Visiting the ally in heaven [closed, travel, NDE].

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

[Enter from Enrai. Skulking Shinzu, I'm using this as my reference]


It was in the middle of the day. The air was frosty while the skies were clouded. But there was no snow or sleet so far.
'I can't sense anyone following us. My goggles are not picking up anything strange either' noticed the male.

He looked at the visitor once more. "I would like you to be on my right side. We will take two short breaks until we reach the village.
Do you have any weapons with you by the way?" inquired the ANBU. His voice was a bit more concerned now.

The person next to him was not a shinobi according to what the Raikage told him. However, she did say that Zuruel came from a military village. It was quite likely that this guy could protect himself or fight against taijutsu users.
The dog could be a valuable ally as well. Their sense of smell plus their instincts were far superior to humans.

'I'm quite sure he can use weapons too. But I don't know about which weapon types he's used to. Or how proficient he is' thought the man.
He would keep walking while he waited for the reply. His senses were still on the lookout however.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used:


- Sense motive [105/125]. Level: Master.

- Navigation [80/125]. Level: Expert.

- Observation [105/125]. Level: Master.

[Skulking Shinzu]

Lady’s breathing produced noticeable vapour with each exhale due to the frosty outdoor conditions. Zuruel, however, did not. More interestingly, despite the thin layer of clothing separating him from the frosty breeze, the Kedoin didn’t appear to be cold or shivering. Possessing unnatural mastery over his cells, he could easily adapt to even freezing conditions. In comparison, Kaminari no Kuni’s winter was nothing. “Oh, are you a sensor?” Zuruel blinked at the mention of the group not being tailed. He wondered how the man could be so certain. Of course, Zuruel could confirm that fact too with his keen sense of hearing that not even a heartbeat could escape.

“Very well.” Having no reason to refuse, Zuruel moved over to the man’s right. “Say, you never did answer my question. Those masks of yours, how do they differ? Do the animals represent anything?” He wondered if he’d get an answer if he pressed enough. Zuruel also patted himself down upon being asked about his weaponry. “Lady has five Kunai and a couple smoke grenades in her pouch.” The Kedoin took in a deep breath before continuing. “As for me... A few tower shields, probably twenty swords, too many kunai to count, a stack of explosive tags, an assortment of grenades, several puppets… Probably more grenades somewhere. Poisons too if they count and a random length of wire.”

Considering how none of this equipment was visible or possible to be carried by a single individual, the ANBU may have assumed Zuruel was joking. However, that wasn’t the case. Rolling down his sleeve, Zuruel revealed several seals stretched along his forearm and wrist. Item summoning seals. He also plunged his arm into the inner pocket of his cloak. Strangely, the pocket fit his entire limb all the way to his shoulder. It was clear it had been outfitted with one or more Deep Pockets rituals. “Why do you ask?” To assist, the Kedoin focused on his 100m radius of enhanced hearing. It was so potent that he could even differentiate between the heartbeat of a small bird to the heartbeat of a male adult.

SPOILER: Click to show

Thermal Override
Rank: C-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can control their body heat.
Special: ---
Drawback: Complex movements and techniques, usually of the "A-ranked" and "S-ranked" nature will break the concentration needed for this technique. Movement enhancement techniques (IE: Chakra gates) will cause this technique to end. Temperature control is capped at a certain point.
Description: With mastery of the cellular functions within the body, comes the mastery of homeostatic functions. Through dominance of their own body, the user can override control to heart rate, breathing and temperature. The user can suppress or alter these autonomic functions to better mimic the foreground temperature and/or fool thermal sensing abilities or machines. Cellular control allows the Kedōin Blood Line a robust resistance to internal temperature changes, which would normally kill normal humans. Walking around in very cold environments while matching or combating the foreground temperature is not impossible, and not entirely lethal. Some Kedōin have been known to decrease temperatures to mimic the temperatures of dead bodies, making themselves appear as if a corpse. It takes one post to alter and maintain body temperature. Though the user can mimic the foreground temperature, temperature ranges they can mimic and operate in are strictly 30°F above or below the normal human ranges of 98.6 °F (68.6°F to 128.6°F/20°C to 54°C).
Limit: Kedōin Blood Line.

Auditory Comprehension
Rank: B, A, S
Skill: Supplementary Ninjutsu
Effect: The user comprehends various types of sounds instantaneously
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Bard has experienced many different types and used use many different type of sound. At this point, hearing and interpreting sound becomes second hand. The user can now interpret sounds heard, rather then just hearing them, deciphering what type of sound is made, location, what caused the sound, etc. This can even help the bard ascertain the general physical strength of the being that caused the sound. The user must train to understand the different types of sound made, listed below.
B Rank: The bard may accurately identify and decipher sounds within a 25 meter radius.
A Rank: The bard may accurately identify and decipher sounds within a 50 meter radius.
S Rank: The bard may accurately identify and decipher sounds within a 100 meter radius.
Limit: Automatically gained once the user has mastered Art of the Bard by gaining 500 Training Points. Every 500 Points extra unlocks another rank of this technique.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"Say, you never did answer my question. Those masks of yours, how do they differ? Do the animals represent anything?" asked the man.
The older male decided it was safe to give an answer. He just could go too much into detail.

"Our masks represent the division we're in. Just like in a police force, we have different tasks" answered the ANBU. His voice was more assertive compared to earlier.
It was clear that the man could not tell more than what he just said. The duo kept walking south as they talked.

"Lady has five Kunai and a couple smoke grenades in her pouch. As for me...A few tower shields, probably twenty swords, too many kunai to count, a stack of explosive tags, an assortment of grenades, several puppets...Probably more grenades somewhere. Poisons too if they count and a random length of wire. Why do you ask?" inquired Zuruel.

The shinobi realized that the male had several seals on his arm. That explained how he could carry so much equipment.
"It's good to know in case we are attacked. I'm able to defend most people, but clients who can protect themselves is a big bonus. Is this your first time to Kaminari no Kuni by the way?" inquired the older male.

His voice was more curious compared to earlier. They were about halfway on their journey to the mountain chain. A chilly breeze made his cloak flutter a little.
They were walking past one of the roads that lead to the city of Aramis. The traffic was very low at the moment.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used:


- Sense motive [105/125]. Level: Master.

- Navigation [80/125]. Level: Expert.

- Observation [105/125]. Level: Master.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Oh?” The man’s stern voice put Zuruel off from asking any further questions. Possessing a good grasp over body language and tone, he knew he wasn’t going to get much more information out of the man even if he tried. Still, it was an intriguing topic. If the animals truly did represent divisions, then it was likely bears – strong and tough creatures – were fighters and guardians. Such would explain why the duo were being escorted by one. In contrast, birds were likely spies or trackers – which may explain why the earlier ANBU kept so much to himself. Then again, it was possible all ANBU shared that trait. Coming from a secretive organisation, it wouldn’t be surprising to find that none of the members were extroverted and social butterflies.

“Why would we get attacked in your home country? Wouldn’t most be terrified of an ANBU escort?” Such was the way of life in Konohagakure. The Ninja village had built up such a reputation for itself that the entire forest and other land masses surrounding the village were considered safe zones. Not even bandits would dare wander close out of fear of being outclassed by even the Genin. “I believe this is my fourth time here – although I’ve never really explored. I certainly haven’t had a chance to visit these mountainous parts.” Zuruel glanced around. The area the group was traversing through looked nothing like the location where he sparred with Ryu for the first time. Then again, why should it. Kaminari no Kuni was just as vast as Hi no Kuni. It was likely that no two areas looked too similar.

“Say – random question but I assume you know Ryutatsu? Short, white hair, pointy sword. Would you say he’s the strongest in the village, or are there stronger?” Zuruel grinned at the end of his sentence. The ANBU would sense nothing malicious from Zuruel’s words. It simply appeared to be the words of a man hoping to know who to set his eyes on upon entering the village. “Also – do you guys have anyone well-versed in Rituals in the village? You might benefit from a teleportation circle or two to help transport people directly from the Embassy into the village.” The Kedoin grinned. He had a lot more ideas, but not wanting to bore the ANBU, he decided to save them for the Raikage herself.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"Why would we get attacked in your home country? Wouldn't most be terrified of an ANBU escort?" inquired the foreign guy. A small smile formed behind the mask.
"You're flattering me. But there are stronger shinobis or people that don't like Kumogakure no Sato" replied the male.

He listened to Zuruel as they walked past the main road. It would not be long until they reached the mountain chain.
"Say – random question but I assume you know Ryutatsu? Short, white hair, pointy sword. Would you say he’s the strongest in the village, or are there stronger?" asked the man.

'This guy is CLEARLY from a military village' mentally confirmed the ANBU.
"Also – do you guys have anyone well-versed in rituals in the village? You might benefit from a teleportation circle or two to help transport people directly from the Embassy into the village" said the foreigner.

"It depends on what your definition of strong is. As for the teleportation circles, I think that's something lady Raikage can answer" told the male as they walked down the hill.
In the close distance laid the mountain chain that hid Kumogakure no Sato. His senses were more acute now compared to earlier. The shinobi could not afford any unwanted followers.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used:


- Sense motive [105/125]. Level: Master.

- Navigation [80/125]. Level: Expert.

- Observation [105/125]. Level: Master.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Stronger Shinobi?” Zuruel didn’t say the words out loud in order to avoid insulting the man – but it appeared than ANBU weren’t as strong as he first assumed. Since the bear didn’t name any specific individuals that may be stronger than him, Zuruel assumed that he was hinting at an entire group of people. Likely, those of Jounin rank or beyond. He made a mental note that he’d have to confirm that theory at some point. For now though, the focus was on the chain of mountains stretched across the horizon. “The perfect place to hide a… hidden village.” He smiled to himself before returning his focus to the ANBU.

Zuruel stretched himself by placing both of his hands behind his head and flaring his elbows outwards. The village wasn’t far now. He could feel it. “I’d say your answer entirely depends on what you mean by strong. What’s your definition of the word?” Zuruel didn’t like questions being deflected. To punish these individuals, he had the habit of deflecting the question right back at them and pressing even harder for a response. “I hope I won’t be boring her to death with politics… I do want to keep this visit informal and enjoyable for her.” Thinking out loud, he stroked his smooth-shaven chin once more. “What kind of person is she?” He thought to himself hesitantly. The anxiety of meeting a Kage for the first time was only just beginning to flare.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"I'd say your answer entirely depends on what you mean by strong. What's your definition of the word?" inquired the male.
"I think a strong person is someone who can protect themselves or their loved ones. People who can overcome their fears are strong too" replied the man. His voice sounded a bit more interested than earlier.

"I hope I won't be boring her to death with politics...I do want to keep this visit informal and enjoyable for her" told Zuruel.
"Trust me. I don't think that should be an issue" assured the ANBU. He knew the Raikage spoke to a lot of boring people on a regular basis.

An exotic visitor like the Mo representative was a welcome change. "Stay close. We're nearly there. Don't be afraid...this is a simple genjutsu" muttered a voice. It sounded like the older male, but the voice came from inside his head.

They were getting close to a thick forest. "Remember what Ichiro-san said about the gorilla earlier? He was not joking" warned the agent.
He would lead the visitor through the foliage while making sure nobody followed them. Soon, they would be at the gates.


[Exit ANBU guard once Skulking Shinzu has posted]

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used:


- Sense motive [105/125]. Level: Master.

- Navigation [80/125]. Level: Expert.

- Observation [105/125]. Level: Master.



Jutsu used:


Phantasmal whisper. Total range: 30 meters.
Rank: “D” Rank.
Skill: Genjutsu.
Effect: A message of a length the user sets races to their intended recipient.
Special: “Handseals”.
Drawback: ---
Description: A mind-affecting technique. Affects 1 allied creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be negated. The user can send any length message. User needs not mouth the words or whisper, so there is no chance for spies to read lips. Provided the recipient understands the language, they hear it clearly on jutsu completion, regardless of the noise in the room. No one else understands or even hears the message. Silence jutsu, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead) or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the jutsu. The message, however, does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between the user and the subject, and if the path's entire length lies within the jutsu's range.
Limit: Must know the phantasm perception.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Oh? Good answer. So then – within Kumogakure, who do you feel is the most capable of protecting themselves and their loved ones?” Zuruel grinned sharply. The topic had become an interesting one. So much so that even the previously nonchalant and emotionless ANBU was beginning to show signs of interest. Zuruel then snickered at the response about the Raikage. “Good. Cloud had quite the advantage with us… I had already met Tomoko prior to their visit and she brought a small group with her, so there was no shortage of things to discuss.”

“Gotcha.” Zuruel was used to voices speaking in his head. As well as the demons of his past, he had Lady’s telepathy constantly analysing everything he was thinking and occasionally barking orders at him. He wondered though if the voice he could only assume to be coming from the ANBU could actually hear his responses. “Genjutsu… My one weakness.” Not entirely true in both regards. The Kedoin had plenty of ways to deal with Genjutsu, albeit unconventionally. It wasn’t really a noteworthy weakness either. He had others that were far more crippling and well-hidden. Even from Lady.

“Oh? Does the gorilla talk?” Zuruel blinked as he followed the ANBU deeper into the forest. As always, his keen sense of hearing was alerting him to everything going on around him. “Is that…” He thought to himself as the group escaped the foliage and came across what appeared to be a set of gates.

[Exit]