behind one of the hot spring's walls as the young man would collapse, a scream echoing out from his lover, quickly fading in to the darkness of the night. A light feminine chuckle could be heard throughout the smog dissipating in to the air.

This was all the information that had been given to the young genin, he was the only one capable and available at the time so it would be his duty to truly find out what befell these two. "So Otakemaru. I have my own duties to attend to however I trust that you can handle this simple mission. People go missing all the time it's your job as a shinobi to protect the people of Konoha. If there is an immediate emergency you can always use your headset to contact me. I've sent some low ranking genins to clear the area of the disappearance it's only been a twenty minutes since this took place, traces of blood and powder had been seen at the spot. Do not come back empty handed." The chuunin would dart off in to the shadows leaving Otakemaru to make his way from outside the academy to the scene of the crime.

 

[Ōtakemaru]

… And with that information, the Chūnin left the swordsman named Ōtakemaru to his own devices concerning the involvement of what appeared to be a common mystery. Genuinely, the Genin was quite terrified – just think about it… blood and powder were seen at the spot. According to the intel from his superior, the assumed murder/assassination took place not even half an hour ago, and… whoever was behind it was of an unknown level of skill, especially when they fled detection from other shinobi. In these situations, a more Sensory-type shinobi would be optimal for the task at hand, so this entire ordeal didn’t really encourage Take much… but a mission was a mission. If he could help by any means, then he’d do so.

He quickly made his way to the scene of the crime, darting across rooftops to keep an eagle's perspective on things below, all while clad in his general shinobi outfit – a netted shirt underneath a black vest and pants, covered by a purple, checkered haori. He had his katana Shokuin and Seiryūga equipped, and a peculiarly long ōdachi was strapped to his back.

Upon arriving at the scene, Take took a gulp and looked around… he had to remind himself that it was recent, the incident. He kept his eyes open in case of a possible return of the culprit, and he was always ready to unsheathe Shokuin in the blink of an eye.

Some traces of powder were spotted, but maybe they had to do with the drawing of blood. For all he knew about powders, that… could very likely have been poisonous to the touch. Take didn’t possess any particular resistance to poison, but his body had learned to recover abnormally fast from all sorts of injuries. Just ask Shusuke.

The scene of the crime did make his heart ache for some reason…

 

[Kimari Bōmu]

As the young genin made his way to the crime scene, he was there alone in the eerily silent night, everyone else had been evacuated from the area and the night was only growing stronger. Upon closer inspection the powder could slowly be seen moving towards a nearby alley, making its way towards a low level of gas which is seeping in to the alleyway, resting just above ground level. It gradually began making it's way in to a large drain, a familiar feminine chuckle similar to the one described by the chuunin would quietly echo out from that origin. A rat could be seen attempting to run through the coloured smoke a feeble screech ringing out as it's body would waste no time in shrivelling up and becoming an empty husk, moments before keeling over on to the ground, it clearly was a deadly toxin.

The blood stained pavement surrounding the nearby area would begin to rise each separate stains' mass would grow transforming in to snakelike bloody creatures, 3 cobras snakes purely being figments of the crimson substance would begin to hiss and show their sharp solidified fangs before attempting to surround Take. Each one would begin to circle the cursed swordsman, glaring at him with murderous intent laced in their aura. A ring of blood would begin to form and take shape as the liquid creatures would attempt to constrict the shinobi, being created as a trail from each of the serpents. And as he had heard in his mission report, originating from underneath the nearest hot spring's fence would begin to seep out the same lavender smoke which he had seen lurking in to the alleyway near to him. It almost looked as if that several shapes of hands were forming from the smog and hastily approaching Take, time was running out as they would begin closing in on him.

 

[Ōtakemaru]

All alone now… it was to be expected. The area was the spot of a crime, so civilians weren’t allowed to pass by for now… especially since it was still in the midst of night. Take’s attention was fully on the horrifying event taking place – the powder that he spotted was moving on its own, approaching a nearby alley as if pulled there by an invisible force! The smoke present at the alleyway reached up to one’s shins, but Take stood back for now… until he saw a dying rat pass through. The smoke was poisonous, but that a rat had to die such a terrible death for him to conclude that made him feel sick to the stomach. S-So potent… I can’t inhale that.

It seemed as if there was a source, an opening for all of the smoke to escape into the alleyway, but before he could conclude that by further inspection, the blood that stained various areas at the scene began to rise and transform! Without having spotted the culprit, Take was at a disadvantage and had to react quickly – but the blood-created creatures surrounded him like a spinning circlet that drew in closer and closer.

Take’s body appeared to vanish into nothing, like the clarity of one’s vision after suffering from mirages. One of Nanjirou’s many esoteric techniques, the Uncanny Dodge, was in effect – the Nanjirou had trained themselves silly to be able to mimic the Body Flicker Jutsu without handseals. However, this did put a lot of stress on his legs due to how fast he had to leap up in the air to escape the blood circle of serpents trying to constrict him.

Upon landing, he had unsheathed Shokuin and glared around, finally spotting the lavender miasma approaching him at high speed, formed like ghastly hands trying to grab him. Take leapt once more, landing his feet on a wall with the use of chakra to stand on, making use of the height and extra vision range to track down the source of the smoke… from underneath a fence leading to the nearest hot spring. Whoever was deploying this smoke must’ve been hiding there. I must get to that hot spring and further investigate… if she can target me without seeing me, then many others are in danger.

… Whether it was the paranoia from the danger, or the thrill of the battle, Take’s Cursed Seal responded sweetly to the stimuli bombarding him all over. The flame pattern that Asuka left permanently etched to his skin glowed up like lava and expanded a little, and his muscles began to grow and tighten with vitality! But the powder from earlier had entered a drain in the alley, and the smog was starting to cover the area up… but with courage building up inside of him, Take leapt once more and unsheathed Shokuin.

Whirlwind Spin, Typhoon Burst!

While in the air, he performed the necessary handseals and flung his palms out as his body spun like a drill. The Wild Release Jutsu performed would turn him into a rotating spiral of wind, a mini-tornado if one was generous enough. He performed this Jutsu to disperse the miasma with strong winds, to push it all away from him as he approached the hot spring fence and proceeded to make his way across it. The powder had to wait – if the culprit was hiding in the hot springs, then now was his chance to take them down.

OOC: Actions Used

Spoiler: Uncanny Dodge

Uncanny Dodge

Uncanny Dodge - C-Rank Bloodline Taijutsu
There are few people whose raw speed and reflex can rival that of a Nanjirou swordsmaster. Their swiftness can seem unnatural, as if aided by some jutsu effect or other influence, but it is simply the result of their willpower to endure their clan's intense physical conditioning.

Rank 1: Once used, the user will auto-dodge the next level E-B Jutsu that hits them. The user may use a single Special Action.
Rank 2: Once used, the user will auto-dodge the next level E-A Jutsu that hits them. The user may use a single Special Action.
Rank 3: Once used, the user will auto-dodge the next level E-A Jutsu that hits them. The user may use both Special Actions.

Special Action - Razor's Reflex: Requires Wrath Seal to be active. The Nanjirou may spend a Focus point when using Uncanny Dodge to make a basic melee attack against the attacker, dealing damage equal to 20% of the attack's intended damage.

Special Action - Hidden Warrior: By paying 0.5 additional AP at the time (not at cast) the attack is auto-dodged, the Nanjirou may attempt to enter stealth at -1 stealth bonus.

Cost: 1 Ap; Cp equal to 30% of the triggering attack (CP cost is paid upon the triggering attack but the AP is paid on cast).

Note:
- This cannot be used reflexively. This must be cast before the attack they attempt to auto-dodge.
- This is an activated auto-dodge.
- May only be used once per round, even if Acrobatics is an owned ability.
- May use both special actions at rank 3, and only a single one at rank 2.
- After usage, the Nanjirou deals -20% damage for the remainder of the round.

Spoiler: Whirlwind Spin

Whirlwind Spin (Special Action - Typhoon Burst)

A wind technique in which the user channels chakra into both their palms and holds them outwards, then begins to spins upon their heels. As they spin, they release their chakra around them, creating a rotating spiral of wind around a small area surrounding them.

Information
Prerequisites: D Rank

Rank 1: The user gains +2 Dodge from the moment they begin using this jutsu until their next action is completed. If they are hit with melee accuracy during this time, the attacker has a 12% chance suffering the 'Gaspless' effect. The user`s next attack suffers a -2 Accuracy penalty due to spinning.
Master: The user gains +2 Dodge from the moment they begin using this jutsu until their next action is completed. If they are hit with melee accuracy during this time, the attacker has a 16% chance of suffering the 'Gaspless' effect. The user`s next attack suffers a -1 Accuracy penalty due to spinning.

Special Action - Typhoon Burst: By paying +20% Cp upon initiation, the user may prepare this jutsu to burst outward with the force of wind when attacked. This gives the attacker a 12%/16% of suffering the 'Air Disruption' effect and gives them a +12% chance of suffering the Gaspless effects; even if the did not use melee accuracy. This jutsu is dispersed upon using this action.

Rank 1 Cost: 265 CP to initiate
Master Cost: 330 CP to initiate

Notes:
- This may be used reflexively, and may only be used once per round.
- This lasts until the user`s next action is completed.
- The 'Gaspless' effect inflicts suppression and causes the victim to pay +10% Ap to their next Action. This may only happen once per use.
- The 'Air Disruption' effect lowers the targets Accuracy by -2 for ten seconds.

 

[Kimari Bōmu]

The toxic gas which previously would be protruding from the fence of the hot springs had been blown away by Take's powerful burst of wind, as he perilously made his way over before quickly being displayed to the surroundings. The hot spring looked normal, clear water, grey steam all around leaking out of the heated pools, everything was all in order... however it was the evening on a Saturday. And it was completely empty, not a single staff member could be seen cleaning the area. No patrons enjoying a calm and restful trip to the spa, nothing. An eerie silence would echo around the entire residence not a sound to be heard, not even from outside.

Take's senses initially had been caught completely off guard, however as he had once seen previously before similar to the airborne venom it appeared that the so called steam would be none other than the same lavender mist, slowly making it's way towards the cursed Nanjirou. A figure would suddenly become fade in to existence becoming visible as if they had just been a mirage, appearing through only a specific lens. Noticing that she could be seen by Take she'd instantly speak out, "So. You can see me? Ohohohohoho! I assumed you'd be just like those other shinobi who fell pray to my genjutsu, well done little boy!" Giving a quick teasing clap as she would taunt the shinobi she'd continue after taking a puff off of her cigarette which would ooze the horrible gas. "You know these aren't easy to make! These cost a loooooooot. And I'm not talking cash! So... how about you pay with your body? I'm sure you'd taste fucking delicious."

Licking her lips at the sight of him through the smoke she could be seen casting a quick set of handseals as a portion of the gas disappeared. Three large needles would appear in her empty hand as they pierced through the gas and flew straight towards Take. "You smell more scrumptious than that lovesick fool earlier!"

 

[Ōtakemaru]

The thick mist hovering over the empty spa was sickening. It was the same lavender gas from earlier, but in such quantity… Take’s guard was up. Resting his hand on Shokuin in its sheathed scabbard, he’d glare into the mist approaching him… it just rang in his head that this mist was not to be messed with. Upon further inspection, he suddenly targeted down a woman – a slender but tall form, violet hair and a serpent-like approach who appeared out of nowhere! Her hair in a similar tone to her disgusting fog, she spoke in an amused voice as if her and her obvious crimes were mere entertainment to her. "Please... please die."

He was angered. Greatly. His Cursed Seal only spread further across his skin as a result, amplifying his strength further.

That cigarette… and her stinking breath… he had to avoid inhaling it, but she must’ve been using some sort of Jutsu. The smoke looked tangible, but she did mention that she used a Genjutsu earlier – so she could hide within the fog too. And her talk about the cost of her… wait…

It was limited? A finite amount of smoke?

Watching her weave handseals even through the fog made Take weave handseals in response himself, and thus he stood still as the condensed mist needles dug into his self… but he’d used Body Switch to evade the lethal consequences, swapping place with a large wooden basket floating in the steamy water nearby. He was going to use this possible opening to release a ‘Wrath Seal’-empowered slash of raging fire shooting through the mist, cutting through the air with all of his might and release a beam of flames cutting in an arc towards her, attempting to slice her head apart from her jaw and ultimately split the cigarette in half like the splitting of a nekomata’s tail.

OOC: Actions Used

Spoiler: Body Switch (Mastered)

A basic skill involving quickly switching the body with another plant, animal or inanimate object. This is used to confuse the opponent momentarily and create an opportunity to attack or possibly escape.

Information
Prerequisites: E-rank

Rank 1: The user may body switch against level E-C Jutsu.
Master: The user may body switch against level E-B Jutsu.

Special Action: The user may attempt to Body switch with an enemies clone. This requires the user to make a melee check against the clone.

Cost: Cost of Jutsu dodged +20% Cp.

Notes:
- May only be used once per round, and requires ten seconds of cool down before it may be used again.
- This can be used against basic strikes.
- Cannot be done in the same round as any other 'Body Switch' type techniques.
- Does not require handseals and may be used reflexively.
- Cannot be used on Genjutsu, while bound, or against successful sneak attacks.
- The user must have a Kawarimi Target in their inventory or active clones on the field.
- This auto-dodges only a single action. If the action was a multi-hit, all hits would be avoided.
- During the cooldown time for this jutsu, the user suffer's a -3 dodge penalty.

Spoiler: Wrath Seal

Wrath Seal - Activated Passive
The core of what separates a swordsman and a Nanjirou is their ties to their clan; the Nanjirou have the unique ability to invoke visions, emotions, and perhaps most importantly, techniques, of their predecessors. A misnomer, the Wrath Seal is a trance they enter that allows even a young Nanjirou to display advanced swordsmanship by channeling the power of an ancient grandmaster. This is no free power though; the trance is exhausting, and difficult to maintain during battle for an extended time.

Rank 1: Grants the user 1 Focus point upon activation and each round active. They may perform the Dancing Blade, Energy Slash and Vantage options.
Rank 2: Grants the user 2 Focus points upon activation and each round active. The user may now perform the Vorpal Edge option.
Rank 3: Grants the user 3 Focus points upon activation and each round active. The user may now perform the Lethality option.

One Focus point may be spent to add one of the following effects to a Slashing or Piercingattack;

• Dancing Blade - The user may add +1 target to an attack. The user deals -10% damage for the remainder of the round; this stacks indefinitely each time used in the round.
• Energy Slash - The attack does not count as Melee Contact.
• Vantage - The user may attack a stealthed target that they failed an awareness check on at -5 accuracy.
• Vorpal Edge - When Battoujutsu is used, it does not suffer from the damage penalty gained through the Dancing Blade or Uncanny Dodge Nanjirou skills.
• Lethality - Doubles both the Critical buff limit and any Critical bonuses the user has, but halves the user's critical damage modifier.

Cost: 1 Ap to activate. 4% Max Cp/Rnd active

Notes:
- Unused Focus Points carry over to the next round, but cap out at a maximum of 5.
- Focus points modify an entire action, not just an individual hit.
- An attack may only be modified by a single Focus point (with the exception of a Spiritual Ancestral Weapon.)

Spoiler: Executioner

A technique that attempts to behead the target or strike a vital point.

Information
Prerequisites: B-rank, A weapon with the Slashing Damage Type.

Rank 1: Strikes a single target dealing 1,500 damage at +1 Critical.
Rank 2: Strikes a single target dealing 1,875 damage at +2 Critical.

Rank 1 Cost: 570 Cp
Rank 2 Cost: 735 Cp

Notes:
- May be used as a Called Shot for Head for no additional cost.