The wind never truly rested at Dragon Tooth Pass.It threaded endlessly through the jagged stone corridor, howling between the massive rock spires like breath drawn through clenched teeth. The cliffs on either side rose impossibly high in sheer, vertical walls of dark granite scarred by ancient fractures. There was beauty too in that they were streaked with mineral veins that shimmered faintly when lightning rolled across the distant sky. No path allowed for an easy climb across the peaks and even birds avoided flying too close, instinctively sensing the way the air folded and broke against the stone. This was the only way in or out of the magnificent city of Kumogakure. Twin guard towers flanked the opening, their shape stark and bold against the flittering clouds in the sky above. Figures were in constant movement along their parapets, the rotation of shinobi who were ever watchful and alert. There was nothing that passed through Dragon tooth without being noticed, and well documented.
At the base of the gates, standing just beyond the shadow cast by the eastern tower, waited a single man.
Arato Jinsho was a Chuunin by rank, not due to combat prowess but reliability. The man was in his early thirties, broad shouldered but not bulky by any means. His build signaled years of patrol duty as he was very bottom heavy and his skin told of much travel in high altitudes. It had a deep bronze leathery look, marked by the cold bitter winds with faint scars that had never fully faded. His dark hair was pulled back into a short knot at the back of his skull, unadorned and rather practical. His jacket bore the insignia of Kumogakure, worn but meticulously maintained. The cloth of his uniform was reinforced at the knees and elbows, and fingerless gloves covered his hands. A standard issue blade was strapped to his thigh, though it looked as though it had rarely left its sheath in years.
What would draw the gaze of a casual observer however, was the pack slung over his shoulder.
It was larger than what a single shinobi would carry on a standard patrol. The canvas was thick and reinforced with leather straps. It had weight to it which was evident in the way it pulled slightly at his stance. Several compartments were fastened tight, and each tagged with small color-coded markers. Multiple sets of coiled rope hung from the sides with pitons and climbing spikes secured along the frame. A rolled map case was strapped across the top to keep it sealed against moisture.
Jinsho shifted the pack once, subtly redistributing the weight. He had been standing here for some time already as the high-ranking official who briefed him earlier had not wasted words. This mission was of the utmost importance.
He had been told only what he needed to know and how to debrief those who showed up. Jinsho's role would not be to command, advise, or even to traverse the terrain with them. It was simply to provide information, supplies, and to watch the brave warriors disappear into the vast icy landscape beyond.
For each candidate, the pack held a prepared bundle. Inside were field rations of dense protein bars, dried meat strips, preserved rice packets, electrolyte salts, and sealed water skins designed to withstand freezing temperatures. As well as two signal flares per shinobi, each tuned to burn a distinct color visible even through fog or dust. There was also chalk for leaving directional signs on stone, sealing tags designed to stabilize minor chakra fluctuations, and lightweight climbing harnesses rated for vertical stone or descent. Each kit also included a general area map, not detailed enough to compromise security if lost, but precise enough to show elevation changes, known fault lines, and historical cave systems marked only by simple symbols.
As he waited, the gates loomed behind him. Jinsho exhaled slowly through his nose and rubbed hands together to keep warm. He had left this place many times but never stood to feel the weight of a moment like this before departure. Nervousness filled him as he knew that voices would soon fill the pass. That boots would scrape against stone and snow. There would be many questions, and the tension would be measured in the space between breaths.
Just not yet, for now, he waited...
[Accepting Shinobi of All Ranks. Before we Depart there must be 1 A-S Rank Shinobi per 2 C Rank or below. B Rank+ May join unsupervised.]
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