Private Under the Sea [Genin Exam]

[Michi]

Sunagakure was once an underground village, to shield itself from the Diamond Maelstrom, when the surface became too inhospitable, the denizens of Wind Country went to the reaches below. Those were hard times, the end punctuated by a war against the Daimyo and his Sovereign army comprised of created hybrids capable of immense destruction. During this long walk, she would tell Hoji the tale of the First Men. Of the victory of humanity as they escaped the shackles of perdition through might alone. Of how the first men became the civilized man we both know today and how things have come full circle. How the gods of old have resurfaced. How greed and a lust for power has turned the hearts of some dark and how both Ancient and man as well as everything in-between has done terrible things to one another. How might is not always right. That there are things not quite human and not quite ancient, by birth and sometimes by infernal means. Some are good. Some are bad. What they are has nothing to do with ethic and that it is important to consider context. To look past appearances and first impressions, but to understand that hybrids like Ancients follow at times peculiar rules. They are driven by nature as much as by nurture and suffer a duality within themselves that can make them unpredictable, sometimes dangerous.

She would talk about the travesties of humanity. About something called the Fatalist method. About others who had tried in the wake of the first to replicate a means by which the powers of Ancients can be drawn within themselves to gain terrible power. About how they would harness this power and how people sometimes became tools. She did not tell her specific story, but she would talk about the Sovereign. The monsters made by a greater monster. About how minds were broken and bodies were manipulated into things that were unnatural, cruel and should be feared. That if he were to ever come upon such a hybrid, it was so very important that he run. That he run away as fast as he could. There was no reasoning. Probably no fighting. Only running, That they would kill him and that they would enjoy doing it. That they would not even remember him after they were done.

Hoji and Michi (Fuu) would find themselves deep underground, past the lights of the old city. Much of the old city was rebuilt after the Cabal attack but much also fell into disrepair, even the parts that were remade were not as cared for by the people of Sunagakure as Sunagakure proper. Once the diamond maelstrom receded, this tribe of man would live out their days in the light of the sun once more. Yet some stayed, the darkness was their home. Admittedly, she felt more comfortable in the cool darkness. The Gloaming Court was at home in the dead of night. The shadows flitted about her in an unnatural way. She took the 'long way' to get there, to this far away place that was dimly lit by a bit of iridescent stone called carmot. Carmot, actually the byproduct of sandworm digestion, elemental chakra bound within amber-like stone.

They would come to a stop. It was time for the exam to begin. "Your exam is rather simple. In the first days, students would prove their mettle surviving the desert. A desert you already know well, as far as I am concerned you have already passed." She met him in the desert wilds, a day away from the village proper. He was hungry, thirsty and tired, but he found his way and he found his friend. "This is merely pomp and circumstance, proof that you can find your way home from wherever you are." Sunagakure being his home.

"Without the sky to guide you. You will need to find your way home. Through this twisting labyrinth of caves to the Undersea." A large body of water under the village that serves as the village's water supply. "I will be waiting there to congratulate you on a job well done, a journey well met." With that, she would run her hands through an array of hand seals and step back. Seismic activity would cause the cave in front of her to collapse, leaving Hoji on the other side. He would have to find his own way back, choosing his own path. The cave a maze he would have to find his way through. They had not come upon any dangerous creatures during their journey into the depths. There was the risk of some pest creature, a minor nuisance she would reason that the boy was strong enough to overtake.

Exam:

• In this exam you are going to need to find your way back to Sunagakure. How you do this is completely up to you. Luck will not be enough.
• This may IC take you more than a few minutes or hours IC depending on the choices you make.
  There is a possibility that you will meat hostile creatures.
• Depending on what you do, there is a very dangerous S ranked threat down here. If you see it RUN.

WC: 856 [MFT]

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

In recent days Hoji felt as if he was becoming more... more of a citizen. A resident of Sunagakure, as he listened to Michi speak he couldn't help but feel somewhat of a heritage behind him, one that he had to carry on, in his own abstract way. The first men... ones who broke through their own fates of eternal damnation, the ones who used their own might and power to change their futures. But as well as how... strength alone wasn't always the right path. Looking back at his time spent with Raizo, Michi and the others, he had to conquer a lot of his fears and think deeply at times, however it'd be wrong to say that he hadn't used brute force to conquer a lot of his trials. Although there were small glimmers of thought and contemplation when it came to his training, here he would be pushed to the limit.

In the wild he was born to believe in the fatalist method, that some were simply born stronger than others and that the world was cruel and indifferent. He knew lived by this, and had experienced the sheer fear of being overpowered so easily, with no other option but to run. Even if it meant the loss of those which you called family. But that wimpy version of Hoji two years ago wasn't the same boy, even if he was reckless he would do anything he could do to sink his teeth in, if he meant he could live another day... with Raizo... Shraniki... Fuku... and Michi! Although apparently Michi made it very clear that in one certain instance... he runs for his life. Whilst he was getting stronger it would be a lie to say he didn't still feel the fear of power looming over him, if he meant that he wouldn't lose any friends, then he had no reason to stand his ground.

Feeling comfortable in her presence, Hoji would feel more calm about his soon to be exam, with Fuku by his side and all that'd he learned and taken on... he felt ready. As if he could finally do it, whenever he's challenged to a head on fight he hesitates somewhat. He'd have to stay sharp it was just him and his companion, and he'd be damned if only one of them made it out alive. It was a cooling dark, one that he was used to in the depths of the ocean, his Samezuka brother also finding it to be a calming shade as he was a bat. Both of them relied more on their own innate senses that differentiate them from your average human when it came to sight. Hoji smiled as Michi would compliment his skill to find Fuku in the desert, though a lot of it was just dumb luck and blind perseverance. If it wasn't apparent enough a lot was going through his fishy brain but just like that they were already there, the time was now.

"Okray Fuufairy... sree yoou sroon..." It was sad to see her go it would have even harder if he was alone, like a bird leaving the nest these two brothers were on their own now as the wall which connected Michi and the brothers was soon cut off rocks tumbling in front of them. Turning round he'd look down at Fuku who perched himself on the ground, "Okray! Lres go! Uuuhhh thrat way!" Pointing in a random direction he'd lead the duo in to the beginning of the cave, unaware of what laid ahead.

 

[Michi]

Progress: 1 of 3
- No attempt to find the actual way home, Hoji picks a random direction. Blind luck roll (18), he picks a direction that brings him closer to home.
- Hoji finds himself in the dark, there are spider webs.

She left something behind, an eye made of sand that was left back to observe. This was not the time of Primus, there was no reason to let the boy get lost and starve in the caves. She was keeping an eye on him, or at least she was going to try as she walked away from the landslide with a brisk pace. She had no delusion that the boy would beat her there, although he was welcome to try.

Hoji would find himself alone on the other side of this landslide in the cave. There was only one way to go - away. She would break away from the wall, Hoji's muffled voice sounding unfussed by the event. he was going to find his way home hopefully. She hoped he would utilize something more powerful than good luck to find his way back, these caverns span for miles in every direction throughout wind country. He could easily find himself miles away if he was not careful. Many of these tunnels were unmapped and unknown, both because they were never cartographed and because the tunnels are often shifting because these tunnels were not made by man in many cased but also by beast. Near Sunagakure proper, she had minimal concern for a creature such as a Carnasaur or a Sandworm, the last sandworm to breach the perimeter of Sunagakure was Barnynx.

As Hoji rushed down the twisting cave dimly lit by fading deposits of carmot that lit the cave like a flickering oil lamp, he would feel something touch his arm, his exposed lower leg. Fine, thin, taut, but easily overpowered by his movement. Hard to see. Thin. Spider webs that spanned the tunnel. They would quickly increase in density as Hoji made his way through the cave. He would feel them catch his foot, causing him to stumble. They were getting stronger. His hand would become knotted in another and it would take an exertional effort to pull his hand free from the stubborn web.

He would hear something skitter behind him. The sound of limbs against moist stone. If he were to turn back, he would see 3 sets of 6 eyes looking back at him unblinking, the color of burning coals. The outline of their massive arachnid forms apparent even in the darkness. One was on the ceiling, keeping pace with Fuku and Hoji. Another seemed to squeeze itself from a crack that should have been too small to contain a creature of this size, about the size of a labrador. A third would walk along the webs it had so meticulously woven. Their massive legs, thick with black fur. Their bodies oblong and covered in the same coarse, dark hair. Fangs glimmered just barely. But it was the scent that they gave off that was the most off-putting, a strange musk-like scent. Like he had walked into a den of toddler-sized ferrets.

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

Delving in to one of the tunnels he would slowly be making steady progress towards the way back home not that he knew that exactly, he just had a feeling Fuku and him would traverse as quietly as they could, taking Michi's warning seriously he was going to try his hardest to not get jumped in the darkness. Skulking through he would take note of the few gemstones of the cave wall which lit up the way, perhaps they could be used to help find himself back the way he came if it proved unfruitful. In truth he figured it might take a bit of trial and error the way he was going right now, but he wasn't a slouch when it came to natural perseverance.

The further down the two went the more... things there was? He wasn't quite sure what at first as he whispered to Fuku in confusion. "Urrhh.. fuku! There is sromething on mra lreg!" Fuku would quietly squeak as he flew closer towards it before squeaking again. "It seems to be... ... a web..." Fear would loom all across his face as the time when the two first met would flash through his mind. Both Hoji and Fuku met each other when they fought against a large spider with webs not so different from these. "Keep a close eye out..." Going futher down with more caution, they would try their very best to avoid each web, either slicing through one which is too big with the Samezuka's claws or carefully maneuvering around the ones which were more easy to just evade.

Though the further they traversed the more dangerous they appeared to be getting, one mistake would cause a whole stumble or brief moment of being stuck... deadly if taken lightly. "F-fuku! S-shrould we turn brack?" Flipping his head round to peer behind him as he heard a noise, he'd witness what could only be described as a horrible site. Especially when they had the home advantage, 18 beady eyes staring with unflinching desire. All not too far behind the duo, likely thinking they could make the two their dinner. Taking a moment to stare back at them wide gaped, moments before Hoji's eyes flickered towards the small carmot which dimly remained protruding like, he put 2 and 2 together and figured that they would have some sort of heat like energy stored inside. Looking back at Fuku he would nod as his hand slowly reached towards the light source his claws protruding out before he slashed at it backwards with all his might, hoping some sort of sparks would fly out and hit the webs, either next to him or behind.

Fuku instantly would screech out loud forwards, "Follow after me!" his echolocation touching a certain radius of the cave behind them and in front as he'd get an idea of where the webs threads were. He'd zoom through the cave almost with night vision as he continued to make small screeches/ squeaks to get new radiuses of the area as he went further forward. Ducking and weaving through the threads with speed and precision. After his brother took the initiative Hoji would plant his feet allowing himself to take a feral stance increasing his speed and movement capabilities as he would get ready to follow the agile bat. Casting several handseals as he dived through the holes in the webs, leaping over and under all of them that he could whilst running on just the ball of his feet to avoid touching the webs on the ground as much as possible, before a gush of water would shoot out of his mouth, he first aimed downwards but slowly arched upwards towards the end of the blast to prevent the fire from spreading anymore towards him and his brother as they dashed forwards.

AP usage:
Rank 1 Arching slash: 0.75 AP on Carmot
Hoji and Fuku Rank 3 Feral shift: 0.5 AP (Sharp claws and ear cannons)
Mastered Water gun: 1AP on webs in front of self

Conditionals:
Use Body Switch (Master Rank) if attacked first
Use mastered Zero slash counter if attacked again
If Hoji is hurt, as soon as possible have Fuku use Silver crows mastered on attacker.

 

[Michi]

Progress 2 of 3
Hoji did not turn around and run away, he would not get lost further in the cave but he will have to either do something to find his way or depend on luck.
Hoji smashed a piece of carmot, creating an incendiary event

Spider 1 HP: 4000 [KO]

Spider 2 HP: 4000 [KO]

Spider 3 HP: 4000 [-3000] 1000

Hoji HP: 5300 [-4604] 696 (bleed -53) 643 CP: 4800 (not bothering to calculate) AP: 10 [-5.75] 4.25 1 AP rolls over to next round

[/I] Fuku HP: 4200 [-1138]3062

There was only three options for Hoji: run, risk getting caught in the web whilst being pursued by a trio of cave crawlers. While they were considerably more dangerous than a Dune Hare, the true concern was the fact that there were three of them so they had the action economy advantage as well as the home field advantage. These webs if he was caught in one of them, would have resulted in him being captured and devoured. The spider would drop down from above and attempt to bite into the boy's back but would bite into a hunk of wood.

Note: The user must have a Kawarimi Target in their inventory or active clones on the field. This user has neither, I am still letting it happen because this is a good time.

Body Switch
Melee Check (Hoji) 14
Melee Check (Spider) 18

Hoji was not able to move out of the way on time. Somewhat disoriented from the attempt to quickly avoid the attack. He would feel his leg drag behind him (-3 dodge during the refractory period for Body Switch) The second spider would lurch forward. Hoji was playing defensively and he would attempt to counter the attack with Zero Slash Counter. He would perfectly counter the attack, his offhand would come swinging around and attempt to slice into the spider and punish.

Offhand from Zero Slash Counter (Ambidexterity)
Melee Accuracy +5
Class Bonus: +3 (Level 2, High)
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu Attack Bonus: +2
Attack Roll: 15

Evasion
Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Roll: 1

His blade would cut into the thorax of the arachnid and a spray of blood would splatter on the wall.

Iron Point Prison
Spider #3 Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: -4
Attack Roll: 9 (14)

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: -3
Evasion Roll: 19 (23)

From the other side, the third spider would attempt to impale the boy. This was no pen and paper exam.

Dynamic Poke
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: 0
Attack Roll: 9 (18)

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: -3
Evasion Roll: 19 (22)

He was outmatched, it was three versus one. Two if he were to consider Fuku, his loyal bat. The webs threatened to tie him up. The spiders threatened to devour him whole. Thinking quickly, what little he did know about carmot was enough for him to develop a plan. Carmot is a rare, but powerful source of condensed elemental chakra. The ones used to illuminate the caves he had been exploring with Michi were either fire of lightning. It was likely hard to tell which, their power was fading, but he only needed a spark. He would launch himself at the chunk of carmot and as his claws hit the stone, he would feel the brittle stone crack. A blast of fire and light would rock him, knocking him back several feel and engulfing the area in flames. The webs would quickly catch fire and the spiders would let out a terrible noise - something between a shriek and something else. One of the three spiders was taken down, but two more still remained.

Above Fuku would try and defend his friend. He would swoop down and attack one of the spiders, slashing at the back of the arachnid.

Attack: 18 (+3)(+2), 15 (+3)(+2), 17 (+3)(+2)
Evasion: 4, 14, 2

Hoji was more agile than he appeared and not the easy meal the trio had presupposed. One of the spiders would lash out at him again, bounding over the charred, felled spider.

Feint Strike
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 6 (10)

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: -3
Evasion Roll: 13 (16)

It was another miss. This could not go on forever. Hoji would pivot on his heels and move out of the way.

Outcry
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 4 (8)

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: -3
Evasion Roll: 3 (6)

His fortune would not last forever. The spiders were working in tandem. The other spider would attempt to follow through and Hoji would pivot on his heels and move out of the way.

Outcry
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 4

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 3

Hoji was holding his own against the three, but the pack of them was wearing him down. He was going to have to hit back and hit back hard if he was to have any hope of surviving this event. The small sand eye rolled in behind him, a witness to the horror unfolding.

Pressure Pierce
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 18 (22)

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: -3
Evasion Roll: 2 (5)

This was not good. Hoji was bleeding and while he still had Fuku at his side making the numbers technically even, he was badly injured. The spiders were going to attempt to end it.

Iron Point Prison
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: -4 (-5)
Attack Roll: 20 Critical Hit

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 6

Hoji would find himself tightly bound in web. His arms pinned to his sides. The three hungry arachnids would start to surround the youth and he would struggle to free himself. Fuku would let out a screech and draw their attemption temporarily away while Hoji attempted to break free.

Before Hoji could free himself, the impatient beast would attempt to sink its fangs into Fuku. One was a meal, but two was a feast.

Outcry
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 20 Critical hit

Fuku Dodge: +4
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 8

With a bounding leap, Fuku's wing would be torn as the spider jumped onto Fuku's back and took a bite out of him. This might be the end for both of them as Fuku attempted to buck the spider off.

Feint Strike
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 1 Critical Failure

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 2

The spider miscalculated and as it thrust itself at Fuku to make what might have been the killing blow, it would miss, impaling itself on a stalactite. Leaving just one spider and two opponents. The tables have slightly turned, Fuku and Hoji both were on their last legs. A full hit on either of them would have spelled certain defeat.

Dynamic Poke
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: (-5)
Attack Roll: 9

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 18

...Missed. Hoji would struggle to free himself but the web held him tight.

Stab
Spider #3 Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: +1 (-5)
Attack Roll: 12

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 13

...Missed again.

Actions
0.75 Seconds | Spider #2 performs Stab [Master Rank] Miss (due to auto-dodge)
0.75 Seconds | Hoji performs Body Switch [Master Rank] as a reactionary auto-dodge. Melee Check Failed
10% chance to be bound in intact webs. Roll: 73 Failed
30% chance to cause bleed. Roll: 58
216 damage done, 5084 health remains
1.75 Seconds | Spider #1 performs Outcry [Master Rank]
1.75 Seconds | Hoji performs Zero Slash Counter [Master Rank] as a reactionary to this attack.
Equal damage, no roll-over.
1.75 Seconds | Hoji's offhand weapon attacks at -2 accuracy. Hit
171 damage done, 3829 health remains
Healed for 17 due to Vampiric
25% chance to cause Bleed. Roll: 2 Bleed I
50 damage taken immediately due to Blood Rack, 4779 health remains
10% chance to be bound in intact webs. Roll: 31. Failed
1.75 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Iron Point Prison [Master Rank] re-flavored as a spider cocoon. Miss
2.00 Seconds | Spider #2 performs Dynamic Poke [Master Rank] Miss
3.50 Seconds | Fuku uses Silver Crows [Mastered] on Spider #1. Hit
Damage Done 999, 2830 health remains.
20% chance to cause Bleed. Roll: 26 Failed
3.50 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Feint Strike [Master Rank] Miss
3.75 Seconds | Spider #2 performs Outcry [Master Rank] Hit
Hoji was bound when attacked, hit.
Damage done 1089, 2740 health remaining.
27% chance to cause bleed. Roll 29. Failure
53 health lost at the end of each round.
5.25 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Pressure Pierce [Master Rank] Hit
24% chance of inflict Delayed Response. Roll: 90 Failed
20% chance to cause bleed. Roll: 93 Failed
Damage done 1138, 1602 health remaining
5.25 Seconds | Hoji performs Arching Slash [Rank 1] on the carmot. Hit
Luck roll: 11 - elemental fire, the webs start to burn. Everyone in the thread (not including Hoji) take 1250 damage. Spiders take double damage (3000).
Spider 1 has -170 health remaining (KO); Spider 2 has 1000 health remaining; Spider 3 has 1000 health remaining.
25% chance to be on fire. Spider 1 (61), Spider 2 (63), Spider 3 (86).
No more spider webs (due to fire). Removed bind risk for every action performed.
Spiders have -5 accuracy and evasion
Setting condition is very dark.
10% chance to be bound in intact webs. Roll: 17 Failed
5.50 Seconds | Spider #2 performs Iron Point Prison [Master Rank] Critical Hit
Hoji is bound Bind
5.75 Seconds | Hoji attempts to escape bind. Roll: 44 Failed
20% chance to cause bleed. Roll: 35 Failed
909 damage done, 696 health remaining
7.00 Seconds | Hoji attempts to escape the bind.
Roll: 21 Failed
7.00 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Outcry [Master Rank] on Fuku. Hit
1138 damage done, 3062 health remaining
18% chance to activate the Pierced effect. Roll: 50 Failed
20% chance to cause bleed. Roll: 63 Failed
7.25 Seconds | Spider #2 performs Feint Strike [Master Rank] on Fuku Critical Failure
1089 damage done, -89 health remaining.
Spider #2 is now KO
8.50 Seconds | Hoji attempts to escape the bind.
Roll: 82 Failed
8.25 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Dynamic Poke [Master Rank] on Fuku Miss
9.00 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Stab [Master Rank] on Fuku Miss
10.0 Seconds | Hoji attempts to escape the bind.
Roll: 84 Failed


Status:

• Was unable to feral shift or cast his water ninjutsu afterall due to attempts to escape the bind.
• Fuku is damaged.
• Hoji is damaged
• 2 of the 3 spiders have been KO'd
• Hoji is bound

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

An explosion of events would seem to take place in all such a short time, he had to be quick on his feet using one of the only ninjutsus he knew to dodge out of the way of the first spider to lunge at him. Before taking a chance to slash back at with all his might and dashing speed to deflect one of their blows and also strike with his other hand managing to deal some damage as flickers of blood with a splash of crimson across the shark's face. It was an instant that he went straight for the light source with gusto as he smashed in to it with his claws, a burst of flames roaring out as he was flung by the explosion managing to avoid any serious damage however to his surprise one of the spiders were fully engulfed by the inferno. The other two still keeping up and definitely striking two after a few missed attempts with Hoji being quick on his feet.

His good fortune however would only last so long as the damage starts to rack up, the two were outnumbered and these spiders made it clear they weren't messing around. Using the bully method they would all gang up on Hoji until he was left black and blue, more than usual, with a piercing stab he'd be left wrapped up in webs entangled and unable to free himself as much as he desperately tried to free himself. Blood was soaking through the threads as he was running out of energy helplessly staring at the spiders who began to attack his dear brother. "F-FUKU!!! WRE HRAVE TO LIVE!!" He'd think about everything that he'd been through so far and only stare down in regret as he realised this might be his last few moments, he wouldn't give up just yet though as he trying recklessly to break out from the web.

Fuku would be so concentrated on taking down the last spider he needed to make it out of there and he'd put everything he had in to his array of soundwave assaults. Shooting his strongest attacks at the arachnid creature ducking and diving whilst dodging. He wanted to make it out alive... and would stop at nothing to do so! With a mighty screech a wyrmwind of light and energy would swirl around the bat as he would begin a dreadful transformation, it never was clear what actually brought the two together. Although Mother Suna seemed to have somewhat of a potential destiny for them, if their paths would cross the two would become one of the most unshakeable bonds. It was like deja vu but the roles were reversed, when Hoji had saved Fuku from the grasp of a spider's webs, Fuku would now do the same. The metamorphosis was complete as with large wings and a mighty roar translated to "You've done enough!". The roar even would break Hoji from his webbed demise as the shark boy looked up in awe and amazement as his brother.

Spoiler: Wyrmwind transformation

With a vengeance he wasted no time with his new and improved gigantic ear cannons Fuku would allow a mass amount of sound to be launched at his foes. Hoji taking his brother up on the initiative he would run with speed and precision diving down on the spider with an array of slashes to turn the eight legged creature in to mincemeat.

Fuku use Volley (Rank 1) (0.5 second timing) on Hoji/bind.
Fuku use Snipe (Master Rank) (1.5 second timing) on spider.
Fuku use Silver Crows (Master Rank) (1.5 second timing) on spider
Fuku use Snipe (Master Rank) (1.5 second timing) on spider.


Conditional:
(Stop if spider is dead)


Hoji use Blade Trail (Master Rank) on spider. (1.75AP)
Hoji use Top Spin (Rank 1) on spider. (1.75AP)
Hoji use Blade Trail (Master Rank) on spider. (1.75AP)
Hoji use Top Spin (Rank 1) on spider. (1.75AP)
Hoji use Blade Trail (Master Rank) on spider. (1.75AP)
Full circle (Master Rank) on spider. (1.25AP)

Conditional:
Allow fuku to hit him if attacked by fuku.

 

[Michi]

Progress 2 of 3

Hoji was going to watch his friend die. The both of them were tired, badly beaten, bloodied and far from the others. From those that could help him were too far away. He needed to depend on himself if he was going to get out of this alive. If Fuku was going to get out of this alive.

Fuku would launch a volley at Hoji, ripping through the thick layer of silk that had tightly bound the teen. Hoji would feel the pain, he was so close to passing out. But he was free and he had a chance to give as much pain as he has already taken before going down. He would rip himself free of the web. The lone spider that remained would attempt to bind Hoji yet again, a grand-sized snack intended to be left for later.

Hoji would attempt to end this right then and there.

Iron Point Prison
Spider Attack: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu attack bonus: -4 (-5)
Attack Roll: 10

Hoji Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +1 (Level 2, Medium)
Weapon Bonus: N/A
Jutsu Attack Bonus: N/A
Evasion Roll: 15 (21)

The spider was not able to pin the boy down as he rushed out of the way, the web ensconcing a stalagmite behind him. Thinking quick, he rebounded as Fuku flew overhead. Between the two of them, they might be able to end this.

Snipe
Melee Accuracy +5
Class Bonus: +3 (Level 2, High)
Weapon Bonus: +2
Jutsu Attack Bonus: +2
Attack Roll: 17

Evasion
Dodge: +5
Class Bonus: +2
Roll: 6

If he did not take this spider down now, he might not have another chance. Hoji was prepared to follow-up with an attack of his own. Only, as Fuku's ear cannons shot their final strike, the spider collapsed on the ground. Three on two, Fuku and Hoji came out bloody but victorious. The both of them were badly battered, still far from home and semi-lost in the caverns. Hoji was still bleeding. A surprise attack might be enough to take down Fuku. They were going to need to find their way home soon.

Actions
0.5 Seconds | Fuku use Volley (Rank 1) (0.5 second timing) on Hoji/bind. Hit
180 damage done, 463 health remaining
Suppression chance. Roll: 97 Failed
Unbound
1.575 Seconds | Spider #3 performs Iron Point Prison [Master Rank]. Miss
2.00 Seconds | Fuku attacks Spider #3 with Snipe. Hit
Spider is KO
Conditional: stop with KO.
Hoji continues to bleed. 410 health remaining.
Fuku: 3062 HP remaining

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

This truly cemented the two’s bond as Fuku made it his mission with one concentrated sound wave to straight in to the spider’s head at exhilarating speeds after Hoji had dodged the spider’s last assault. The duo whilst being outnumbered has cemented their victory, the shark boy would fall to the ground as his brother caught him midway, they were both conscious however one was clearly far more worse for wear. He couldn’t help but pity Hoji seeing him in such a state as he held him dear. The boy would take a moment to rest in his brother's wing/arm "T-thrank you Fuku... sraved my life..." gripping his stomach he would try put pressure on his wound as he rested. Whilst it was bleeding somewhat after the two took about 20 minutes to rest up and heal their injuries with a steady motion of chakra in their bodies they would be ready to continue their journey, they had trained to last and be able to travel and that is what they'd do...

However a quick snack never hurt anyone... and there was certainly plenty to eat, one of the spiders was even roasted for them! The Samezuka duo would waste no time with digging in on the spider's legs their large figure holding plenty of meat to dig in on. They weren't the most pleasant compared to the roasted dune hare that Hoji had eaten, but they certainly weren't picky. Hoji would let out a satisfied burp as he placed him palm on his stomach smiling, now well fed. "Okray... wrell we nreed to gro agrain!! Brut this trime more careful!!" Despite fuku's transformation his brother wasn't really shocked or surprised by his appearance, he never really was one for judging like that. However the thought of attaching bags and gear, to the larger sized bat... creature, did enter his mind a few times. Fuku wasn't exactly impressed though, he wasn't quite aware of what took place but he didn't question it, he was growing bigger by the day but he found Hoji's approach to be a little too reckless for the situation they were just in. "You almost died Hoji... if it wasn't for all that natural energy who knows what would have happened to us, your lucky to be alive, I was really scared for us. For you." Timidly like a dog who'd knocked over a decoration Hoji held his head down now looking up at his both bigger and older brother in some sense of shame. Each hands on the side of his head as the blood on his face was beginning to dry. "I-im sorrae Fuku... yoou right..."

It would be a bit quiet for a moment before Hoji would scratch his head still looking at the ground not quite ready to match with his brother's eye contact just yet still some what ashamed of the situation he had himself in. "I urhm I nroticed somethin... their wras a lrot more carmot shrards where we started. It's grotten darker... i thrink.... the further we gret from the lrandslride the closer we gret to hrome?" Somewhat surprised Fuku would look at him before thinking to himself, he had a point, it had gotten darker from when they first started. It was a weird scenario usually you expect to see light at the end of the tunnel. "If wre gro to the darker plraces... mraybe we hrave a better chance of leaving!" The bat would nod with a smirk across his face, he was a tad taken aback by his brother's strategic thinking, and hoped he utilised his mind in the same way later down the line if needed. The two would use this method when it came to picking paths whichever one was darker with less light source would be the one that they'd go through, hoping this strategy led them further from the landslide and closer to the exit.

Actions:

Rested until fully healed and no more bleed rank
Ate some grub
Using carmot to find way out

 

[Michi]

Progress 1 of 3

Hoji and Fuku would take a break, enjoy a meal of roasted spider meat. Admittedly, he had worse. It had a nice crisp, even if the outer texture was a bit off. It was like eating a roasted kiwi fruit with the skin still on. A bit hairy and weird, the 'fur' a bit charred. Still, somehow 'tasty' with a modicum of a BBQ feel. Refreshed, with full bellies and a few less aches from taking the time to heal, Hoji would resume his journey. He had made an assessment, as he traveled further away from the landslide, the darker it had become, a partial truth. Carmot was a rather rare asset found only in Wind Country. The compressed elemental energy contained within the amber-like stone served as a powerful energy resource that was heavily valued throughout wind country. However, over the years the supply has dwindled. If this is due to a threatened population of Sandworms or something else entirely, that is ultimately up for speculation. But what Hoji would know is that there was less now than there was before. The only problem was, he had the ultimate goal reversed - the undercity was a city of lights. He was going to need to eventually find new lights if he was to have any hope of finding his way home.

He would find himself in the darkness, in the depths of this cave, alone. It was getting cold...

Luck roll: 17

But somehow he would find a modicum of fortune -- a new light further down the tunnel, around a corner.

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

Despite the pair thinking that Hoji's plan was full proof he had forgotten that the undercity was completely lit up, for a while the two would traverse the caverns in the darkness. It wasn't that terrifying for them as they both barely used sight to get around but despite this they both were staring to feel the chills. "Brruuughh..." Hoji would complain as he held each of his arms shivering as they continued to slowly trek inside of the darkness. To their luck suddenly it would get a fraction of warmth as the duo would see a light further down the current tunnel they were traversing in.

Although one thing they had both learnt is for them to be far more careful, not wanting to risk any more lasting injuries, Hoji was especially black and blue from there last fight despite regaining his stamina he wasn't looking forward to fighting anymore unnecessary battles. The two would stealthy sneak up to the corner and slightly peak their heads from out of the darkness to gaze what lies ahead in the light. Fortune or fear? They would just have to wait and see.

Actions:
Both entering feral shift and stealth
Peeking round corner

 

[Michi]

Progress 2 of 3

He would follow the path that shone a bit of light. In the inky darkness, it might have seemed blinding but in truth it was quite dim. This strange flicker that would come and go on an irregular cadence. Hoji would enter stealth (roll: 5), he likely stubbed his toe as he attempted to meld with the darkness and creep forward. (Luck Roll: 11) As he rounded the corner, he would see a piece of carmot, flickering weakly set in the stone wall like a sconce. It was old, it was not particularly well cared for but it served as a meager light still in the cold, damp cavern. He would find a chair, somewhat damaged, not through an exertion of might but rather lack of care. The wood soft and bowing, the legs flaking and cracked. There was also a rusted chain nailed into the stone with a metal cuff on the end. Corroded but not rusted about the cuff, unlike the thick and heavy chain. There were a few discarded wrappers on the ground, the sort one might find from a street-based eatery crumpled up on the ground. They were not as old looking as the chair or the chain.

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

With as much stealth as a weighted boot, Hoji would stumble in to the lit area which seemed to be some sort of habitat not too long ago, getting on all fours and sniffing around he would try to place a scent to wherever he was. These looked like human markings and remains, the wrappers being the largest give away to this. It was a sign of sorts, perhaps there wasn't much left on their journey. These wrappings were much more new than the old chair and chain using his increased sense of smell he would attempt to follow their scent and look for more similar tracking. Crumbs, more tattered pieces of trash, anything that would help lead them out of this cold maze.

"Perhaps it's best travelling a with threats in mind... let us continue to take a more hidden approach." Fuku would squeak out these words of caution to Hoji, and once again the samezuka duo would attempt to sneak around in the darkness. Ready to pounce like the predators they oh so wished to be. Although something that the shark boy would wonder is... what was the chain and cuff for? Keeping something down on a leash... whatever it was he didn't exactly want to know if his life depended on it, and would attempt to go the other way if he did see any unusual markings in the caves.

Actions:

Using wrappers to sniff out a pathway
Avoiding any suspiciously inhuman markings
Attempting to enter stealth again

 

[Michi]

Progress 3 of 3

Hoji had stumbled onto a place near enough to the ruins of old Sunagakure that the space was at least sparsely trafficked but also far enough that a chain with no known legal use could be affixed to a wall. So far enough that nobody was going to hear him scream. Hoji would get close to the ground and take in the scents. Fast food, junk food. A glutinous bouquet. The wrappers were fresh enough, the oils from the spices were still pungent. He would follow the refuse, the pathway sparsely traveled by a litterbug. As he did so, the flickering lights would grow steadier, brighter.

He would hear movement, the scrape of boots against stone and earth, the jingle of keys. The sounds of talking. Men.

"Just brought another batch to Sora last week."

"Can't wait until the rails reach here, damned brats.

They did not sound particularly friendly. Hoji would hide away (stealth 15) and like the holy spirit on passover, he would wait until they passed him by. They looked big, a bit dirty and real mean. Not the sort that would want to show a lost boy the way out of the cave.

"Hoping to find a few red-heads this week, I have a buyer in Soons who needs a fresh one."

"The last one dead or just real ugly?"

"Dunno. Don't care."

"Been watching the latest crop of graduates in that shinobi academy. They got some real freaks making it through. Might be good for business, you know how well hybrids sell."

"Haven't wrangled with one in awhile. But we got no shortage of chakra sensitive no-talents out here."

A bit of laughing, a bit of cussing. The stale stench of ale trailed behind them as they rounded the tunnel and left sight and ear-shot. Hoji would be able to make his way down the tunnel the way they came and the twisting tunnel would go on for a good twenty or so minutes before it came out on the other side of the Undersea. The Undersea is an underground reservoir that serves as Sunagakure's primary water supply, fed by underground springs and rivers, this site is the ultimate collection spot for the regional rainfall from as far as Godsfall. It was the size of a lake, with a safe path along the water's edge to walk. He would see a scarce number of people collecting water for drinking, for laundry, for cooking and cleaning. Some would look up at him, unaware that this was a significant moment for the boy. The sandy eye would roll along behind him, just far enough to avoid hitting his heels.

Michi was there, she seemed to be writing something down. She would look up, see you and wave at you,

TLDR:
You have walked past from very bad men.
You are at the undersea.
This means you have technically passed.

 

[Hojirozame Samezuka]

Hoji stayed hidden as he followed the track of litter, Fuku choosing to quietly walk across the cave roof on all fours as to not attract any attention and be as quiet as could be, he had a gut feeling that the sign of human life was nearing him further to the pair's salvation. Although in this time the only people he had on his mind was everything that had happened since he tried to make his escape from sunagakure in the dead of night, it was a regret not knowing all the things he could do. Maybe he just sucked at making friends, although even if you suck at something! If you keep trying and putting work in to it, almost anything is possible. Lurking inside of the shadows the two would hear the sounds of men, gazing onwards at the men who seemed to be planning... something. Something that wasn't exactly the kind of people he wanted to walk in to, it seemed like boogeymen they were hungry to snatch children off in to the night.

No thanks. Frozen like statues they carefully waited until the group would disperse, crawling among the floor with shift eyes going the direction they came from. He had a good feeling as the pair rushed down the tunnel, half out of Fuku trying to quell Hoji's excitement at the thought of getting out. The other half being fear of having to get in to another battle, and escaping the scene as fast as they could, the pungent smell of alcohol filling the air but also being somewhat of a trail for the pair too follow. Through all the tests of endurance Hoji and Fuku would finally make it out of the tunnel, a huge body of water glimmering as if calling his name as a giant smile pulled across his face as he looked upon all the residents collecting water and just being in the general area. Gazing around as if searching for something he would eventually see Michi as she waved at him.

"HIIIIII!!!" He'd run across the small pathway along the water's edge, almost slipping inside but being too excited to see her he'd hold strong and finally make it across as Fuku flew in to the air soaring high up before landing next to Hoji as the two would greet Michi. "FAI- FUU! WRE HERE!!! A lrot hrappened... lrook at Fuku! And and wre drid it!!!" Fuku would make a confused facial expression as he looked away from the two, but he was really just embarrassed, mostly by Hoji.

 

[Michi]

Hoji would find his way to the water's edge. He had narrowly avoided the clutches of pair of slave traders; his life never quite so close to being squashed out or being made no longer his own. Hoji was different and for that reason, dangerous. There would be many that would misinterpret him as a monster, as a Hybrid of sorts or something else entirely. As he met the shoreline, the relief could have turned to tragedy if he had not allowed himself time to heal his injuries. Unbeknownst to him, swimming across the shoreline at that moment could have awakened a dormant force lurking beneath the surface, as the scent of his blood possessed the power to rouse entities that lay slumbering. Fortuitously, Hoji exercised caution, allowing himself the necessary time to heal his wounds, avoiding the potentially tragic consequences that awaited him.

The scent of his blood would have awakened something within the water that continued to slumber still. Unbeknownst to him, many hybrids were hard to kill and there was a forgotten monster that had found its way into the depths of the reservoir. Had Hoji chosen to swim, to take the shortest route, he might have still stirred something but luck or perhaps a hidden intelligence prevented him from making the tragic error.

Hoji would see Michi waving at him. The sight of Michi, a petite figure anxiously waving from afar, greeted Hoji as he emerged from the labyrinthine tunnels. The unpredictable nature of these winding passages, susceptible to shifting due to various forces like natural erosion, human intervention, or the work of untamed creatures, made it challenging for Michi to anticipate Hoji's exact emergence point. Nonetheless, with his loyal bat companion soaring above, Hoji hastened along the water's edge, brimming with pride after successfully completing his Genin exam. Eager to share his accomplishments, he approached Michi, who sported a warm smile amidst the perplexed gazes of the civilians witnessing this unusual encounter.

The small woman would crack a smile.

In Michi's outstretched hand lay a neatly folded item - a Sunan headband. Its simplicity masked its significance, as the sturdy tan cloth, reminiscent of earth and sand, bore a slight curve riveted with smoothed edges. The surface of the headband showcased the embossed symbol of Sunagakure, akin to an hourglass, representing the essence of their village.

This headband represented more than recognition. It meant he had a place, a people, and a home. The weight of his achievements could now rest symbolically on his brow or wherever it is that he might don it. A new chapter would unfold in Hoji's journey as a shinobi of Sunagakure. From here, where would he go? Did he still wish to know 'freedom' or was loneliness and isolation his true cage?

"You did good," she commended him. She saw bits and pieces, the spiders, the men. She did not hear the words, she did not know the full context of what had transpired but there was the chair and the chain. The wrappers. She would ball her hand into a small fist and the eye would dissolve into sand. "We should get your name in the registry, get some food into you and see where to go from here. Your family will be so proud." She knew nothing of the boy's family, of his association or his deal with the Kazekage. Of his likely departure in coming days if he took Raizo's test. That this moment of celebration may soon turn to a good-bye. She would miss him.

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