Madness in the Rain

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It was, as the city's name would suggest, raining on the day Master Game arrived in the capital. Yokoburi was a dreary and somewhat modern city, with a mixture of the older buildings of poorer neighborhoods and the glass-faced buildings of the rising technological sector. It was an off time for the city, both in the long term way, and in the course of very recent events. The young Genin had heard rumours of people losing their sanity in the streets, although he did not know much more.

He would arrive at the outskirts of the city, and find a roadblock. It appeared the local police were examining everybody who entered and exited the city, perhaps as an enhanced security measure in these strenuous times. Certainly, it was not an illogical decision, with all the chaos going on. The young ninja would be compelled to wait in a line for nearly half an hour, as merchants before him discussed what they were bringing, and the police carefully checked over each and every person, trying their best to mitigate and manage the threats to local security.

The snatches of conversation he would hear would be somewhat disturbing
. . .
"Damn mayor. Does he really think he can quarantine madness?"
"It's not about madness, you dolt. They just don't want anyone dangerous coming in to take advantage of the situation."
"Then why are they keeping people in too, huh?"
. . .
"Fuck this. The mayor's lost his god damned mind. I think The Madness has gotten to him too."
. . .
"This has nothing to do with the madness, I'll tell you. I think the whole thing is just a power grab, I'll tell you. Hell, I think they're behind this all the way to the top - I think the mayor and Daimyo planned the whole goddamned thing."
. . .
As he reached the front of the line (if he was patient enough to remain in waiting that long) the officer of the law there would begin asking a line of questions. The police officer was a uniformed man, perhaps 30 years, and wise enough to know that the packaging of a child was not proof of innocence or weakness in a world such as this. He took the young man seriously, and looked him over.

"Who are you and what is your business in the city?" Would come the first questions. Then,

"Do you have any weapons, or chakra, alchemical or divine items on your person?"

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: Make sure you list your items for me, even if you're trying to hide them, or you cannot use them in the event. Additionally, any passives you have active need to be listed for me, in a spoiler. Also, let me know what you're wearing - especially if you have a headband or not.

Good luck and have fun

[Master Game]

The day was as dull and dreary as could be. It took longer than usual for the young genin to remember why on earth he’d come to this city in the first place. The city of Yokoburi was one unlike any other. Driving rain had a sort of modernistic look about it that most cities and villages lacked. It forwent the usual “traditional flair” and country visage for something more complex, but at the same time intimidating. It was constantly punctuated by tall, high-rise grey buildings that served to boost the nation’s economy in various ways. But this city seemed too... unlikely. It dearly lacked the verdant visage of lush nature that would usually shroud the countryside of most towns and cities. Instead, it chose to take up a still, monochrome aura that dominated most of its buildings and inhabitants.

To be frank, Shoko Natamura had never seen a city like this before. The boy was awoken from his brief fit of day-dreaming when it came to his attention that he was at the front of the queue. An arbitrary police-officer greeted him at road-block/checkpoint.

“Who are you and what is your business in the city?” Shoko would instantly be welcomed by the brash and straight question. Clearing his throat, the boy would announce that his name was Shoko Natamura. His goal or reason for coming was none other than see the sights. This however, wasn’t a complete lie; Shoko wanted to learn more about the fabled “madness that had spread through most corners of Yokoburi but would also come to tour the place a little. As he did with most places he visited.

“Do you have any weapons, or chakra, alchemical or divine items on your person?” The man replied. The hidden cloud genin was dressed in his simply dark cloak of displacement, clad in mithril torso armour and two matching leg pieces. His headband stashed within the depths of his cloak. Neatly concealed inside his cloak and held together by a strap was his Kyuushi blade. In a quick-loader pouch he carried 15 smoke pellets, another quick-loader carried 15 northern wind bombs. The boy brought along a series of 15 Hira and 15 Bo shurikens concealed in a series of half-pouches that lined the interior of his cloak. Inside his patrol pack were 4 kunai, 15 explosive tags and 1 gem of reflection. Finally, in a medical pack he carried 10 military ration pills, a gem of healing and a ritual book containing the prerequisites for the Second Wind ritual.

Shoko would present most of these items to the police-officer on duty and let him examine them. Shoko just hoped none of his items were considered contraband in any way, and he would be free to pass the roadblock and make his way into the heart of the city.

SPOILER: Click to show

No current passives

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TIME: 7:27 AM 
LOCATION: Yokoburi City Gates

---

The man would have a slightly wry smile as the boy demonstrated what he had. He did not seem to particularly object, but he made some notes on a note pad and passed it. "Bad time for tourism, I'm afraid. There's a horrible madness about, spreading like the plague. Unless you want to see Professor Angell give a lecture about eldritch horrors and unseen sources of human strife. He's in the Salt District's central square just about every day 'round noontime. People line up like he's giving out free money.

"But I trust you." He would say, nodding and stepping aside so the youth would be free to roam the city. "Stay out of trouble, and let the police know if you see anything unusual. These are dangerous times, it pays to work together." If the youth had nothing of interest to say about the officer, he would be allowed to exit into the city, and choose his own destiny.

[Master Game]

Shoko curtly nodded as he took in the officer's final words. As the man stepped aside, Shoko would be free to roam the city. A few paces into the boy's stride, his feet came to a halt. The young lad had no idea where to start. It was as if the very atmosphere had the ability to wipe small memories and leave the lonely traveller confused for a few seconds as he sought to recollect his wits. Shoko wish was to investigate Yokoburi, for he was all too aware of the rumours that seemed to slither in and out of this city like a stealthy python.

Unless you want to see Professor Angell give a lecture about eldritch horrors and unseen sources of human strife. He's in the Salt District's central square just about every day 'round noontime.

Shoko remembered the fleeting words of the police officer and put his mind to it that he himself would try and meet this Professor Angell. Hopefully so he could find out the invisible secrets clad in the very shadows of the city itself. Or at least a way to get to them. For you see, Shoko's high levels of ambition and curiosity could only be quenched by his level of disdain for some things. The shinobi could only silently pray that nothing would piss him off to the extent that he would cut his investigation short.

Shoko would then begin asking a nearby bystander for directions to Salt District. It would do no good to waste time, even though he was in no particular hurry.

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TIME: 7:40 AM, First of Winter
LOCATION: Yokoburi Industrial District

---

The young ninja had made it so far, and had found a small lead to follow about the current happenings in the city. However, he would need to make it to the Salt District if he wanted to follow through on it. Lacking a map of Yokoburi proper, he would instead be dependent upon the kindness of strangers for acquiring directions. The city seemed, however, almost unfriendly, and it took him quite a few minutes before he could even get somebody to give him the time of day.

Finally, he would catch the eye of rain-coat wearing local woman, who would point for him. "Head right down that way, and hook a left at the old warehouse. Follow that street until you see the Organic Herb Market, that's when you know you're in the Salt District." She would say to the boy seeking direction. With that, she would continue along her own path, away from that very Salt District. It was still relatively early in the morning. Would the boy try to find the location of this lecture immediately, or did he have other priorities in the meanwhile?

[Master Game]

It was as if the very wind carried along the body of the young Hidden Cloud genin. His feet enthusiastically traversing the modern streets that decorated Yokoburi. "Head right down that way, and hook a left at the old warehouse. Follow that street until you see the Organic Herb Market, that's when you know you're in the Salt District."
Shoko remembered the words of the kind stranger and followed the directions with little error. Which was simple seeing as the directions were quite specific and well described. In a matter of minutes, fifteen to be exact, Shoko would find himself before the Organic Herb Market.

So this was it, he was in the vicinity of Salt District. Now all he had to do was get to the square. This was already quite simple seeing as he was already in the right district. Shoko would soon arrive at Salt District's central square.

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TIME: 8:30 AM
LOCATION: ? ? ?

---

Navigating this place was not as easy as the young ninja had hoped. Several minutes of walking later, he would realise that this place was simply littered with abandoned warehouses. To hook a left at one of them would be trivial. But to hook a left at the correct one? A difficult task indeed. After quite a bit of wandering, he would come to the conclusion he was in the wrong part of the city, and not making progress towards his goals. 

The part of the city he was in was full of construction machinery and abandoned old buildings. It seemed that Yokoburi had been far more industrial in days gone by.  There were few passerby in this area - one, to be specific. The young man would realize he was lost and mostly alone. Further, the only man he could see - a young man, wearing a rough outfit, perhaps from these parts - was rounding the corner out of site. He needed directions, and stat, if he wanted to arrive anywhere.

[Master Game]

Shoko sighed in slight annoyance and exhaustion. When he entered Salt District, it didn't come to pass in his mind that there were only abandoned buildings and warehouses. Some of which were probably headquarters for illegal black market dealers or smugglers. But which way to go? That was quite a question indeed. Was he even in the right part of the city at all?

As Shoko squinted his eyes for anything that could help him, it would seem that the silhouette of a passing figure would grace his eyes. Shoko pumped his fists up at this small personal victory, but his journey would be far from over. Shoko would approach the figure as innocently as he could, hopefully the man would take pity on the lad and bestow upon him reasonable directions.

"Excuse me, good sir. I'm new to this town and it seems that I have found myself to be utterly lost, Do you mind kindly pointing out to me the nearest path towards Salt District Square?" He asked with all the inconspicuousness he could muster.

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As Shoko approached the man - wearing a town up sweater and damaged pants - the man would catch site of the young man walking towards him and would break out into a full sprint, attempting to get away from him. Immediately, he would sprint away from the main street towards an alley between two abandoned buildings. Would the ninja give chase to this mysterious man?

[Master Game]

Shoko would stare mouth-agape at the man who had now began to make a brake for it. The boy contemplated leaving this crazy hobo to his crazy hobo ways, but he couldn't allow his one chance of finding Salt District's central square slip away. Shoko started off towards the figure of the man, which was now fading. Shoko was gaining on him, but he had the feeling that the man would attempt to slip away if he could. So Shoko performed four body-flicker techniques consecutively, drastically closing the gap between him and he man. When the time was right, Shoko flung himself at the running man, bull-dogging him in an instant.

Shoko almost laughed when he realised it seemed like he was the crazy hobo at this moment. He had chased a fully-grown man and succeeded in rushing him to the ground. The man was quite large and was on the verge on knocking Shoko off his back. Shoko pressed his hand to the man's spine; effectively leaving his target utterly paralysed. Though it's affects were only temporary, Shoko would have limited time to get the answers he needed.

"Tell me the directions to Salt District Main Square or you're finished" Shoko demanded in the most intimidating voice he could muster.

SPOILER: Click to show

Paralysis Touch
Rank: A
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The jutsu leaves the enemy ninja paralyzed for 10 seconds.
Special: Dog, Horse, Ox, Boar, Rabbit, Mouse, Dragon, Monkey.
Drawback: If the jutsu is not completed after 20 seconds, it will start to damage the user's hand. If it does not hit the spine or neck, it will only paralyze that part of the user's body.
Description: The user makes the handseals and his hand becomes covered in electrified chakra. He then tries to touch his opponent in the neck or spine. If the jutsu is successful, the enemy will not be able to move for a minute. If it hits another part of the user's body, it will only paralyze that part of the user's body.
Limit: Requires lightning release.

Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push)[Learned twice]
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush forward in almost instantaneous speed. Used to draw the user close to the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: May use 3 times a day. May perform 1 more each time learned. Passing amount renders the user's legs immobile due to severe pain. Unable to perform again unless gained medical treatment. Must move through an opening. Unable to maneuver around obstructing objects. Can't attack while performing any Shunshin or Variation.
Description: User is able to move forward in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. It is accomplished by focusing the user's chi along the ankles and foot. User mostly moves just with their ankles and feet. Jutsu takes up no movements. User may only use this Jutsu half of the movements may allow in a single round while rounding down. Example: User has 5 movements, user is able to perform Jutsu 2 times per round.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu.

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. Still Jutsu cannot be reduced by Efficient Jutsu Enhancement Technique, Easy Jutsu Enhancement Technique and similar Jutsus. Jutsu Handseal/Chakra Increase: 1 Rank.
Limit: Must learn from Universal NinJutsu.

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The ninja - or 'crazy hobo' as one might call him - made his chase. Shoko would leap, with the speed and agility only a trained body could posses across the distances between them, closing the gap and attempting to tackle the man. The man was a bit bigger than him, but the resolve and strength that ninja discipline gave to Shoko allowed him to drag the man to the ground for long enough to attempt his gambit. Channeling the raw energy of lightning chakra into his hand, he would touch the man's spine and paralyze him as his interrogative line of speech began.

"Oasg..." the man sputtered, obviously struggling with his speech. He seemed barely able to move his face - let alone muster the control of his vocal cords to effectively speak. "street..." was the only coherent word that came from his lips for the second. The rest was incoherent gibberish as the ninja sat on the dirty man.

Speaking of dirty... the man smelled absolutely disgusting. Shoko would lack the requisite knowledge to identify the heavy smell lingering on this man, but it was not pleasant.

[Master Game]

Shoko sighed. It seemed that the boy might come to regret paralysing the man completely, but there was not time to ponder on possible mistakes. The hobo produced an odour as foul as a corpse itself, brutally assault the innocent boy's olfactory epithelium. Shoko gagged, but there wasn't much time to waste.

"Where?" The boy queried. "Just point in the general direction and your life will be spared" The boy told him. Of course, he was lying and would never kill an innocent man but the look on his face was nonchalant enough to imply he wasn't joking.

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The young ninja had a great deal of power at his disposal, but his reasoning skills seemed to be lacking. He threw his second question on the man as he was ever-so-slowly coming out of paralysis. However, despite his less-than-opportune status, a twinge of a smile, or perhaps a look of amusement was found upon this man's face, indicating that perhaps he didn't exactly believe him.

Regardless, as paralysis wore off, the man threw up his arm and pointed in a direction. A hint, finally, after all that hard work and the rather sizeable amount of chakra expended. Would the boy bound off on this newly hinted at route?

[Master Game]

Shoko looked at the direction the haggard-looking stranger had pointed towards, eyes narrowed. Shoko didn't have a reason at all to trust this man or what he said but at the moment he was a bit more than desperate. Sighing, Shoko rolled off the man, leaving him free to do whatever he wanted. Shoko wondered if it was even worth it to chase him down and use up such an amount of chakra on him.

It didn't matter anyway, the man had pointed, most likely to a location that would probably lead him further away form his destination. But Shoko wasn't one to complain at this moment,he would just have to examine his surroundings carefully and remember his way back as he set off towards his location.

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The boy would bound off in a direction, seeing city streets. Eventually, he would be in a more crowded area, where a half a dozen people were milling about, and there was a meat market and a book store. Perhaps he was here? How would he know?

[Master Game]

Shoko's eyes widened, it seemed that the man had actually led him to somewhere that at least made sense. There were people, plenty of people.Though the question of whether or not the young genin had been lead to the right place was a question yet answered. The boy would stroll along, weaving his way through the crowd and trying to blend in. This seemed impossible given his uncommon attire and shinobi headband. Shoko would approach the next person he saw and honestly ask he/she where they were at this time.