Who Goes There? [Contract Search]

[Tatsuo]

After the rest of his party decided to camp for a short rest, Tatsuo was enticed by the forests of the Fire Country. When he was young, he knew the forests like the back of his hand. He knew the best spots to fish, best places to sleep, and the best water to drink. His time away from the Country surely tarnished that expertise, but he found things becoming more and more familiar as time went on. He would have to get back at some point, he told Saito he was going for a walk but they were going to be in Konoha soon he really couldn't spend all day reliving his childhood.

In the few years he spent away from these forests he grew to just above the height of the average man, standing at 5'11. On his back was his travel pack in which he carried with him always on treks, being prepared was important to the boy and while he may have went a bit overboard he liked to be ready for anything that the world would throw at him. Even if some of the things were a bit mundane. The pack on his back weighed in at nearly thirty pounds but it seemed to not hinder his movement much at all. He was tall and broad as an oak tree, and just as resilient, it would take more than some weight on his back to stop him.

After walking into a thick forested area he bobbed and weaved between the hanging branches, large rocks, and the occasional root which sought to trip up unsuspecting travelers. But Tatsuo was in his element, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded not only by the trees in which were the cornerstone of his abilities but surrounded by the natural energy which he possessed an unusual affinity to. After a short bout of treacherous travel Tatsuo found himself at a large ravine, sixty or seventy feet deep at first glance, but in the corner of his eyes he noticed a large tree that had fallen over the ravine.

He grinned almost childishly, back in his youth that tree would've been a great bridge in which many wars were fought on, this whole forest would be a kingdom filled of wonder and magic. As he grew older he found himself straying from the muses of a child's imagination, but every once in a while, when no one was around he'd let off the burden of being a shinobi. He had nothing to hide in a place like this. He made his way to the tree-bridge and hopped up on it, looking down at the fall below and shuddering but for a moment he was a kid again. Placing his hands up to each side to balance himself he began to walk the bridge, imagining as if he was a great adventurer sent to traverse the harsh terrain of some imaginary kingdom that in his youth he would've declared himself the champion of, but alas he was on the verge of becoming an adult and his imagination failed him. It wasn't long before he made it to the other side of the ravine and into an even thicker thicket of forest.

A formidable wall of wood faced him as he grew near, another obstacle one must face to save the kingdom of ... Tatsuo thought and shook his head before throwing his pack in between one of the spaces in the trees. Delving into the twilight of the forest's cover and squeezing in himself. As he stepped into the now dim environment it would take his eyes a bit of time to adjust and who knew what he would see.

WC: 616

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

As the young Shinobi entered the intertwined forest he would notice a large drain of his energy as passed through the thicket. His vision was obscured for a moment adjusting to the new light. It seemed someone had deemed him worthy of seeing something most do not. Tatsuo’s vision would blue and distort until it solidified into one still image. Not a forest... but a jungle. What was really the difference? The trees were, the plants were, the smells were, the thickness in and humidity of atmosphere. Tatsuo was experiencing a new dimension after all, the realm of monkeys.

The sounds of monkeys were everywhere. Some feral, some highly educated and even adept at ninja arts. Tatsuo could see them training, fluid in taijutsu some even using ninjutsu. Baby monkeys frolicked around even bouncing into him and looking at him awkwardly. All would do so, but mind their own business. They knew this ordeal happened every blue moon or so. The Overlord Koboyashi must’ve selected another elect among the lot of Shinobi seeking a companionship.

Each monkey would look him side eyed and not directly, as to them, that would be seen offensive. Most would be calm with his presence and would not allow it to deter them from natural activities. Monkeys of all size ranged, even the towering twenty foot monkeys paid no mind other than a friendly look at the intrepid Hero.

One monkey however, only four feet tall, with beautiful deep light blue orbs as eyeballs. A relatively different and unique trait from the rest of the monkeys. He’d approach Tatsuo and stand straight up with his chest and finally raise an eyebrow while patting Tatsuo on the chest.

“Look, what you seek. You don’t find here.”

He gestured toward everything Tatsuo could see.

“To learn, is to be child. Now, follow, blindly. Don’t close your eyes, but, see with blind eyes. See, but don’t look. What you look for, is not here. Come.”

The monkey would then lead Tatsuo deeper into the realm beckoning him to follow.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo noticed the entering of thicket drain his energy, his connection to Natural Energy gave him an acute sense of the shifting power around him. While normally he would hesitate after feeling such an imbalance, something about this felt right so he continued through. Immediately he could feel the change in temperature, while the Fire Country had it's jungles the humid heat was foreign to this area. He wasn't in Fire Country any longer, that much he could tell.

Things were.. bananas in this new realm, he saw monkeys far and wide. As if he entered a city, he noticed the many different monkeys who seemed to pay him no mind. His jaw had dropped and he continued to look around in awe, Tatuso had heard of the mystical animals in which sometimes fought alongside Shinobi but they were far and wide and as he saw a monkey shoot off a fireball after a few quick hand seals he was certain in the fact that he had stumbled upon something great.

None of the monkeys seemed to look at him directly, in which he took no offense too, but was ultimately confused. He was quick to pick up that's just how they do things here and was sure to try and not stare at any monkey for too long, but stealing glances where he could. He had almost begun his trek deeper into the realm of Monkeys before he was approached by a single monkey with piercing blue eyes.

"Look what I seek?" he furrowed his brows as he nodded to him in confusion, he wasn't exactly sure what was going on but it'd seem he stumbled upon something great. When gestured to look he gave another quick glance before lowering his gaze towards the monkey speaking to him. Trying to not look him directly in the eyes and when beckoned to follow the shinobi would follow earnestly not leaving much space between them.

Tatsuo had a thousand questions to ask and probably still wouldn't get the answers he sought, this monkey seemed to know what was going on and if he wanted to figure out what he was going on here there was only one person to follow.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

As the trekked farther into the forest, several monkeys greeted the blue eyed ape. Each of them were seeking guidance, the first was a young chimp. He had fractured a finger and his left hand was immobilized. The overlord's sky blue orbs wandered around finding a large splintering piece of bark peeling from a tree branch. He tore it bare from the tree and broke it down to make a splint, how resourceful of something so seemingly worthless.

Koboyashi: "Everything has a purpose."

The next was greeting him with a blind companion. A monkey had his eyes seared from staring too blindly into the sun. Koboyashi nodded and took to a tree. He began to snatch up leaves and thin twigs or branches, twisting and tying them together. Eventually after weaving a hefty amount of twigs it produced a cane. He sealed one edge with a clump of clay dirt. With the leaved he tied a headband to darken the monkey's eyes and heighten his other senses in the process.

Koboyashi: "Why do you seek?"

Some monkeys would approach Tatsuo, seemingly looking for help as well. The first was a young monkey, he was carrying a heavy load upon his back with a cloth bag which was tearing. It caused the monkey to have walk on one side, putting additional pressure on that same side. The monkey was beat and winded. He looked to Tatsuo for help, maybe with a new bag or something to stitch up his already worn out bag. Koboyashi hummed and leaned back a little in his stance. The elder monkey rubbed his chin and watched at what Tasuo would do.

Koboyashi: "Fix it. Be useful. Around, look."

He hand gestured for him to look around and absorb his environment. Everything or anything that could be found, just had to be sought after. The elder monkey smirked and bellowed out a light laugh.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo furrowed his brow as he watched the monkey help all those who requested him. From seemingly nothing the blue eyed monkey managed to help all those who came to him, Tatsuo himself was quite resourceful so when the monkey approached him about the strap he dropped his own pack it crushed the grass underneath from the weight of the bag, a clink and a clang from the pots inside. Without even forming a handseal Tatsuo lifted his arm and small thin plant like fibers shot out towards the strap, penetrating its fabric and tying with itself to make the pack's strap look brand new. While the color may have been a bit off, Tatsuo's chakra enforced fibers were stronger than anything that could be manufactured, he would use this same technique when creating fishing poles or other wires for his day to day use.

While Tatsuo had packed plenty and probably had some thread in there, as he had nearly everything one could imagine, when he could use his ninjutsu he chose to. It tended to be stronger and because of his near insurmountable chakra stores, especially when factoring in his innate affinity to natural energy it was near impossible for him to run out of steam. He looked to the monkey he helped and grinned, he wasn't sure if they all could speak so he turned to the blue eyed monkey, "Like that? Or is there something else that needs to be done?" He began to wonder what these monkey's were like. The only ninja animals he had ever come into contact with were Hoshi's otter, Yuii's tiger, and Kaji's assortment of lizards. He wondered if they went through a similar experience, he may have just left Kumogakure but he already began to miss some of them. He wondered in particular what Hoshi was doing, too bad he wouldn't be able to share this story with him once he got back.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Koboyashi watched as the senjutsu manipulates nature itself. He created a cycle of usefulness, it made the ape smirk. He even clapped at the boy.

“Circles. Very good. I like.”

Tatsuo probably would never understand what he meant, because he just answered a question he was asking himself. ‘How will the boy do it. What will the boy do?’ The monkey could see that the boy was adept at using chakra, but his method of application was unique. It hinted toward or a special bloodline, one that was, one with nature.

“Come boy. See more. Do more.”

Koboyashi continued their path and another monkey joined in. He was a child, a babe, and he waddled on the knuckles of his hands and feet. This little guy cuddled up next to Koboyashi looking for affection but would receive none but only a push.

“No. Too soft. Harden your heart. No fear in your heart. No fear.”

The little monkey then waddled over to Tatsuo whimpering. He’d look for the same comfort, but would he receive it? Koboyashi looked back at Tatsuo with a stern look, eyes with the feel of tempered steel staring at the boy. The terrain of the jungle was becoming more of a pathway, as if to reach a separate part of the jungle and that’s exatly what it was, the water hole, or main water source of the jungle. It’s beautiful waterfall.

Once they arrived, there was little monkeys there, but an assortment of all different animals. Koboyashi gazed over the ravine with soft eyes blinking left to right. He inhaled the crisp air deeply giving a relieving sigh. Koboyashi would turn his attention to Tatsuo, and point to the waterfall, he’d then speak in his own code once more.

“Chosen you are, now, must show proof of worth. Go. Take him. Don’t feed. He feed himself. Make him strong. Take him to waterfall. Both, drink. If he survives, you keep. You leave. Come back when he is strong.”

Koboyashi turned away, the roar of wild animals filled the distance. This was the wild, no longer the realm of contracts once Tatsuo and the monkey entered the ravine. Koboyashi burst into hysteric laughter as he entered the thicket leaving the two to fend for themselves. Tatsuo would see the realm quiver like ripples of water and return to the normal scenery of the forest as before, no longer a jungle. And Tatsuo was accompanied by a three foot monkey, with fuzzy fur of multiple discoloration. He was truly a newborn still growing and developing. He pulled at Tatsuo’s pant leg.

“Waaaaa-waaaaaatter. Waaaater.”

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo had no idea what Koboyashi was talking about but it was easy to tell that he was happy with him, with a quick grin and a nod he said "Thanks," looking to the other monkey he waved him off so he could get back to doing whatever he needed such a heavy pack. Picking up his own as he continued to listen to Koboyashi and his weird way of talking and was surprised when the baby arrived. He furrowed his brows as he saw Koboyashi push the monkey away in an effort to toughen him up, that stung Tatsuo a bit but he said nothing. However when the monkey came to Tatsuo he lacked the heart to cast it away. Bending down to scoop him up and placing him on his shoulders he would shrug and offer an apologetic look to Kobayashi, but there was little he could actually do. He had felt the multiple times he was denied comfort as a child and while it probably did toughen him up a bit, sometimes understanding comfort would make you fight harder to keep it.

As he followed him through the path he was surprised to be lead back out of the jungle. The world rippled around him and Tatsuo looked left and right but before he knew it he was back in the Fire Country, with simple instructions, or at least it seemed so, take care of the monkey and come back when he was strong. For a moment Tatsuo grew a bit anxious, he needed to be back somewhat soon, how long would he need to care for this monkey? But even with his understanding of the Fire Country's layout he had no idea where he was and this was probably the best spot for him to stay, at least for the infant. He wanted to ask Kobayashi some more questions but before he knew it he had slipped off back into the realm of the monkey, leaving him in the custody of the infant. "You thirsty, little guy?" he said in a kind voice, he thought to what Koboyashi told him and realized he would need to help the monkey survive but how could he do it while also training him? He was too young to be a parent.. he shook his head and guided the little guy to the waterfall. Placing a gentle hand on the monkey's hand to take a sip himself, while it would it would suck to be poisoned or otherwise hurt by the water he probably had a better resistance than the baby.

He waited for a few moments to see if the water had any immediate effects and if it did not he would let the baby monkey drink generously, as the baby monkey drank he would look around and try to spot anything he could use to camp out here for a few days. He took the pack off his back and laid down a blanket at the base of the small lake. He began to lay out all of the things he had to work out, everything from a hatchet to pots and pans, a few extra blankets. "I could probably make a hammock or two.. but I guess I could just make a house if we're staying here for long enough." he said rubbing his own chin as he kept a careful eye on the infant making sure everything was going alright with him.

After pulling the baby back to make sure he didn't drink too much he offered him a few chestnuts that he carried in his pack, "You hungry buddy?"

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The monkey was plopped onto the boy’s shoulder. The young ninja palmed some water and the monkey drank. It drank until it had its full, and then a strange feeling in its stomach came about which confused the ape. It was hungry, but it yet to understood what that meant. The young monkey placed a hand on his stomach and looked down at Tatsuo’s feet. It noticed how he walked, and how Koboyashi walked. Quickly the monkey realized the pattern, the stance, the movement.

The monkey jumped off Tatsuo’s shoulder and landed rather, nicely before rising to a wobbling stand and walking on its own slowly. Once it was second nature, and this would happen quickly, the ape would pick up the pace, no longer having to use its long arms as training wheels for walking. The ape could pick up on things quickly it seemed. Tatsuo ran through an assortment of items, most of which the money would pick up and wave around to see what it was. Then the monkey would casually put it down, seeming bored of them. The mention of a hammock or place to stay went through one ear and out the other.

The monkey was pulled away by Tatsuo and offered some nuts. Tatsuo expressed the word hungry, and then monkey repeated.

“Hungry?”

The monkey took the nut and ate it slowly. He wasn’t a fan of the flavor but it was helpful to sustain the monkey. It continued to eat until the pain in its stomach was removed. He began to search his surroundings, smelling, ears twitching. He was experiencing many new things all at once. The miracle of food and water, the ability to walk, he was picking up on speech the more time progressed. Signs of a quick learner.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo noticed immediately the monkey was quick to learn, everything from drinking to eating. Tatsuo wondered just how far that aptitude to learning went. Earlier he saw monkey's capable of Ninjutsu and he wondered if this one would be able to use it. This monkey was obviously different than those that normally inhabit the jungles. The bright eyed blue one was enough proof to that thought. After letting the baby monkey get his fill of water and food, Tatsuo gestured him over and said "Hey little guy, you wanna be a cool ninja like me?" he said bringing up an extended thumb in his direction. "You know what a Ninja is? Yea? Like Ninjutsu and all that?" he said looking down at the monkey.

"Here.. let's start with something simple." he grinned and sat down parallel from the baby monkey, forming a quick 'Tiger' seal, he transformed into the baby monkey. Tatsuo was quick to dispel the transformation as to not confuse the monkey all that much. He would show him a few more times, hopefully so they monkey would learn exactly what he was doing and with any luck, maybe even mimic Tatsuo's actions. After a few examples, of switching into a few things, including a particularly friendly white eyed Hyuuga hailing from Cloud. He thought the monkey had a good grasp on the concept of the transformation jutsu and said "Alright buddy, your turn." Sitting back he watched the monkey and looked for any errors in his movement or hand seals. After all he was here to instruct.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The monkey grew tired after walking, he was still young and exerting himself to learn something so fast quickly tired the ape out. He took a seat and observed his environment. Tatsuo followed after and took a seat adjacent from him. Tatsuo asked him a rather silly question, most of the words he couldn’t pick out. He titled his head and read Tatsuo’s body language instead and how it matched with the words. The monkey nodded, leaning into Tatsuo mumbling.

The ape was coming upon him until Tatsuo placed up a tiger seal and the monkey felt his energy stir. The monkey continued to lean into Tatsuo intrigued until he became a monkey like himself. The monkey would begin to blurt out large high pitched shrieks and clapped his hands. Tatsuo repeated the action, turning into several other things and people. All of which the monkey turned its head to the side at.

Tatsuo gestured the monkey to follow suit. He possessed the chakra necessary but had no knowledge of what to call it, or what it was. Tatsuo’s performance gave the monkey a bit of insight as it blinked and looked at itself. Slowly the monkey rose its hands to its face. He pondered his hands, and formed the a similar sign, which he transitioned into the correct sign after some adjustment. Immediately the monkey felt its own energy surge within its body. He began to murmur lightly examining Tatsuo intently. It would take some time for the monkey to imitate what Tatsuo did, he would fail repeatedly but like a child never grew frustrated and only remained interested. But it seemed he needed more help with the exercise.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo grinned as the monkey seemed to enjoy the jutsu, while it seemed like a cheap parlor trick it could be a shinobi's best friend when utilized right. However the chakra control required for a perfect transformation may have been just a bit too advanced for the young chimp. "Alright little guy, let's try something a little different.. Let's see how well you can charge up chakra." Tatsuo furrowed his brows, realizing he probably was basically talking to himself. There was no way the monkey was understanding what he said. Moving slow and exaggerated to keep the monkey's attention he brought up his arms, bringing his palms together. Taking in a deep breath he focused on the chakra inside him, ignoring the natural energy this time, but just to show his raw power. The little monkey would feel a small pulsating as a flare of chakra began to cloak the boy. It wouldn't be enough to blow him back or anything, but an undeniable pressure that the monkey could definitely feel.

After a brief stint of showing him how to manifest his own chakra he pointed to him and said "You feel that? You can do the same thing, you just gotta focus on that chakra.." he said poking the monkey in the belly playfully. "You can do that and plenty more, i'm sure. I've seen those other monkey's perform ninjutsu, but ya' gotta start with the basics you know?" After showing the monkey the basics of actually utilizing his chakra and showing him what it felt like. He would return to the previous exercise, bringing his hands together to make a tiger seal he transformed into the baby monkey again. Switching back quickly, he gestured for the monkey to try it again. Hopefully with the increased competency in utilizing his own chakra he would be able to perform the technique now. "Give it another try, i'm sure you'll get it this time. Try and switch into me, buddy."

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The chimp continue to scratch its head as Tatsuo spoke. It wasn’t so much that the young one was confused but it was coming to understanding. Tatsuo was begetting many ‘ah’ moments to the monkey. As if he already knew what Tatsuo was speaking about, it was just, this leaf Shinobi had the words to manifest such things into knowledge. The monkey was learning.

“Ch-chakra...”

He uttered as he now understood the coursing feeling within his veins now. Tatsuo began to charge up, while simultaneously the young monkey would too. Just as he would feel the pressure of Tatsuo’s energy, it would return with the same strength resonating from within the young chimp. Tatsuo poked him in the stomach in which, he fumbled his energies and chuckled while rolling over. His playful antics came to a sudden stop at the word of Ninjutsu. No, just, jutsu. The monkey scratched the top of his head again, squealing young monkey talk.

Once he again, his thoughts interrupted by Tatsuo’s transformation jutsu. The monkey was intrigued once more, as if it never saw this performance before. This time, once completing the handseals, the monkey would poof, and dissipating clouds would reveal the star blue eyed Koboyashi, except he was bursting into laughter. The transformed monkey would then roll around its back holding its feet at the toes and barrel rolling. This came to an abrupt stop at the sound of a twig crashing. It was unnatural. Different from a typical predator, who wouldn’t dare to ever make such a crucial mistake. No, the young monkey though seldom in its years of life in this abundant forest, had known all to well from travels with the sovereign head. That was the sound of a tree trunk giving weight to Shinobi traveling from tree branch.

He transformed back to the monkey. He ran up to Tatsuo and pointed upwardly. It would reveal falling leaves, coming from the east and closing in to their current location. Something was upon them, and without noise or word, only a finger of his mouth, the young monkey would intend to notify Tatsuo of the oncoming danger.

Decision!

1. Tatsuo can choose to engage the oncoming enemy. If he does so, he would he have engage in combat with “X”, along side his monkey. Tatsuo would be treated as having a conttact, but only if D rank stats among possible A rank threats.

2. Tatsuo can choose to avoid the danger. Doing so would limit his teaching time with the monkey, hinder their path back to the contract land, and risk being run out of the water hole. Lastly, Tatsuo will have to make three separate awareness checks of t!dice 1d20 in gaming. Rolling a 12 or lower will cause him to be discovered by a single enemy. Tatsuo will engage in combat, without having a contract, and the monkey will be treated as a D rank ally.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo was happily teaching the monkey before his eyes darted to the rustling in the leaves, realizing something was upon them. Without even forming a hand-seal a large wooden barrier formed between Tatsuo, the monkey, and the threat at hand. Quickly scooping the monkey into his hands, he used his wall to propel himself backwards jumping back quite a few meters. He was quick to scan the situation but still couldn't identify just what the enemy was. However he felt confident in his abilities to fend them off, though protecting the monkey at the same time might be a bit difficult.

Without a second thought he brought his hands together in a tiger seal, the monkey still cradled in his arms, a wooden clone began to grow out of his back. Tatsuo was quick to hand the monkey to the wooden clone, freeing his hands and allowing Tatsuo more movement needed in the battlefield. Entering a battle stance his first priority was to protect his clone and the monkey in his hands, however he would definitely engage in the offensive if he found a decent opening.

He really hadn't expected a battle here, but shinobi were to suspect the unsuspected, his only worry was that the enemy had not yet shown themselves. As long as the numbers weren't stacked that hard against him he should be able to get out of this alright and you know the old saying, Monkey see, Monkey do. Maybe this would be good for him after all. A smirk appeared on his face as he turned to the little guy, "Watch this, you're not going to want to miss a second!" Slapping his hands together, wooden tendrils shot out from his skin, covering him in a thick and protective armor. One that would not only protect him from blows, but strike back at others with the well known intensity of nature's wrath. "I'm not looking for a fight!" Tatsuo called out, "But if you're looking to start anything i'm no stranger to them!" he shouted, he doubted his enemies were even human, but just in case they were bandits looking to score on some unsuspecting guy in the forest, perhaps the use of ninjutsu and scary words would be enough to ease them off.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Tatsuo would only hear snickering as a first response. It would sound as if he was surrounded by a multitude as the chuckle echoed all around him. It made a crescendo as it grew louder from a faint laugh in the distance. The monkey began to chirp, it was a concerned squeal, slightly high pitched. Even though feared tickled the young ape’s heart, he eyed Tatsuo attentively as he prepared himself for the oncoming threat. He coated himself in lifelike wooden armor of thorns. All from the help of a single seal, he cooed at the sight and repeated the action. Yet, for the monkey, nothing happened. Instead the monkey burst into a fiery aura. The activation of immolation armor.

Thug: “Children. Hahahahahaha! CHILDREN!”

Maniacal laughter echoed once more through the woods. A hardened Tatsuo and fiery contract animal protege readied themselves in a stalwart position. What the two did not know was that they faced a single foe, yet this one in particular mastered a clone jutsu to a T. He was able to break the threshold and clone himself up to fifty times or more. And at this time, searching for a companion such as the monkey, this would be a perfect opportunity to attain a life long goal. The monkey chirped out feeling awkward or maybe attune to the several chakra sources it was sensing.

Thug: “Give up the monkey. Nice and easy.”

A flurry of shuriken would fly by. Their speed was dynamic and the angle they took would make it almost impossible to dictate the point of origin. The man’s location would still be unknown. Although his whereabouts would appear to be, on the left of Tatsuo. A thicket of trees showed more rustling hey if Tatsuo would look he would blind to another shower of shuriken coming at his flank.

“Do you give up boy? Bahahahaha!”

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo couldn't help but be insulted by the man's laughter. He might have only been a kid but he was definitely a ninja. Forming a few more sets of seals he shouted, "Wood Style: Great Wooden Arena!" As he finished, wooden walls erupted in a twenty meter radius around them. He hoped to trap the assailant and all of his clones within these walls. Tatsuo was able to control almost everything from within the arena, so it was best to fight within it. Especially when outnumbered. He was taken aback by the monkey's use of Fire Ninjutsu, he couldn't help but smirk but he took a kuani out from his pack and glanced around looking if there happened to be an enemy anywhere he could see.

When he heard another rustling, Tatsuo turned and then was nearly pelted with a set of shuriken, he was quick enough to block them off with his kunai however. "Buddy, get behind me!" he yelled to his monkey pal. "We're going to have to work together, I won't let him take you anywhere." His armor grew more and more restless as time went on. Whipping vines and shifting bark, it seemed to be growing while not even changing shape. With the monkey at his back, Tatsuo formed a few more handseals and brought out his signature technique. "Wood Style: Great Wooden Bear!"

Other than his shout, for a moment it was quiet but before long the earth erupted below them. A wooden bear fused with chakra tore from the earth, pulling mud, dirt, and vines alike as it broke free from it's earthen prison. As it broke free it made its way toward some of the clones, crashing into quite a few of them hoping to KO them with enough force. Tatsuo kept his eyes keen and was ready for anything. He had to protect the monkey and himself, who knew what this guy was capable of if he could use such high level clone jutsu.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The monkey stood with a resilient look. He was going to be triumphant with his new master through this turmoil. A high pitched shriek began to fill the dome as the young monkey gave a war cry. He was chanting a victory song. All the while, Tatsuo created a domed arena trapping only a third of the clones while the real enemy spectated, taking notes on Tatsuo's wood style from a crimson eye with intricate designs.

Thug: "Ooooohhh, Mokuton. I like."

The thug blinked, and instantly he was able to review the hand seals and the manifestation of chakra. He was even able to see the transmutation of its very nature to form an advanced element. He nodded to himself. Meanwhile inside Tatsuo was doing well to fend off the shuriken flurry. Some would even make it to the monkey who would shriek and it's fiery armor would grow intensely acting as a barrier and deflecting the metal toys.

Tatsuo would be able to see about six clones. At the time they would be descending upon the two, eyes locked on Tatsuo. Tatsuo quickly summoned a bear which after some time sprung forth from the depths of the underground. The clones all became wide eyed and formed some hand seals. It was the seals in succession to perform, a clone jutsu... Quickly, six became sixty. And then sixty, became a dwindling twenty six after stampeding wooden bear. Half of the clones would split to deal with the bear, while thirteen moved on the duo and surrounded them. Each one pulled out a hidden weapon, a simple kunai but each held a half of a tiger hand seal ready.

 

[Tatsuo]

Tatsuo's wood clone finally sprung into action, shooting out a large hammer wide enough to strike three of the clones. Twenty six.. now twenty three.. Tatsuo thought to himself, while the clones were numerous they seemed quite easy to deal with. While in this realm of wood he had the definite advantage here, but he would have to continue to thin the crowd and find the real one if he really wanted to end this. Looking over to the monkey and the clone he called out to them. "You guys deal with the clones, i'll figure out where the real one is." His clone nodded and then Tatsuo sprung into action. Jumping over all of the clones and onto the top of his wooden arena.

Taking in a deep breath he focused the natural energy around him. Despite not being a true master of sage, his bloodline allowed him a connection to things around him since as long as he could do ninjutsu. He focused around and tried to analyze the situation to the best of his ability. Looking for whichever might be the real one as clones tended to lack the same malicious intent as their users. His eyes scanned the forest as he looked for any signs of natural energy, all things had it but shinobi tended to have great stores of it. Even if they weren't able to access it.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Tatsuo’s clones went to work fast handling the numbers easily. He seemed to trust the monkey’s capabilities entrusting him with the clones on a single duty. The monkeys eyes would furrow together angrily as he began to growl. The clones went to work with wood hammers and they monkey took notes. The monkey, once a D rank not too long ago had already progressed as a Shinobi in the short time with Tatsuo. He had increased to C rank and his chakra levels even grew exponentially.

The monkey then clasped it’s hands together as four Shinobi pressed on him. From the ground sprouted four separate wooden pillars which smacked each clone in the sternum crushing their chest and dispersing the cheap clone jutsu. The monkey fist pumped and then beat its chest taking off in a dash. He thought Tatsuo was so cool with the wood jutsu that he had to learn too.

Tatsuo then searched the area. Inside the dome he would find noThing. But outside, he would find more clones and the real Shinobi hidden among them high in the trees. The Shinobi would be unknown to the senju’s abilities. The thug would continue to think he had the jump on the two.

 

[Tatsuo]

With the real shinobi found, Tatsuo this would be quick. Clones were truly annoying to deal with, especially when they numbered this large. However with the real one spotted he'd make this quick. A quick formation of hand seals Tatsuo extended his hand and wooden tendrils in the shape of dragons extended from his arm. Seeking the real one, these weren't your typical wooden tendrils. Instead as they grab onto an opponent they would disrupt their usage of chakra, capable of interrupting some of the strongest jutsu.

While Tatsuo couldn't be sure the wooden dragons would make their mark he definitely was ready in case they did. In the event they did, Tatsuo would start preparing his next attack. Though it was easy to tell Tatsuo wasn't out for blood. All of his attacks to this point had been less powerful than they could be. Killing this man, no matter how odd he was, was out of the question. Disable and question, that was his mantra and this was no different.

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The clones and the monkey continued to wipe out the numbers of the clones. At times, they even had enough chakra to create more clones but to no avail. The fierceness of the teamwork was too much for numerous clones to overcome. Truly it was a test of quality over quantity. Especially with the monkey handling it’s own learning from the thug Shinobi even. At the end of the assault the monkey even wove hand seals to cast a clone a jutsu and make three more monkeys. He snickered at his own growth.

From a far distance in the highest of the trees looking down with bright blues eyes was Koboyashi. He nodded and banged a staff against the tree at the duo’s connection and progression. Although he wondered how it would fare in the end. There was only the waiting game he had to play with patience running thin. But that was just his nature when he gets too excited.

Tatsuo finally spotted the real caster of the jutsu and made a move instantly. From inside his dome he opened a latch which lead straight to his foe. Spiraling dragons of wooden force barreled toward his flank. He turned his head with a twisted face of surprise as he kicked off the tree but it was too late. He was captured by the leaf Shinobi and restrained from movement. He could even feel a chain link around his chakra source choking it.

Koboyashi watched from afar and slapped his face, dragging his hand all the way down off his chin and shaking his head. He watched with half lids hoping the next was not to come.

Thug: “What ya want huh? You want a fair one? Then let me go! Agh!”

He tried to struggle against the bind but it only stifled him further. Eventually he ended his skirmish against the bind and just lay lazily looking at Tatsuo with half lids.