Whispers of War

[-Angel of Ame-]

Whispers of War
Rank: B
IIC Length: Two days
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Objective: Investigate the death of the unknown person.
Description: Something big is happening in Amegakure no Sato, its nature incredibly sensitive. The Rain God and Living Sword have assigned both of you as chief investigators in a murder case. Its nature is being kept a secret, but things are said to be cleared up upon arrival at the scene.
Reward: 22,500

NPC: The Ageless Grace


NPCs: AnBu Protection Squad: 6

The Scene

The map led the two shinobi to a back alley of the Rust district, a section of Amegakure that rarely saw any life. Central to the booming metalwork industry close to fifty years ago, it had slowly declined when the nearby mines dried up. Taking their business to another location in the village of Rain, the Rust district had become a pale shadow of its former greatness. All business had ceased in a half-mile radius, most housing had also been left to rot. Rust had settled on almost all exposed metals, hence the name of the area. When Emi and Mikutashi would make it to the location, they would see a group of six cloaked figures, ivory masks contrasting cloaks of ebon revealed them as members of AnBu. The remained stalwart, as if they were actually statues, decorative in nature. But their masks were a promise of their power and efficiency. Taking them lightly would most assuredly lead to one's demise.

A beautiful woman stood between the circle of cloaked figures. She stood right next to the metallic fence that separated the back alley in two sections. The Ageless Grace would not be unknown to Emi, both of them had spoken before. Around Amegakure she was known as a supremely talented medic and lore master. She was examining an odd presence that was set upon the fence. When the shinobi would approach the woman, they would see that thrown upon the top of the fence was the body. But it barely looked like a body considering just how much cloth was covering it. The piece of clothing looked like a massive cloak of white, with some sections, namely around the sleeves blue. A large hat was also on the ground. All the fabric was drenched, but it was easy to see what the costume was.

The Amekage Robes. Mitsukai had worn them during her inauguration, their significance would not go unnoticed by the two young men.

Prviate to: ~Emi~ try4

[~Emi~]

enter the crimescene

T

he ride was quite comfortable but a little too slow for him, and since his friend was too big to fit in the smaller alleys he just couldn't take any of them. So Emi jumped off and began to run through the mazes that was the village streets. He called out for his friend to follow him, which he undoubtedly would be able to with his extremely strong sense of smell. Emi did however need to make sure that his fellow shinobi didn't fall behind. The name of the boy was unknown to him despite the fact that he had asked him. Anonymity wasn't a problem for Emi except that he had to make sure that he could trust his comrade. he hadn't been chunin for long, but as they traveled to their destination, the silence struck him as awkward between a fresh team.

Don't worry about Zetsubô, he knows whos an ally and whos an enemy....

As his voice left him, it was obvious that the sentence wasn't really to inform or calm down the other boy, but to break the awkward mood. The beast called Zetsubô did however pose a impressive stature as he had finally reached his final height and length, and emi wasn't really certain that a person wouldn't accidently get hurt when his friend ran through the streets of the city. The loud noise and huge body did however warn off any absentminded individual. When they finally reached the crime-scene Emi saw the group that already was gathered there. It was a familiar group of robes and in the middle the woman he so recently had meet eye-to-eye. As he sat on a rusty pole from one of the fresher buildings, he couldn't help but be in awe by the men and woman before him. They were very well trained and had the situation under control, but the fact that they were completely calm and didn't even stand in a defensive stance even though someone just had been assassinated was enough proof that they knew what they were doing. His eyes wandered the scene, and even though it probably already was safe, Emi took a deep breath and opened his inner eye. The surrounding chakra sources lit up his dark mind and he whispered quietly. "A god can see all". Before he jumped down on the ground and slowly approached the group.

and so we meet again... s..my lady..

He forced himself to stop in the middle of the sentence as he remembered that the woman had a hidden name that wasn't known to that many. The purpose of that was not something she had shared, but he guessed that it had something to do with the political games surrounding the council and the kage. It didn't take many steps before Emi had noticed what the group was standing there for, at the fence a person was hanging, or at least the body of one. The bright colors and special dressing-style was quite ab-normal among the ninjas and commoners in the village, so he quickly connected it to the lady amekages clothes. Emi looked to the closest ANBU.

Close the gates and double the guards, I don't want anyone to get through.

Emi didn't know that the gates actually already was closed, but he did know that the ANBU guards had a wire-less radio in their masks directly connected to the sensor tower observing the city. It was something he had learned under his first period as ninja, as bodyguard under the astronautninja.

Tell the sensors to keep an extra eye on lady amekages house, if the culprit did it to get the hands on something, I wanna know.

He wasn't really sure on how the guards would react when he just entered the scene and began to give out orders, he just hoped they had learned that he was currently the unofficial substitute of the kage. The chance that the ANBU's and councilman was fake was very small, but if they were to charge at him, he would be prepared to jump back using his shunshin. His armor of stone was still in effect, giving his skin the reflective and darker tone than normally and he was glad he had brought his normal attire to the tower, so he at least had some weapons, just in case. The robe he wore was quite similar to the ANBU's own with the exception of a crimson rain symbol on its back. In its pockets there were 30 shurikens, a small scroll and a lock-picking set. The umbrella on his back was the most preferred weapon he had at the moment, it was both offensive and defensive, something he liked despite it was so big.

So, mind briefing us on the situation my lady?

He said as his eyes returned to the ageless grace.

Passives:

SPOILER: Click to show

Earth Mastery
Rank: [B, A], S
Skill: Passive
Effect: Causes earth based techniques to develop a natural hardness, more so than what the standard ability would allow.
Special: ---
Drawback: This does not negate the natural effects of enemy attacks. Example: While a fire jutsu may not instantly destroy something created, it can still burn it.
Description: Earth Ninjutsu, typically, are based around defense. After much time and dedication, the user understands how to enhance these defensive capabilities even further, hardening their techniques to, at times, and ridiculous strengths. At B-rank, the users techniques harden to the point of iron, and are capable of withstanding a C-rank’s worth of damage before the damage begins to affect the technique. At A-rank, the techniques retain the hardness of steel, capable of withstanding a B-ranks worth of damage. At S-rank, the techniques become as hard as titanium, capable of withstanding an A-ranks worth of damage before they are affected as normal.
Limit: Earth Release. Once the user has gained 500 TP in Doton Ninjutsu, this skill is gained automatically. A rank is gained when 750 TP has been obtained, and S rank when 1000 TP has been gained.

Mud Birth.
Rank: D, [C](3), B, A
Skill: Ninjutsu, Passive.
Effect: Increases the number of creations that the user can create at once.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Increases the number of animals the user can create at once. The user can learn the D rank four times, the C rank three times, the B rank twice and the A rank once. Each time learned the user increases the number of animals create of that rank by one. Each rank only affects their respective rank.
Limit: Must know Deido Soushi no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Mud Creations).

Separate Ways
Rank: [C C C C]
Skill: Ninjutsu, Pasive
Effect: Increases the distance that the creations can go away from the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Increases the distance the animals can go away from the user. Each training increases the distance by ten meters, can only be learned four times.
Limit: Must know Deido Soushi no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Mud Creations).

Mizu no Kami (Water God)
Rank: "B" Rank
Skill: Clan Mastery
Effect: Allows the user the ability to perform water based techniques as if their chakra cost was reduced by one rank.
Special: Passive, automatically gained when the user obtains 500 TP within the Hoshigaki Clan.
Drawback: Even though the chakra cost has been reduced, the cost of movements and the time spent performing the techniques remain the same. Defensive techniques that require the user to expend the same amount of chakra in order to block a technique are unaffected by this mastery.
Description: There are few clans out there that can rival the Hoshigaki when it comes to their use of Water-based Ninjutsu. Because of their constant use, individuals of the clan have developed a keen sense of how much chakra is truly necessary to perform the technique and as such may perform water-based ninjutsu as if the chakra cost of the technique were actually one rank lower than the technique's actual cost. However, just because the user can perform the technique for less of a cost doesn't mean that it takes any less time to perform them.
Limit: Requires 500 TP within the Hoshigaki Clan.

Same no Seirei (Spirit of the Shark)
Rank: “C” Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Dramatically increases the user’s chakra pool.
Special: A passive ability that is always active. Must have had the Same no Gishiki put upon the body.
Drawback: The user must start with this technique if taking the ritual upon birth. Chakra control remains unaffected.
Description: One of the two Same no Isei, or Powers of the Shark, the Same no Seirei (Spirit of the Shark) allows the user to obtain a dramatically larger chakra pool than they would normally have. The amount that the chakra pool increases is dependent upon the user’s specialties and their Difficulty Class.
Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist
At “D” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “D” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “C” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “C” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “B” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “B” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “A” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to an “A” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.
At “S” Rank, the Taijutsu/Ninjutsu Specialist Combo will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “S” Ranked Ninjutsu Master.


Taijutsu Master

At “D” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “D” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “C” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “C” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “B” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “B” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “A” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to an “A” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.
At “S” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will gain a chakra pool equivalent to a “S” Ranked Ninjutsu Specialist.

Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

Same no Ryoku (Strength of the Shark)
Rank: “C” Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Greatly increases the user’s brute physical strength.
Special: A passive ability that is always active. Must have had the Same no Gishiki put upon the body.
Drawback: The user must start with this technique if taking the ritual upon birth. All other physical aspects, such as speed, are not affected.
Description: One of the two Same no Isei, or Powers of the Shark, Same no Ryoku (Strength of the Shark) is a passive ability that greatly increases the user’s brute strength. The muscles have become greatly enhanced and are capable of performing much greater actions of lifting and overpowering the opponent. The strength gained is dependent upon the user’s Specialist choice and Difficulty Class.
Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Specialist

At “D” Rank, the Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Specialist Combo will have the physical strength of a “D” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “C” Rank, the Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Specialist Combo will have the physical strength of a “C” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “B” Rank, the Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Specialist Combo will have the physical strength of a “B” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “A” Rank, the Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Specialist Combo will have the physical strength of an “A” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “S” Rank, the Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Specialist Combo will have the physical strength of a “S” Rank Taijutsu Master.


Taijutsu Master
At “D” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will have the physical strength of a “C” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “C” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will have the physical strength of a “B” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “B” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will have the physical strength of an “A” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “A” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will have the physical strength of a “S” Rank Taijutsu Master.
At “S” Rank, the Taijutsu Master Specialist will have the physical strength of two “S” Ranked Taijutsu Masters.

Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

Suichuu Binkatsu (Underwater Alacrity)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to move underwater just as well as they would above it.
Special: Passive ability that is always active.
Drawback: N/A
Description: The Hoshigaki Clan are very much used to fighting underwater; their whole fighting style is based upon flooding the field and then forcing the opponent to fight underwater, where the user will have the advantage. Because of their constant fighting underwater, they've learned how to move and manipulate their own bodies while submerged, making them terribly difficult opponents to match when they're in their element. This ability, once learned, allows the user to fight with grace and ease underwater, to the very point that it seems like they were fighting naturally above it.
Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

Kowai Shiryoku (Frightening Eyesight)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to have naturally enhanced eyesight in both the day and the night.
Special: Passive ability that is always active.
Drawback: As with all forms of enhanced senses, they are also more susceptible to their perspective weaknesses.
Description: Sharks have amazing eyesight. Since they often swim the depths of the ocean, where it is dark and what little light that comes through the water is distorted, their ability to perceive minor changes is particularly excellent. Members of the clan learn to mimic these enhanced perceptions, able to peer through the darkest of night as if it were noon and the ability to notice subtle changes like the fluttering of a specific leaf in the wind.
Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

Chi Kaori (Blood Scent)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to use their sense of smell to hunt down opponents who have been injured.
Special: The user must cut the opponent and allow them to bleed.
Drawback: Cannot tell differing scents apart.
Description: After injuring an opponent, the Hoshigaki will generally try to force an underwater fight by flooding the field or trapping someone with some other water-based techniques. However, that is not necessary, it just makes the hunt easier. The user is then capable of using their sense of smell to track the scent of the blood of the opponent, making it much more difficult to hide from them.
Limit: Must have Same no Gishiki.

Buttoi Jouhi (Thick Skin)
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: An elemental resistance towards the body as the body gains a certain style of tough skin, as the bones grew tougher, the muscles grew tougher along the whole body to where elemental techniques are numbed down slightly.
Special: ---
Drawback: They must have endured great pain before hand. Things such as broken bones, broken ribs, ripped muscles along the body. If there was nothing that has happened, no broken bones within learning other techniques, if the Brawler was never harmed, then this does not occur. This technique only resists to Elemental techniques. If the technique slashes, and pierces it still goes through.
Description: Ever wondered why a man could not drown, or someone being execution by electricity and yet still being alive. This is where this technique comes into play. This technique enables the Brawler the capability of withstanding elemental attacks as their body becomes greatly adaptable towards on coming attacks. When the user learns this technique the user is capable of withstanding "S" Rank Elemental attacks reducing the power down by one rank. It is capable of reducing "A" Rank techniques 1.2 times reduced, "B" Rank techniques down to 1.4 times reduced, "C" Rank techniques down to 1.6 times reduced and "D" Rank techniques 1.8 times reduced.
Limit: Must have mastered Kentoushi by going into five hundred training points into it. Automatic after five hundred training points.

Damēji Heri (Damage Reduction)
Rank: ["D", "C", "B", "A", "S"]
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This technique is similar to that of Roll With the Punches, except that this technique works on a stacking manner to Roll With the Punches, as well as it works against Blunt, Bludgeoning, and Solidified attacks. The user is capable of withstanding more then usual as their body becomes adaptable towards broad attacks, where the muscles harden making the Brawler durable.
Special: ---
Drawback: Does not work on Slashing, Piercing attacks, or attacks that are not solidified, that hits in a mass amount.
Description: When the user first learns this technique they are capable of only reducing the damage of techniques of Bludgeoning, Blunt, and Solidified Attacks of "D" Rank one rank below then its capability. When the user learns "C" Rank version of this technique they are capable of reducing the "C" Rank Bludgeoning, Blunt, and Solidified Attacks down one Rank as well as as "D" Ranks go down 1.2 times reduced capability. When the user learns "B" Rank of this technique the user is capable of withstanding "B" Rank Blunt, Bludgeoning, and Solidified attacks reducing the power down by one rank. It is capable of reducing "C" Rank techniques 1.2 times reduced, and "D" Rank techniques 1.4 times reduced. When the user learns "A" Rank of this technique the user is capable of withstanding "A" Rank Blunt, Bludgeoning, and Solidified attacks reducing the power down by one rank. It is capable of reducing "B" Rank techniques 1.2 times reduced, "C" Rank techniques down to 1.4 times reduced, and "D" Rank techniques 1.6 times reduced. When the user learns "S" Rank of this technique the user is capable of withstanding "S" Rank Blunt, Bludgeoning, and Solidified attacks reducing the power down by one rank. It is capable of reducing "A" Rank techniques 1.2 times reduced, "B" Rank techniques down to 1.4 times reduced, "C" Rank techniques down to 1.6 times reduced and "D" Rank techniques 1.8 times reduced.
Limit: Must know Sekondo Nen (Second Sense) "B" before going into.

Kan Hagane (Nerves of Steel)
Rank: "A"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: The Brawler at this stage knows no fear. They embrace fear as if it is one of their own. They no longer truly fear what is in front of them or around them for when battle comes they charge forth with all of their might.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Fear is not the option. The user pushes themselves past their limitations as they are not afraid no more. They are not afraid of being broken, of being threatened, of others being threatened. They live for the moment as nothing phases them. The Brawler becomes fearless, their moral does not go down. As soon as a user learns this, nothing can stand in their way of objective. If a person is "S" Class, or "D" Class it does not matter to the Brawler, if they feel that they can win, they will push forward without hesitation. Because of this technique, because of the fact that Brawlers become fearless, the effect of Fearful GenJutsus does not work against those of the Brawler class. Reasons why is because how can you place fear upon the fearless.
Limit: Must know Chouba (Taunt), Must have at least two Hundred Training Points before going into.

Sekondo Nen (Second Sense)
Rank: ["D", "C", "B"], "A", "S"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: The brawler depending on the rank of the technique the user is capable of reacting through subconscious mind against attacks against the user in different manners such as being flanked, and from behind. This technique makes the brawler incapable of being surprise attacked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the "C" Rank version they must be "C" Class, if they wish to learn the "B" Rank version they must be "B" Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the Brawler is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. If an opponent comes to a Brawler at a bar, and attacks with a sword, or a club, the brawler gains the urge to dodge to the left, or to the right, where they are capable of reacting before the action is completed. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a "D" Class user that knows this technique can not use this against an opponent that is "C" Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a Brawler

Mind’s Eye Extension
Rank: [D, C, B, A]
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to increase the range of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This technique is passively used to increase the distance of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. At D rank this extends the maximum range of the technique to twenty-five. At every rank after D the distance will double until reaching a maximum range of two hundred meters.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Lie Sensing
Rank: C
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to tell when someone is lieing.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot tell exactly what the lie is.
Description: This technique allows the user to tell when someone is lying via the various fluctuations in the chakra around them. These fluctuations in the chakra system stem from the dishonest emotions that are given birth through them not being fully honest. Fluctuations also occur when the opponent may be telling the truth, but leaving out a major detail. Mind's Eye must also be active in order for this jutsu to be used.
Limit: Must be a Sensor.

Advanced Chakra Sensing
Rank: D
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to differentiate between chakra signatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This skill is used in conjunction with Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. This passive ability allows the user to differentiate between separate chakra signatures. A person will be able to tell if the chakra is that of a human or an animal. Also once the user sees an individual’s chakra signature once they will automatically recognize that persons chakra signature from then on.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Grendle Ancestry
Rank: "B"
Skill: Trait
Effect: A trait that grants healing properties to the user.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot gain any other Ancestry Traits.
Description: Some human bloodlines trace their linage back to a grendle, an offspring born of troll and human parentage. Living humans with this racial trait are immune to bleeding out. If they are also "C" Class they heal Minor damage per 15 rounds. If they "A" Class and they lose a limb, an organ, or any other body part, once per day the user's severed body members (fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, tails, broken bones, and ruined organs grow back. The physical regeneration is complete in 1 round if the severed members are present and touching the creature. It takes 15 rounds otherwise. Regenerate also heals Serious Damage within 15 rounds, and rids the subject of exhaustion and/or fatigue. It has no effect on nonliving creatures (including undead). This trait replaces 2 of the 5 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 2 of 5 Freebies.

Wield Oversized Weapon
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: The user can use larger than normal weapons with ease.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user can treat any weapon as if it were 1 size category smaller than normal and one category "lighter" for the purpose of determining the amount of effort it takes to wield. For instance, a user with this technique could wield a Great Sword as a 1-handed weapon, or they could wield a large great sword as a 2-handed weapon. The weapon still deals its normal amount of damage.
Limit: Must take from Universal TaiJutsu.

Techniques:

SPOILER: Click to show

Doton: Iwa no Yori (Earth Element: Stone Armor)
Rank: B
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: A technique that hardens the user's body for defensive and offensive purposes.
Special: Serpent
Drawback: Sufficient force can break the armor; Because this jutsu works by constantly absorbed earth properties, it requires no extra chakra after initiating it, yet still needs a sufficient amount of stone to be performed
Description: This technique makes earth-chakra flow through the body, absorbing the properties of stone around the user to form a skin-deep armor that is transparent yet reflects light with a metallic-like gleam. Despite encasing the user’s body, the armor has no apparent affect on the user’s speed or agility. The armor is shown to be able to defend from all forms of blunt-force trauma. At the same time, it enhances the user's strength for more powerful physical strikes and break free or through restraints and walls.
Limit: Earth Release, 500 TP in Earth Release.

Mind's Eye of the Kagura
Rank: [D, C, B, A], S
Skill: Passive
Effect: The basic technique needed in order to learn all Sensor Techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The basic yet complex ability that allows Sensor's to find, sense, and track individuals over a vast range. This ability is done by the user closing their eyes and opening their mind's eye in order to see the advanced chakra systems around them. At A rank and above, Sensors no longer need to close their eyes in order to access their mind's eye. The user of this jutsu can only sense those up to the equivalent class rank of the rank they know. (i.e. If the user knows up to B rank in this jutsu they can sense characters of all the way from D to B rank. The basic range of this technique is ten meters.
Limit: Must fulfill all requirements to become Sensor in order to learn this technique.

Rituals:

SPOILER: Click to show

Chameleon Skin
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's skin (or chitin, fur, or scales) can change color to match their surroundings.
Special: To perform: 12 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: When the Target moves, there will be a man-shaped, "bubble" in the air.
Description: Takes up 1 Augmentation Point. Target's skin (or chitin, fur, or scales) warps light around the Target and projects a hologram of the wall behind it over top of the bent light, rendering the Target invisible. The Chameleon Skin is a thin layer of skin placed over the Target's and attached making it the Target's own. When the Target moves they will bubble in the air making them difficult to be noticed but possible.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 9,000 Ryo

Armor Plates
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's body develops thick armor plates just below the surface, blunting incoming damage and preventing serious harm from coming to their internal organs.
Special: To perform: 12 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 3 Augmentation Points. User's body develops thick armor plates just below the surface, blunting incoming damage and preventing serious harm from coming to their internal organs. User gains a Damage Reduction of 5 due to their armour plates. Note that this Augmentation can be combined with the exoskeleton Augmentation and other Augmentations that grant Natural Armour. Furthermore, this Damage Reduction stacks with any other form of Damage Reduction the user already possess, including those provided by Armour, Techniques, and Traits.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Luminous Eyes - Navy-blue flames
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's eyes glow faintly, generating an eerie colored light at the Target's discretion.
Special: To perform: 2 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 0 Augmentation Points. The Target's eyes glow, but do not provide any illumination. At will, the Target may deactivate this Augmentation so as not to interfere with their hiding abilities in dark areas.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 4,000 Ryo

Blood Hunger
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target craves the taste of blood. Moreover, the Target needs to drink blood to survive.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 1 Augmentation Point. The Target must drain a pint of blood from a living creature once every 24 hours. Doing so is a movement, and the Target can only drain blood from a willing, helpless, or dying (but not dead) creature. The bitten creature takes normal damage from a bite attack plus an extra 10 points of Armour Points of damage from the blood loss. If the Target goes 24 hours without consuming blood, the Target loses 1d4 Movements. Drinking a pint of blood cures the ability damage caused by blood deprivation in 1d6 rounds. Ability damage caused by blood deprivation cannot be restored through natural healing. Target must have a Natural Bite attack to take this Augmentation.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Cold Susceptibility
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's body does not react well to particularly hot or cold temperatures.
Special: To perform: 12 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 1 Augmentation Point. This ritual augments the Target's immune system dictating the actions of cold and heat. Target takes double damage from prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold. (A Game Master's Discretion).
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Nightmares
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's mind is wracked by horrible nightmares, making it impossible for them to sleep without confronting the demons of their own Augmentation.
Special: To perform: 3 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 4 Augmentation Points. Each day user must make a Will save (15) or suffer the effects of horrible nightmares caused by the Augmentation. On any day that the user fails this Will Save, they suffer a -1 moral to Saves and -5 to Checks due to their inability to get a good night's sleep. User cannot choose Sleepless if they have Nightmares.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Uncontrollable Rage
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's body produces far too much testosterone and adrenaline, making it impossible to keep their anger from getting the better of them.
Special: To perform: 3 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 4 Augmentation Points. Whenever the user encounters a character who's attitude toward them that is not Helpful, the user must make a Will Save or attack that character. The Save of the save is based on the character's attitude. Friendly is 5, Indifferent is 10, Unfriendly is 15, and Hostile is 20.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Water Dependent
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User cannot live long outside of Water.
Special: To perform: 3 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Drawback - Gives Back 5 Augmentation Points. User can survive out of water for 3 hours per Class Level. After that time,t he user is subject to the equivalent of suffocation. The user can only take this Augmentation if they also have the Gills Augmentation Ritual.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 9,000 Ryo Performing Price: 2,000 Ryo

Unnatural Voice - Hollow - Celestial
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: The Target's voice is altered in some marked fashion.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 0 Augmentation Points. This ritual alters the vocal cords of the Target's throat. It might change pitch or become more lyrical, raspy, whispery, or guttural. Change is determined prior to the performance of the Ritual. Target may alter their voice with this ritual 3 times. A 4th time will result in loss of vocal usage.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 4,000 Ryo

Acidic Saliva
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's saliva can burn other creatures like acid.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: Target cannot gain this Augmentation if they have Venomous Bite.
Description: Takes up 1 Augmentation Point. Target's bite attack deals an extra 10 Armour Points of acid damage with each successful hit. Target must have a Natural Bite attack to take this Augmentation.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 9,000 Ryo

Claws
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's hands are a Transmutation and can transform into sharp claws.
Special: To perform: 2 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 1 Augmentation Point. Target gains the ability to transform their hands into sharp claws gaining additional slashing damage per unarmed attack depending on the Target's size. a single claw attack that deals slashing damage dependent on your size: Small 5 Armour Points, Medium-size 10 Armour Points, Large 15 Armour Points. Target's hands are treated as natural weapons. Having claws does not adversely affect the Target's manual dexterity. This Augmentation Ritual may be performed on 1 hand only at half the price, and half the amount of time to perform.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 9,000 Ryo

Fangs
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Target's teeth are a Transmutation and can transform into vicious fangs.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 1 Augmentation Point. Target gains a vicious bite attack that deals piercing damage dependent on the Target's size: Small 5 Armour Points, Medium-size 10 Armour Points, Large 15 Armour Points. The Target's bite is treated as a Natural Weapon. This Augmentation Ritual can be used in conjunction with the Acidic Saliva or Venomous Bite Augmentation Ritual.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 9,000 Ryo

Tail
Rank: "C"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: The Target grows a thick tail.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 1 Augmentation Point. The tail may be fur-covered, slender and whiplike like a rat’s, or scaly like a lizard’s. Although the tail improves the Target's balance and can serve as a weapon, it cannot be used for gripping objects. The Target gains a tail attack that deals bludgeoning damage dependent on the Target's size: Small 5 Armour Points, Medium-size 10 Armour Points, Large 15 Armour Points. The Target's tail is treated as a Natural Weapon. A creature that already has a tail or the Prehensile Tail Augmentation Ritual cannot gain this Augmentation Ritual. This Augmentation Ritual can be used in conjunction with the Stinger Augmentation Ritual. Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 12,000 Ryo Performing Price: 9,000 Ryo

Adrenaline Jolt
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User can flood their bloodstream with extreme amounts of adrenaline to temporarily boost their Strength or Movements.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 3 Augmentation Points. Once per day, without taking a movement, the user can temporarily increase their TaiJutsu power by +10 Armour Points or their Movements by 1d4+1 points. The increase lasts for a number of rounds equal to 3 +1 per Class Level.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

All Around Vision
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User has developed sensory organs, most likely eyes, which face in every direction.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 2 Augmentation Points. User gains a +20 Ritual bonus to Observation checks. User can no longer be flanked.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Filtered Lungs
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User's body develops certain discriminating filters that prevent toxins and harmful chemicals from entering their body through airborne means.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 2 Augmentation Points. Airborne poisons, toxins, chemicals, or any other threat that must be inhaled cannot harm the user. Furthermore, the user is immune to all forms of disease transmitted by inhalation. This allows the user to breathe normally in polluted or poisoned environments, without a need for air filtration systems.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Force Barrier
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User can generate an electromagnetic force field around themselves to deflect or absorb incoming attacks.
Special: To perform: 12 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 3 Augmentation Points. Without taking up movements, the user can generate an invisible electromagnetic barrier around themselves that provide a Damage Reduction of 15 against incoming weapon attacks and force effects. The barrier lasts a number of rounds equal to 2 per Class Level. User can create the force field 3 times per day. Portable electronic devices such as sensors, communication devices and other gadgets cease to function if held or worn by the user while the electromagnetic force barrier is in effect.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Mindshielded
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Strange dendritic architectures in the user's brain confound mind-influencing effects and focus their mental energies.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 2 Augmentation Points. User gains a +2 Ritual bonus on Will Saves. User cannot take this Augmentation if they have the Mindslave Drawback.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Gills
Rank: "B"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: User grows a set of gills that can draw the oxygen out of water.
Special: To perform: 3 hours; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: Takes up 2 Augmentation Points. The gills appear on the user's neck, chest, or back (near their windpipe or lungs). User can breathe both air and water. User can operate underwater indefinitely, with no fear of drowning.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Zetsubô techs:

SPOILER: Click to show

Scent
Rank: ["D", "C", "B"], "A", "S"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This extraordinary special quality allows a creature to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The creature can detect opponents within 10-meters by sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, the range increases to 20-meters; if downwind, it drops to 5-meters. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at x2 the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk, can be detected at x3 normal range. When a creature detects a scent, the exact location of the source is not revealed—only its presence somewhere within range. The creature can take a movement to note the direction of the scent. Whenever the creature comes within 2-meters of the source, the creature pinpoints the source’s location. When finding Herbs and Animals (random), Scent may improve searching for them. Learning "D" Rank allows the user to search for Common things, while "S" for Nearly Impossible. Each rank user learns increases chance of finding by 2% for the Rank of Herb, and increases per Rank thereafter. Example: At "S" Rank User gains 10% increase chance in finding Common Herbs and Animals but only 2% Increase for Nearly Impossible Herbs and Animals.
Limit: Must be an Animal, Fey, Monster Beast, or Vermin. Innate Animal Jutsu.

[try4]

Mikutashi followed at a casual pace, quick enough to keep up while stylish in movement. He would jump through and under ruined pipes, his eyes quick to catch on to the building structure of the Sabi District. At his waist was now his slender tanto, sheathed within its fine saya sans the fan; within the buttbag at his lower back were both elemental and explosive tags - hira-shuriken - a kunai; folded, and placed at the middle of his back, was the medium disk he had found in Toshi village. With a swift movement, the clawed left hand of Mikutashi caught on to an overlaying pipe, using his black-steel gauntlet-claw weapon to help maneuver him through the environ. The ninja made sure to keep his distance from the side of his leader's massive mount as they moved into thicker regions of the area, where walls had been erected in tight places. Judging from the look of his partner's steed, the Genin thought it to be aquatic and that it was able to survive due to this land's stigmata. For a while, he'd wondered why he had brought along this creature, as missions usually involved fluid and total silence. Then, hastily, the Chunin dismounted the land-shark and bound through the winding corridors of District Rust; in serpentine fashion, Mikutashi moved in tandem with the lead ninja.

"Is that so.." he replied to the shark-nin, after being informed of his beast's supposed ability. Underneath a sluggish tail-swipe of the creature, Mikutashi moved to the other side of the constricted isle, careful to avoid the rhythmic movement of its bruised tail. After a while, the two stopped just short of six people cloaked in shadow that stood around a youthful woman. Once he'd seen the mask of these men, Mikutashi knew that they were the ANBU of Ame, yet considered that this woman had been the Ageless Grace. Mitsukai.. his thoughts played the name faintly, remembering the lady-kage. The words of his partner broke his train of thought as they moved in on the seven bodies.

Looking at the porcelain faces of the elite guards, Miku saw different animals, signaling their different factions. His gaze turned upward as the sound of whipping caught the wind. There, meters above their heads, had been a body in tattered clothing.. what had caught Mikutashi's eye was that the clothing had been the Amekage's robes---he remembered them from Mitsukai's inauguration. Eliminating the thought that this could be her, he figured that this could've been a previous Rain Shadow. Perhaps they had been still around after all, thinking on his fight with the Shichidaime bunshin. The ninja that led him began to order the masked guards before he asked the young woman about any source of information. Awaiting orders and intel, Mikutashi remained silent, having nothing to address at the moment.

[-Angel of Ame-]

NPC: The Ageless Grace


NPCs: AnBu Protection Squad: 6

The Scene

The Ageless Grace turned around, her visage a mask of detachment and intelligence. Though she looked like a woman in her early thirties, her eyes revealed that she had lived at least thrice that amount of time. As she turned around to face Emi and Mikutashi she studied both the shinobi before her. For a brief moment relief washed over her body, it was practically visible on her. "I had a feeling you would be assigned to this mission, Emi. And it is a pleasure to meet you Mikutashi, I have heard about your prowess in the Trial By Blood, followed by word from Lady Shiru herself." The woman explained, revealing her political acumen. She was a woman that had been taught at a very early age to play nice with everyone and to know as much information as she can about everything, hence her title of Lore Master.

"As you may see behind me, Lady Amekage has been assassinated." Souzoushii told the two male shinobi as she turned around and slowly moved the fabric of the fallen robes out of the way to reveal two dark haired braids that feel directly down. As she moved some of the stray locks out of the way, the face of Mitsukai Roze Odayaka III would come into view. Her face had gone incredibly white, the serenity she always carried around in life had translated well into her death.

"At Emi's suggestion, we used a decoy of the Lady Amekage within the village. We found a Kedoin member of AnBu to take her place, changing to fit her appearance to perfection she was the best we could find for the job." The medical master explained. "No one knew of the false identity except for the members of council, Emi and the actual AnBu individual who was taking her place." Souzoushii mentioned to the two who had been tasked with the investigation of his murder.

[~Emi~]

Beginning the search for the killer

E

mi walked a little closer to the body while keeper an observant eye for any other cause of death. Was the piercing what had killed the person or was she already dead before that? The young boy was still not knowledgeable about such things even though he had seen a lot of bodies. How did people actually know things from bodies? Despite that the situation, he felt a little curious on how to gather such information. But he resisted his urges to ask the woman and became determined to finish the case as soon as possible. The kage wouldn't accept the crime to be left unpunished for too long after all.

The pleasure is actually mine my lady. I've regretted much that happened last time, and even though it wasn't that long ago, I do apologize.

But then he realized that his thoughts had drifted yet again.

But now onto the business, did she die from any other cause than the obvious?

he walked a few steps in a half-circle around the body to see the different angles. Where had it come from? His eyes quickly scanned the ground, but then a thought went by in his head. What if the body fell? The inner eyes instinctively focused on the point above him before his normal eyes were capable of catch up. The easiest way of killing an ANBU is either to kill it before it realizes its in danger or by making it fall down. Since a ninja could be pushed quite a long distance any high building in the near area could be the location of the attack. Emi searched the buildings he reached with his inner eye to see if there was any chakra source left in them before turning to his teammate.

Scout the near area for any sign of a footstep, weapon..... I don't need to tell you this... anything .... suspicious...

As he finished his sentence, the huge beast that had been following the shinobis the past minutes rushed around the final corner and found the group. A large smile crossed Zetsubö's face as he looked at his master and leaned forward while his tail waved back and forth. He was however quite disappointed when his master showed him that he had to lay down on the ground, which he did with a grunting growl.

Do you have a list on the amekages enemies, and among the ones that knew this one was a fake, was there any enemies to the dead one?

If there were any obvious suspects, it could become a lot easier. But that was to be a little too optimistic as it probably was a political murder.

[try4]

Once the Ageless Grace confirmed that this had indeed been Mitsukai, Mikutashi's face remained emotionless. He was a stalwart soul, finding no emotional connexion toward anyone other than his brother and their Master. While the ANBU guards moved around and the shark-ninja asked questions, the Genin remained silent as it became announced that the one dead here was just a surrogate-kage. Kedoin.. what did that mean? Perhaps it was a clan of people that could change their likeness to another, and judging by how real this impersonation had been---even in death---Miku didn't doubt it.

"Hai," Mikutashi responded to the Chunin's command and immediately he moved out at about five meters to look for any sort of clues leading up to the death of this fill-in. The rainy environ of the Rust District made it somewhat difficult for Miku to search for clues, plus the dark setting did not make it any easier. With what level of observation he possessed, the low-ninja began to look around the area, pressed to find any sort of a clue.

SPOILER: Click to show

-- average (48) observation

[Jäger Beschützer]

Jäger rushed through the streets of Amegakure, thoughts of the mission in mind.  The scroll spoke of a murder; of which the thought alone made him uncomfortable, but on top of that it was a secret being kept from the public.  He agreed with the choice, that it was best to keep away from any possible panic, but it made the situation far more important with a lot at stake.  The orange kimono that covered him was stuck to his large blue frame thanks to the rain, and it revealed the length of chain hidden under the right sleeve, revealing his hidden weapon,  As the drops of rain his his back, they clinked against the large shield that covered his back.  He slowed as he entered the part of town where manoeuvring became a little difficult for his heavy frame.  Travelling over the rooftops was out of the question, he was far too large and heavy for the decrepit architecture to handle.   He was left with following the tracks through the muddy earth.

The Hoshigaki recognized this place.  He had lived here as a child, after having freed himself from the slavers and arriving at the gates of the village.  The tenants of these buildings would be watching everyone who walked through their part of town, but they would not speak to outsiders.  Jäger was not thrilled to be back here, but with any luck, they could have the murder solved quickly.  The scene opened up before him as the buildings parted around one last turn.  Masked men moved were stood about the area, watching out for anything, and taking note of him.  His hands were raised in the air with the scroll in his left hand.  This was a sensitive zone, he would understand if any of them were put on edge by his robust frame.  In the centre of the circle there were three people and a pile of rags on the ground.  A Hoshigaki like himself, but far smaller, and it looked like a child.  The second was a taller, but still quite small youth with long black hair and a serious look.  The final person was a beautiful but quite stoic looking female who seemed to be the one in charge.  

As he neared, he patted his belly and then bowed briefly; one eye one the massive shark creature that stalked about.  

"Greetings, I was sent from the tower; my name is Jäger, I was asked to give this to Emi"

Holding the scroll out, he offered it out to whomever the person happened to be.  The Hoshigaki Akimichi was quite aware of his height around these small folk, but was distracted as the familiar and acrid scent of blood.  Stale blood too.  What he had thought was rags quickly changed in his mind as he could see the pale flesh beneath the cloth.  The already grimacing face crinkled in distaste for it.  The rain felt a little heavier, and discomfort weighed heavily on him.  What a macabre situation to have been settled in.  

[-Angel of Ame-]

NPC: The Ageless Grace


NPCs: AnBu Protection Squad: 6

The Scene

Emi & Jager

"As I said, only members of council and the actual doppelgänger knew of the ruse." The Ageless Grace began calmly, her voice was one of serene motherhood, poised and well calculated but possessed an odd warmness, rare for a kunoichi, especially for one of Amegakure. Constant rain tended to make one less warm. "The Kedoin herself was part of a hush project. The papers are technically only kept by Lady Raava. A project that deals with a few select nin, the best of spies who are urged to have no friends, no personal ties so that they can perform their missions to perfection without emotional obstacles." Souzoushii explained calmly. "Only Raava knows who are the nin in this spy taskforce so I do not believe this attack was meant on the girl herself, but truly on the Amekage." She explained. The Hidden Dagger, or Sosei Raava was one of the members of council, one that was rarely seen. She worked with the AnBu special operations and led all of the darker activities that made Amegakure live. It was all secret and on a need to know basis, Souzoushii herself had never seen the list of these spies, though having a Kedoin among them made sense.

"Her death is actually evident upon quick inspection of the corpse, Emi." The head of the medical department explained. At that time Mikutashi was dispatched to search the environ and around that time Jager joined them. "Ah, Hagane and Tenki sent back-up I presume?" She asked not necessarily surprised. The six members of Anbu did not move, they remained in position set all around the corpse of the fake Kage. Souzoushi slowly moved out of the way and pushed the robes aside to reveal the identity of the dead Amekage to Jager, letting him know the nature of the mission. "A fake." She told the big Hoshigaki before he could come to any rushed conclusions. "She was actually stabbed, and feel from that building." She explained as she pointed toward the closest building that was connected by the fence to another. So the fake Mitsukai had fallen onto the fence, her stomach impaled and unable to move as she bled to death.

try4:

As the new Ame shinobi looked around the area, he would notice something quite odd, blood droplets. Of course the constant rain had ALMOST washed it all away, but in a dry spot, could be unmistakeably seen a drop. With enough extrapolation, Mikutashi would have been able to guess what had been revealed, that the victim had fallen from the nearby roof.

[-Angel of Ame-]

GM RULES

1) NO TRAINING
2) 48 hours IIC
Break IIC once: Warning
Break IIC twice: Kicked out in a colorful and creative way.


By posting you automatically accept these rules!

[~Emi~]

Another teammember has arrived

A

strong light appeared in his inner darkness and revealed that a person with a fairly large chakra pool was heading in their direction. He took note of the change but doubted that it would be of any threat nor any clues for the murder as the movement was too quick for the person to sneak and the chakra too low to compete with all the surrounding ninjas capability. When the man had walked within eye-sight of the group, Emi turned around to see whom had taken the liberty to talk to them. The mans stature impressed Emi as he was more than 2 feet higher than himself. He had meet a few Hoshigaki's in his life, and even though all of them had been a lot stronger and longer than himself, the new one appeared to be abnormally long even in such a clan. Had the man been sent to kill him? The thought made him a little more alert as he knew he had murdered a higher-up within the clan, but as his burning eyes caught the glimpse of the scroll that later was handed to him, he relaxed slightly. Since the councilmen in the tower had wanted more members to go for the mission, he knew that it wouldn't be strange if they actually send someone like that.

Welcome Jäger, I am Hoshigaki Emi, the one currently in charge.

He said as he reached out for the scroll and quickly opened and read through it. The boy then rolled it back up, scanned the man from his toes and handed the scroll to the ageless grace.

I would like you to confirm the handwriting in the scroll please, can't be to safe in this situation.

His eyes left the large man as he turned around to look at the body once again. It had been stabbed before the fall? he expected it to be in the back, but looked around until he had located the wound from the dagger. After 2 seconds of inspecting it, he put two of his fingers into his mouth and whistled with a clear sound. The huge beast behind the group jumped up on his feet and slowly walked past them to reach his master. Zetsubô's eyes were fixed upon the freshly arrived man. Despite that Zetsubô's shoulder height was a little over 14 feet high the mans body was respectfully powerful. When he reached the body Emi immediately stopped his head and slowly leaned it closer to the body. But Zetsubô realized that he wouldn't be allowed to eat that funny clothed two-leg, but what did his master want? Emi looked his friend into the eyes and showed him to smell the air. It took the beast a few seconds before he realized that Emi only wanted him to see if there were some kind of smell around the body. Zetsubô nodded and allowed his tongue to hang out before he focused on the body and began to sniff around it.

Since this most likely will end up in a fight between us and the culprit, I'd like to set up a formation straight up. You will be the base in a blunt V-shape, I will be the acting left wing and he will be the right wing.

He turned around to face the group once more as he spoke before ending up pointing at Miku. Emi's tail waved a little back and forth under the robe, he was starting to get a little anxious, the hunt had began and even though they still hadn't many clues on who it was, it was a good start.

We will head up to the tower and see if we can find something up there, but for your safety it's probably best if you head to a more populated area. Bad things could happen in areas like this even to the best.

He said while thinking on how the ANBU could even get caught off guard, and what was she doing in a place like this? The boy began to walk towards the nearest building while inviting his two teammates to do the same. There were no time to waste and he knew that they now would begin to prioritize possible information sources, so now they headed for the number one, the crime scene.

[try4]

Mikutashi's eyes had always been keen, even in some of the most vapid places. As he moved to search the perimeter, his gaze noticed a darker colored pool of liquid that barely stood out amongst the many others. It wouldn't do him much good to confirm the obvious, though---from the positioning of the kage-robed corpse, one could tell that they had fallen from a high tower in Rust District. The Genin turned to face the others and saw a massive figure approaching. Unaffected mentally by the large mass, he stepped back towards the conglomerate and came to see another shark-looking shinobi.

"I'm Suikou," he replied to Jager, having now knowledge of both his name and the Chunin's. Once Emi came up with a generic formation, Mikutashi nodded in compliance. He simply moved in accordance to the middle-ninja, thinking briefly on just how many shark-ninja resided within Amegakure. 

SPOILER: Click to show

well that clue sucked ass so much for observation

[Jäger Beschützer]

The welcome was short and sweet; Emi and Suikui introduced themselves and the woman present with them was responded to with a slight bow of his head and a quick 'Yes Ma'am'.  Although the need for him to confirm the handwriting to the small Hoshigaki seemed a little excessive; he responded anyway:

"I cannot truly confirm that it is their writing; but the scroll was handed to me by the Rain God -with the council of the Living Blade at his back"

The shark creature was thinking the same of him that the Hoshigaki-Akimichi was thinking of it:  Would it be delicious?  There was no time to be making enemies by eating others pets though; there was work at hand.  The robes had been lifted aside and the body of the Amekage lay before them.  His nose flared and he breathed in a deep, almost panicked breath.  The beautiful woman seemed to read the situation; and clarified that was in fact not the body of the Amekage, but that of a body double, which was just as much trouble, as it was quite obvious that someone had tried to assassinate the leader of their country.  Calling this situation 'sensitive' seemed like an understatement.  They were going to be leaving this area any moment to investigate the scene, and Jäger was quite certain his skill set was not the best for an investigation such as this, but was quite pleased to note that Emi thought the same too, and positioned him as the bulkhead of the V-formation.  


[OOC: Sorry guys, I just got suddenly stupidly busy today and yesterday, terrible post I know.]

[-Angel of Ame-]

NPC: The Ageless Grace


NPCs: AnBu Protection Squad: 6

The Scene

"I can verify the authenticity of the missive." Souzoushii declared with her ultimate calm as she reached out and grabbed the scroll. Unfurling it she nodded knowingly. "That writing is most definitely Tenki's, or what people like to call him, the Rain God's." She admitted before she returned the scroll to Emi. It had been given the official seal of Amegakure anyway, there was no reason to deny its power. With that she slid her hands back into their sleeves and returned to the body. There would probably need to have a full autopsy, but still Souzoushii was quite confident in her results of the cause of death. All that was needed to do was figure out how to deal with the situation and somehow catch the criminal.

The tower from which the fake Mitsukai had fallen was eleven stories high. There were two options to get to its top. Through the building, which they would find boarded up, or along its wall, if they were able to walk its surface. The quickest way was of course to scale the building. If they did decide to do that. They would find the weapon that had stabbed the fake Amekage, its blade drenched in crimson.

[~Emi~]

The murder weapon

H

is hand had gently accepted the scroll back from the grace. It had been confirmed that the large shinobi was indeed send to aid them. But why hadn't the Hoshigaki clan send anyone to revenge their fallen comrade? It had been quite a long time since he executed the Hoshigaki, but he had been wondering about that as of late. But he cleared his mind of the distracting thoughts and turned it back to the task at hand. The large building was rising up in front of them and there were two obvious paths to get inside the room in which the fake had been killed in. His eyes wandered the structure and found the main entrance. Even though it had been affected by time, rain and some vermins it appeared to be relatively unharmed from invaders. Emi whistled once again without even looking at his friend and within 2 seconds the huge beast had joined him.

GUARD!

He said as he intensely looked into his friends eyes while pointing at the door. Even with his ability to sense any chakra signature in the building, he didn't want to risk loosing the suspect only because he trusted his senses too much. Any sensor could hide their chakra signature from other sensors and since the assassin would need to be able to get through the most dangerous defenses, it probably could hide its chakra. When the large beast had nodded a few times and grunted to him Emi released his eyes and focused them on the window. The ground shook slightly as the beasts steps headed towards the gate. It would be a normal climb to get to the window, but as he was about to jump up on the wall he looked on the large Hoshigaki. Would that massive ninja be able to run on the wall without assistance? It would probably require some chakra control which most Hoshigaki rarely ever learned. So Emi performed a couple of quick handseals as he headed towards the wall which was ended a mere 1.2 seconds after he began them. When he had made the final seal, the mud around them began to rise into the shape of large birds. They were approximately the same as a tiger and their wingspan made them very capable of lifting some great weights. Since it was 6 of them, he thought that they wouldn't have any troubles carrying the Hoshigaki if needed. But to make sure not to offend the mans honor, he had the birds fly around himself unless the large man clearly wanted assistance.

If there's any way you two can make quick preparations for possible traps or fight, be free to do so now.

He said as he took the first couple of steps on the wet wall. Since he had been growing up in the village, he was accustomed to climbing similar walls, so he didn't hesitate in his steps along the surface. He did however try to use as many of the building ornaments as possible to make sure to get a greater control of his climb. When he finally had reached the correct floor, he carefully looked through the broken window and tried to see if there were any obvious immediate threats before he slowly walked in. He opened up the window to its full capacity so it would be easier foe the following members to get in before he walked up to the visible dagger. Since he didn't want to ruin the smells on it with his hands or clothes, he pulled out his umbrella.

Do either one of you have a way of tracking the culprit by this knife? Otherwise we'll just have to use Zetsubô's nose.

He looked on his fellow rain ninjas, and unless they had a way, he would pick it up and store it with his umbrella. It would be safe from new scents and conditions while wrapped in it. But where is the assassin? His eyes looked through the room from the floor to the roof. The darkness didn't affect him as his eyes had learned to see through darkness, something he had been able to do before he even got his divine form.

Observation 87 + 20
Tracking 46

Techniques used: 6 (3 times learned mud birth) C ranked Mud-birds (becomes B ranked due to signature jutsu)

SPOILER: Click to show

Deido Soushi no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Mud Creations)
Rank: [D, C, B, A, S|
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates animals out of mud.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: The animals can be destroyed with attacks that are one rank lower than their rank or higher
Description: Once the handseals are finished three animals will be created out of the mud around the user. The type of animals depends on the technique's rank. The D version lets the user to create Rabbits or animals of similar size. The C version lets the user to create Dogs or animals of similar size. The B version lets the user to create Lions or animals of similar size. The A version lets the user to create Bears or animals of similar size. The S version lets the user to create Elephants or animals of similar size. One can only create one animal at a time. The animals can only travel up to ten meters away from the user. This technique can only be used once each two turns.
Limit: Must know Earth Release. Must have mud around. Must know Doton: Deido Bunshin no Jutsu (Earth Release: Mud Clone Technique)

[try4]

In lieu of taking to the wall, Mikutashi hopped onto one of Emi's earthen constructs and had it carry him to the top of the tower. He felt it necessary to use his comrade's creation so he could pull explosive tags out from his buttbag. He also took out a single elemental - lightning tag and tied these all to four shuriken.

"I cannot tell by the weapon alone," Miku commented as he remained elevated on the flying creation. Then, he jumped on to the rooftop and held the four hira-shuriken in his hand, signalling to Emi that he was ready to attack when prompted to do so.

[Jäger Beschützer]

The behemoth known as Jäger moved along side his companions with a swiftness that his size belied, but scaling the building before him seemed like a bit of a challenge he did not feel like taking.  It was not that he could not walk on walls or anything like that; but the building looked a little dilapidated, and his weight was not exactly easy to hold.  The other Hoshigaki had been quite thoughtful in summoning his curious earth creatures, which were thankfully capable of flight, and hopefully able to carry someone of his proportions up the high building.  Clambering aboard the bird like creatures, he followed the others to the top of the tower and gazed around.  The chain under his sleeve clinked as he tightened his grip on the steel; wondering how the Kage doppelgänger had even ended up here on the rooftop in the middle of the Rust District.  Not a lot made sense about the situation they had found themselves in, it was going to be interesting to see how the situation was going to unfold.  The weight of his shield felt comfortable on his back as he warily stepped off of the large earth bird and onto the roof.

His feet gingerly found strong supporting areas, but he did not want to move around too much and fall through the top of the roof.  

"Tracking isn't my speciality; Though I cannot imagine that there would be much help from the weapon if the blood is from the decoy"

His large hand moved to his chin and he placed his thumb and his index finger on it in thought.  

"Why would the decoy be out here anyway?  Do we have any information regarding her reasons in coming to this location?  Was she brought here by someone?"

Could the watchful ANBU have been given the slip; and the girl been taken?  It seemed unlikely; but the village had been shut down and everyone was pondering this mystery.  Jäger was quite troubled by all of this, they had the body of a shapeshifter pretending to be the leader of their village; a knife coated with the blood of the decoy, and they were currently in the middle of the roughest part of the village with no explanation as to why they were there, or why the decoy had been there.  

[Father 'Suke]

The administrator herself leaving the shinobi to do their work while she went off to perform another task, a brief parting and nothing more than that. Through the keen observation through the broken window, you (Emi) would find no other threats within. The room itself being naturally ruined from the elements of the outside with the visible files and papers blown about and aside from the knife there would be nothing else of interest within the room itself. In said case of tracking, the nose of Zetsubô could discern the time of which the knife was last used being roughly an hour ago.

Ultimately meaning a fresher than fresh trail, the individual who would have used it however would have their scent nearly rushed away from the outside elements of constant rainfall. There were fading footprints that can be found though by said tracking that leads to the door into a stair well. The stairwell being obscured as there are no windows into the stairwell nor any way of knowing just what was inside. All that can be observed from said stairwell is a ticking sound, the ticking repeated every half second at a steady rhythm as well.

SPOILER: Click to show

Emi's Dice Checks

---

Notice: It is alright on the IIC this time. I'm bringing the missions back to life so IIC itself is being extended to 3 days after this post until the next round. Upon that time IIC will return to its original time of 2 days.

OOC: This is roughly among the first times I've actually GM'd something so please bear with me on this.

[~Emi~]

The mysterious ticking

A

large piece of paper flew by him as one of his large birds landed not that far from to the right. Instinctively his hand flew up and grabbed the paper just to let it go as soon as he had realized what it had done. The room appeared to be empty of anything else useful and the floor didn't reveal any signs of tracks. The boy sighed and walked closer to the hallway door which he immediately opened as he reached it. His eyes wandered the floor in the hallway and since it was without a trace in left into two different directions, they would just be wasting time searching more for the physical evidence. After swiftly turning to his comrades, he closed his eyes and scanned the building once more after any unfamiliar chakra, but in vain. A deep breath was taken before the young boy opened his eyes, walked towards the windows again and spoke.

The handle was still held by the assassin, which leaves a trace of scent for my friend to follow and there was no reason for her to be here. She was actually ordered not to be in places like this by the one with most military power in amegakure right now.

He didn't want to reveal that it was actually himself that had given those orders, because even though he suspected that the men weren't enemies, the information could still cause troubles to him if it was leaked.

The assassin has most likely already left the building, I can't sense any living creature in here. No time to waste

Emi then jumped out through the window and began his free-fall down the building towards the muddy streets below. Since they would have to play catch up, they would need to avoid any time demanding chains of thoughts, so Emi's eyes searched for his friend at the door. The sense of smell was their most important tool at the moment. It didn't take long before Emi's body stopped to accelerate downwards the earth and the furiously flapping robe calmed down slightly. When he was less than 10 meters away from the ground one of his mud birds swooped in and caught him. The remaining wasn't that far behind but only one was needed for him as he didn't weigh that much and just wanted to slow down his fall. When his feet touched the mud and gave away his position to his comrade. The large beast lifted his head before he ran towards his master with a big smile. Emi did however stop his friend before the large tongue reached his small body by lifting up his in front of the beast. A little disappointed yet curious Zetsubô looked around on Emi for any signs on why he had returned so quickly.

We need to find the user of this weapon....NOW

His eyes were intensely looking into Zetsubô's before taking out the umbrella and opening it up. The smell was probably quite weak at that moment, but the beast went over to the umbrella and took a couple of deep breaths before excitedly looked into another direction. But it appeared as it still was a little to vague for the beast, had it really been that long since the assassin was there? The shark-boy cursed a little quietly to himself before turning to the others.

Hurry up, we're still very far behind.

His feet immediately dashed in the general direction of the smell with his friend at his right side and the birds behind himself. The smell happened to come from the same direction as the door to the murder-house, so he headed towards there first. It proved to be a good choice as a few meters away from the door there were some tracks from someone that seemed to have had been in a hurry. It was a little difficult to follow as the person had quite a long distance between each steps but since the assassin didn't change route Emi began to rush in his top speed, they were on to something. When they finally had reached another building in which the footsteps appeared to be leading into, Emi leaned a little to the right to get a better angle to tackle the door open while he still had his maximum speed. It would be an easy tackle since he was well trained in the art. But as he were just a few feet away from the door, he noticed the quick ticking noise coming from it. His his feet skidded across the mud as he tried to stop his movement before he bodyflicked backwards. He did however send in three of the birds to continue at the door while he screamed out.

SOMETHING IS BEHIND THE DOOR

Emi didn't have that much experience with technology and bombs, but he knew that it always were a mistake to rush into situations one knew nothing about, especially robots and the like. Robots had been something he really disliked for several years, they had been proven to be quite the dangerous opponents and he didn't want to redo his past mistakes. A loud bang was heard as three of his minions hit the door with their full force while Emi and the remaining minions watched and prepared for a fight 9 meters away from the building. Since he hadn't had that much time there to look around, most of the area was still obscured to him, but he threw a few quick glances around himself as he waited for the effect from the door breaking in.

1/13 shunshins used

[try4]

Following suit of Emi, Mikutashi pushed deeper into the building. His observational skill had been high enough to hone in on the metronome ticking that came from some room within the tower of Rust District. Unsure as to the exact location of the room, the teenager searched the area for any sort of trap, if he could indeed identify one that had been lain out; hopefully, that ticking sound didn't emanate from a bomb within the tower. 

SPOILER: Click to show

<ooc

<ic 

[N A T S U M I]

Jager has missed the IIC like.. ages ago so have I, oops. I’m taking over GMing for this since Suke is new to this stuff and has kindly asked me to do so. If you have any problems with this, please PM me.

__________

As Emi’s earthly creations each slammed into the door, the force of the collision would split the door in two, allowing a dim light to spill into the room. The ticking noise continued, however the volume had increased now that the door had been smashed in. Beyond the door, Miku was unable to locate the exact location of the ticking sound which meant that it was safe to venture into the room without triggering anything.

As the group entered the room, the darkness that had subsided slightly would reveal a thin rusting stair case leading down onto a metallic platform which formed a large square around the building’s structure. The stairs leading down onto the platform were severely rusted with age, suggesting that they have had little use for a long time. However, the structure was sturdy enough for passage. The stairwell is two meters wide with two thin rails leading down to the platform. However, said platform had no rails and was three meters wide.

Should one look over the platform, blackness covered the area below, suggesting a long possible free-fall to the bottom if one is not careful with their footing. The ticking sound would be loudest within the blackness beyond the platform while more stairs branched off from the other side of said platform. Emi’s ability to see in the dark would not be useful within this room as the blackness was unnatural suggesting the works of a genjutsu. But the ticking noise was located deep within said blackness.

With no other way than down, what will the team do?

Skill Check Information