You snow the drill x2

[Cadoc]

SPOILER: Click to show

 Enchant Chakra Item - Greater
Rank: "B"
Type: Creation Ritual
Effect: Chakra drawn from the warp and weft of the universe infuses the item the user holds in their hands.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: ---
Description: User touches a normal item and turns it into a Chakra Item applying a Greater Enchantment Seal. The Ritual's performance cost is equal to the price of 1 Greater Enchantment Seal. User must perform the Ritual in order to apply the Seal. User cannot "hold" a seal for later use. Seal is applied automatically after performing the Ritual. User learns this Ritual once. Afterwards the user must learn each Greater Enchantment Seal in order to utilize this Ritual. All Enchantment Seals are found in Artisan.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Creation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 23,000 Ryo Performing Price: 17,000 Ryo

Lookout
Rank: "C" Always 20 TP
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User's allies help the user avoid being surprised. 
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Whenever the user is within 10 meters to an ally who also has this technique, the user may apply an ally's anti-flanking technique so long as the ally's is higher than the user's.
Limit: Must learn from Universal TaiJutsu.

00/40 Yoko
00/20 Barbas

Yoko had set off from her village seeking information, she wanted to follow up on the reports of witchcraft in the Land of Hot Springs. Thus, she had got herself ready: gathering together her equipment, researched the area and completed her four-hour session of medication upon the lessons contained within her Miracles and Mysteries book. She had managed to build up a general idea of where to go and planned to make her way to a nearby forge to get acquainted with the area and test her skills.

In terms of physical appearance, Yoko was a rather pint-sized adventurer, standing at a staggering small two foot eight inches. This made it quite difficult to spot her at the best of times, never mind in a crowded city. A problem that was only compounded by the fact that her body released light-refracting spores at a constant rate which made her body making her form appear hazy and indistinct. 

Her attire consisted of a soft-shell jacket, a long-sleeved fleece shirt, waterproof leather boots, and soft-shell trousers fitted with a belt, which are all were fire resistant. Perhaps most striking of all was the mask that she wore, fashioned from the skull of a green hag, the mask was somewhat disconcerting to behold especially when combined with her glowing blue eyes. Yoko had previously stripped the outfit of anything that would denote her rank or position within the village, no rank, no headband, etc. On this particular occasion she had elected to use her MOLLE II assault pack to store some of her crafting equipment and tools: a chain of knowledge, her Loremaster Encyclopedia: Volume V, an All-Seeing Eye, a gem of Reflection, Cyclopean Ring, two gems of the Wise, two gems of Vitality, Doolittle Gem, a gem of Charming and sufficient Starmetal to make a single item.

Yoko was well on her way to becoming a master enchantress, having amassed a fair amount of rituals based around empowering her equipment already. However, so far all of the seals that she had acquired had been relatively low ranked: minor and superior to be exact. As a result of the stronger techniques, the higher powered ones had been unobtainable. Fortunately, the youth had sought to overcome this weakness by acquiring the advanced versions of the enchant chakra item ritual, surprisingly the legendary and epic versions had been quite easy to find. It was the greater version that had been difficult to obtain.

But she had managed to obtain it. Thus, the youth had the document required to further improve her knowledge of the subject all she needed to do now was apply that knowledge to the matter at hand and broaden her horizons as such as she increased her own power in an effort to learn greater rituals and thereby enhance the items that she was able to produce. In line with this logic, she had travelled to the land of Hot Springs to see out some of the rarer and more powerful rituals. As well as to follow up on what she had heard at the kage summit.

Yoko and her shadow clone approached the city, along with her companions. The clone acting as a navigator while the youth continued to diligently study the workings of the ritual that she wanted to obtain. The only real question was how long would it take to advance her rituals to this next level, and should she elect to advance to the next level immediately following? Or should she instead elect to learn a few techniques at the level before advancing? The idea was an interesting one indeed.

Yoko was escorted to her destination by her trusty companions, Barbas the Kirin, and Doggo the dog. And while doggo might have already been trained in the art of looking out for Yoko, Barbas certainly was not. He had received no formal training as such and instead relied on his communication skills to relay danger between the party. For obvious reasons this was an effective tactic, but not one without its limitations, namely attacks that were so fast that visualising, processing and then relaying the information would have taken too long.

Thus for situations like this, the Kirin needed to invest in honing his skills. This came through the application of Yoko's own keen instincts to his own body, namely, if one person in their party possessed an uncanny sense to dodge attacks then they could relay it to everyone else at that heightened level. For at the moment while it was almost unquestionable that the kirin possessed more potential than Yoko, she certainly had the edge in formal training and combat experience.

She could use that power to sense when an attack was coming, and that was what he was trying to tap into. Her uncanny ability to sense when an attack was coming. Thus, as he accompanied the youth to their destination he focused on bettering his use of this particular technique, seeking to fully master his ability as a lookout for Yoko on her missions away from the safety of her Kage tower. After all, there was no telling when an enemy could strike out with an attack now was there.

[Deleted]

Fly on the Wall
Rank: "B"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: A miscellaneous technique that allows the user to blend in the background and simply be dismissed.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A non chakra technique that generates a "non-detection field". This "field" is activated anytime on the user's turn as a non-movement, and deactivated in the same manner. While this technique is activated, a person who lays their eyes on the user, hears them, or smells the user must make a Sense Motive check against the user's Acting Skill check. If the check succeeds, the target dismisses the user as an unimportant detail in the background, allowing the user to hide in plain sight, without using cover. The user continues to stay dismissed unless they make a distinguished action, such as interacting with an item, or attacking. If the user is stationary, the user gains a +10 bonus to stealth checks against all subjects who fail against the Acting skill check. Every time the user leaves a creature's line of sight for more than 5 rounds and re-appears the target must make a new Sense Motive check against the user's Acting check, regardless of the previous success or failure. In some conditions, such as lack of details to blend in, when walking in a blank, white room with the subject staring at the door for instance, the field may not work. This technique affects only the subject's visual senses, and cannot be dispelled. This technique cannot be used in combat.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous. Must know Acting (100 Skill Points).


Another hunt led me yet again to the place I was trying to avoid most of all. All this... civilization. It made me sick. Far from the virgin sands to the east where a man could walk for hours without seeing his fellow. I was on the hunt for a Grendiwillow in the area and sadly it seems the trail has gone cold. This wasn't an unfamiliar occurrence. These creatures, skin walkers who could take the form of humans were some of the most devious.

As I neared the settlement I recognized I'd need to blend in to the people around me. There wasn't anyone around just yet. I would need to wait. A single man coming into the city well armed just screamed the word 'bandit' or 'monster hunter'. Cases like this I would need to become a fly on the wall. I'd need cover. I'd need to get closer to my opponent before it was too late. I kept my eyes on the road waiting for the perfect passenger to come along.

I moved down a winding dirt road and eventually found myself nearing what appeared to be a wagon train that was heading towards the city. Merchants peddling goods and wears and the mercenaries hired to protect them from point A to B. I quickly took a few steps behind the caravan and threw my cloak around my body hiding the armor underneath it. My sword, bound in bandages to hide the size and value of the blade. Finally a wide brimmed rice hat to cover my face and a dark visor to cover my face. As I neared the city gate I caught a familiar sensation.

"A Kirin is nearby?" I questioned to myself. Interesting.

[Cadoc]

00/40 Yoko
00/20 Barbas

Yoko's group continued towards the city, vigilantly scanning the area for potential threats as they advanced, along with evaluating the risk that they posed. Of course, this served as excellent training for the companions that the young Mizukage was travelling, in fact, it provided an apt opportunity, Barbas, to continue working on his abilities as an outlook. After all the idea was to safely arrive at the forge and start the preparations for their items without being attacked by the people she passed on the street.

Thus, knowing that she had at least some form of added defence was a great assurance to the youth. Yes, the next step in the progress—if the tome was to be believed—was to double the figures, at that point a hundred damage negation was certainly an interesting prospect. And if she envisioned things correctly, she could create could create an item for each of the elements, given that she could wear two rings at any given time, but only one headset, well it made sense to go for the rings.

Thus, it was resolved that the youth would forge an additional three rings, bringing her own personal set up to five. The only question that remained was whether or not she needed to make a further five for her companions. She flicked to the front of her book looking for further information before she instead gave up, electing instead to look through her general notification document. It seemed that a hoofed quadruped like Barbas could not have rings, instead, however he possessed the ability to wear a headband, neckwear, and something on his head.

Thus, the youth decided to consider whether this technique was the right fit for him, and if so which element to give the creature. Of the five there were clear choices, or rather options that were totally pointless, namely, total immunity to electricity, and already impressive resistance against acid and fire. Thus, the only choice that she felt she was left with was to select one of the exciting elements for a minor boost or something that the creature did not already possess for a significant power increase.

[󠀐󠀐󠀐󠀐Y]

I dig it.
+40 [Yoko]
+20 [Barbas]
+20 [Shiki]

[Deleted]

Post 2 of 2

It wouldn't be that much longer. I could sense the creature I was hunting as I traveled with the caravan. The hustle and bustle of muddy feet trying to make their way into the city stopped in relief at the gate. For many of them it meant the end of weeks and travel. It meant a soft bed to sleep in and the comforts of a stiff drink and a hot meal. For me however, it was simply another means to an end. I waited as the merchants up front talked to the gate guard.

It would be a while. Manifests would need to change hands. Tariffs and sales taxes would need to be negotiated and of course the standard check for any sort of illicit goods. No narcotics or slaves were going to be passing through a town of course. These hardly seemed the type but bureaucracy has it's reasons. After a few moments and the caravan was waved on through I simply emerged with the group on the other side of the town.

I was past the gate, the hard part was over. I took my hood off and slowly started looking around for any signs of trouble. I could feel the monster towards the north end of the town. I closed my eyes and activated my bloodlimit. Giving myself one big breath to steady myself as I started to look across the town for any sorts of metal. Concealed weapons were always dangerouns. Particularly looking for arrows and arrow heads incase I had to worry about a sniper. Hmm... nothing. There were a few people here in armor or masks... That much I could sense even if I couldn't see it.

[Cadoc]

SPOILER: Click to show

Tower Watch
Rank: "C" Always 20 TP
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: Through experience the user learns how to notice things and can see at low light levels.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Through experience comes an eventual payoff. Through guarding, observing, and seeking the perfect counter the user gains a +20 to Observation checks when noticing something. User also gains low-light vision, if they did not already have this ability.
Limit: Must be an Armiger.

Elemental Resistance
Rank: "D", "C", ("B"), "A"
Skill: Fūinjutsu
Effect: A seal applied to a ring giving the wielder the ability to absorb and resist an elemental damage.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Equipment Type:Neck, Ring. Minor Enchantment Seal:Power 1/Day, as a Move Movement. User gains 5 Resistance to Acid, Cold, Electricity, Fire, and Sonic. (Choose 1 when creating the Seal. Absorbs up to 50 Armour Points of Damage. Superior Enchantment Seal: Gain Resistance 10; Absorbs up to 100 Armour Points. Greater Enchantment Seal: Gain Resistance 15; Absorbs up to 150 Armour Points. Epic Enchantment Seal: Gain Resistance 20; Absorbs up to 200 Armour Points.
Limit: Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Minor. Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Superior. Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Greater. Must know Enchant Chakra Item – Epic.

00/40 Yoko
00/20 Barbas

Yoko continued to advance into the city noting the features of the shops along with potential vantage points and routes of escape should the need arise. Under normal circumstances, she would have elected to remain as hidden as possible. Alas, having a Kirin in her party made this task somewhat complicated. As such, the youth elected to hide in the creature's shadow as it advanced down the street towards their destination. The problem of course, was that Yoko had no real no idea where the forge was, and instead had to rely on the signposting of the city.

The lack of attention afforded Yoko the opportunity to continue to hone her ritualistic knowledge, while her shadow clone and Barbas continued to scan the area for threats. The stage was arguably perfectly set for Barbas to continue to work on his observation skills. By continually scanning the area for potential threats he was able to build up a better understanding of what exactly consituted a threat to the party and what was a seemingly harmless encounter.

Throughout this procedure there were no words exchanged, verbally at least, instead, the Kirin elected to raise his findings with Yoko's clone through his telepathic abilities, hoping to receive feedback about the actions of the civilians in the area. And while the mighty creature already possessed the uncanny ability to see in darkness, the continued exposure to the dark alleys combined with the shadows cast by the buildsings were starting to have an effect on his overall vision.

Namely, the creature was starting to develop his low-light vision. The difference between the two abilities might have best been noticed through Barbas' growing ability to see in the dark sections with colour. A rather strange way to think of things, but the creature was now able to distinguish the colours in dark areas that had light, as opposed to relying exclusively on his dark vision ability which lacked the ability to see in colour. How useful this would be in the future was a subject open to much debate but still it was useful to be able to see further in areas of low light was it not?

With the groundwork set for the next level of the seal the youth merely had to refocus on exactly what she wanted to obtain and then go out and get it. She now knew the items to create and their dimensions from the aforementioned research, all she needed to do now was plan a way by which the ritualistic inscriptions could be worked into the materials. The rings were a particular challenge, Yoko's was quite small, and her fingers were even smaller.

To create a ring of that size was difficult enough, it was reminiscent of a doll's ring, but adding a complex ritual to it? Well, that was taking things to the next level. With this idea in mind the youth re-examined the materials that she had looking to see how exactly she could apply the ritual to the rings, were certain ingredients required, did she need to directly carve the symbols into it? Or was it sufficient to paint them on as part of the process to be removed at a later date?

Alas, her research raised more questions than it answered, but questions that were not impossible to solve. For example, when it came to adding the inscriptions to the rings, the youth had figured out that she could use a watchmaker's goggles to zoom in on the area so that she could operate under a degree of magnification. To test this theory out, she needed to set up a workstation for a trial run. Of course, an item was also required, and given the situation was merely a test, a iron ring with a negligible cost seemed a prime candidate.

[󠀐󠀐󠀐󠀐Y]

+20
+20
+20

[Madame Loki]

Training: 0/40 Loki

Tenkai (Heavenly Release)
Rank: "S" + "B"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A strong chakra barrier capable of defending against Chakra based techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: Only works on Chakra Techniques. Must learn multiple times.
Description: Picture Considered to be the "Ultimate" defense through Chakra Manipulation. User holds their hand out, gripping their wrist with the other hand. User slams the hand on the ground, releasing the built up Chakra in a 5 meter radius spread sphere barrier. When released it becomes self sustaining and will disperse depending on the user's Class Level (1 minute per Class Level starting "D" Class) or if the Barrier is destroyed. When first learned the Barrier is able to withstand 100 Points worth of Damage (see Armour System in Item Index). Performing takes the length of a "B" Rank technique in Handseals. User may learn this technique multiple times. Each time learned ("B" Rank Training) the Barrier gains strength of additional 60 Points. Chakra Techniques may not enter, nor may they not leave the Barrier. Only Chakra Techniques causes damage to the Barrier as Non Chakra Techniques pass through with no effort. This includes People, and basic Weapons. User may perform Techniques outside of the Barrier (Example: Sand Jutsu, Water Jutsu) as long as it may start outside of the Barrier. When releasing the sphere, any chakra within the range of the Sphere is pushed out.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu Technique.

---

Above the lands of Hot springs, would be a rather common site for the people of the area, ever since the witches had moved into their backyards. A dragon flew through the sky overhead. This the young Quetzalcoatl Jormungandr. On his back was a well known, yet, unseen figure in the area. Some regarded her as a mere legend, a fairy tail in the region, as while there were whispers, there were very few if anyone who had laid eyes on her. The Leader of the witches in this area, and the supposed backer of the Chapel found in the middle of the land of Hotsprings, Loki... no last name given.

She sat on just behind her son's wings, in her usual attire, as she held her hands out in front of her face. In between the palms of her hand was an orbs of energy floating there. There wasn't veery many things that caught her attention in the way of spells that weren't not ancient and forgotten, but the barrier spell tenkai still caught her interest. It wasn't that uncommon of a spell, but she felt that there were far to many practitioners, who did not, or perhaps could not use it to it's full potential. Thus she would fully educate herself on the many applications of this technique, and bring it to unheard of levels.

Thee orb continued to float idly in between her palms. She looked deep into the orb wiith a smile on her face. Her sharigan could flair to life as she stared into the orb. She could pick out every line of chakra, every stitching that she had created in forming this barrier. Now with the knowledge of a seamstress, she could she the multiple mistakes that she had made while forming her old barriers. Mistakes that would soon be fixed. As she thought this the barrier in front of her began to unravel like a poorly knitted sweater strains of chakra unfurled off the barrier. Jormungandr looked over his shoulder and stopped in awe for just a moment, before he gathered himself to ask his question.

"Mother... are you sure father is around here some where?"

"I'm positive sweetie. If you can not see him, it is because he doesn't want to be seen just yet. Don't worry about it. He promised to train you today, and he will."

Jormungandr nodded his head. and turned his attention. Back to the world blow.

"Mother... what's that? Is that a Kirin?" Jormungandr asked. Loki's ears perk up, as Jormungandr rarely asked such questions, or was so uncertain so this must indeed be quite the interesting creature.

"Well indeed it is. And do I see someone familiar? That striking mask, and tiny frame. Let's go say hello shall we?" Jormungandr nodded his head and then shot down towards Kirin's location.

[Cadoc]

SPOILER: Click to show

Wild Runner
Rank: "C" Always 20 Training Points
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User gains a bonus against exhaustion and fatigue.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A user receives a +4 Competence bonus to Fortitude Saves to avoid fatigue and exhaustion, as well as any ill effects from running, forced marches, cold or hot environments.
Limit: Must be an Inuzuka member.

20/40 Yoko
00/20 Barbas

Yoko and her companion's looked up at the signpost in search of direction to the city's forge. Alas, it seemed that the city had numerous forges to pick from, but how was she to know which was the best? If possible she wanted to use a forge that matched her own in terms of power, however, she did acknowledge that not everywhere would possess a lava forge much less a Remorhaz.

Barbas' training centred around improving his constitution. Of course, this was not a change that one could notice overnight, but rather a change that had built itself up over time: small incremental bonuses that were coming to fruition. Hours of walking through various different environments with the youth Mizukage had taught the Kirin how to conserve his energy. He knew when to exert himself to overcome a challenging piece of terrain, and when he merely needed to take his time.

The journey to this city had of course been much of the same, with the companion's all walking on foot for a decent portion of their journey. Fortunately, the environmental conditions were not all that extreme, the area was not as cold as the Land of Snow, nor as hot as the deserts of the Land of Sand. That being said if they were to force march the group would have found that their resolve was tested. After all, simplifying putting a pack on and walking for miles and miles was not something that an untrained person could readily achieve.

Instead, constant training was required, training that revolved around building the distance up, increasing the load and so on. The culmination of this training was perhaps the fact that Barbas could not act as a mount for vast distances, allowing the young Mizukage to ride around on his back as the pair covered miles without respite. How long the creature could run for however was a different matter, he couldn't run vast distances at an extremely high speed but was comfortable with matching or exceeding the Mizukage.

Interestingly enough she had picked up another tip from a watchmaker, but that was for a later date, all that remained now was to zoom in on the piece in question and set to work. She used the components that the ritual dictated. However, her efforts to carve a meaningful inscription onto the rings was proving somewhat of a failure. The ritual itself was not taking hold, nor was her writing as clean as she would have liked it to be.

Perhaps this was because of the nature of the ring itself, the piece was hardly of a masterwork quality, rather it shared more in common with something that you would receive in a box of cereal. Even so, the question remained would the process have worked if she had repeated it on the finished article. Furthermore, how was she meant to select the element type? Did she visualise it in her mind, perhaps call it out? Or was it more akin to the alchemy that she was used to in which a fragment of the element was required?

Thus, even if the ritual itself had been a failure it mattered not. For the youth had never wanted to empower the iron ring rather she wanted to run an experiment, and in this case, the experiment had been a clear success. She had run into several problems, problems that she would have no doubt encountered on the genuine article. All that remained was to come up with around said obstacles, and for this further research was required.

It was around that moment that a new figure approached the party by air, or rather figures plural. A dragonlike creature, a Quetzalcoatl. The attension of the party turned almost instantly to the new arrival to see what they wanted with them, although if Yoko was to guess it would be the fact that she was next to another legendary creature a Kirin. Even so, she turned to look at the Quetzalcoat leaving her clone to continue to scan the area for other potential threats.

[Flower]

+20
+20
+20

[Madame Loki]

Learning: 20/40

As the two of the rapidly approached the ground Loki looked over at her tenkai in her palms for just a moment more. As she looked at the the tenkai it continued to unrivaled, rapidly. The pace at which she was processing what was happening before her, would startle even Jormungandr. He knew his mother was special for humanoid, but what he had seen since he came into this world, would be impressive by any standard. Loki held the tenkai in one hand as she began to fiddle around with it, using her other hand. The unraveling tenkai, became nothing more but strains of chakra. She tilted her head to the side as she took control of the chakra strains.

Her sharigan looked on at the strains and saw how much chakra she was wasting while using this technique. It was a bit frustrating seeing how much energy she was wasting on the formation. She made a sound under her breath and and then began to split the threads into smaller threads. As the smaller threads formed she looked at them with a smile on her face. As she looked at the threads they began to weaved and form into another barrier. As the barrier began to form from the smaller threads, she began to add more of the threads onto it. The first layer made a very thin barrier layer, the additional threads weaved into the barrier, increased the defensive power of the barrier.

As thee barrier increased in power the two of them began to land. Loki clenched her fist, and as she did so the barrier, crumbled in her grip as the two of them them hit the ground. Jormungandr let out a might flap of his comparably small wings. However, that flap let out a rather powerful burst of wind, as he landed softly on the ground. His newborne gaze rested on the group in front of him as he gave the Kirin a slight glare before looking over at the small creature that was with it. He vaguely remembered seeing that mask before. He wanted something like that for himself. Loki hoped off of Jormungandr and dusted herself off.

"So... we meet again. Mizukage... well I suppose meet is a rather strong word isn't it?" Loki said with a smile on her face. As she placed her hand on her hip. As she did so, Jormungandr's body began to curl in on itself, and he would then take his human form as he stood next to his mother. With a sharigan of his own, he looked at his mother and then back over at the tiny creature, "That thing is a Kage?"

"Don't be rude... I suspect, she may be much more than just, a simple ninja. What fortune, I finally get her all to myself."

[Cadoc]

SPOILER: Click to show

Sidestep Charge
Rank: "C" Always 20 TP
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: User is skilled at Dodging Charging opponents and taking advantage when they miss.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user waits against an opponent. If a charging opponent fails to hit the user, the user can immediately attack with a movement attack without having to sacrifice one of their movements. This technique does not grant the user more movements than they normally would during a counter attack. If the user is flat-footed, they do not gain the benefit of this technique. Most Ranged characters like an Alchemist are focused on charge attacks fairly often as it is a way to close in distance from the user and the opponent. Combined with Skirmishing, the user can become a pretty challenging target while on the move.
Limit: Must be an Alchemist.

Analytical
Rank: "D", "C", ("B")
Skill: Fūinjutsu
Effect: A seal that makes the wearer gain bonuses to Observation (When searching), Sense Motive, and can activate these abilities quickly.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Equipment Type: Eyes, Head, Headband. Enchantment Bonus to Observation (When Searching) and Sense Motive Checks. Minor Enchantment Seal: +5. Superior Enchantment Seal: +10. Greater Enchantment Seal: +15. Power (3/Day, Non-Movement): User when making a search with Observation or Sense Motive check. The search only takes a movement. If the search check would take more than a full-round movement, it takes a full-round movement instead. A Sense Motive check to assess someone's trustworthiness only takes 1 round.
Limit: Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Minor. Enchant Chakra Item - Superior. Enchant Chakra Item - Greater.

00/40 Yoko
00/20 Barbas

“It would seem that we meet again.” The two ladies seemed to have a habit of running into each other on a semi-frequent basis, they had encountered each other during the shenanigans that had produced the random items on two separate occasions, along with the undead incident from a few months ago. Interestingly enough they had also taken the chunin exam at the same time, with a particular someone shouting her name across the room.

Barbas decided to approach the situation in a manner in line with how Yoko had responded: she was not panicked nor did she seem to be outright friendly with his person. Thus, the creature maintained a degree of vigilance as he began to play the situation out in his mind. The large dragon-like creature could no doubt strike out at the pairing at any given time, with only five or so metres separating them. Thus the mighty kirin considered his means of defence.

Namely, a skill full dodge that would have broken the line of attack between himself and the dragon. By sidestepping against a linear strike—such as the bite of a dragon—he would be able to skillfully evade the attack placing himself out the range of the teeth while positioning himself in a better place to strike at the exposed neck or rider. Fortunately for the moment, this was merely an idea and not a reality. However, Barbas seemed aware of the fact that this could indeed result in a fight. Not least because of the dragon's form changing into that of a boy, a boy that still towered over Yoko in terms of size.

As such, the creature spoke to Yoko through its mental powers asking who the dragon and dragon rider were and whether action would need to be taken against them. However, for the time being, the youth did not respond, suggesting that in the next few moments they could introduce themselves yet again for the purposes of the new companions that they both had in their company. Barbas, however, remained guarded against a potential rush from the 'dragon' or the woman that stood next to it.

Thus, Yoko wanted to turn her attention back to the handbook, to read up on how exactly the ritual was to be applied. To see whether there was any mention of additional material, or to see whether an incantation was required. By process of elimination, this would suggest that the crafter merely had to picture it in their mind. However, such a theory was tepid at the very beast, instead, she needed to reinforce her findings with real-world information.

Information that she intended to obtain by asking one of the villagers who already knew the jutsu, of course, she wouldn't need to ask them every single detail at this stage—after all, she had already learned everything else—she just needed to obtain information about how one went about selecting the element. If she had been in her own village then this would have been a simple task given that she was privy to lots of different information about her ninjas, alas she was not. Thus, the task of finding someone else who had knowledge of this technique seemed a difficult one.

The ninja would have no doubt been kind enough to disclose to her the particulars, of how the selection was made, they would probably even provided her with a few tips that she had not yet considered to be incorporating into the ritual to yield a greater effect. Yoko knew of a ninja who was able to produce an epic level version of this technique already, they would have humbly bragged about it no doubt, but still an impressive feat. For the moment, however, the young Mizukage decided that this greater level was sufficient for her purposes.

[Skulking Shinzu]

+20
+20
+20

[Madame Loki]

Learning: 0/40 - Loki
0/10 - Jormungandr +1 Per Post (class Level)
Tenkai (Heavenly Release)
Rank: "S" + "B"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A strong chakra barrier capable of defending against Chakra based techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: Only works on Chakra Techniques. Must learn multiple times.
Description: Picture Considered to be the "Ultimate" defense through Chakra Manipulation. User holds their hand out, gripping their wrist with the other hand. User slams the hand on the ground, releasing the built up Chakra in a 5 meter radius spread sphere barrier. When released it becomes self sustaining and will disperse depending on the user's Class Level (1 minute per Class Level starting "D" Class) or if the Barrier is destroyed. When first learned the Barrier is able to withstand 100 Points worth of Damage (see Armour System in Item Index). Performing takes the length of a "B" Rank technique in Handseals. User may learn this technique multiple times. Each time learned ("B" Rank Training) the Barrier gains strength of additional 60 Points. Chakra Techniques may not enter, nor may they not leave the Barrier. Only Chakra Techniques causes damage to the Barrier as Non Chakra Techniques pass through with no effort. This includes People, and basic Weapons. User may perform Techniques outside of the Barrier (Example: Sand Jutsu, Water Jutsu) as long as it may start outside of the Barrier. When releasing the sphere, any chakra within the range of the Sphere is pushed out.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu Technique.

Judgment Focus - Protection-
Rank: "C"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User is an expert with 1 particular judgment.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User Selects 1 judgment they know. The user is treated as if they are five 1 Class Level higher for the purposes of determining the bonus granted by this Judgment. This bonus does not stack with the bonus to effective Class Level granted by the Slayer or Greater Slayer. This Technique can be taken multiple times. Its effects do not stack. Each time it is taken, the user increases their effective level when determining the bonus of 1 specific judgment.
Limit: Must be a Venator. Must know Judgment.

---

Jormungandr looked over at the Kirin and could see that it still seemed to be rather tense. He narrowed his eyes as he body began to glow. When warriors were tense even the slightest action could set them off. He didn't trust the creature, especially in it's current state. As he's body began to glow he filled himself with his judgement energy as he began to prepare himself for whatever the creature might do in a moment of carelessness, or while startled. His judgment energy began to flow through his body and began to strengthen him.

regardless of what the Kirin would do, he would act as a barrier between his mother in the creature. Even at his young age, there was very little that could do lasting damage to him. Even then he doubt that there was anything that they could do that could harm his mother... still, he believed that this was the reason for his existence, and he was not going to fail at such an easy task. He took a step forwards and as he did so, he infused more power from his judgement, to increase his durability, even further.

Loki looked over at her son as he seemed to be rather tense himself. She just shook her head and sighed. "It's fine Jormy... there's nothing to fear." She said as she lifted her legs off of the ground and folded her legs. As she did so energy began to form off on her left side, and slighting in front of her. As the energy formed it twisted and formed into several threads of energy. She folded her arms and just stared at the group in front of her. More threads began to form on the side of her, as she was splitting her attention at the moment as a form of training.

"I've been wanting to have a conversation with you for quite some time. But I feel we both are very busy women... so." Loki held her hand out under the forming threads, next to her. As they continued to twist and form into individual threads, Loki smiled. She then said, "So think of this as a timer. When it forms a shape, our conversation will be over. Once the conversation has ended, we can decided whether or not, the conversation should continue. How does that sound?" Loki asked without really needing answer, she was going to do so regardless of what the tiny Kage said.

The energy continued to twist and take the shape of multiple threads. She didn't look over at the threads as she wanted to be able to perform this with feeling alone. As the the threads began to twist and form she would begin by asking the Kage a question. "What exactly are you? If you don't mind me asking?" There were little people, and dwarves, however, she didn't seem to fit into either of those categories, the proportions seemed a bit off. Loki tilted her head to the side, as she continued to form the twisting energy into threads.

[Cadoc]

SPOILER: Click to show

Iron Will (Pipefox)
Rank: "C" Always 20 Training Points
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User is more resistant to mental effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gets a +2 bonus on all Will Saves.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.

Impeccable Will 6th learning (Kirin)
Rank: "D" (Special, See Description)
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has gained mastery over their own will power.
Special: ---
Drawback: May Learn at a maximum of 6 times.
Description: Each time learned the user gains 1 extra point to their save against the opponent's Jutsu. When the user learns this technique the 1st 2 times they train it as a regular "D" Rank Jutsu. When the user learns this technique the 2nd 2 times they train it as a "D" Rank Jutsu +10 Training Points. When the user learns this technique the 3rd 2 times they train it as a "D" Rank Jutsu +20 Training Points. This technique stacks with other Will saves.
Limit: Universal GenJutsu Technique.

10 tp from site update allocated.

20/40 Yoko
10/30 Barbas (Kirin) +2tp for being C- rank
00/20 Pipefox +2tp for being D-rank

Yoko and Barbas carefully observed the actions of the pair before them, it seemed as best she could tell that they were also trying to get their share of training in, perhaps great minds thought alike. “My parents are human, so as far as I know I'm a human as well.” The statement was true, as was the hint of uncertainty in it: Yoko had never had a paternity test, nor had she had a DNA test to determine if she was, in fact, a member of a different race.

All she had to go off was the word of her clan. As for a question of her own, well there was little that she wanted to know that could not be readily inferred from their actions, for example, the boy was quite clearly a Quetzalcoatl and the woman was clearly quite skilled if she had spotted Yoko. And it was that attention to detail that Yoko sought to encapsulate in her latest technique: Analytical.

The seal revolved around boosting its user's understanding of what they saw, whether by augmenting their observational skills or by understanding the actions themselves through a deeper understanding an ability to sense the motive. This was rather effective, especially for this encounter, as one did not always observe everything that they saw, that was to say that all of the information that came into a person's senses was not always analysed.

Through the use of this technique Yoko could augment not just her own, but her companion's senses, which would have been useful to have in this situation given that at the moment she knew that Barbas' senses were lacking, as were Doggo's, her own clone, however, had more than enough skill to continue monitoring the environment around them for changes, which is what it was currently doing. It was just a question of going to a ritual centre or a forge and applying the seal now.

Barbas' on the other hand was still guarded against the actions of the pair, even if he was not going to take action at the present moment. As such, all that he could do was focus on improving his own skills in the given environment. And given that he did not want to move about or provoke a potentially skittish person into attacking there was little else for him to do but work on his senses. Thus, the creature decided to focus on his use of skills.

The skills in question were to do with the social element of the interaction, namely, the ability to act, intimidate or persuade someone into agreeing with your point of view, an altogether useless skill in the wider scheme of things given the fact that Barbas would rarely if ever act as the face of the party, but still a worthwhile one to a degree even if it was simply for the fact that a Kirin should be somewhat intimidating.

His outwards actions remained unchanging, but perhaps that was part of the point. His unflinching, unchanging appearance was a purposeful action, or at least as purposeful as one could make it given their range of control over their own body. The idea was that an unflinching persona would inspire confidence in his abilities, to pass the whole affair off as no big deal. How successful it was to be given the circumstances remained to be seen.

However, there was a moment of respite provided by the arrival of another individual, namely, the pipefox companion of the group. The creature was not in fact in its normal form, not that it would matter before Loki, as no doubt she would be able to determine that the pipefox was transformed it was just a matter of her not knowing what the creature's true form was. The fox had taken the form of a five-foot girl, with brown hair and soft white skin, nothing was particularly noteworthy about her nor was she a particularly gorgeous woman, simply a form that could be passed off as a casual citizen.

The pipefox had been sent ahead to scout the area out before the Mizukage's arrival, hopefully finding a place in which she could forge and apply these rituals. That being said the encounter before it was something to be somewhat scared of, the creature was by no means frightened or panicked but still, even it could sense the power levels of the individuals that were congregating in the area.

As such it elected to remain silent, and observe the situation, communing between the party with its telepathy to ask Barbas what was going on, allowing the pair to communicate between themselves about the matter about, about how they thought things would be resolved. Needless to say, the whole affair was quite testing on the newborn's mental fortitude. Fortunately, it was situations like this that served to boost one's mental willpower.

[Flower]

Loki: +20 tp

        +10 tp

Cadoc: +20 tp

            +20 tp

            +20 tp

[Cadoc]

Exit

[Madame Loki]

Learning: 20/40 - Loki

---

The threads continued to form and quickly began to move towards each other. As the got closer the threads began to weave in an out of each other. There was still not a shape yet taking form, however, it was clear that the threads were working towards an obvious goal. The base of whatever shape Loki was going to make the threads into began to form. With each stitching the square base of the the barrier's shape came into form. Although Loki had no intention of forming the barrier into a simple square shape. As Loki continued to the fiddle around with the workings of the tenkai barrier, Jormungandr continued to look over the group before them.

As he did so, he heard a hiccup come from his mother's direction, and then a black pipe fox head emerged from her clothing. "Good Morning." Echoed into the minds of everyone in the area. It was easy to tell that the mental intrusion was coming from the pipe fox itself. "Nex... it's the afternoon." "Is it now?.. well... seems I've slept the day away." Nex began to laugh, and Loki just shook her head as the tenkai barrier's form continued to take shape over the palm of her hand. As the barrier continued to formed Nex slithered out from Loki and began to curl around Jormungandr, "Where's Sprinkles?" Nex asked disappointed, "He need to go to the vet, he's not feeling very well."

"That's a shame... who's this?" Nex voice continued to echo, through everyone's minds as she looked over at the Mizukage's group. Loki let out a sigh as she continued to build on the energy of the tenkai barrier that rested over her free palm, the base was fully formed and she was beginning to move up on the sides of the tenkai's structure. "That's what we're trying to find out Nex...now shush." Nex let out a great yawn and then coiled itself on the top of Jormungandr's head. She looked out at the group in front of her curiously... was that a Kirin? She hadn't seen one in centuries, it was always interesting around Loki.

Loki looked over at the tenkai she was forming, and then back over at the Mizukage, "We still have plenty of time. Feel free to ask me anything you like. Unless you have no interest in me. If that's the case, I'll just continued to inquire." The base of the the Tenkai barrier than began rotate above Loki's palm.

[Cadoc]

Re-enter

SPOILER: Click to show

Cunning 10,10
Rank: "D", "C", ("B"), "A"
Skill: Fūinjutsu
Effect: A seal giving an enchantment bonus to Academia Skills.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Equipment Type: Eyes, Head, Headband, Neck. User gains an Enchantment Bonus to Academia Skills. Minor Enchantment Seal: +5. Superior Enchantment Seal: +10. Greater Enchantment Seal: +15. Epic Enchantment Seal: +20. Greater/Epic Enchantment Seal: Power 1/Day. Think on a topic for 1 minute before making an Academia Check and gain a +50 circumstance bonus to that check.
Limit: Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Minor. Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Superior. Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Greater. Must know Enchant Chakra Item - Epic.

Indomitable Fortitude (Kirin 5th learning)
Rank: "D" (Special, See Description)
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User has gained mastery over their own fortitude power.
Special: ---
Drawback: May learn at a maximum of 6 times.
Description: Each time learned the user gains 1 extra point to their Fortitude. When the user learns this technique the 1st 2 times they train as a regular "D" Rank Jutsu. When the user learns this technique the 2nd 2 times they train it as a "D" Rank Jutsu +10 Training Points. When the user learns this technique the 3rd 2 times they train it as a "D" Rank Jutsu +20 Training Points. This technique stacks with other Fortitude bonuses.
Limit: Universal TaiJutsu Technique.

Great Fortitude
Rank: "C" Always 20 Training Points
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User is tougher than normal.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gets a +2 bonus on all Fortitude Saves.
Limit: Must learn from Universal Miscellaneous.

00/40 Yoko
10/30 Barbas
00/20 Pipefox

Yoko and her party continued to observe the actions of Loki and her group. She even let out a small smile with the appearance of the pipefox, not that it would be visible on account of the mask that she wore. Instead, she could merely reply, commenting on the composition of the group that was now assembling in the city's street. “My aren't we a varied bunch, a Kirin, a Pipefox, a Quetzalcoatl, and a dog.”

As for questions to ask there was relatively few that Yoko had in mind, or rather she had several but did not believe that they were of note or that a straight answer would be given, for example asking how she met the pipefox might have made for an interesting conversation but hardly one that needed to be addressed at their first formal meeting. Instead, the only pressing matter that she could think of related to what she had heard at the kage summit.

“As you have already acknowledged, we have met each other in passing several times before, if my memory serves me correctly you are Loki Dye? Loki Dye of the hidden leaf are you not? I have heard a rumour that you are the leader of a coven of witches, that you have set up a safe haven known as Alleve's Hallow?” Yoko was by no means attempting to provoke the witch but rather enquiring to see whether she denied the rumours. Her full name and position had been given at the exam, with the rumour of her being a witch being given forth by the representative of the Village hidden in the Waterfall, so both were hardly from reputable sources.

It was said that evolution was often prompted by an external stimulus: that the need for a particular skill or ability in a given environment often resulted in the creation of that skill or ability. There were creatures who had evolved to live in the harsh deserts in the Land of Wind despite the high temperatures and lack of drinking water. Meanwhile, others like the great squids had evolved to withstand massive levels of pressure. The point was that evolution could prompt creatures to adapt to their environment.

The only problem was that this normally took years to achieve, if not countless lifetimes. The legendary creatures were different however, they possessed the ability to adapt at a rate that would seem impossible for most others—especially when given a potent mix of alchemical brews to further enhance their abilities. As such, the drug-fuelled pipefox started to undergo an evolution while standing there in front of everyone. The chance was not a visible one, but rather a change to the fortitude of the creature.

Cells were realigning themselves, with a so-called mind-muscle connection being formed. As strange as it might seem this would allow the user to overcome threats to its general health and vitality. By concentrating on one's fortitude you could quite literally resist the effects of toxins and poisons, not that anywhere being released into the environment at the moment—else Yoko would have sensed them.

Barbas was undergoing a similar transformation, only his fortitude was already far more advanced than the pipefoxes. For he had been fed the various potions and alchemical brews from Yoko for quite some time now, amongst other testing situations. He had walked vast expansive distances with her, seen and inhaled poisonousness gasses. And engaged in physical training in general. After all, there were more ways than one to skin a cat.

Alchemists did not hold a monopoly over the means to increase one's fortitude and while inhaling the alchemical fumes and drinking the potions certainly increased the resistance of the user they were not the end all and be all. Instead, you could seek to fortify your body through diligent training, much like what Yoko had engaged in. By continually training his body in the training grounds the mighty Kirin had managed to build up quite the resistance to physical damage.

He was already able to shrug off minor blows due to his natural resistances, but under Yoko, this power had been augmented allowing him to shrug off the effects of small arts like kunai with relative ease. The question, however, was whether such an ability would be useful against the potential opponents that stood before them? Barbas very much doubted that they would be using something as benign as a kunai.

[💀]

Over her compact mirror chimes the expected tone of the murderous one, Hecate! The trilling ring goes and goes and goes.

"Loki? Loki! Fuckin thing... Hey sis, I uh, I need a favor. The troll iron blade? It's getting very.... dull? If I could trade it out for one made of something non-magnetic? Glassteel? Maybe Aeroglass? I wouldn't mind either but the weight is getting annoying. I'd be eternally grateful. Bye for now~"