[K] Otogakure Gates

[Vara]

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Upon approaching the gates one is faced with what appears to be a tunnel heading into the face of a volcano. Heat radiates from the top of the volcano and the base is far too wide to walk around… not that it would do you much good since a wooden gate surrounds the village reaching nearly thirty feet high and four feet wide. Two guards are positioned just outside the tunnel. One is a Kumomusha, each arm bearing a sword… and he knows well how to use all of them at once. The other is a winged man holding a sword made of pure fire, his hawk like eyes watching every movement.

Upon passing these guards whether you are entering or exiting you must give your reasons for doing so along with your name and code name and showing your headband. Assuming all pertinent information checks out you will be allowed past the two guards unscathed, the two taijutsu masters must first move the large boulder blocking the tunnel, just barely being able to move the weighty boulder. Once inside the dim tunnel is lit only by glowing moss making it very difficult to see, though if one were to explore they would find emergency track lighting upon the ceiling. After moving through the twisting tunnel for roughly one hundred meters they will find a well lit organ that seems to be covered in bones.

The pipes of the organ run high into the ceiling and have a bench so someone can sit and play the organ. It is here that they enter the village. In the academy the ninja are trained how to play a specific piece on the piano, using many repeated and dually played keys as well as the petals. Oddly enough when the song is played no sound issues forth. These pipes actually connect into the Kage tower where the music echoes forth to let them know of an arrival or exit. Once the correct piece is played the entire organ will turn, putting you on the other side of the tunnel and leaving another organ in your previous place.

From here it is another hundred meters to the end of the tunnel, with another poorly lit twisting path. Upon the entrance are another pair of AnBu guards. One is a hulking Akimichi with a mean glint in his eyes, covered in strings of kunai. The other is covered in a bone armor of sorts and is always smoking a cigarette. Here you must give the same information the first pair of guards received to be let into the village unharmed by a large boulder blocking the tunnel being moved, these men are barely capable of moving the large stone despite both being taijutsu masters. While this may seem like a complicated process it is necessary for the villages safety.
Located both at the entrance and exit of the tunnel are covert listening devices, motion sensors, and surveillance spikes. The spikes are equipped with night, thermal, and X-ray vision as well as lie detector lenses and substance locator vision. The guards closest to the village have a monitor that can view these spikes, as does the tower as it is close enough to be monitored from the tower thus no one can enter the village without being seen.

At both ends, nestled firmly into the stone are barbicans. Small slits are the only hint to the existence of this room, and those are easily disguised by the surrounding stone. At all times an expert archer is posted here, ready to take down unlawful beings. Also located inside the tunnel of each end is a storage area for those who wish to leave things behind, or those who are forced to give up items upon entrance or exit. The shelves are lined with bins and tags so a name can be placed with each item if need be.
Rules:
One must role play properly entering and exiting through the gates. If they do not do so their entrance/exit is considered void. This includes following all security protocol as listed in the text of this thread.
All movement through the gate must be GM'd by the Kage or a person of her selection. Attempt to move through the gates without this will result in the movement being voided.

Should you wish to expedite this process please PM me once you have posted.
Strict two day IIC [48 Hours]
Guards may be RP'd only by the Kage.

SPOILER: Click to show

Gatehouse x2
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Room, 0.5 Stronghold Space, Craftsman Room
Effect: A house or enclosure near a gateway.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This space usually serves as a primary entrance into the stronghold (or one of many entrances). As its name suggests, the gatehouse includes a gate (and a drawbridge, if stationed adjacent to a moat). Defense can be enhanced with a portcullis. Most gatehouses are fortified with a barbican, guard post, or both.
Limit: Must be created by a Construction Crafter.
Cost: 5,000 Ryo
Guard Post x2
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Room, 0.5 Stronghold Space, Craftsman Room
Effect: A small building for the soldiers who are protecting a place.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This component allows guards to keep watch upon the surrounding environs. If part of the exterior wall, it includes free arrow slits instead of a window.
Limit: Must be created by a Construction Crafter.
Cost: 5,000 Ryo

Barbican x2
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Room, 1 Stronghold Space, Craftsman Room
Effect: This room sites atop a gate or gatehouse, usually in an exterior wall.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This room sites atop a gate or gatehouse, usually in an exterior wall. It features murder holes/arrow slits (included in the price) in the floor, through which the guards can attack those in the area below (little more than a hallway that usually includes a portcullis or sturdy door at each end).
Limit: Must be created by a Construction Crafter.
Cost: 10,000 Ryo

Storage, Fancy x2
Rank: "C"
Type: Main, Room, 1 Stronghold Space, Craftsman Room
Effect: A room in which things are stored.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This room includes shelves of every variety and a finished floor. The superior organization allows more efficient use of space than a basic storage component, so this space has about 3,000 cubic feet of usable storage space. If you need a greater capacity, you can purchase this component multiple times. You can turn a storage space into a vault.
Limit: Must be created by a Construction Crafter.
Cost: 10,000 Ryo

[The Creator]

[Enter]

Shouta approached the gate tentatively. He saw no reason to bring much of his equipment with him and so he carried with him only his signature mask and his black cloak. Like a shadow that had straightened up from the ground, Shouta made his way to the gate. He was no big fan of the two guards and the whole tediousness of getting in and out of the village but he wasn't Otokage and so he didn't have a say in the matter.

Entrance and exit blocked by a huge boulder. Must do wonders for the city's trade.

He approached the guards.

"Codename, Hokami. I, I leave with the Otokage's blessing, I'm on a mission. Uh, here's the papers for, that."

Shouta flashed the papers (of which he was now 95% sure were not bugged) and tapped the Sound headband on his shoulder just to make sure there would not be any misunderstandings.

[Vara]

With the information checking out, the taijutsu masters moved aside the boulder and allowed Shouta entrance into the cavern.

As long as the organs were played to activate the mechanism, and the same information was presented to the remaining two taijutsu masters, Shouta passed through the village gates.

<Passage Approved>

[The Creator]

The first pair of guards seemed to recognize him and his mission, and they let Shouta pass along. Shouta re-read over the mission briefing as the guards moved the boulder. Shouta knew of a couple techniques that would allow him to move that boulder without lifting a finger.

Brains over brawn.

When the boulder was finally moved, he knew that as soon as he disappeared into the tunnel they'd have the task of moving it back. Shouta moved through the tunnel a little more comfortable now that AnBu didn't have their hawk-like eyes on him. He moved up to the keyboard, reciting the melody, note for note. There was a pause before the organ began to twist and the boulder on the other side of the tunnel moved.

Men moving boulders. So primitive.

He told the second pair of guards his codename and his mission, and they let him off without any further questioning.

[Exit]

[The Creator]

[Enter]

Of course, Shouta would never approach the gates with some-odd ninety clones ready to deliver gems. He, himself, could point out several flaws with that sort of entrance. For example, any enemy of the Sound could be pretending to be one of the mud clones and a simple miscount could lead to a severe breach of security. No, instead Shouta approached the gate alone, no shadow clones, no mud clones. For instead of approaching the gate with riches in his hands he had them buried near the village walls so as to preserve the security of the gates. Should the company really want them, they could send all the excavators they wanted to the precise location Shouta had buried them at.

He approached the taijutsu guards with a bit more confidence in himself, knowing that he had done a good job with the mission.

"Codename: Hokami. Returning from a mission."

Awaiting their okay, Shouta would begin to practice some phrases in Terran.

[Vara]

The guards nodded respectfully, then moved aside the boulder to grant access to the massive chamber.

Once the organ was played, and Shouta reached the other side, the second pair of guards would have done the same.

<Passage Approved>

[The Creator]

The first two guards let him by, even going so far as to offer him a respectable nod. Shouta acted as if he did not see it and continued into the cave when the boulder was moved. He subsequently sat at the organ and played the correct melody (he was becoming a maestro from how often he had done this). The second pair of guards rolled back the inner boulder and questioned him. Shouta produced the same information, and they let him through.

[Exit]

[Vara]

Bree briskly approached the village gate. She expected Shouta to follow behind her, either as a footsteps or a leaping shade. An opportunity to leave the village was given, and resisting that temptation was unlikely. She spoke loud enough for Shouta to hear her, however far he might trail behind. The streets weren't noisy. Bree's glowing white eyes were unusual enough to clear the road of people who were disturbed by the trait.

"You wonder how the gods graced you with such an unlikely coincidence," she said. "The kage was right where she needed to be to hear your request, then granted it right away. It doesn't sound like much of a fluke."

She didn't elaborate any further, yet. Now was a good moment to test Shouta's reasoning. Explaining was such a trite method of teaching, so it wouldn't have as much impact. Banter and revelations were far more enjoyable.

The guards at the volcano's tunnel bowed respectfully when Bree reached them. "I'm bringing one shadow along." Bree vaguely gestured behind herself. "Out for a diplomatic tour."

With a pair of nods, the guards moved the boulder aside. They strained against the heavy stone until it rolled. The other two guards inside the dim tunnel glanced out at their kage, then returned to standing attentively. The outer guards waited to move the boulder after Shouta passed through.

While standing at the entrance, Bree touched her hand to her chest. Her silver and emerald robes suddenly radiated with bright light. The measly bioluminescent moss was overpowered, and the tunnel was plunged into the brilliance of day. Levoru stayed strapped to the side of the robe, but didn't hinder too much of the light. Bree strolled inside and led the way to the organ. She waited for Shouta by the boney instrument. Her own radiance added to the organ's white sheen.

Here, she waited to watch Shouta's silent tune.

[The Creator]

[Enter]

Shouta trailed after, making it quite evident that he was reluctant to approach and join the Otokage's travelling party. He rounded the corner to see Bree standing at the gates, waiting patiently for Shouta, knowing already that he was to come with her. The gesture cemented within him the idea that Bree did not make an offer to join, but a demand. He continued on, cursing himself all the way. He paused, however, about halfway from his initial position to the Otokage when a thought came to him.

How came a child to wield this much power?

The thought came to him unwelcome and he tossed it away as soon as it came across his mind. He closed the gap between himself and the Otokage and she turned to him to speak.

"You wonder how the gods graced you with such an unlikely coincidence,"

Bree said to him. Whatever unease Shouta felt was now dwarfed by the fear inspired by the comment. Not only did the comment address exactly what had been going through the Genin's mind just minutes ago, but it was the way she said it. How the gods had graced him with coincidence. Was that a reference to her own power? Shouta's hands were subconsciously raised to stomach-level where they he began to wring them nervously.

"The kage was right where she needed to be to hear your request, then granted it right away. It doesn't sound like much of a fluke."

It was apparent that Shouta was now drawn in now. It was no wonder that the child held so much power, and with grace, too. Within the few seconds of their being together, Bree had already established a dominance over the much older Genin. Your master heard you, she seemed to say, and granted pity. To it, Shouta had no response. His head was tilted slightly downwards; it was obvious he would not meet her gaze.

The Otokage then explained to the guards the intent of her mission, gesturing to Shouta and describing him as 'a shadow.' At the remark a mixture of wild fear and hatred boiled up within him; his hands gripped themselves harshly. But, just as it came, it was gone, but not forgotten. He eyed Bree behind his plague-doctor's mask as the guards moved the boulder. It was then when Bree cast some jutsu upon her cloak to illuminate it. Shouta wondered briefly if it was a genjutsu. He attempted to Recognize it but he could not. Either it was not a genjutsu or it was a powerful one. The former seemed most likely, given the relative meagerness of the technique.

He joined Bree at the organ, wondering if she would be the one playing or if he would. He was not one for initiating such things; it was too forward of him to play the organ's melody should she desire to. It was strange to see the Organ so lit up without the use of Tasukeru. Never before had he seen it so bright. He cast another look at the Otokage in her now shining robes, wondering if he could somehow put himself on the offensive. He made her curious, truly, but also afraid. She was young but she held power with familiarity. Was this truly a child, or was it some impersonation? Was she some non-aging construct? These were questions that Shouta wished to ask but knew that if he wanted true answers then he would have to ask them carefully. He would have to hide them within innocent questions.

"Lady Otokage, do you come from nobility?"

It was a simple question but the answer would speak volumes. Hopefully the Otokage would answer plainly (or if he got lucky, would spin him a tale) so as to give some insight as to why she was so comfortable with subjection. But might also see through it and refuse to answer, or worse, have him indicted on a Threatening charge. She could also become violent.

And should she suddenly turn on him? Become hostile? Attempt to violently impose her power?  Bree's words echoed, "I'm bringing one shadow along." and a flash of an image popped into his mind: his gloved hands wrapping around Bree's throat, tightening, crushing... He pushed it from his mind as a sweat came over him. His heart was suddenly pounding, where had that thought come from? That was not like him at all. He inhaled sharply, casting a shaky exhale. No, that was something that he would never do. So long as he could help it. 

SPOILER: Click to show

Recognition
Rank: D C B A S
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user can identify if they are or not under a genjutsu and break it by expanding their chakra.
Special: ---
Drawback: Must be learned several times.
Description: The user is now capable not only to expand their own chakra by using the bloodlimit's skills, but this time they are capable to "feel" what's around them by using said chakra. This is used to identify a disrupt of chakra around them, in other words, Genjutsu. By identifying the Genjutsu around them the user is capable to break it the same way they identified the Genjutsu, this means that the Genjutsu breaks at the very moment the user notices it. The "D" version only works with "E" Genjutsus, the "C" with "D" or lower and so.
Limit: Must be part of the Onigami Bloodlimit. Must know Tasukeru (Seeing Life). Must know Yasha Gensou (Demonic Illusions).

[Vara]

The masked face couldn't be read. All Bree could gather from it was its representation. Those that bore masks were hiding, but people hid for different reasons. That wasn't enough. The shape of the mask itself was something for the wearer to show the world. It was a person as they wished to appear as, but definitely not the truth.

What did it mean when a person hid their strength, and how did it different from hiding weakness? How might they stand? Shouta's hand motions were a language on their own, though not one that was properly inscribed.

Nobility. That was an interest first question. What does this question say about the asker? It meant that Bree's actions resembled the privileged, at least to Shouta's perception. In certain ways, that was a truth. It also meant that Shouta placed importance on finding out more about the Otokage. He focused on her demeanor. It had latched onto his mind and given him ideas. Which assumptions might he keep after he heard the answer?

"No, I come from fortune." Bree said. "Though, in many ways, nobility is born from ancestors of fortune."

Bree reached out and played the organ's keys. She let the soundless instrument send its messages to the kage tower, where it had less meaning without her presence. The assistants recorded the sounds, at least. If there came anything important, it'd be waiting for her. Once the last of the melody came complete, the organ turned and brought Bree's light to the other half of the tunnels. The tunnels they left behind were put back in the care of moss and synthetics.

"Do you know the cost of darkness?" Bree asked. "Do you know what it steals from us?"

Upon the path, Bree set out again. She left the pair of grand instruments isolated. Her aura of light broke away from them, so they were once again left in the dim. After walking on for a while, she glanced at Shouta to see where he stood. Did the masked one tread in the light, or trail in the dark.

There was so much to show, but their impact depended heavily on the mind. Who must a person be to choose such a mask as Shouta's? Were they one to see the ideals that Bree intended to impart, or is the destruction of those ideals the true heart? All difficult questions, which meant Bree cared about them less and less.

The truth was simple. It only needed to be excavated.

For now, the exit was close.

[The Creator]

After Shouta exhaled, he closed his eyes. Silence hung in the air for a while after Shouta had asked his question and in it he had envisioned something that terrified him. He flooded his senses with visions of the past, with memories of a simpler time, and because of it, his breath steadied and his hands dropped down to his sides. In front of his eyes, snowy hilltops dotted the horizon. His mother (LIAR) and father (LIAR) were carrying their sickly child to the top of a hill, his father dragging a newly bought sled behind them. Shouta remembered being at first, afraid, but then becoming fueled with excitement as he was placed on the sled and as it dipped down the hill. It gained speed and behind him he could hear the excited cries of his mother. He thought of the sled cutting into the fresh snow, how the snow softly sighed as the steel glided over it, the sunlight sparkling through the crystalline snowflakes... The victory of conquering his debilitating frailty to do something as simple as sleighing with his mother and father, their radient smiles, his-

"No," Bree said.

Shouta jumped. Opening his eyes, the word dragged him back to reality. He suddenly remembered the cave.

"I come from fortune. Though, in many ways, nobility is born from ancestors of fortune."

Shouta blinked, half-stunned. To have a perfect memory was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that Shouta did not understand what it meant "to forget" and a curse for the same reason. A blessing because his memory became an escape for him, a curse because it drew him away from reality.

He replayed the words the Otokage had said, mouthing them, trying to understand what they meant. As his mind began to grip the situation, the patterns finally came together and he understood what she had said. Not from nobility, but from fortune. Shouta nodded as if had known all along. Fortune, as she called it, was a nobility in and of itself. To have money was to be influential, and influential folks do not stay irrelevant. Aye, she was used to power. Even her choice of words were soaked with her past. Shouta could see them floating from her mouth, dripping with gold.

Young, but with the sagacity of an adult.

Then, suddenly,

She had to grow up young. Just as I did.

He looked at Bree, silently playing the melody of the organ. Shouta stepped close as it turned so as not to be left on the wrong side. There was still silence that hung about them, invaded only by the grinding rock of the rotating organ. That was, until Bree spoke again. It was strange, her words, how they had turned from noble to ominous.

"Do you know the cost of darkness?"

Shouta paused, confused by the question, and now slightly uncomfortable.

"Do you know what it steals from us?"

Subconsciously Shouta's hands clenched into fists. He felt the pressure in his forearms and released them, wondering if she had seen. The words were cryptic and Shouta did not understand them.

They're vague words, Otokage. Shouta thought. He wished to speak these words into existence but chose not to. They don't mean anything. Even in her wisdom, he supposed that the traits of a child still seemed to slip through. Shouta had thought of asking if she was older than she appeared but he felt as if he knew now. Her enchantment vanished as they continued through the latter half of the cave and Shouta silently thanked his luck. The shadows had always been his ally. Shouta did not know it but he subconsciously picked the darker of the two routes. He also trailed behind Bree, but that was calculated. When travelling with a party he either walked behind or walked in front, keeping an eye on his followers with Tasukeru.

After consideration, Shouta decided not to answer the girl's question. He supposed it could be a metaphoric question, a question into Shouta's behavior or his past. He was well aware of how he likely seemed to others: cold, distant, afraid. Bree looked back at him. Shouta did not know nor could develop a reason why she had done so. He was suddenly aware that she had caught on to his last question. She answered, but she was now aware of the game they were playing. Shouta decided therefore to answer. Not because he wanted to give one, but because he was interested in seeing her playing style. She was more powerful, yes, but Shouta was the better player.

"What has it taken?"

He told the Otokage. He wanted to know why she had asked that, and if darkness had truly taken something from her. He wanted an opening.  And yet, Shouta could not help but feel a connection to the young Otokage. As she turned to look at him, he saw her young face and pity had struck him. Shouta had to grow up early, too. To this day he looks upon the privileged youth with jealousy. The one's that had loving mothers and fathers, who had the support of their family. If they only knew how it could all be stripped away, their innocence destroyed by the crucible of life.

Shouta produced no hand-seals but rather extended his right hand. He held his palm upwards, his gloved hand nearly invisible in the darkness, as if presenting something. A fiery ball of light came to life, illuminating the dark cave with a dim light. It was not the Otokage's shimmering robes, but it was the best Shouta could do. The ghost-light would appear, disappear, then reappear, keeping ahead of the party by some distance.  To Shouta, it was the best he could do to make peace with the young Kage.

"For the Otokage."

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Gōsuto Hikari (Ghost-light)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates a small ball of flame that can be used to guide someone along or get them lost.
Special: Handseals
Drawback: User must be within a certain distance of the flame depending on their rank or else it will go out and the user will have to cast the jutsu again.
Description: The user makes the handseals and creates a small ball of flame in the air in front of them. The flame doesn't give off much heat at all and is not as hot as other fire. Touching this ball of flame will not burn the person touching it in the slightest. Similarly, the light this flame gives off is incredibly dull in comparison to other flames. When someone other than the user gets within a foot of this flame, it will disappear only to reappear two meters away in any direction, chosen by the user. User must be within twenty meters of the flame to keep it sustained, plus ten meters for every rank the user is above "D".
Limit: Fire release

Still Jutsu
Rank: "S"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User can perform Jutsus without moving.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Stilled Jutsu can be performed with no Handseals. Jutsus without Handseal components are not affected. Jutsu Handseal/Chakra Increase: 1/2 Rank.
Limit: Must learn from Universal NinJutsu.

[Vara]

The answer, in the form of another question, came after some delay. That was fine. It was a long walk to the end of the tunnel. Shouta was as reserved as expected, and so there was little to gain from his hidden form. He blended too well into the surroundings, though more behaviorally than physically. This much was guessed at the start. That's why he was called a shadow, after all.

He asked what the darkness took, as if the price had already been paid. Bree herself never intended to gift the dark. Her purpose in life was tied to the light. She gave to gain. There were better terms to describe the intensions she shared, but she didn't remember them. In fact, she might not know them at all. Dealing with concepts immersed her more than language.

Before the answer came, Shouta showed favor. Wisps of flames led the rest of the way to the exit. It was certainly lovely. Bree's light spewed from where she stood, but it did little to light the way ahead. She had no future spark, yet. She felt gratitude for the simple expression. To see bright flames from the shade was much like hope.

"Thanks," Bree said.

That's how it was. Shouta's light of the world ahead soon came to illuminate the second boulder. The next pair of interior guards stood, ready to receive those that wanted to leave.

Bree spoke her answer as they neared the guards. They'd hear, of course, but the meaning meant nothing to them. The guards were visitors. They had their shifts before time came for them to leave. Shouta's demeanors were not shared by these men.

"Colors," she said. "What darkness hides is what it steals, as well. How pale are you, in body and mind, under the dark's safe embrace?"

After a quick brush of Bree's hand, the interior guards moved the boulder away with all their strength. The world's luminance slipped into the tunnel. Little time got spent in the tunnel, yet the outer world still drew a wide smile from Bree's face. She gave up on the dream world a while ago, so sleep had no place in her life. The dim tunnel was a grim reminder more than anything.

"I asked that you escort me, but also retrieve traveling supplies," Bree stepped outside. "That's not something for one body to do. You were given knowledge of shadow clones, so summon one now. See what the dark's stolen colors are used for."

[The Creator]

Shouta was a strange creature, to be sure. There was a part of him, buried deep down, that wished to connect with people. Perhaps it was just his being Human, as nearly all of sound mind wished to connect with others. But Shouta, too, refused to allow himself to connect with others. As a defense mechanism, he would find faults within everyone around him so that he would have good reason not to establish a healthy relationship with them. This happened to be the case with Bree, as it was with all whom he met. The gesture to provide an illuminating technique, though it may seem small, was of great importance to Shouta. To reach out and attempt to make a connection like that was uncommon for him; the Human in him had won over temporary control. As will be seen, however, it was also a tool for which he used to separate himself from the Otokage.  And that was something that not even Shouta had suspected.

Bree thanked him, which was something he did expected. The child was not cold. What Shouta also expected, however, was a softening of her temperament. A reprieve from bitter reminders of her power, which she was keen to do. But Shouta had underestimated his gesture and it was soon apparent that no such thing would happened. Shouta did not find the fault to be of his own misunderstanding, but that of Bree's. That was his defense mechanism playing his cards for him.

Bree called upon her surprisingly cryptic vocabulary again, speaking as if an experienced ritualist or chakra lore enthusiast had possessed her tongue, telling Shouta that what darkness took was color. This time Shouta understood. It made sense that, yes, darkness did not allow for color to be seen as well as in light, but he did not understand what Bree meant by color. Color could be seen as a metaphor, in this sense, that referenced the joys of life, the positive aspects of a personality, or the vividness of one's self. Perhaps her metaphors were more general, but Shouta began to believe that he was reading too much into it. The child was wise, to be sure, but to believe that such a young girl had insight to the philosophical undertakings of great minds which had come before them was stretch. Thus it must be reasoned that she developed and practiced her own philosophies. Shouta could not help but feel that her lack of experience would undermine her own philosophical developments and that thus her words were the result of developmental shortcomings. That they would therefore be flawed.

Can you now see Shouta pushing Bree away? It would have been an easier conclusion to simply humor her, or to believe her, but instead Shouta circumvented her logic by his inability to explain it and her young age. These were, of course, logical fallacies, but he had constructed them in such away that they were believable. He constructed them just so that he could grasp them and justify them. Just so that he could prove to himself that Bree was underneath him, mentally and spiritually, and her attempts at making herself his equal (or above him, even) made her words unworthy of a response.

All of this Shouta thought while the boulder had been rolled back. Light filtered into the dark cave as it was, revealing an noon-time sun which had just reached its zenith.

Shouta was surprised when Bree made a request to see his Shadow Clone jutsu, and was slightly annoyed by the request. He understood his place as an escort and servant but to be reminded of his meagerness was, to him, an insult, though he actually did nothing to not deserve it. He was a mere Genin but he believed himself beyond it. He began to hate the titles that the Tower imposed on him but, for now, he was bound by them. He reluctantly raised his gloved hands and slowly performed the handseals to the Kage Bunshin technique. A poof of white smoke materialized next to him and a second Shouta was revealed.

To Shouta's surprise, the clone immediately greeted the Otokage with a frightening gesture.

"Your worship," said the clone, and he made a bow.

It was very obvious that it was made in a mocking manner. The real Shouta, the one that had summoned this underling, froze in embarrassment and stark confusion. Yes, Shouta felt this way, but he never had the idea to make it so apparent. Yet, he considered, if the clone was truly him and shared his disposition, was Shouta really so far from making a similar statement. Without a gesture, Shouta forced the clone to dissipate into white smoke. The use of his chakra was canceled, and the clone was destroyed. To make an excuse for the clone's behavior was the wrong option here, so he believed, and it would be disbelieved immediately. Instead he paused, a slight panic invading his thoughts, as he attempted to decide what to say.

"Now, you know."

The words he chose were dangerous, but he was unexpectedly put in a dangerous situation. He was now very uncomfortable, immediately regretting what he had said. Now you know how I feel, is what he had truly said, about all this bullshit you wield. He should have played it safer; he should have reminded her of his lowly position. What was he thinking? It was the cave that had played tricks on his mind, he decided. Within it's black depths he had nearly seen the two as equal. As if he had somehow proved that he was at the same level as her or beyond. But with sunlight now shining down upon them, it was as if Shouta was suddenly made sober. His hands were brought back up to clutch each-other nervously. Taking a deep breath, he physically shook his head, and performed the handseals again, this time, at a true pace. A second clone appeared beside him. This one looked anxiously from Shouta to the Otokage, turned away from them both, and hurried away from sight.

Shouta dropped his gaze, refusing to see the Otokage's facial response.  Nervous words could be heard coming out from behind his mask.

"I forgot myself. I apologize."

[Exiting the Gates now.]

[Vara]

Bree laughed.

The unusual demonstration of shadow clones didn't match her expectations, at all. She couldn't help it. The first clone showed measures more personality within one moment. It was a shame that Shouta dispelled it so soon. To see a clone diverge so far from the personality of its creator was a treat. What changed to make the result what it was? Unless the technique was performed incorrectly, the duplicate was among the best that chakra produced.

There did seem to be truth to the act. Shouta followed the discrepancy with an implication that he told Bree something. Bree hadn't figured out what, yet. It was all a little vague. The philosophies she indulged in came from reading, and her church. They weren't the best sources of reference for social tones. There hadn't been any formal mention of Goddess Listral, so there were no assurances over how close the word worship was meant to be.

Bree clapped her hands together, unevenly so that her right fingers curled over her left. "Too bad we couldn't record that. I'm sure that'd be fun to study."

That was a partial lie, or perhaps a misdirection or omission. Bree had no idea. Whoever manned the village gate's surveillance spikes saw the small demonstration. If they took the Otokage's words to heart, perhaps they'd record what had been shown on the monitors. Not much time passed, though, so the memory was still fresh.

That first clone was definitely not mannerly. He spoke a deference, but carried the voice and movements of a performance. The phrase related to status. It was the same way that Shouta's earlier question focused on nobility.

"Forgetting yourself," Bree unsheathed Levoru and held it forward. She let the sunlight bounce off the blade and onto her face. The reflection wasn't much brighter than her eyes. "Now, that has to be false. I don't think you've lived long enough for the dark to take your identity. Maybe you'd forget your face, at most."

[Vara]

<Exit>

[Chizuru]

(Resuming from here under the assumption permission to enter was never granted. Having not actually entered, I should not require approval to leave.)

Having never received permission to enter the village with the others I found myself quite annoyed with the entire situation. Of course with both eyes and ears sealed I could neither see nor hear anything being said, but could feel myself being turned around and marched back by someone. 'Well now, mine host, it seems thou art not welcome.' Of course, this voice belonged to none other than the parasitic Y'la that was bound to me forever more. Muttering softly I spoke to it, "Silence spirit, your commentary is not required." And with such words the spirit's presence faded with a soft chuckle and I was escorted back to an area where they could safely remove the binding of my senses and I could continue on as before.

(Exit Gates to Country)

[Zetsumei]

Anastasia was prepared for her mission and made her way to the village gates and paused at the first checkpoint. Showing her headband she would state, "Anastasia, Iron Maid, I'll be going on a diplomatic mission to the other ninja villages." Should everything check out and she be allowed through the woman would make her way to the second checkpoint. Playing the appropriate tune on the organ she moved to the third and final checkpoint. Her headband was once again shown and she spoke again, "Iron Maiden Anastasia, heading out on a diplomatic mission." If everything was approved cleanly, the woman would head out to the countryside to begin her travel for the mission.

{Exit Village}

[Vara]

The guards nodded as the woman passed. They checked and relayed her claim with the village tower while she wandered into the gates and played the organ, so the guards on the outer end let he pass and leave without any fuss.

<Exit approved, Anastasia ejected>

[Hoarfrost Imp]

-Enter-

With her headband on tight and her Tessaiga on her back Rahael headed through the mountain and the corridors, finding herself staring back at the two familiar guards who had always guarded these gates it seemed.... ever since she was just a wee girl of thirteen.

"Rahael Hyuuga, The Eye of Oto. I have debriefed with the Kage for some time and after my extended rest I have requested time back out. If there are any issues I do have my radio and a locator in the radio." All this could be found to be true, "My aim is to find a Dojo likely, somewhere to home my skills in Wind where they are plentiful or possibly another wandering master of the arts."

With this said she simply awaited. There shouldn't be much need to stop her but with that presumption she handled business as usual.

(Exit)

[chimecho]

Several days had passed since Souma tasked Ranzatsu Akayo to face the fierce mountains to the north, in search of the Oni warlord Banjakutarou. He himself was now tasked with a special assignment from the Otokage, and had traveled to the village gates in order to meet her in the countryside. He had been accompanied by her rather swift Agent, who seemed to leave the Otonin to his own devices as they traveled into the gates enclave. Souma brought along with him his Ryuteki flute, in the event that the Sound Shadow had wanted to hear him perform; also, his Yatake set, painting scroll and large ink bottle were stashed away in a large pouch on his waist, along side numerous types of tags, including those of explosive and vivre capabilities.

There had been a tactical tool pouch at his right hip that had stored within its slots numbers of shuriken, a couple of kunai and a slot of marbles. While there wouldn't probably much time spent on the open seas traveling towards Tsuki no Kuni to play, he thought only to bring them if they had so happened to resonate with the adolescent Otokage. One the first threshold had been reached, Souma looked up to the gargantuan Akimichi and spoke of his business, which the -kage's Agent could confirm. He would show them his hitai-ate, tell them his actual name, and then give them his moniker of "Gasei," in lieu of the more questionable "Sugoi." With all systems being checked and in accordance with Lideren and official Otogakure law, he was allowed to push past the two guardsmen into deeper reaches of the mountain hiding the low land village.

As he walked, he wondered what business the Otokage had to deal with in so far a way a land. The Agent would, instead of Souma, play the requisite notes necessary to further allow them to depart into the open rice field pastures of the country. It was not
long before Souma and the youth came upon the Kumomusha and celestial appearing guardsmen; once more, they gave went through the proper protocol to be allowed to pass into Oto no Kuni smoothly. Agent Ballad would lead the way, and eventually they fell upon the place were the Otokage leisured.

SPOILER: Click to show

exit into Oto no Kuni