Whispers from the Mountains [A Rank Mission]

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Port Lagon woke to the usual day to day antics, crime, secrecy, and unknown militia activity. The citizens would waddle out of their houses, their interest in life long lost along with their own volition. The citizens were hungry, deprived, thirsty, and worst of all, low on morale. Any outside help has been dispatched and any attempt to retaliate has been thwarted before it even started. One Shinobi awoke, hope still in her heart, yet the soft painful doubt remained in her glinting hues. The kunoichi was dressed in dark blue garments, fitted, and insulated for warmth during the Kumo cold.

From inside a bar, where she kept her ruse from the others, she opened her doors wide open. The place was a gathering for people to get a nice home cooked meal, and for the olders to enjoy a nice cold one throughout the day. She held the bar down everyday, bartending and waitressing the entire shift. She had a small crew, helpful hands in the kitchen but not on the battlefield. The Kunoichi was troubled, the bags underneath her eyes from a lack of sleep would show her distress physically. A few of her friends have never sent word back to her since their departure recently, and she could only wonder the worst.

She took out the bar, donning a camo known to the ranks of anbu. She couldn’t risk being seen, around the town were wanted posters for Shinobi. She had a specific poster, customized with her face and a bounty. If a civilian were to find and report her location, that could win a ticket out of this Raiden forsaken land. The Shinobi was moving via rooftops at a high speed. She was looking to reach a rendezvous point commonly known to the rebel faction. Though their numbers were dwindling, there was still few who had courage to stand up against the town villainy.

When she arrived at the post, it was in fumes. Black smoke and the scent of soot was thick in the air. It appeared the last of the rebel forces was decimated in a final strike. She fell to her knees at the sight, bellowing a lonely woman’s screech of languish. It echoed throughout the town, alerting citizens to her position and what happened. They’d exit their doors quietly with mourning and sorrow. The kids would wail before being hushed by their parents and shoo’d back inside.

Kunoichi: “They’ve… fallen… all of them…”

Townspeople in distance: “It’s Mei! Oh no… the… the faction. They’ve been wiped out. Hope is lost!”

As the Shinobi wept for lost comrades the clambering of worried civilians filled the air thicket that soot filled smoke. Little did the kunoichi know, in her comrades last attempt to strike the he final blow, they sent word to a Shinobi force from Kumogakure. Two capable Shinobi were on the way, to this said location.

Each individual would receive a letter via tiny messenger turtle. The letter would read as so:

“Help! The town of Port Lagon is overrun by highly intelligent criminals. They are a foreign Shinobi force, they show no signs of being true citizens of lightning country. The town that was once flourishing is suffering from our trade and fishing routes being cut off by these foreigners. They are brash extortionists and have run the city dry. Our Shinobi ranks have been depleted, by the time you reach us. There may be none, if only one of us. Mei, she is the younger sister of the Haku that threatens our town! If you can, send a force to aide us! The enemy hideout is located in the mountains, although they seldom operate there. That is all the information I can give at the moment. I’m sorry.”

 

[Kiri]

Kiri finally found find to tidy up his small apartment after the recent days of returning to Kumogakure had him busy with hospital duty and after work class sessions. It made him smile while looking at his now dust-free flat. He didn't think it would accumulate so much throughout his time in Leaf Country. Then again, what originally was planned for a short trip in Suna turned into a year in Konoha instead. He sighed at his work before getting a quick shower. Nothing like a good cleaning early in the morning to begin the day.

It was too his surprise, however, when he exited his small shower, that he found a rather interesting sight. With only a towel wrapped around his waist, one might wonder if Kiri had acclimatised to the cold of Kumogakure. But it was simply because his hold over his chakra had increasingly gotten better and his shadows would feel warmer, so often than not it would almost be instinctual to have his chakra washing over his internal system to keep him comfortable. In any case, he was surprised to find a target cute turtle with all the signs of an official messenger.

At that, Kiri received the message and was a bit worried at the content. He didn't think he'd be deployed so soon. Not after all the incidents he caused. But this also meant that he was given a chance and he'll have to act appropriately. Should he decline, it may appear as though his confidence and loyalty may be questioned. Thanking the turtle, he would quickly get dressed and prepare for the journey.

He then wondered if he would be meeting someone along the way, so perhaps he should wait by the gates.

[Topic entered]

 

[Shieo]

The sun was up, the sky was bright and full of life, with birds chirping their songs of passion and love; people shuffled and clamored through the streets with purpose and a certain restless excitement constantly alive in the mornings of Kumogakure.
Except for one poor sod. Strewn across his apartment couch, a certain level of slob could best describe the condition of his living accommodations- It's not entirely his fault to blame however, given his recent history of the past few months. His living accommodations have more frequently been arena floors and hospital beds. Be it of combat or disease, he seemingly couldn't catch a break. Today was no different, of course. With the sudden pandemonium that erupted in his room, alarm clocks- mice skittering and Shieo's dour-eyed expression shot awake in his usual half-lidded listlessness.

He felt something was off~ And it wasn't the alarms~ or mice.

As he shot up into a seated position, he scoured the room for something different. It smelled different, there wasn't the usual cup-ramen, dusty or the raw smell of neglect. No~ Something smelled fresh. Thus it stirred him to arise, sifting through the papers, books, unannounced pets and the like; inevitably making his way to the small bachelor kitchen. There, in the sink he found his answer.

"... I don't remember wanting to eat turtle." He squinted, hard~ Did he want turtle for breakfast? No of course not, that's not right. Even more-so since it appeared to have a letter addressed to him, something that ultimately distracted him from the matter of how it got here in the first place.
He reached down carefully extracting the letter and examining the contents with a cautious eye. "What a weird way to assign a mission, guess I aught to get ready, huh." Afterwards he cast a furtive glance to the turtle. "You can stay, but be careful the mice like to bite~ Maybe they're rats. Same difference." Shrugging he made some quick efforts to get ready, as lazily as he could and departed.

---

About ten-minutes after Kiri had arrived, Shieo would have been noticed in the distance. Dragging his feet and looking as disparaged as he usually does; given the circumstances he also had come to the realization that there was some modicum of travel involved in the mission.
Upon getting close enough to Kiri he drew one of his hands out of their usual home- His pant pockets. And withdrew himself to invest a small amount of effort to wave. "Funny running into you again~ I'll wager you've been assigned the same mission." His eyes wandered to size up Kiri for the briefest of moments. "Given the distinct lack of others looking like their traveling, or as restless."

[Topic Entered]
[WC = 455 | Posts 1/?]
[MFT]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

At the gate, there would be a young guide. He fiddled with a pen and a pad, upon the paper would be intricate sketches of various works. Some were artworks such as portraits, or detailed maps, others were doodles, free hand drawing. The boy was thumbing through the pages as he had an epiphany. ‘Ah!’ The young boy said aloud, a couple of more pages revealed a wordsearch he was stuck on. The last word he filled in with glee smacking his pen against the pad!

“Alas! Finally!”

The youthful artist was greeted by several horses and a large carriage. Inside would be a courier and a man wielding the reins attached to the steeds. The man spoke with a deep voice, his character short and stubby with a double chin. He sounded jolly as ever to see people.

Courier: “So you’re the one with the map huh young boy?”

“Oh, yes. Yes sir. Here it is!”

The boy handed a beautiful drawn map that gave details to the narrow winding path by the coast to find the small port. The boy then gave out a warning.

“I’ve heard going in and out can be… dangerous. Please be safe sir!”

Courier: “Safe?! Ha! We’ve got the best of Kumogakure coming through! We’ll be fine lad! Oh, thank you for your concern now, you best get your behind back behind the gates.”

“Yes sir!”

The courier would be their guide until they reached the port city limit. The driver then whipped at the reins and the horses moved closer to the gates where to Shinobi would stand. The man steering the horses was draped long and sagging linens. They covered his whole head, his entire body, even his face only revealing soft and watery eyes. The man seemed foreign to Kumo or had not yet acclimated to the extreme cold in the country. His eyes fell upon the Shinobi in the distance and for a moment they sharpened, only to succumb to a soft gaze again when they approached. The large courier would bellow a triumphant laugh followed by a greeting.

“Young men! Yes! Come come! There is little time to spare!”

The man beckoned them to join inside the carriage. It was relatively large, with fuel stallions bred for such large travels.

“You can ride inside or outside! Make yourselves comfy.”

DECISION!

Take the ride outside; First hand view of the outside, although the time to plan for attack will be limited.
Take the ride inside; Gain further intelligence about the situation at the expense visual awareness while traveling.

Whatever decision that was elected by Shinobi as individuals or as a team would be appreciated as the man steering would again whip the reins. The horses gave out a high pitched whinny and started trucking off. The eyes of the man would shift sneakily between the Shinobi and the courier as his head bounced lightly and rhythmic to the bouncy road. They moved at a decent pace, but they were still a wide open target for anyone looking to impede their path. At this point, if the Shinobi elected to go inside, the courier would begin a debrief.

Decision 1:
If Shinobi elect first decision, follow this rp.

The courier would finally introduce himself with name and origin. “My friends, I thank you. I am Mitsurugi, I was former Shinobi in my youth as well! Ah, but I’ve suffered a life long journey that stripped me of such opportunity. What we have here, is clearly extortion and tyranny from an outside force acting on their own accord. They are merciless, they will kill, even women and children without a second thought. They seemed only interested in raising enough money to fund a rebellion by hiring mercenaries. They’ve overthrown the port once before long ago. We’ve just got things back on track.”

The man snapped and rubbed the bottom of his chin. The rockiness of the ride made the carriage bump and rock from side to side at times. One bump jogged his memory as he snapped once more.

“We’ve got intel that their hideout is in the mountains. But, the only thing we will find there is all there goods. They usually operate in groups and spread out. So, I figured this much. To take initiative we lure them out, we send someone to take their goods. Basically this person will be bait to draw them out. If their leader reveals himself, and we take him out, they will disband. He can be very persuasive that Monaka. He was once a revered Shinobi but ever since the passing of his family through a deadly ransom… all the light in his heart has been drowned by a shrouding sorrow. Either way, he’s proven himself to be a threat to society and must be apprehended or…”

He rubbed his chin again. Then the man pulled out the map which the boy drew up for him. Red circles near the village gave hints to common whereabouts or findings of certain groups, complete with mock sketches and details of the groups. He gave each one of them a copy.

Decision 2:
If Shinobi elect to patrol from outside follow this rp.

Outside the carriage was only the man working the horses. His demeanor shrugged off any thought because, only soft eyes could be seen from the man. Although, he seemed quite rigid and concerned. Sometimes quickly, most times rather slowly, his eyes would wander in every direction as if, looking for something, or someone. The pathway traveled would be a traverse dirt, a road clearly less taken by mankind. Most people would travel to the port by Water, but that would make them truly sitting ducks in open water. Without a map, or intel on what to look for, Shinobi could be prepared for any sort of encounter at any time. It was more than likely they would draw attention to the criminal organization with arrival and the battle would have begun already. The road was bombarded by large stones, thick vines and trees, all next to the coast line where white water fade onto thirsty sand.

The man would not even try to speak to them, but his eyes would fixate on them, watching and observing them. He could’ve been trying to dictate their skill set beforehand, or maybe he longed to be a ninja just like them. The saddened look in his eyes they gave off a feeling of fatigue would show no such emotion. Had the Shinobi been paying attention, they would notice the gravel beneath them retreating slightly, just enough to go undetected. (Roll an awareness check. 1d5. 4 and below, failed detection. 5 is a success!)

A Shinobi disguised as a tree would open his eyes from behind the bark slightly and view the carriage. The man with soft eyes would look as well, these two would lock eyes. (Roll the same check to see if anyone catches this moment.)





OOC
TRAVELING RULES:

Travel time is three posts including this one. Carriage has 10k HP, Courier has 6k HP. There is a 25% chance to ENCOUNTER! This chance will increase by 25% maxing at 75% final travel post. Rolls will be noted in gaming with pings!


Wc 1207

 

[Shieo]

Decision 1 (For Shieo)

After making his arrival with Kiri at the gate, his attention was soon drawn to the rattle of a carriage and the neighs of a pair of stallions. The dullen eyes of Shieo remained as his focus wavered in and out; after-all, it was a bit earlier than his usual up-time. With a fluid, gentle motion he had drawn out his right hand and brushed his thumb across his nose- a brief sharpness flickered across his eyes; only to slowly dullen back down. It was during all this he had been observing the rider curiously. Thinking to himself; That is some strange attire... Never seen it around here or Leaf before.

“Young men! Yes! Come come! There is little time to spare!”

"Of course, I'll ride inside... It's a long trip after-all." Flashing a glance to Kiri, expecting him to make his decision rather hurriedly too.

Tucking either hand back into their rightful pant pockets, he had strolled casually towards the swung open door. Climbing in and seating himself at the back, opposite of the courier; giving him a brief smile, only for his expression to fall back into it's habitual state of flatness.

"A pleasure, I am Shieo. A Chūnin serving Kumogakure." His half-lidded eyes inevitably wandered and zoned outside for some time, giving the courier some time of the day to be heard. Taking in the words and pondering them carefully. It was clear that the mission despite his neutrality during most of the ride, had hit a chord when the man spoke about injuring children. His lip curled slightly and he gently bit on it.
Upon revealing the map and offering it to Shieo, he had taken it and reviewed the contents. With a pause and then a slow exhale, he spoke once more with his dry monotone voice.

"I can understand the eagerness to lure out the leader; but with the scattering of forces... This tactic is fairly common in neutralizing focused strikes on important markers. Once the target is attacked or sabotaged, they can use flares or signals and enemies come surrounding the assailants." He carefully paused, figuring with these words alone he made a suggestion of action already. But nevertheless he continued the thought so it was voiced aloud. "Since they operate in small cells, it would be ideal to eliminate a number of these forces quietly- or quick enough that they cannot alert the alternative cells. Once this is done, we can stoke fire to an engagement with their leader~ Take his goods, he will be forced to retreat or create a commotion in the town. They aren't unfamiliar to this persons tyranny, so they'll hide away and protect themselves. And if this situation goes as planned, those that oppose this man's will may assist us knowing the risks." Reaching up he scratched his cheek, and sat back against the seat; rocking back and forth to the road.

Finalizing with an arched brow. "What'cha think Mitsurugi? Sound plan I figure."

[WC = 497 | Posts 2/?]

OOC
- If this plan is opted for, can we get details of the cells and perhaps a proximity to each other? May help us make out our decision of attack further.

 

[Kiri]

Kiri did not anticipate to find Shieo there but he assumed that he would be his partner in this mission. Though embarrassed and a little shy at first upon remembering their last meeting, Kiri seemed to get past that and was more than eager to get on with their journey.

That was when, suddenly, a carriage came over and a loud man hollered at them with great enthusiasm. In any case, by the end of it, they were both given a choice as they would take on the courier’s offer. Shieo took the initiative to stay inside the carriage, and probably get more information from he courier. Kiri on the other hand quickly looked at the carriage and thought it would be too reckless for them to be complacent. “I’ll take the lookout post outside,” he would say as he would then ready himself to ride next to the coachman.

It wouldn’t be long before they would then take off. With the scenery passing them by, Kiri wondered just how important this mission would be. From the looks of it, and based on the request descriptions, it was urgent. And even as he was seated outside, he kept a good ear open to listen to anything from within. But he was also looking out along the journey making sure they wouldn’t be flanked, or for any signs of a spy.

Glancing to the side, he would talk to the coachman. “So, it must be in a state of disarray by now, huh?” Began Kiri as he observed the man’s expression from the side, “Especially for the resistance if they’re out to ask for help from a long way. Not to mention, to send an escort carriage that may possibly be ambushed at any moment.”

He leaned back, a hand on the carriage while facing the coachman intently this time. “Is there anything we should know about?” he let his voice drag on before he would add, “Like news… gossips… interventions…?”

[WC: 330 + 291 = 621]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Kiri and Shieo introduced themselves, and chose separate options, a great idea. Inside, Shieo proposed a sound idea in contrast to the inexperienced courier. It caused the man to recline in his seat and over think the plan which was ideal. The man nodded after stroking chin hairs several times and giving a, ‘light bulb flashing,’ conclusion.

“Great idea my boy! Attacking each outpost like so would be a better route to weasel out the leader! Ah! You Kumogakure Shinobi are a fine class of warriors. Intelligent minds you have! You should notify your partner of the plan. Here.”

He placed out a map that spots marked out. It gave out the region they were currently traveling with mile marks for distance and bright red circles over known camps. The man pursed his lips together and shook his head.

“These are the one known locations. Still, we have to rendezvous with the last of the resistance in town.”

From a distance, a set of hand seals were woven from a Shinobi transformed as a tree. The retracting earth from beneath them continued to go unnoticed. The cloaked man would sneak a sly smirk from underneath his mask, the signal was given. Little did these Shinobi know, they were being set up the whole time. The courier was unknown to this, he was unsuspecting just as the Kumo ninja were.

The cloaked man would finally answer Kiri. His voice would be dark and ominous, slow and a abnormally deep tone.

“Yes, I guess you can say that.”

The sly eyes would slide over to Kiri and glint with a saddening malice intent. Through the reins of his horses, a slight amount of his chakra like strings made the reins and the horses come alive. The sudden rush of chakra into the horses began a clicking noise as the ground below them would begin to shift more. Another smile crept beneath his face.

“There is one thing you should know…”

Inside the carriage, the two unsuspecting would continue conversing and going over the map. The two could feel the already rocky road become more shifty as turbulence would continue.

“First outpost is a quarter mile west of our current location. It’s a supply camp, their numbers would only consist of captives who are extorted for free work of maintaining their camp. The next is a half mile south from that location. That’s a stronghold, here you may find their numbers there. The third post is just outside the port, it’s an underground base. This is also a supply camp, their final base is at the port. Hopefully the resistance is holding them off well enough for us here. So th-!”

ENCOUNTER!!!

The ground beneath began to pull, the earth retracting to the center of a radius. It was a sinkhole, attempting to suck the carriage in like quicksand. The earth style Shinobi from a distance has cast an awesome Antlion Sinkhole jutsu. The carriage was fully captured. The man finally responded to Kiri.

“You Shinobi look like very fine specimens for my next set of puppets… heh.”

The clicking from the horse finally revealed itself. They were but puppets, they transformed from horses to live, large human like puppets, and the reins became a thick visible blue chakra, the strings. The man leapt from the carriage, gaining distance from Kiri as he took stance with two six foot puppets, one defense and one offense. The first puppet appeared with much armor, weighing heavy and still puppet with many contraptions that held venoms, gas, and poisonous sharp objects. The other puppet had poison dipped knives as hands, a sword retracting from its mouth dripping a foul purple liquid.

Inside the carriage Mitsurugi began to panic grappling each side of the carriage. His breathing became frantic as he looked around. He couldn’t see the attacker, or the rider. He was confused, yelling out help to the outside Shinobi. His yell was cut short when a thick spire of earth penetrated the bottom of the carriage all the way through the top. It missed both people inside, but further trapped the carriage in the quicksand. The earth style Shinobi began a course toward the trapped caravan.

Wc 701

 

[Shieo]

"This is also a supply camp, their final base is at the port. Hopefully the resistance is holding them off well enough for us here. So th-!” While the courier-shinobi had his finger down on the map; a sudden and clamorous rumble erupted; a sinkhole had cast beneath them without their full comprehension. And in even less short of notice, while the two were rocked backwards into their seats as an impressive sized pillar of earth pierced the base of the carriage and started sinking it further into the death trap!

"TCH~!" With eyes stark open (Mark it down in your calendars), Shieo stared the potential fatality inches before his eyes; and centimeters near his legs. The glaze of his dulled and dour expression through his eyes, nearly~ and very much so panned into something of alacrity; he knew very well he~ and everyone in the mission was in danger. His heart began to race, mind-firing off motions, movements, predictions of enemies and ultimately their best-case, worst-case and what needed to be done to survive.
A lot of information was being processed, and in the fraction of seconds to come to his immediate choices of action; there were a lot of fragmented variables that he wasn't certain of, and he knew he wouldn't know until he got himself, and the courier out of the sinking death-trap. All while the feathering half-sides of each map were falling afore his eyes he motioned into swift action. Either hand reached out and clenched both pieces. Shoving them into his pant pockets indiscriminately. "Time to move Mitsurugi!" He barked a quick, and sharply out of his usual demeanor, he was given time to act; so his mind kicked into overdrive, he was not looking forward to the exhaustion that follows.

Making his motions to a stand, he slung a kunai parted three ways at the head, and kicked the door open. With a swift motion he tied off a wire to the kunai and flung it sky bound. "Grab on and climb when you see it make a sharp motion; I'll plant it to a secure point!" It was at this point, he looked back with a strangely ill-confident smile. And his body fluttered into quickly appearing and dispersing mist, with him gone from sight. Appearing mid-flight he was near his descending kunai~ Unfortunately, at this point in time. He hadn't perfected the technique, and so he had to plan a bit on his feet. Eyes looked towards the earth actively studying the area and how far he was from the ground~ approximately fifty-feet, it would only take seconds to land and it would draw significant injury if unchecked.
"Crap~ Think, thinkthink..." Inhaling, he recalled he had extras, his marking kunai of course; for this very unfortunate situation. And with a draw of one of his backups, he fired it towards the earth. Once more, his body flickered into mist and re-appeared where the kunai made it's audible thnnnk. In a knelt and perturbed position, he drew the kunai and looked up; his eyes were set on a target not terribly far from the carriage~ But definitely not the puppet-master.

Calling out to Kiri, without looking in his condition~ Figuring the fiery warrior was capable of fending for himself. "Prepare to make an escape if we need to! We're in enemy territory, and have a natural disadvantage!" Once more, his nose extruded a stream of calming air; he had to focus. This came quickly with a steeling attire to his eyes, his aloof facade was slowly being unraveled. With a swift and decisive twirl of the finger loop on the kunai butt, he caught it in a reverse grip. "Alright~ Time to see if my efforts paid off." Seeing the man with the eyes of a hawk, he begun his work as a wave of chakra was funneled into an ocular transmission, firing it into the incoming Doton-Practitioner. With the goal of the genjutsu to imitate a flurry of water missiles erupting from Shieo's position and crashing into the man's forearms and hands; intent on causing the feeling of cracking and crippling his hands. After-all, he seemed to be a ninjutsuist by feat.

While he was ill-faulted by casting Genjutsu through his eyes, he was simultaneously acting; with a swing of his main-arm the kunai flew through the air with bloodied intent. As it drove near the target; Shieo was encapsulated with an incomplete mist; and he reappeared at remarkable speeds to the Kunai; as if acting like a beacon to his movements. At this point, he figured he should be close enough to go in for the meat-and-bones of his assault. Twirling the kunai, and his left arm raised and in defense for incoming counter blows. He sent a barrage of anatomically deadly strikes; as if he knew precisely where a body needed to be stricken for the optimal fatality and draining of a person.

"Hng! Hya~ Tch." Each motion was calculated; but he clearly was still only a journeyman in his right of melee. Despite this; each strike seemed to have an illusive destruction to it. As he melded illusions to his movements, and guised each motion with it acting as if it was faster, or slower. To trick his opposition in over or under-compensating in their defenses.

[WC = 886 | Posts 3/?]

 

[Kiri]

In a split second, Kiri felt a strange sensation with the coach driver. It was a sort of malice that he was very much familiar and he didn’t like it one bit. Omens were there for foreshadowing and the insightful can easily tell when one happens per chance or by design. From the looks of it though, and the way the man phrased his words, it was by the design. Before Kiri could move, the ground beneath the carriage would soften quickly before it began to swirl. A glance to the side and he saw with his own eyes the sinking motion. His instincts kicked in, his beast finding the chakra pulse and his eyes darted to the side to find a trail of chakra heading to a tree in the distance. An enemy.

But Kiri would have to settle with this first one as he jumped on top of the carriage to put distance between himself and the newly discovered enemy among them. The driver didn’t really hide it all that well, especially when he wasn’t choosing his words carefully. Yet, Kiri must admit that he should have noticed earlier and prevented this. Now, as the puppeteer had gone off ot put distance between them, allowing himself to be free from the sinking carriage it sort of put Kiri into a tight spot, albeit a bit annoyed.

No sooner would Shieo escape with the courier guide. At least that man wasn’t their designated enemy, or else it would be troublesome. No, actually, it would have been better and he could just trample them all with his beast’s power. But before anything else, he really ought to do something about his own safety.

“Obviously, we’re in enemy territory, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” he called back, a bit of his natural arrogance getting a firm hold over his personality. A look to the side and he could see the second target, the one probably responsible for the quicksand jutsu that was affecting their ride. How laughable it must be for someone to easily to catch them offguard.

First, he stabilised his balance standing on the carriage that kept on sinking before he rushed towards the puppets up front. A leap saw a shot of his chakra empower his mobility before there was the sudden float. Gravity lay at his palm, manipulated with ease as his chakra washed over him like a veil that continually pressed against the gravity. Then, he as he neared his targets, a puppet would hit him. But alas, the image of his body dissolved into a mist of shadows as he would disappear from sight, only to reappear on the ground, hovering lightly, but on the safer side of things. From there, he would shoot out a formation of his chakra, gathering water particles in the air. It formed the shape of a large serpentine creature until it bulked up. Transforming, the bluish almost translucent color would turn darker and darker until it broke into a black dragon form. It was quite the sight, and perhaps not to Shieo’s liking after their little spar a few weeks ago. Never the less, the jutsu was quick as the black dragon shot towards the puppets, only to reform once more. This time, their heads would split up into three, allowing for more chances to take a good bit and pressurise the enemy puppets.

All the while, a different kind of chakra was beginning to pour out of Kiri. It was overwhelming to the ordinary person, bestial, in fact. And not only, his entire being seemed to have transformed as well. His golden hair grew pale, his red eyes now yellow, and in the middle of his forehead, what used to be a dismissive vertical slit of a scar would open to reveal an eerie inhuman golden eye amidst the blackness. All things jovial was absent from his expression, for the last thing Kiri wanted was to waste time with people like these. But complications were always part of everything, and he supposed he should get the message laid across before they were all swamped with enemies.

A glance towards the puppeteer and then to the incoming other target, and Kiri let out a loud roar, sending his demonic chakra bursting in all directions, making them feel the weight and overwhelming force of the beast’s chakra. Not even the strongest could simply ignore it, let alone the uninitiated. Of course, he should have considered the courier. Would he be able to withstand such pressure and the suddenness of it? Only time will tell, and hopefully, it would not cost them dearly.

“Shieo, keep the liaison safe. It might get troublesome if something were to happen to him.” He would say as he was preparing to engage the enemies in battle. Of course, he always had the mind to fight on his own. It came with being who he was, made even more aware with his training and journey with Junko. But perhaps, for this mission, it was best to rethink things over. They were expected, after all, while the enemies weren’t. Tripping over in this small incident might cost them a great deal. And remembering his words in the past, about failure not being an option, well, he’ll have to make sure that was real and not mere empty words. Death or Failure.

A quick drawing of his uchigatana and Kiri was at a ready. “Come!”

[MFT]
[WC: 910 + 621 = 1,531]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The time was of the essence! Mitsurugi was caught with his pants down, a death spire inches from piercing his head as he eyed it down. On top of that, that carriage was sinking and it was time to jump ship! Suddenly the words of Shieo woke the man up and gave him new life as he sprung into action. He was noted to take hold of a wire at the right calling, though he was older and more inexperienced than the capable shinobi he leapt to the top and awaited. After some swift maneuvers from the splendid shinobi Mitsurugi took his chance. It appeared the other shinobi who rode the carrier was also occupied with his hands full. Mitsurugi climbed the wire until the clearing beneath him was flat land. He jumped off and managed to land on his feet stumbling and somersaulting forward. Once he did he looked over to Doton shinobi and Shieo who was dueling the man while KIri handled his adjacent from the two.

The doton user had no chance, there was a sudden clutch on his right arm, instantly after the felt a numbing pain. The enemy ninja screeched out, it felt like it his arm was completely broken although it was not so physically. Or was it? Either way the arm was rendered useless and that sudden lapse of focus left him wide open to Shieo's assault. Meanwhile the fight raged on, the carriage had fully succumbed to the sinkhole and was eaten completely. The doton user would fall to the floor writhing in pain, the assault left him bloodied and battered, completely at the mercy of Shieo. Surely if he was left with no medical help he'd die out here, but he did deserve such a fate. Sprawled on the floor, in a pool of his own blood he'd reach for Shieo and beg for mercy, grabbing him at the ankle if he could to propose his request. Blood curdled in his throat as he mumbled.

Mitsurugi: "Shieo-san! Did you retrieve the map?! It seems like Kiri-san is also engaged!"

Mitsurugi hobbled over to the front of the carriage where the cloaked man had revealed himself and puppets. Mitsurugi cringed, recognizing the man. He hoped he wasn't too late as he came into view weaving hand seals. Kiri had begun the attack with cascading black flames of hell while dodging the puppeteer's first line of attacks. The defensive puppet finally made a move. It rose its hand simply, a transparent barrier of pure chakra energy solidified into hardened glass and shattered upon contact, to hit yet another barrier at the flick of his wrist. The last barrier was a trap, and as the shattered shards crumbled they came to life and darted toward the now equipped Kiri looking to bind him. But Mitsurugi had completed his hand seals creating three lightning clones, one of which took the bind for Kiri and dispersed upon contact. The other two clones went to attack the defensive puppet.

Mitsurugi: "Take out his defense! He is a trap user! Careful with your attacks, we must move in unison!"

Just then the defense puppet lowered his arm, and opened his jaw wide, like a doll its mouth agate lazily, a soft lo-fi instrumentation began sounding. It was a healing tone which would help regen a small portion of puppeteer and the offensive puppet who began jumping and up and down as if ready to go! Suddenly that offensive puppet inhaled sharply, its body expanding from the massive air intake. It shot one pressurized bullet of water and air pressure at Kiri, and one at Shieo. The puppeteer pulled back on his chakra strings and the defensive puppet retreated, placing up a volatile shield of sand air and the water from the atmosphere into a thick clouded tempest.

Puppeteer: "You're all fools to stand up against me!!!"

WC 648

 

[Shieo]

Through the flurry of battle, Shieo inevitably found himself hovering over a wounded opponent; who was overtaken with the destructive mental capacity of Genjutsu~ His expression displayed a sense of hesitation but inevitably knew the circumstance and the crimes they committed simply by acting in the way they did. Such required action of blood, With the doton user reaching out to his ankle; Shieo had stepped back and sighed. "You did this to yourself; regardless of your circumstances, you chose to do wrong." Kneeling down; in a quick successive motion he twirled the kunai in hand and struck the blade across the grovelling man's throat.

"May you find peace." Standing up, his attention diverted to the shouting of Mitsurugi as he got out of the sink hole and onto the battleground. "Shieo-san! Did you retrieve the map?! It seems like Kiri-san is also engaged!" Taking a deep breath, he reacquainted himself with the situation at hand. Patting either pockets with his hands noting the two halves of the map still present. He called out as he started making his way towards the others, notably not exerting any unnecessary energy with the kunai technique. "Yeah! Got the pieces!~" From his position he saw Kiri and Mitsurugi engaging the target enemy. But unfortunately without creating an over-use of his energy reserves, which weren't anything particularly exceptional either. Would be a few critical moments before he arrived.

Witnessing Kiri unleash his inner-power was unfortunately something that left Shieo a bit perturbed from closing much more distance. It was at this point, he decidedly slowed down a little bit to prevent himself from becoming collateral. During this slower ran pace, he watched Mitsurugi and Kiri have their initial bouts with the Rogue Ninja; certainly impressed with both of them~ he knew Mitsurugi was a shinobi from their earlier conversations. But to witness him utilizing lightning clone with so little difficulty was definitely an attribute to his strengths.
While perhaps something that required a bit keener of attention. It was somewhat apparent based of Mitsurugi's momentum and prediction of his opponent that left some allusion of correlated allegiances~ or perhaps were at one point in the past. It left knowledge to be desired, but certainly only such will be granted once and if they all get out of this in one piece. Emphasizing the importance of retaining their courier's health.

It was during the time of his running that he had heard the crashing sounds of pressurized chakra firing through the trees and coming directly for him; that he had to resume his exertion of energy. He wasn't pleased certainly; as his eyes widened and took in the sight of the incoming attack. "Dam~~" As it collided into his torso a hissing 'puff' audible had replaced with his form; smoke and a kunai ended up taking the incoming strike. Redirecting Shieo much closer to the combat that the two were already engaged in. "D-Damn, I'm too old for this." Says the twenty-two year old.

Raising a hand he was breathing hard; stamina levels? Not really there. "Be right there guys!... Promise!" He was clearly, quite winded. After-all physical effort was hard, and he only recently started investing actual time into it. But he was clearly still aware of his surroundings, just gathering himself for the meat-and-potatoes of their encounter. As it seemed the puppet-master was the real brains and power behind the ambush.

[WC = 568 | Posts 4/?]
[Total WC = 2,406]
[MFT]

 

[Kiri]

Despite his earlier concern with the courier, it would seem as though Mitsurugi was more than a capable shinobi. His prowess quickly conjured clones to take the hit for his stead. Kiri nodded at the other in thanks before he continued his assaults. For whatever reason, Shieo’s side was seemingly going well, though this puppet user was being quite too much of a show-off at the moment. He was beginning to dislike how things were dragging on. He needed to do something before this prolonged any further than needed.

As the fight went on, Kiri stole a moment’s glance to find Shieo. The latter was struck by the incoming blast from the enemy. And another was heading his way, Kiri took a step back, his chakra enveloping him on the last minute as the pressurised blast was hitting him, only for his visage to disappear into a haze of shadows. In fact, he took this moment to completely fade away from their visions, sneaking into the shadows of the nearby trees. But that shadow would soon grow.

A sudden concentration of chakra erupted around them, surrounding them with ease. And like a curtain rising, a sheet of black barrier would engulf them from the ground up, until a dome was erected that caged them all in. Within that said darkness, the senses would be tested and those who were less than capable would soon find that the terrors of the dark could lash at them, mercilessly. As such, Kiri had to make sure the important ones were not to be harmed.

He glided through the darkness, his eyes fully aware, in fact, they have become much more keen with the shadows seemingly guiding his own senses. He reached Mitsurugi at first, grabbing the man on the shoulder and putting a hand to his mouth to stop the latter from suddenly yelping or talking. Leaning in on his ear, Kiri would whisper, “Don’t talk. This is my doing. Let’s regroup while the opponent and his puppets are blinded.” Thus, he would hold the man’s hand and guide him as they would walk through the surface until they would find the hedge where Shieo had fallen.

The latter, too, must have been startled by the sudden darkness of the world, and so Kiri would have to reassure him the same way he did with Mitsurugi. Only when they would be gathered would he then assume the position up front, shielding them in case the enemy were to blindly shoot at their direction, of which he could easily counter with his jutsu. But it was also a chance for them to regroup, asses, and plan their next moves. After all, they cannot allow themselves to be stuck there forever. Should need be…

“There are people waiting for us in that town. If need, I can stay here and deal with this man. I’m more than enough. I can open a space for you and Mitsurugi to exit, while I’ve got this man cordoned here with me. It would allow you guys a headstart. And I doubt they’re expecting us any time soon,” suggested Kiri though he kept his eyes on the prize, his hands at a ready to strike with his uchigatana or send a lashing with his shadow jutsus.

[WC: 548 + 1,531 = 2,079]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

With the doton Shinobi disposed of, the team moved on to help Kiri, who was handling his own just fine. The first exchange was nothing more than a test of might and the puppeteer gave a fitting fake smile. Shieo has expertly dodged the attack at the expense of becoming winded from such a quick reflexes. Mitsurugu stood strong protecting his face from the wind with crossed arms. Kiri however, evaporated in black smoke and puppeteer’s eyes grew wide. He was unknown to what was coming, until it all made sense.

‘A black dome, the ultimate Nara technique! Cursed Shinobi!’

He thought these words to himself as he swallowed by darkness and vision became black as if he was blind without light. He steadied his stance, silenced his breathing. The odds were not in his favor, one kid turned the tables on him in an instant. A menacingly smug smirk appeared on his face, maybe he was happy to accept such a fate from a formidable opponent. Or maybe he laughed at himself for underestimating his enemy. Either way, he pulled at the chakra strings of his puppets, solidifying their stance in darkness.

Mitsurugi was dumbfounded by the blackness and lost his breath stumbling back in the dark. His vision completely impaired he searches frantically for his team at first thinking this was the puppeteer’s jutsu until something clasped his mouth. The words of his comrade calmed him and stilled his racing heart. He was still worried about Shieo and if Kiri had already contacted him. Kiri lead him by the hand over to Shieo and spoke a logical choice and He spoke for himself and would wait for the latter to respond. Before his response he thought of the proposed decision for the group which made sense. They did need to rendezvous with the final member of the revolution who was trapped inside the port. Mitsurugu thought it over, still somewhat frightened at the pitch blackness surrounding him.

Mitsurugi: “That sounds like a plan. But, don’t stress yourself on defeating him. We need you at one hundred percent all the way through.”

Decision!
Kiri faces the Puppeteer in combat while Shieo and Mitsurugi escape to rendezvous at the port.
Stay and engage in combat together against the puppeteer.

———back at the port ———

Mei was standing with tears still spilling from the corner of her eyes. She felt responsible, as the strongest within the revolution, one long walk would have burdened her with a deep guilt. She felt it was her fault, that she had forsaken the group in a time of need just to clear her own thoughts. Now she was alone, what else could she do? She was before the rebel forces, hands in the air, supposedly surrendering. There was a wave of bowman aimed at the ready, snipers from a distance, a line of meek soldiers compared to her night with weapons drawn. Mei wouldn’t seem like a threat, but the post general still urged his men to be on guard.

Captain: “Don’t falter! She is the most dangerous! That fickle bitch is just playing us! FIRE!!!”

The sky blackened… the villagers, at least all who weren’t watching the site from afar, turned around to see what eclipse the sun. The all screamed at the wave of arrows and the sounds of many rifles firing off in succession. The weeping Mei only stood still, continuing to weep with her arms in the air forfeiting her life.

 

[Shieo]

As the darkness coalesced through the world around him; inevitably catching his vision in with it. He let out a stifled sigh; Finally go blind? Sucks. his thought was quickly reassured, however. With Kiri's assessment of his jutsu and the shinobi they fought.
During this, Shieo had kept himself low; crouched down but ready to move when necessary. Hearing what Kiri had to suggest, his mouth quirked ever so slightly having already made a decision that was for the betterment of the mission. Not that it was clearly seen.

“There are people waiting for us in that town. If need, I can stay here and deal with this man. I’m more than enough. I can open a space for you and Mitsurugi to exit, while I’ve got this man cordoned here with me. It would allow you guys a headstart. And I doubt they’re expecting us any time soon.”

"Going to have to take a veto on that one kid.. Splitting is a bad idea, and I don't care how strong either of you considers yourselves." He twirled the kunai in his hand, somewhat pre-occupying himself, and keeping his gears turning. "The mission isn't about saving the person who sent the mission; it even alluded to the potential of her death; risking our numbers on a fools-errand isn't why we're here. It detailed other attempts all having failed, implying our foes have counter-measures and methods deployed to deal with small routine groups; or strays. It's why they ambushed us, to disorient and potentially break us before the mission started." Letting out a quiet sigh, he caught the kunai in a reverse grip. Having a sense for presence of people; he turned his attention to where Kiri and his voice originated from. "Nor did the mission-requestor describe routine killings or the like, so our neighborhood villagers aren't at risk of immediate death and aren't being inherently protected by this single shinobi, our job is to dispatch the organization causing depravity of the village. We're not going to accomplish that separated and without adequate direction. You lack a map, and if anything was to happen to you; or us. The other wouldn't know where to begin."

Rubbing his shoulder with the free-arm, as he got his muscles slowly moving to keep blood flowing and ready to go. "And I was warned, so keep whatever lashing you have in check, we'll deal with him together and target their leader together; so. On my mark." He gave a few seconds of silent air, and begun to quietly count down. Cuing the two to prepare for the bout that was to ensue.

"Three~ two~ one. Engage."

[WC = 441 | Posts 5/?]
[Total WC = 2,847]

 

[Kiri]

Despite hearing the growing frustrations of the enemy, Kiri would pay him no heed. Heck, if he could just allow the shadows in the dome to take the man’s life away, that would be the best outcome, whatsoever. He didn’t want to prolong the current situation for he knew that there was something much more important that a small pawn in this game they were in. However, despite his attempt to try and get things settled nicely, planned a little logically, and perhaps to get the team right back on track, the droopy-eyed teacher would simply negate his suggestion and call off on any thoughts of splitting.

If anything, his head was on the verge of splitting. This was why he didn’t like going in teams. It was either his teammates would be fearful of him and they would try to oppress him from doing anything or simply to ostracize him and leave him out, they would simply negate his very plans even if it meant having to fall a little ways back to where they could possibly be excelling.

“Stupid.” He snarled, though a little low toned and almost like a whisper before he turned around from Shieo. He could tell that Mitsurugi might be fretting over the situation now. With Shieo saying all those words now, who knows if Mitsurugi would feel compelled to end this mission now with such irresponsible views. Then again, perhaps it was because Kiri had his own sort of perspective that was warping his views. As a would-be doctor, it was almost second nature to him to strive to save as many lives as possible. In fact, he may have been berated about such an ideology in the past. Something to do with not being able to save every last one, but Kiri had always been stubborn and would never take a no for an answer. It was simply stupid to think that one should give up and compromise. Almost as if it was okay to be complacent and deny others the possibilities. Perhaps it was because he felt as though he was once the victim of being denied such possibilities in the past (perhaps he still felt that way), that all the more he was foolish to think and believe that he could promptly save all.

He grabbed Shieo by the scruff of his neck, pulling him closer with much anger in his muscles and deadliness in his glare. But of course, the latter would not really be able to see it in the darkness of the world that they lived in. Still, Kiri was aghast at the thought that they would simply abandon those who waited in that village for them. He didn’t care if his emotions was getting the better of him. He was simply growing ever more angry. “So you’re abandoning those who called for you?” He seethed the words before he released and let the man continue to get focused on the battlefield.

There was no use to get angry in the man. He was simply different. Always had been, and it would just be foolish to think that others would understand him. But the surging anger inside was ready to tear him apart, only that he needed to release it somewhere else. Hopefully not on the two whom he traveled with. And as such, his eyes fell on the target before them. Indeed, the sooner they clear this tiny obstacle, the sooner they could get on with it.

He didn’t wait for the countdown to finish as he let out a surge of his chakra to gather by his side, suddenly summoning up a haze of a figure in black with reddish glow that only a keen observer could find. It was far taller than Kiri, with a humanoid shape, though it was also obvious that it seemed to carry with it a sort of blade, though it was as pitchblack as it was. It would turn to glance at Kiri for a moment before it dashed towards the enemy in front of them. At that same instance, the shadows that clung onto the shadow dome would come swirling towards the target and his puppets should they still be ready to attack. Meanwhile, Kiri was still trying to hold back the rage within him. It would always get him into a sort of special kind of high, an ecstatic feeling of being drowned in power. But for now, he wanted more of control than power. And as much as he would want to just punch Shieo for what he said earlier, Kiri closed his eyes and concentrated.

Coming to a kneel, his chakra would surge along the surface before shadow tendrils would shoot out and turn into formidable spikes that aim to pierce at their enemies.

[WC: 799 + 2,079 = 2,878]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The arrows struck ice. Solid, froze ice water, instead of, what used to be a pleading kunoichi. She had disappeared from everyone, and only shards which fragmented upon contact. The arrows pierced the ground leaving a pattern, and everyone watched in awe. The leader grunted and cursed the Gods above.

“Find her!”

Everyone began to disperse, unsheathing weapons and jumping to the job. The Kunoichi from the shadows of a nearby building began weaving hand seals. The result was a thickening fog of mist enveloping the immediate area. With her expert manipulation of the water in the air, she was able to expand the most all throughout the port. This took a considerable amount of her chakra, which lead her to eat some pills that restored a hefty amount of ad lost.

———meanwhile———

Within the darkness, the puppeteer was clicking his teeth in rhythm. He even closed his eyes shut becoming one with the darkness. He could hear a faint exchange of voices which seemed to be distraught. The only hard thing now was locating the trio while blinded. The defensive puppet retreated closer to the puppeteer before fusing with him, leaving only the offensive puppet. He even disconnected himself, leaving the last one idle and in place. Maybe as a distraction.

He moved closer to the sounds which emanated from the dark. His puppet expanded upon his body, covering him in a golden mucus as several arms sprouted from his sides. Then, he felt another presence which halted his movements.

The presence was glowing in the dark, but it was nothing more than flicker of red light. A flicker of which, his eyes could not get a hold of. Only a fleeting crimson in the dark. Just then, the figure moved, and the shadows around him bent to the well of his foe. ‘It’s happening! He can see me but I cannot see him.’ He cursed in his own thoughts.

The defense puppet took action like any real Kyoujoran would. It hardened like steel fortifying the human puppets defense. His sense of the ground vibrations lead him to others position, he turned swiftly. He then entered a fighting style which caused him to be light on his toes. Just as everything struck him, it all hit a solid wall of sheet metal. The puppeteer was completely protected, or was he? Of course he was, the group would have to understand, to in order to defeat him, they’d have to break a puppet. The puppeteer smirked after Kiri’s assault, he then disengaged from the defensive puppet. He then became one, fusing with his offensive puppet, an uchiha. The puppeteer’s eyes glowed red in the dark before the ground before them erupted in black flames. It singed Mitsurugi’s clothing and caused him screech and discard his jacket.

Wc 466

 

[Shieo]

It was difficult to gauge how Shieo responded in the darkness. There was of course, a level of discomfort; given that they were here to fulfill a mission~ and to have an outburst such as that in-front of a client. Was... Disappointing to the Chūnin; nevertheless, he wasn't about to fret the situation. As long as Kiri remained an ally to Kumogakure nothing else had to be done beyond reprimanding the young shinobi when the mission had been completed.
While the count down was wholly ignored. It served as some level of proof, perhaps only to Shieo~ that some organization in chaos is still a valuable asset. As their opponent seized the opportunity of defending himself rather effortlessly against the shadowed onslaught from Kiri; and with little opportune backup from Mitsurugi and Shieo, quickly returned the engagement to a stalemate of darkness, yet further.
This is going to be troublesome from here on out... I have one cooperative ally and a wild-card; with challenging opponents. This isn't going to be a cake-walk... With dullen look in his eyes, only weighted heavier the longer he had retained his focus on the situation at hand, while he was lucid and the alacrity of a combat-shinobi was about him; it took a great deal of effort out of him to simple adhere to such ideal levels.
Letting out a slow exhale, the young man wiggled his toes; tightened his grip on his kunai a few time to keep his blood flowing and to avoid any stiffness from gluing to his muscles. While the knowledge of their opponent was limited from their perspective, what was known had left them to recognize a level of adaptability of his talents, given the environment. He felt the darkness almost aided their enemy as much as them, nevertheless; they wouldn't get through the struggle without making movements and strides towards such.

Thus, Shieo had twirled his kunai into a reversed grip and prepared his will and wits for some motions. He knew Kiri was still utilizing his latent talents with the shadows to leave their enemy in a tight spot. And Mitsurugi had the straights to cut off the enemy with lightning. Which left the component that Shieo was still adapting to~ Melee he thought with some aversion. Exhaling one last breath, he had reached down to the ground and lifted up a handful of pebbles. In a swift, momentous movement he stood and whipped the handful of pebbles about twenty-feet from their position. Adjacent from their target.

Once he did, and without confirming much on the sense if the puppet-master cared enough to notice it. It was anticipation he had, given the darkness any sound could be a make or break in the engagement. He had hoped, that his opponent knew such. And with a reactive motion, Shieo had whipped his kunai with steeled attention towards the Puppet-Ninja; however, notably it was not aimed to hit the enemy. Rather to fly past him.

Within' a blink of an eye; Shieo had activated the seal on the kunai and trans-located himself towards the mark with incredible speed. In aim to end up behind the Puppet-Master, and twist on his heels. With a familiar flurry of reverse-gripped slashes and stabs towards the man. If in-effective, he had hoped it would have drawn attention away from the two far more lethal members of the team.

[WC = 565 | Posts 6/?]
[Total WC = 3,412]

 

[Kiri]

Despite the brief difference of intentions and clear-cut motives that got them in this situation, Kiri was not about to forgo the safety of the two. He'll have to cover his concern with Shieo at a later date. For now, they would have to focus on the enemy before them. Didn't help that he could feel the stirring in the air, the swirling of the energy and almost sense the malice in the man's own being. Kiri was slowly getting riled up as he felt that there was more to simple exchanges in their current predicament. At worse, he may have to engage in a more dangerous stunt. For now, however, he could let the shadows prey on the man while making sure his allies were left unharmed.

Well, that was until his harbinger began to move and engaged something in the darkness. At one, Kiri's focus was brought towards the opponent. However, Shieo was a step ahead as he quickly went to engage the said man, leaving the protective area that Kiri made. It would be difficult to control the shadows from accidentally hitting him at this point, Kiri would have to trust in the older man's prowess in this. Perhaps experience will aid him.

It was at this point when he was surprised that a sudden spark of a different chakra came to life. Eyes traced the path but was too late as Mitsurugi's coat caught on fire. The man quickly took it off but it could have potential repercussions. Their location may not have been compromised in the darkness. But before it would be compromised, Kiri had grabbed Mitsurugi's arm and then threw him aside. Then he assumed a stance and drew his chakra towards himself. Unknown in the darkness that surrounded them, his chakra would form into large serpent behind him, flowing with energy before it shot out towards the enemy's location. Pitch black like the shadow dome, it would glide with almost uncertainty to the observer. But as it neared, the Shadow dragon would split into three smaller heads and attempt to bite the enemy, possibly binding him.

"Your turn, Ossan!" (Old Man) And it was obvious that Kiri was directing the call to a certain chuunin.

[WC: 372]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Mitsurugi was freaking out. He was in the dark, although with a team he was feeling alone. He could not see for himself, that alone made the hairs on the back of his neck and arm stick up like they were statically charged. Or were they? The old man maybe wasn’t as talented as the two, but he sure was smart.

He was manipulating lightning chakra into his surrounding atmosphere as a magnetic discharge that would detect movement. That allowed him to know his fussing teammates position while still searching for the lurking enemy. He gulped a deep swallow, sweat beating down the side of his face. He was beginning to think these two were underestimating the opponent who could be taking advantage of their lack in cooperation.

The time was now to strike the puppeteer before he had a chance to switch back to his defense puppet, the ultimate shield. Shieo was quick on his toes, teleporting with a Kunai in transit right behind the puppeteer who was smirking. He had seen the move as soon as it happened but was unable to move. His body tensed as his face screwed up and twisted from him writhing in pain. From below, Mitsurugi had channeled several streams of electric currents to strike the puppet unknowingly.

He was sliced and diced by a flurry of strikes reduced to a staggering retreat, and from behind... a wave of shadow dragons would consumed the puppeteer whole, evaporating him in black smoke. For now, the team had succeeded, even more so at blocking his last attempt. He sensed his death coming, and attempted to shoot a flare but only struck the dome of the Nara dome, and dissipate in time.

One of the leaders was one down, leaving fewer for the defending faction to act with. Back at the town, Mei had been avoiding capture, hoping the trio would arrive to regain numbers and make a final strike at opposing factions leader and disband the group. There was a reason each member, held their own camp ground separate from each other. They hated each other, each evil crime Lord was only in lust for power and a greed for money. As a whole, they were never strong, or even held the Shinobi resolve to pursue ideals without a higher head operating as its focal point. Mei, was in attempt to assassinate him in the mountains if she could distract them enough with clones and break out of the port. Mitsurugi turned to his teammates.

“Guy, come on. We must go! He just tried to call reinforcements! We can use this, they’ve lost a tower and don’t even know it. Shieo-San! The map said their was another tower before the port correct? Let’s take that one down silently as well. We must rendezvous with Mei. She must think she’s the only one left and if... if she dies, then, there is no point in us continuing. Mei was...”

The man broke out into tears for a moment but he screamed out a bit to control his emotions. He acted as if he was angry at his outburst. The man wiped his eyes and continued speaking.

“She is the port’s hope, if she passes and it is publicly known that she failed, the will of the people will die with her. And they will submit. We cannot allow that faction to gain such morale from that horrid event. We must make haste.”

 

[Shieo]

As the dust settled Shieo was left to recover his bearings and ultimately his perception of what was what in the darkness. While he had a resolute understanding where his allies were, everything else was remained questionable. It was a few moments after their opponent had dropped dead from underneath the pressure of the three shinobi, despite some tensions between them; they seemed to have managed to keep their combat senses sharp enough to accomplish the task of dispatching him.

“Guys, come on. We must go! He just tried to call reinforcements! We can use this, they’ve lost a tower and don’t even know it. Shieo-San! The map said their was another tower before the port correct? Let’s take that one down silently as well. We must rendezvous with Mei. She must think she’s the only one left and if... if she dies, then, there is no point in us continuing. Mei was...”

Shieo's attention looked towards the dome of darkness, during this he wiped off his kunai and slipped it away into his ninja-pouch. "There is one last between us and the Port, yes." As the man mentioned the rendezvous with Mei and the importance of her. Shieo's expression in the deafening darkness seemed a bit reluctant, truth be told; he didn't think of her as a key role in the grand scheme of things. Their goal was to eliminate the leadership of the Bandits; if the town's morale fell, it didn't matter much- Long-term, they would recover once the bandits all were eliminated. It was, of course; a worst-case scenario, but it was one Shieo could easy accept if it came too it. Besides this, he heard something underneath Mitsurugi's reasoning; perhaps it was merely coincidence, but the implication held to the air long enough for the message to be received. It was a problematic feeling, but Shieo felt he could try to keep it in mind until he absolutely had to ignore it.

"... Right, we have some ground to cover and no longer have a means of transportation. So we should get a move on now; keep our paces steady but let's not over-do it, lest we run out of stamina when the next fight comes up." He grunted quietly to himself after patting off some dirt. Walking an opening in the dome that was beginning to break down. Figuring the others would begin to make their way along with Shieo; who along with Mitsurugi had a solid understanding of the map and their general whereabouts to discern their next direction. Upon the three being all ready to press on, he'd pick up his pace to something of a jog; enough to cover ground, not enough to wind him.

[WC = 453 | Posts 7/?]
[Total WC = 3,865]
[MFT]