A Tale of Two Villians [Mission/Invite]

[Baek]

Name: Turf Wars i
Rank: "B"
IIC Length: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Two local street gangs native to Kusa no Kuni have been rivals and warring with each other for several years. However, just recently, their bitter violence towards each other has reached a critical point where innocent lives are now caught in the crossfire. Such behavior cannot be tolerated and it has been decreed by the Feudal Lord of Kusa no Kuni these two gangs be silenced once and for all. Their last known location was just outside the outskirts of Aokusa.
Objective: End the war by any means necessary
Reward: 6,500 ryo

As Baek entered the city, absent W’s close guard for the moment, he reveled in the quiet of the troubled urban setting. There were no signs of gang related warfare evident with the blackness of night steeping everything in its uniform colors. In some ways Baek had been dreading to see what had become of Aokusa since he’d last seen it, but as he haunted the eerily empty streets little seemed to have changed. The familiar sickly-sweet smelling garbage odor stung his nostrils familiarly as he passed an alleyway and only then did the pent-up tension he’d been harboring in the his chest begin to dissipate.

I’m finally home.

Something skittered past his feet, but he paid it no mind as the oppressive jungle heat pressed his clothes against his moistened skin; rats were in abundance in every city he’d ever read about so there was no reason to fret over the harmless creatures. As he passed a street with a crude street sign reading ‘Creeping Lily’, he couldn’t help the instinctive draw pulling his neck to turn his gaze down the street where one intersection followed by a series of confusing turns would lead to his father’s house. Baek’s step hesitated as a sudden urge to visit his former home thrust itself into his considerations, but his decision was made when a man stepped out from somewhere behind him, coming into his peripheral view with a belligerent smile caked on his face. “Ya lost, lad? I can help ya find yer way ‘round da city,” the stranger offered slyly.

Baek’s left hand immediately itched for the feel of his blade. Never had its absence been felt so keenly than at that moment. “I’m quite alright, thank you. I used to live in this city,” Baek replied coolly without turning around.

In the darkness, his short stature and profile undoubtedly made him seem an easy target for cutthroats and cutpurses—perfect for the purposes of his mission. Silently he began to will W to remain hidden wherever the man was. If the ANBU came charging in brazenly they might run off any leads to the functions of either gangs or even worse rouse the suspicions of the bosses heading the group of hooligans. More creeping steps scratched the cracked pavement behind Baek telling him that his prey was closing the distance between them for an opportunistic strike; judging from the closeness of the noise, about .5 meters separated them.

“Yea, well, city’s done changed quite a bit. You really should just listen to your elders boy. Could save ya lotta hurtin’ in this here predicament.”

As he spoke several more figures pulled themselves free from the shadows and began edging to where the small 2 meter diameter pool of light illuminated Baek’s position against the darkness. Five, maybe size. Worthless cowards don’t even have the honor to attack one at a time. Still…I should try to extract as much information as a I can without letting anyone know ninja have come to the city to purge these unworthy souls. Half turning to meet the barely visible eyes of his anonymous speaker, Baek smiled. “I’ve never been much good at listening to the unimportant prattling of old fools.”

[OOC: Since it’s only the two of us, I imagined us doing more a sting operation; infiltrate & destroy. We can split and find our way to one head each or we could topple each of the gangs together, one by one. Either way is fine—I have plots for both since you said you didn’t want to have to GM anything. I’ll adapt to whatever you post…and be prepared.]

[-W-]

W entered the city from the darkness of the jungle. His search had been fruitless. But this fruitless journey did give him a since of calm. Any danger they faced was gonna come in from the city itself. Not from the outside. The city was silent. The stillness unnerved him. It unnerved him a great deal. This was a city..a city with a very dangerous crime problem. A lack of noise, and shady characters made him fear that perhaps this city was beyond redemption. If that was the case..their actions here could very well spark an internal fight in the Country of Grass. A fight the village was not ready to handle. Not in its rapid decline.

As he moved through the streets, careful to stay in the shadows, he began to hear voices. His brief relief was quickly replaced with fear. Voices was not what he wanted to hear. He wanted to just see his Kage walking alone. Jumping to a nearby rooftop, he began to move across the various buildings, careful once again to stay hidden and out of sight like a true shinobi should. Damn it kid..why didn't you do the same! His thoughts seem to only get worse from there. If something happened to him here, not only would he be blamed, but he would have to explain, a Bear ANBU member allowed the leader of the Hidden Grass to walk into a dangerous city, full of both criminal, and political enemies alone. Not only would he be striped of his membership, but he was sure he would suddenly vanish from the ninja rooster.

“Yea, well, city’s done changed quite a bit. You really should just listen to your elders boy. Could save ya lotta hurtin’ in this here predicament.”

W had just arrived on scene when the line was said. Pushing himself deeper into the shadows, he watched silently from the rooftops. Six..They would use six against a child? These weren't gangsters. These were thugs. They wouldn't know anything worth knowing...nothing they themselves couldn't figure out by just watching. He began to watch the interaction below has he started taking out various weapons to use. Twelve shuriken, and six kunai in all. Plus his bow. He was just waiting for someone to strike. The moment that happened, they would be dropping to their knees. He could probably end them all with ninjutsu..but the boy was in the way. There was no way to protect him with out giving himself away.

“I’ve never been much good at listening to the unimportant prattling of old fools.” W narrowed his eyes. What was he doing? Pressing them like that out numbered. This was not the time to be cocky. Either retreat, or strike! Closing his eyes, how could he draw the attention form him? Drawing on his own knowledge of his techniques, he thought of something that might help..and even give these men pause from attacking. Placing his bow down, he slowly performed some handseals. One of the five men that moved from out the shadows began to cry out. He would see his worse fears right before his eyes. Picking up the Shuriken before him, he prepared to attack should it come to it. His chakra was already starting to build for his next attack. Come on..leave..

ooc:I know typically you are not suppose to attack on first post..buttt..since it is just us..

SPOILER: Click to show

Awakened Fears
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A technique that subjects the target to phantasmal images drawn from its latent or suppressed fears.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: The fears within the target's subconscious mind are transformed into terrifying and frightful images that its conscious mind can visualize. The target experiences a horde of phantasmal images swirling around its body, tearing and clawing at it. Those who undergo such a devastating feel will become shaken up, leaving a taste of un morale to attacks and capability to think. When the user is "D" Class, the user is capable of performing this technique off into the distance of thirty meters. When the user is "C" Class, the user is capable of performing this technique off into the distance of forty meters. When the user is "B" Class, the user is capable of performing this technique off into the distance of fifty meters. When the user is "A" Class, the user is capable of performing this technique off into the distance of sixty meters. When the user is "S" Class, the user is capable of performing this technique off into the distance of seventy meters.
Limit: Must know Phantasm Perception of GenJutsu

[Baek]

The air surrounded the men thickened with violent tension, the sort that curdled a man’s blood just by being in the very midst of it. Embracing the Void Baek remained calm, his smile sincere as he distantly remained aware of the men slowly closing in on him; their foul intentions stained the air even as a slow chuckle rolled through the lot of them. Their inability to mask their intent was almost laughable.

Without warning the temporary truce was over. A man let loose a howl that drew the attention of everyone—except Baek. W…he moved too early dammit! Without waiting to see what would happen his left hand rifled through several half-seals in the seconds that it took for the small mob to orient themselves again. Their companion drew his weapon and was rushing towards some invisible specter in the night, roaring at the top of his lungs with a mindless fear that would have chilled Baek’s nerves had he not already shifted his focus elsewhere. The man who had spoken to him earlier was only half a meter away from him; that would be their only link to any gangster connections in this city.

It was this man whom Baek chose to live.

The street which had been empty only seconds ago was suddenly filled with dirtied bodies. Baek had seen the like of these men before. They bore angry faces twisted with a confusion that only bred grounds for them to act in the single fashion that they knew how; violently. Two men immediately gathered around their wailing man, their faces hostile as they gripped him, but in the mad frenzy someone’s throat was cut and all sense of structure deflated from the situation. Baek’s jutsu had yielded fruit, in his right hand, clutched between the fingers were three knives comprised of the Raiton element. Crackling noises coupled with the dull blue-white glow they gave off drew the attention of the remaining three men, who turned to him with mouths agape. Their slowness cost them their lives as in the moment they had spun around Baek let two kunai take flight, their targets set for the exposed throats of the unfortunate brutes.

As the knives bolted into the air, Baek couldn’t help the impression of shooting stars that they gave off before sinking into their targets with the sickening sound of flesh being torn. Blood spattered in a thin line that stopped 1 meter before reaching him, but the lone man left alive trembled as the warm velvet of his comrades’ live juices bathed him crudely. Before Baek could move towards him the man let out a mortified scream that when mixed with the voice of the delusional man from before created a sick chorus that would soon wake the city. We haven’t much time. We need to end this now.

There were still three men alive, but Baek paid them no mind as he took three quick steps to his target and slapped him hard across a bloodstained cheek. The blow was hardly deadly, but the surprise of it effectively shut at least one screaming mouth closed. The man now staggered and bauble-eyed, Baek mused at the irony of the once bold hearted stranger who had come to him so brashly in the streets only a few moments ago now shaken to the point where only unintelligible words could spill from his mouth. Those without honor were as such; Baek had known that, but still seeing it in action made him feel as if he was doing something dirty.

Pulling the stunned fool half to his feet Baek hissed in low tones, “You’ve been spared only because I’ve a need for you; make no mistake, if you fail to be useful…you will die”

The hard words seemed to bring some focus to the clouded man’s eyes, but the fear remained naked on his face. Again a pang of guilt fought its way through the barrier of the Void and Baek’s resolve wavered for a moment as he considered just how truly inferior his opponent was. Biting the sentiment away he turned his attention to something else as his eyes scaled the darkness of the building rooftops above; just where was W?

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Raiton: Rakurai Naifu (Lightning Style: Thunderbolt Knives)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: The user creates lightning throwing knives.
Special: "Hand Seals¡"
Drawback: The knives have no defensive properties.
Description: The user forms the hand seals, focusing chakra into their hands. The user then molds the lightning chakra into the shape of throwing knives, thin and each about a foot long, handle included. The user can create up to six of these per use of this technique, held in the grooves between their fingers. These can then be thrown or used in close quarters if the user desires. These knives can cut like steel and give out shocks akin to severe first-degree burns. They cannot, however, block attacks. The knives have a maximum range of fifteen meters.
Limit: Must have Raiton.

Weapon Proficiency
Rank: "D" "C" "B" "A"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Increases the users accuracy with long range secondary weapons.
D - Increases Accuracy by 10%
C - Increases Accuracy by 20%
B - Increases Accuracy by 30%
A - Increases Accuracy by 40%
Each additional A rank training increases the Accuracy by a further 5% (e.g one extra training would be 45%) up to a maximum of 75%.
Special: None
Drawback: None
Description: A weapon specialist devotes their training to improve their proficiency with large range attacks using secondary weapons. The main aspect of this training is to improve the accuracy of attacks and therefore make the weapon specialist more deadly.
Limit: Must be a weapon specialist.

[-W-]

As the men began to attack, their attack was interrupted by W's genjutsu. While they looked at him, the boy made his attack. He quickly cut down a few of them, while the others were stunned by the sudden turn of their plan. Throwing two shuriken, he performed a single group of handseals, watching his weapon suddenly spin faster, the small weapons tore through the screaming man's head like a razor sharp saw through wood. A loud thud could be heard as the man landed on the dirty ground, blood spilling onto the street. The part of human part of W turned away, and hid in the darkest part of his mind. The base animal of the human spirit took control. Moving swiftly through the shadows, he found a new spot to attack just as his training taught him to do. The weapons he had taken out earlier in his hands, he tossed them at the remaining two targets, performing another set of seals. These seals would not increase the speed or strength, but would chase the targets until they somehow manage to trick them, or they hit their targets.

It was a good technique to use this time. Seeing their other companions drop from both the child, and an attacker from the shadows, they dropped their weapons and began to run. One was cut down before he manage to get very far. The other however seem to catch onto the fact that the weapons were following him, and began to try and loose it. This he would not allow. Picking the bow back up, he began to aim it ahead of his target and quickly did the math. Pulling back on the string, he felt some of his chakra drain in tribute for using the bow. The blueish arrow made of electrical chakra would form. Releasing the string, he watched as the arrow soared. The arrow however would fly pass the target. The sudden appearance of a blue arrow flying pass him though did catch the man off guard, causing him to stumble. The weapons already hunting him took this to their advantage to hurled themselves into his back.

As the flesh was torn open, W watched the ground below, seeing the Kage had kept one alive. While the animal inside wanted to kill the man, he could not help but to agree with the Kage. They needed a man alive. They needed to learn what was going on. The man, having just seen how out matched he was, might be more willing to let things slip if he thought they were stronger then his own boss..crueler then his own boss. He waited a while longer, moving through the shadows, waiting out any extra men that might be sneaking around. When he was sure no one else was going to come out and attack, he slowly emerged from the shadows.
"I'm gone two seconds.." He said in his deep, dull tone of voice. "Too bad we need this one.. He deserved to die the most.." His voice was now growing hostile, and was full of contempt. He did not petty thugs. Thugs who attacked children were even worse. Admittingly this one was a ninja..but he didn't know that.

SPOILER: Click to show

Weapon Proficiency
Rank: "D" "C" "B" "A"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Increases the users accuracy with long range secondary weapons.

D - Increases Accuracy by 10%
C - Increases Accuracy by 20%
B - Increases Accuracy by 30%
A - Increases Accuracy by 40%

Each additional A rank training increases the Accuracy by a further 5% (e.g one extra training would be 45%) up to a maximum of 75%.
Special: None
Drawback: None
Description: A weapon specialist devotes their training to improve their proficiency with large range attacks using secondary weapons. The main aspect of this training is to improve the accuracy of attacks and therefore make the weapon specialist more deadly.
Limit: Must be a weapon specialist.

Ninpou: Kari Shuriken (Ninja Art: Hunting Shuriken)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user causes shuriken to track their foes.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: The shuriken cannot be recalled until they hit something.
Description: The user forms the hand seal, channeling chakra into a number of thrown or held shuriken. Those shuriken, when thrown, will curve and turn in their flight paths to continue to follow their opponent. They gain no bonuses to speed, and as such can be foiled with a fast enough or clever enough defensive maneuver.
Limit: Universal Ninjutsu.

Ninpou: Shuriken Mokuzai Jiten (Ninja Art: Shuriken Lumber Spin)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user causes a shuriken to spin intensely fast, greatly increasing it’s cutting power.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: --
Description: The user forms the hand seals, focusing chakra into held or thrown shuriken. The shuriken will begin to spin excessively fast, reminiscent of a saw blade. With this it gains enhanced cutting power, much like a saw blade does, to shear through wood, bite into stone, and slash the human body deeply.
Limit: Universal Ninjutsu.

[Baek]

The night filled with further screams as ninja stars hurtled through the air ending the life of one of the remaining few, cutting his life from him with violent disinterest. Baek paid no mind to the dispatching of the remnant underlings, his eyes were hard fixed on the man whose collar he gripped. Fear swam wildly in the murky browns of the fellow and as a warm pool began to gather upon the ground beneath Baek’s disgust for the man’s lack of dignity grew until the taste of it became unbearable to his palette.

“I'm gone two seconds..” a voice from the shadows spoke suddenly as the night belched forth the unsuspecting image of W, striding easily towards Baek and the captured thug with the easy gait of a bored child, “Too bad we need this one.. He deserved to die the most..”

These words drew Baek’s glowering gaze for a moment, the crease in his forehead and the arch of his brow were impassive signs that the man needed to remember why they were here. He has a point though. These men attacked without honor or mercy and now the one that lives shakes with cowardice fit for a toddler. It was pitiful seeing a man in such state, but pressed by the urging of his duties Baek looked behind these things and released his grip of the man who simply slumped forward until he was on all fours and face down. Poverty mixed with the stench of blood and once again Baek was reminded of why men turn to joining gangs, allowing others to take responsibilities for their actions. It was unforgivable, but Urouge had taught at the very least to understand those who were not honorable men of the sword.

Crouching lower so that his face was level with the man’s prostrate head Baek examined the scruffy stranger, noted the marks of beatings, blood, and violence etched into the man’s skin like a story, yet he remained unmoved; every man chose his own path, one’s life did not determine the value of his worth. “I’ll only ask you once to tell me who the names of the two men who head the rival gangs in this city are,” he warned softly.

The night breeze bit with the fetid scent of flesh and again the man shivered before giving a guttural cough. The wheeze continued and Baek’s eyes narrowed as he realized his mistake—the man was laughing. “Any breathing idiot could tell you that: the Sad Flutes are headed by Mako Kurama while the Kokinzowa are headed by Akio Mitsura.” Looking up from the ground for the first time the man stared at Baek for a moment before looking over his shoulder to see W standing nearby for the first time. A moment of grim realization followed shortly, Baek could see it in his face; the understanding that he was not going to live to see the light of the next day regardless of what he did. At least the fool understood that much.

“I dun know who the two of ya’s think ya are, but…ya best stay clear of dem two; don’t matter a lick if ya got skill. Dem’s the masters of this here city and they answer to nuttin’ and nobody.” The man spat off to the side as if to add emphasis to the two gang leaders’ disregard for the authorities they might attract with their constant warring and lawlessness. “Even if a pair of…ninja roll through these parts…they’ll just make arrangements to have ya’ll properly taken care of, boy”

Baek remained silent for a moment, his earlier fury cooled by the spilled blood all around him. Sad Flutes, Mako Kurama…We will find you. News of this massacre would probably reach the ears of the mobster heads soon. It was probably best that they dispatched of the final shred and find a place ot regroup quickly before the madness begins spilling into the streets.

“W, please see that this one is taken care like the rest. Leave all the bodies here; we’ll need to give the leaders reason to take action in the open if we’re going to catch them.” Letting a moment of silence pass before he spoke again, Baek rose to his feet and turned his gaze towards the rooftops, “Meet me at an inn called ‘Serpent’s Isle’. We’ll discuss our plans then.”

With his orders given Baek sprung into the muggy night air. His lithe, tiny form a speck against the background until he’d disappear into the well-supplied shadows before bounding in the direction of the past’s former criminal figures. His father had once been a man devoted to reprimanding the unjust, but since his fugitive days it seemed the man had lost his honor as well as his sense of duty. That was fine, Baek need not see someone of such inferior moral code; he would deal with the situation in Aokusa then return to seize control of Kusagakure from the council and all who threatened to wrest it from him. W had better hurry. Dawn was approaching soon…

[-W-]

“Any breathing idiot could tell you that: the Sad Flutes are headed my Mako Kurama while the Kokinzowa are headed by Akio Mitsura.”

W had to restrain himself from hitting the man. He was not an interrogator. He was more muscle, and support then anything else. The young kage seem to be deep in thought however. Something this man said seemed to interest them. W was slowly beginning to see why he was named the leader of the village instead of a number of other people in the village. He may be young, but he was level headed. He was able to see through all the distractions and clutter, finding the information that he needed. That was one of many things W felt he needed to improve on. He never felt he was a good leader for that reason. He couldn't always see through the smoke to see what he needed to see. He may have been an ANBU member..but he was still a young ninja, who had lots to learn.

“W, please see that this one is taken care like the rest. Leave all the bodies here; we’ll need to give the leaders reason to take action in the open if we’re going to catch them.” he said. After a second or two, he then followed that by saying “Meetme at an inn called ‘Serpent’s Isle’. We’ll discuss our plans then.”

"As you wish" He said to the young kage. Taking out his sword, he waited till the boy had left before doing the job he was left to do. It wouldn't take long for him to find the inn he was talking about. As he vanished from sight, W bent low to the dying man.
"If it were up to me..you would be left here to die, to till the others what happened, and why we are here. Know this before you die. Any who stand before us will be slaughtered with out mercy, with out feeling. Even if the boy holds back, know I will cut down any of your friends. I came here bringing with me, the sword of judgement." The man looked as if he was gonna say something in reply, but before he could get the words out, the Sword tore through the flesh of the mans neck. He would then bleed and die.

Taking the other bodies, he carefully placed all of them next to one another in the middle of the street. Using his sword, he placed a small cut on each of their heads. When you put all of the cuts together, they formed the Hidden Grass simple. With the help of his Kage, the challenge had been made. Now, it was up to the two leaders of these gangs to answer.

Shooting off into the shadows, he would soon make his way to the Inn, where he would wait for new orders. This was a dangerous game they were playing. He hoped his young leader understood this. Very dangerous.

[Baek]

Power of the Soul
Rank: "C", "B", "A"
Skill: Skill / Knowledge / Taijutsu
Effect: This can be considered as "the battle within" and is a key element toward unlocking the Hachimontonkou. This is the driving force that finally pushes the user over their natural limits and, much like personalities, varies from person to person. Be it a maniac's uncontrollable lust for murder or a child's will to protect his loved ones, this strong surge of intent acts as the user's "nail in the coffin" and sets the gears necessary toward unlocking one's latent abilities in motion.
Special: ---
Drawback: Must be learned each time before they go into a new gate.
- For Gates 1-3, they must learn the "C" Rank version.
- For Gates 4-6 they must learn the "B" Rank version.
- For Gates 7 and 8, they must learn the "A" Rank versions.
Description: ---
Limit: Must become a Chakra Gate User.

0/10 TP

With W’s return, the pair of ninja would rent a room in the attic in the interest of privacy. Baek had known the innkeeper in his earlier years, an acquaintance who shared a respect for the Bushido code and by extension for Uruushi, a man who for many years lived honorably by that code. Calling on these old connections paid dividends as there was little need for harsh words or threats; the room was given to the pair of ninja free of charge with no questions asked.

Once upstairs Baek immediately took position on the bed. His chin resting in the palm of his hand, he began to think on the situation in Aokusa. These men should not have been able to so easily take over a city with prominent businessmen and constables looking to make a name for themselves—ninja should not have been needed in a situation such as this, but here they were. Looking up at W with lightless eyes that barely reflected the sullen red embers of the hearth fire’s flames he began forming a plan. He was not one who deferred to strategy often, but there were times that for the sake of duty he needed to take pause and consider the actions he was about to take,

“W-san, come morning we’ll have word of the killing and then we should have a trail to either leader. One or the other will come looking for the people who killed those men. We should make sure we’re ready to answer that call; on our terms.”

Having spoken those words Baek reached up and took hold of the headband that hung around his neck. The soft navy blue cloth crumpled easily in his firm grasp and as he pulled it away from his neck he felt as if he was giving something up, something important to him. A moment passed with him staring into the embedded insignia of the village he’d come to inherit. So much had already taken place since he’d become acting Kage and there was still much that he would happen in the near future. He needed to be prepared for all of it. “You know, I never really wanted to be leader of the village,” he said suddenly, his grave voice carrying a weight heavier than that of a normal child. It was the burden that came with the title of kage, a leader amongst a village of ninja. Where his sword left him feeling weightless and free, the mantle of village leader anchored him down with strings he could not yet see the origin of.

“In this life a man can only act honorably by sacrificing personal benefit for the sake of duty. Whether that duty is personal or for the betterment of others is irrelevant; all that matters is the duty,” Baek continued, his eyes unfocused as they stared down at the headband in his hand. Blinking he realized he’d been prattling mindlessly while W was forced to endure his words. There was a mission to achieve even if they were waiting there was no reason to allow their guard to lower. Lifting his legs up until he was sitting cross-legged upon the bed, Baek closed his eyes and allowed his emotions to be washed away with the drawing of the Void. Before slipping completely into meditation he murmured one last order.

“W, watch over my body and never fail to maintain the honor of Kusagakure.”

Why he spoke these words he could not say, but as he drifted in the timeless expanse of his inner mind he contemplated a great many things that could not be seen in the physical realm. His eyes were suddenly opened to the fragility of his soul, the weakness that was pressed deep within his being. It blinded him to truly realizing his potential and within the scope of the emotionless Void he could feel himself trying to purge the doubt residing in his heart. Fight as he did the feeling was not wrested away easily. Clinging to memories of his childhood, feelings for Nanao, it preyed upon the things in his life that he felt least proud of until Baek nearly forsook pursuit of liberating his mind from the clutches of his human weakness.

It was during this near-concession that an image of his father cloaked in light stood before his mind’s eye. Bearing a celestial appearance Baek felt a measure of awe stir in his breast until he remembered that it was only a fabrication of his mind; his father—his real father was nothing more than an undignified cur who would rather see the city of his inhabitance descend into piss and shit than raise sword to those who would seek to do harm to the innocent. These thoughts blackened his inner mind and the image of his father frowned at him.

You judge as if you know all angles of reason for this decision. There are other paths of honor that one can pursue even in absence of duty. Sometimes doing nothing is the duty of the strong, while doing something is the duty of the weak. Duty is not simply a task to be taken underhand by those who are willing to assume the burden; it is also for those who are unwilling to accept the weight of their actions. Those with doubts in their heart cannot hope to see this clearly unless they first let go of their judgmental thoughts.

With these words the specter left his thoughts and Baek’s mind was once again blank as he reassessed the strength of his soul. Was he willing to allow someone else to assume the burden which was rightfully his? Could he acknowledge the fact that there may be other paths to the same goal he was seeking? No. There was only one path to honor; the path that endured the burdens of responsibility for each and every action. His body drew in a deep breath, inhaling this truth into every portion of his being until each cell was saturated with the knowledge of his conviction. Even with the doubt still waiting to overtake him when the moments made him weak, when Baek opened his eyes to the weak early morning light felt certain solidity to his spirit that hadn’t been present before. His bones creaked as he rose from the bed, his feet stiff with the hours of inactivity, but his mind was sharp and his eyes bright as they drunk in each detail of the room.

Below them the common room of the inn was alive with nervous energy and gossip. Smiling knowingly as he adjusted his clothing from the night’s rest he looked to W with confident eyes, “Looks like our deed has reached the right ears. Let’s go down and see what stories our little demonstration brought back today.”

With that Baek headed out the door and down the stairs. All eyes following him as he came down the steps into the spacious tavern area and all voices hushed when he lounged calmly by the innkeeper’s desk; it seemed the rumors had already targeted the two newcomers to the city.

[-W-]

“W-san, come morning we’ll have word of the killing and then we should have a trail to either leader. One or the other will come looking for the people who killed those men. We should make sure we’re ready to answer that call; on our terms."

W didn't answer. He wanted to preach caution. Yes, they both were gonna come for them. One, he was sure, might try an open arms approach, try and win them over with praises, and gifts. If they had a devils tongue, the words might even be hard to resist. The other would come with swords drawn. The dangers from both sides are just as great. He once heard a saying, "Don't doubt that an empire can be over thrown with words." He may not know much, but he knew enough to believe, and understand that. Politicians, if left uncheck can wage wars, over throw empires, and all sorts of other things. Rather then answer though, he simply said "Hmm."

“You know, I never really wanted to be leader of the village.” Turning his head toward the boy, W's own eyes soften, his lower face still hidden. “In this life a man can only act honorably by sacrificing personal benefit for the sake of duty. Whether that duty is personal or for the betterment of others is irrelevant; all that matters is the duty,” He continued. After a brief moment of silence, he gave an order before leaving W alone. Not physically, my spiritually. “W, watch over my body and never fail to maintain the honor of Kusagakure.” W sat in silence for a long time before speaking.
"Honorable Kage," He said using the respectful title, his deep voice taking a slow, quiet tone, "the ones who are truly meant to have power are the ones who never wanted it. One day, you will make a powerful leader. Not through strength of arms..but because you do what you believe is right for the village. Never forget that. Or you will become just as sick and twisted as the men who threaten us now."

He knew by now, the boy would be unable to hear his words. But perhaps, somewhere deep with in his soul, he might be able to get the meaning behind what he was trying to say. That was the important part. While the boy rested..or meditated, whatever it was that he was doing, W pulled out a scroll and began reading.

Glamour Perception
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: With this technique the user is capable of performing Jutsus that deals with the type of perception of Glamor kind.
Special: ---
Drawback: Without this the user is unable to perform Jutsus dealing with the Glamor Perception.
Description: Glamour Perception changes a person's sensory qualities, making it look, feel, taste, smell, or sound like something else, or even seem to disappear. This means a person could hear something that is not there, feel something that is not there, taste something that is not there, see something that is not there. Glamour are basically hallucinations, delusions, making someone feel, see, taste, smell, or hear something that is not there, or make something not exist while being there. Glamour is illusions, used for distractions, confounding, or delaying enemies. This is not a mind affecting perception.
Limit: No Limitation.

[0/10]

The scroll was about genjutsu. He was looking to diversify himself. He was a heavy taijutsu user, or a range ninjutsu user. Sometimes he ran into problems with either getting close, or getting away. He needed an answer, a way to distract his opponent. After discussing things with a senior ANBU member, it was suggested that he look into the Glamour perception for Genjutsu. He had looked into it before, but that was in his academy years. He was still trying to learn just what kind of ninja he wanted to be. How funny he thought that he would be coming back to it all these years later.

Opening the scroll he began his reading. The scroll he was reading was full of advance examples, and phrases he doubted his younger self would fully understand. He was struggling now to even get the concept of what the scroll was even talking about. As he forced his mind to read on, dusting off old information he hadn't used in years, he began to form connections and understanding the over all concept on how to properly perform a Genjutsu of the Glamor perception. A big part of what he read had to do with the invisibility genjutsus offered by this perception. Alot of it had to do with using your chakra to bend the light around yourself, or the object. In truth, alot of what you had to do was cast out your chakra, and use it to bend something. Either light, sound, smell, and so forth. It was all really complicated. He quickly understood why the smartest ninja tend to be the ones who used genjutsu. Everyone else really wasn't smart enough to understand the concepts.

Pulling out his own pen and paper, he began to scribble away notes, and breaking down the scroll in a way for him to understand. He began to pull out other small scrolls he had stashed away in his bag to look up other information. Learning perceptions were so much harder to learn. It was all about bending, and using your chakra in a way different then ninjutsu. Before he knew it, he had his own scroll on the subject. Taking a deep breath, he began to dive into his own work reading, studying, and making changes and notes. It really is some complex shit[/I] he thought.

“Looks like our deed has reached the right ears. Let’s go down and see what stories our little demonstration brought back today.”

W jumped not realizing his partner had awaken. Nodding, he put his things away, and quickly followed the boy down stairs. They were now about to start the real fun. "We will need to stick together now." He said before the duo came in sight of the crowded inn.

[Baek]

0/10 TP

“We will need to stick together now.” W warned as he entered the scene at Baek’s side. The wisdom in the ANBU’s words were not lost upon Baek, but even so he shot the man a withering look from the corner of his eye; if they were here to be careful then they likely should’ve entered the city with far more than the power of two men.

With both ninja lounging inconspicuously around the check-in counter the innkeeper, a chubby fellow with only a feather of fine, black hair spiking out of his head, looked less like the childhood acquaintance who’d welcomed Baek in honor of his father’s name. Several rough looking men were sipping carefully on drinks that Baek had little doubt were nothing more than water or gin and tonics, all of them glaring fiercely in their direction. “Ukwa, what is everyone so anxious about? Every time I try to meet someone’s eye,” Baek inquired blithely as he snatched a nearby cup and began filling it with a pitcher not far beyond his reach, “I hope it doesn’t have something to do with my friend and myself.”

Ukwa’s mouth opened as if to say something, but at the sound of the door opening the man’s attention shifted beyond Baek and W. The innkeeper’s eyes grew wide while his complexion grew pale at the sight of the new entry and inwardly Baek felt an excitement stirring within him. Resisting the urge to look at the person whom had silenced the inn so completely was a hard thing to manage, but there was little suffering on Baek’s part as the heavy footfall finally drew close enough that he could smell the repugnant scent of cheap cologne on the air. “You two from outta town, ain’t ya…” said a rugged voice.

Baek barely lifted his gaze to examine the questioner. In truth he had not expected anything quite like what he’d seen. The man had greasy, slicked back hair with a gruesome scar dividing his place perfectly in half where the stitched mended the skin together horizontally. Taller than was normal for a human Baek guessed the man stood around six foot five inches—none of it seemed to composed of fat; even through the fur collared jacket stretched across his shoulders an impressive musculature was evident. Beyond that the man had the arrogant air of a man used to getting what he wanted, how he wanted. It was the sort of visage one would imagine of a gangster to have in the city of Aokusa, but Baek had expected it to be so true to form in observation. Casually placing down the mug in his hands he turned a little more to the stranger’s direction.

“Sure, we’re just visiting the city for a bit.”

“Ya don’t say…I’ll bet ya dun seen a hella interestin’ things since ya got here, right?”

“I imagine we found what we were looking for,” Baek answered edgily. His words were terse and though his face was smiling his body tensed with the primal readiness of a predatory waiting to pounce. A quick mental check reminded him of the contents of his butt bag which contained 150 hira-shuriken, 45 marbles, and 4 smoke grenades. Beyond that his spirit was still realigning itself after the late night meditations. The effects still lingered and as he met the wild gaze of the inbred devil he could feel the intoxicating aura of violence staining the air around him until Baek was afraid that he might choke on the concentration of it.

A moment of will clashing ran between the two and electricity ran through Baek’s body as he stifled the urge to roar bloody murder and release the most fearsome of his Raiton techniques. His blood boiled for action and even the single second that passed between them was enough to set his skin on fire with impatience. Wait. Keep control of yourself. Do not allow yourself to be won over by the man’s bloodlust; you are beyond that.

The cautionary words had come from somewhere within him, yet the advice incited something of the solidarity that had been present when he had opened his eyes to the morning light. An instant longer of warring with the wild passions within, finally gave over to his carefully controlled demeanor taking dominance as his own strength of will rebuffed the malevolent spirit surrounding the man’s presence. Although he hadn’t been aware of it, Baek had already turned himself to completely face the man now. Fists clenched and eyes flashing murderous intent he had very nearly given the brute what he wanted, but as the cleansing spirit of his dedication to his duty ran through him his muscles relaxed and eyes became more placated. In his moment of newfound clarity he decided it was best to press the issue before things got too far out of hand, “Since you’re so interested in us I might as well ask your name,” he said finally after what seemed an age of silence.

Letting out an onerous puff of smoke that wafted thickly into the air in front of him, the man removed the cigar that had been plugging his mouth and pressed the sizzling head into the finely polished innkeeper’s desk. Baek’s restraint was once again tested as he caught sweat drizzling down Ukwa’s face; he didn’t doubt that the man had paid a fortune to have the desk made. Patience nearing its limits Baek watched impassively as he fought to keep his battle lust contained in the face of such indignities. The man let out another ash-heavy breath before smirking arrogantly down towards Baek.

“Name’s Akio Mitsura. Get the fuck outta my town pricks…else I’ll have ta end ya.”

At the sound of the man’s name there was the loud shuffling of chairs and feet as many of the inn-goers fled their refuge as they prematurely sensed the impending fight brewing with the head man of the Kokinzowa family. Oddly Baek found himself delighted by the rather abrupt turn of events.

[-W-]

W watched as the events around him unfolded. Another enemy. Why was there always another enemy. Why can't a mission end with everyone just giving up? As the boy talked to the end keeper, his eyes danced around the room, looking at all the people here. All of them watching the two closely. Some of them looked pretty rough. It was hard to say who was dangerous, and who was just rough looking. His nose soon got wind of someone. There was no mistaking this guy was bad news. He turned slightly in his trademark lazy stare, to get a look at the new comer. When he caught sight, he stopped. The man was a giant. Even he had to look up to him. The first thought that came to him was damn..I'm not fighting hand to hand with that monster. While the boy and him exchanged words, W began to wonder just how the boy planned on fighting him with a room full of people..who he was hoping to innocent bystanders who just happen to be here.

That question was soon answer as all the people started to leave and move all at once.

“Name’s Akio Mitsura. Get the fuck outta my town pricks…else I’ll have ta end ya.” And just like that, W choice was made for him. Akio was the part of the great evil that was rotting this town. Turning back to the boy, risking his own neck by putting his back against the man, he whispered very sharply.
"Grab him, and get off the ground." Him was meant to be the inn keeper. He didn't wanna risk getting them trapped in his jutsu. Giving him only a precious second to under the words, and what it meant, W spun rapidly, lowering his body, performing a handseal. All at once, he shadow began expanding rapidly, before shooting toward the giant man. Using as many of the shadows as he could connect with to increase his strength, the shadow would throw itself into the man's shadow, connecting the two souls.

By now the man should not be able to move, and W hoped to God, that the boy had been smart enough to get off the ground. He was going to show him where the majority of his skill set was truly invested. As the man was bound, shadow hands would begin to crawl up the mans body binding him even more. The man looked to be as strong as an ox. He was gonna need alot to hold him, which was why W chose to do this now instead of wearing himself down first through pointless battle. These techniques were only as strong as he was physically. He then performed another quick string of hanseals. As he finished, Shadow tendrils formed. He was now under W complete control. The mans own shadow became his enemy.

"Akio Mitsura" W would suddenly say, his deep voice carrying itself across the room. "I am Shino Nara of the Hidden Grass. Part of the ANBU, and servant to the Kusakage. I am here to pass judgement on you for your crimes against the Hidden Grass Village, against the capital, Aokusa, as well as its people." As he spoke, W was slowly performing handseals. The man across from him would be performing the same set of seals. As he finished, he held the tiger seal, building his chakra.
"I just wanted you to know, who it was that ended your wasted life." he muttered more to himself then anyone else. As he finished his words, he released his built up chakra, and the man would be torn to shreds. If he screamed, or showed any fear before his death, W was not able to see it. As what was left of his body hit the floor only seconds later, W started breathing heavy. He had forgotten just how much chakra all that used up. Using a hand to stable himself, he sat on the ground for a long while.

"One down.." the young man said to his Kage who could now land safely on the floor. "But..I am gonna need to rest for a while..a change of location might be best.." Forcing himself up, he did his best to stable himself. "The techniques I just used cost me dearly. Which is why I don't like using them..but he was a special case." He now wished he had grabbed a few food pills. Those would have kept him going for the next few days.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique)(x15)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique) allows the user to extend their shadow on any surface, including water, and as far as they know and as long as there is sufficient area.
Special: "Holds Rat Seal" Technique performs after length of normal handseals.
Drawback: Tiring to use repeatedly. The ability is subject to some form of diminishing return and decreases in potency after repeated use. If the user is low on chakra, the performance rate of the technique also deteriorates. Insufficient lightning will make the technique less effective. A particularly strong opponent can also resist the shadow's forced imitation. May only change directions within the span of 60 degrees. When retracting the technique it may only retract by retracing where it has gone.
Description: Once the user's shadow comes in contact with the target's shadow, the two merge and the target is forced to imitate the user's movements. The user and the target could both throw a kunai. It is recommended to keep all weapons in areas where they normally don't keep them.

First Learned user uses technique up to 10 meters. Each time learned gains an extra 10 meters.
After 50 meters user must train an extra 10 TP per tech - TP Does not go down by Class Level.
After 100 meters user must train an extra 10 TP per tech - TP Does not go down by Class Level.
After 150 meters user must train an extra 10 TP per tech - TP Does not go down by Class Level.
Cap of this technique is 200 meters.

Technique may travel 10 meters per second plus 5 meters per Class Level.
Every 20 meters user is able to split the shadow by 1 giving a maximum of 10 splits.
Each split shares the max amount of distance user is able to perform this technique.
Every time used in a single mission that is in the time-span of 1 I.C. day will reduce max distance by 5 meters.
User may hold an opponent for 4 rounds plus 1 round per 50 meters.
Every Class level the opponent is higher than user the time limit reduces by 1 round.
If user is a Master of the Clan the amount of rounds increases by 1 round.
When user's Chakra reduces by 1/4 their max distance reduces by 1/4. Same mathematics occurs the more chakra is used. (Use Honor System).
May only use other Nara Techniques in conjunction with this technique.
Limit: Must be part of the Nara Clan.

Kage Kubi Shibari no Jutsu, 影首縛りの術 (Shadow Neck Bind Technique)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: ----
Special: Must be done while Kagemane is active, "Hanseals"
Drawback: ----
Description: After capturing an opponent with the Shadow Imitation Technique, the user can then further extend their shadow up to the target's throat in the shape of a hand, which chokes them to death. Additionally, it can be used to bind the limbs of exceptionally strong targets who can move, even while bound by the Shadow Imitation.
Limit: Nara Clan Technique, Must have knowledge of the Shadow Imitation Technique "C" Rank

Kageyose no Jutsu, 影寄せの術 (Shadow Summoning Technique)
Rank: "A" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: -----
Special: "Hanseals"
Drawback: Once the technique is activated, the user must control the tendrils with motions of their hands, while the Kagemane is still active the entire time. Thus, if the person caught within it controls a puppet, they could accidentally activated it move.
Description: After capturing a target with the Shadow Imitation Technique, the user forms a simply string of hand seals. The user then, summons shadowy tendrils from their opponent's shadow, controlling them in the same manner as Shadow Sewing, but from the opponent's body instead of the user's. This could be used to stab the opponent, remove things from the person without having to risk removing it from yourself, (As the Kagemane makes the user and captive act in sync) or block projectiles. The Tendrils are no stronger then that of skin, and thus are pierced and such very easily, and don;t hold that well, however get the job done.
Limit: Nara Clan Technique, Must know Shadow Choke Neck Bind, Must have knowledge of the Shadow Imitation Technique "A" Rank.

Shadow Endgame
Rank: S Rank
Skill: Ninjutsu, Forbidden.
Effect: If the opponent is caught by Shadow Summoning technique, the Shadows become razor sharp and rip apart at an opponent with extreme speed and quickness, completely ripping them apart.
Special: "Hanseals", Tiger(holds) (after Shadow Summoning)
Drawback: Only usable if opponent is caught by Shadow Summoning, Unable to use jutsu while using, and razor sharp tendrils do not tell difference between friend and foe, if ally is nearby they are in danger.
Description: If an opponent is wrapped up by Shadow Coffin or Shadow Summoning, the shadows begin to gain chakra and immediately harden into razor sharp lashes. Upon finishing the handsigns the user holds the tiger and the lashes rip apart an opponent in merely a second, completely tearing them to pieces.
Limit: Shadow Summoning, Nara Clan Member, Shadow Imitation Technique "A" Rank

[Baek]

W’s warning had scarcely been sitting in Baek’s ear for the space of a heartbeat before he reached the across the counter and snatched Ukwa by the fine linen collar resting about the man’s neck. The next second was used to leap atop the counter, hoist Ukwa into the air with a might heave before taking flight himself leaving him only enough to glance downward as darkness writhed like a living snake upon the ground. As he neared the ceiling Baek quickly applied chakra to his free hand and both feet before attaching himself to the nearest support beam.

“Wahhh! Don’t let me fall! Please!”

The innkeeper’s screams filled Baek’s ear, but still didn’t have his attention. His eyes were firmly fixed upon the scene below where W performing a quick series of seals had not only bound the gigantic human being with what appeared to be shadows, but an instant later there was a buzzing noise followed by an explosion of sinewy flesh and pulp. He had not heard what W had said over the Ukwa’s bellowing, but the gravity of the man’s voice was enough sign to tell there would be no mercy given to any of the men that they had come to dispatch of. Walls on either side of the bar were stained with black blood by the time Baek dropped back down to the floor. Releasing Ukwa without looking at the man he found that he couldn’t help flaring his nostril in disgust at the remains of the poor victim. Behind him W began saying something, but the words’ content were lost as the visceral display of death snatched all focus from Baek, leaving only the sound of his breathing and the most mundane noises left for him to perceive.

The noise of clamoring outside bled in through the filter of silence, the sounds of his heart beating at a war drum’s pace, even the sound of W’s weight upon the wooden floor making the wood groan at decibels barely above his whisper. His eyes could not be removed from the corpse that lay shattered and broken upon the floor. That human life could be so fragile…the thought had simply escaped him in quest for honor duty; he had never stopped to think just how weak a man could be despite his power of will. Just then another sound breached his daze and this one was a curious twanging that reminded him of days spent watching archers practice during one of the brief displays foreigners brought to Aokusa for pay back when he was a child. Wheeling around slowly, he barely had time to sway out of the way as metal ballast came screaming past his head, splitting open the skin of his left cheek as he ducked away at the last possible moment.

Behind him the same twang repeated itself, but he was already in motion. He felt Ukwa falling away from him and with a single glance over his shoulder spotted the deadened look in the man’s eyes as he fell to the ground; the innkeeper had been killed as a result of their actions. Another innocent yet finds their grave. Reaching out for W he attempted to shove the man out of the way just as another ballast zipped past the bridge of his nose before slamming into the counter in the space where W would previously have been standing. When all finally fell still, Baek was on his back with hands that were slick with sweat. Sunlight poured in through the door as a tiny man with few notable features stepped into the doorway. Strapped to his left forearm was a 90lb pistol crossbow modified to fire the heavy metal ballasts that had torn clean through Ukwa’s ribs before continuing on to rip through the back wall. “Honestly I didn’t think it’d be so easy to fool you Kusa ninja into an ambush; you actually were so kind as to provide the setup yourselves…how generous,” cooed the strange man as he stepped further into the cleared inn.

Following him in were six fellows, all of them bearing a strange tattoo over their right brow. It was shaped in the form of a dove lifting its beak to the sky in song while something…a blade it looked pierced its throat. The man angled his crossbow in W’s direction while the six men moved in front of their grinning leader. Taking a closer look at this man Baek found that he was delicate looking with high cheekbones and a beaked nose. His physique was wiry though the absence of muscle could not be discerned due to the ballooning shirt and pants that he wore, both steeped in unassuming greens and grays.

“Wh-who are you?” Baek spat as he smeared the blood dripping generously down the left side of his face. He stifled an irritated snarl as his hand came away drenched in warm blood.

“Ah, so you hadn’t even suspected, eh?” the man cried theatrically now turned his cold, colbalt colored eyes to examine W, “Well…I’ll have you know I’m the real Akio Matsura!”

Blood drained from Baek’s face as pieces of events that had already happened began to fall into place. The direct approach from the supposed gang leader, the clearing of the room, the fact that news of the attack had spread to this inn so quickly, even the rough faces that had been sitting in the inn when he and W had come down—it was all a trap!

Rather than feeling fear, anger coursed sudden and hot through Baek’s veins. Red lined the edges of his vision as he sprang to his feet and began charging wildly at the fat man with no hair. The fellow greeted him with a filthy smirk that only made the blooming hatred in Baek’s chest swell to unimaginable size. By the time he had taken his last step placing him within a half-meter of the man’s position, he’d already completed a number of half-seals with his left hand. Immediately Raiton chakra gathered around his right hand which came rising up in a swift, unskilled uppercut as the man leaned into Baek with wide, out-of-practice hook of his own. Slipping past the man’s guard, Baek’s punch connected firmly with the underside of the man’s chin sending a fountain of spittle spraying into the air. The stench of the fallen villain’s singed flesh immediately struck Baek’s nostrils as he already shifted his attention to the second and third men who were now moving to attack him as well. Electricity jolted the fat’s man’s body into uncontrolled action, sending his arms shooting out widely to lash his brothers who were moving to attack.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Baek took an instep to his right before leaping into the air and bringing down a hammering fist onto the forehead of the man wearing a mask over the bottom half of his face. The sickening lack of resistance signaling bone fracture followed the weight of his blow, but Baek held no mercy for these dogs or their master; they hadn’t even had the dignity to approach them head-on—they sacrificed their own man’s life to see their plan to fruition!

As the other two men fell, the third, a young looking man with girlish features staggered a bit to the left as he tried to create space between himself and Baek. “Too slow!” Baek hissed vehemently as his left hand shot and snatched the boy’s wrist, pulling him in for a straight jab with his right fist. The blow landed squarely upon the young man’s nose as he too fell back, his eyes rolling up into his head while his body quivered with the jolts of electricity that passed through it. Looking up from his handiwork Baek felt his anger burning away all the restraint he’d managed to muster during his battle of wills with the tall man. How could men be so cruel to their own kind? For the simple sake of catching their foe off-balance they threw a way a man’s life…

Akio Matsura maintained his calm, unassuming grin as he kept the crossbow pointed in W’s direction and Baek was forced to halt his advance one meter in front of the gang leader, who was still surrounded by three of his thugs. W was positioned to Matsura’s right at about 1.5 meters, where the innkeeper’s counter pinioned him to his spot unless he was willing to risk taking the time to leap over it to the other side. Despite his odd weapons and his ties to the underworld, Akio carried himself with the weight of a practiced archer; it wouldn’t be wise to test his skill at that range. To be held to doing nothing by the enemy was boiling Baek’s blood and to add insult to injury Ukwa lay dead upon the floor of his own inn, his blood adding to the already copious amount of the liquid pooling on the ground. Don’t do anything hasty, W Baek willed to his subordinate, hoping the man could read his expression not as one of blind anger, but frustration—the man needed to understand their predicament and act accordingly.

“Hmmm…I thought I’d need a few more men; I guess I won’t need to call the reinforcements waiting outside to our aid just yet, hmmm? Probably makes it a bit bad that this is there's only one entrance into the inn as well, no?” Akio jibed before laughing maniacally, his eyes set madly upon W.

---

Enemy Techs Used

SPOILER: Click to show

Oblique Stance
Rank: "E"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Gives the greatest amount of clearance for the bowstring when arrows is released. Body is in total equilibrium. Target can be seen clearly.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the four stances a user may learn as they are able to learn just one if they wish. Hard to maintain, so mainly used by expert Marksman. Some elite Marksman use the oblique stance. In this stance the Marksman places his/her toe of the left foot nearest the target on a line and pivoting the left foot forty-five-degrees to the target. The heel of the right foot is then placed in line with the toe of the left foot. This allows the bow arm to remain in a position where there will be optimum clearance of the bowstring when the arrow is released. The target should be seen clearly while using the oblique stance.
Limit: Must be a Marksman.

Rapid Shot
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: User is able to shoot an arrow once more within a movement for only one movement.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: With this technique the user is able to shoot an extra arrow for 1 of their movements per round giving 3 arrows to be shot for 1 movement.
Limit: Must be a Marksman. Must know Precise Shot.

Baek Techs Used

SPOILER: Click to show

Raiton: Raikou no Ken
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Allows the user the ability to send small jolts of electricity into the opponent with every hand-strike and arm block for three turns. Can be used in conjunction with most Taijutsu that deal with hand-strikes.
Special: Hand Seals
Drawback: May backfire if user attacks a water clone or other water type barrier etc.
Description: User takes in a very deep breath and holds the snake handsign briefly while their chakra is diverted to their arms. With every punch or other hand strike, the user's chakra is sent out into the opponent's body in a small burst that is electrified. It doesn't cause paralysis immediately, but the strikes do accumulate and it adds to the power of each strike. Basically, you hit harder and you shock as well. A smaller shock is sent out whenever the user blocks an attack with their arms. It is significantly less severe, but it does cause discomfort to the opponent.
Limit: Lightning Release

[¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

Learned.

[-W-]

W was catching his breath still, when all hell broke lose. Before he knew it, his victory, his costly victory, had changed to a possible bloody defeat. As he was shoved out of the way, he rolled on the floor, reaching into his pockets, looking for a grenade. as he hit the back wall, stopping his roll, he looked down quickly into his hands. Damn..a smoke bomb. He thought to himself. As he straighten himself, he was careful to keep his right hand behind his back, making himself look as natural as possible. He looked around, trying to take in as much as possible. A new set of enemies appeared. In his heart, he was hoping that this was the other boss they had come for. But he had a growing suspicion that they were about to learn a nasty surprise.
“Honestly I didn’t think it’d be so easy to fool you Kusa ninja into an ambush; you actually were so kind as to provide the setup yourselves…how generous,” And just like that, W shut his eyes. His face was that of a defeated man. It had been bate. He was so quick to move, and take out the opponent, he forgot to look to the shadows. He had taken the bate, and was now in a weak position. He had failed.

“Well…I’ll have you know I’m the real Akio Matsura!” There it was. His worse fear had been confirmed. There was a chance this man was lying, but W doubted it. He had made trapping them far too easy. Whats worse, he noticed the Inn keeper had been killed. He did not deserve to die. Not like W. W had long since earned his right to walk hand in hand with death. Not the boy though. He was still innocent. He could possibly be a good future for the Village..if it could survive the giant hurtle ahead. Yet, before he could say, or do anything in his grief, the boy began to attack. He was vicious, wild, and winning. Whats the point? They were defeated. W was too weak to attack head on, the boy was out numbered, and the man kept that crossbow pointed at him. But the boy continued to fight on. If he saw this, he didn't care, if he didn't..well he would see it soon enough.

Before he knew it, the boy was slowing down. Soon, he sat in his position in front of the enemy. He seem to finally understand the situation. It was a good fight Honorable Kage..W thought to himself. He manage to kill a couple in his attack. He wondered if this was the first time he took a mans life? How sad it had to be like this..and so young. His thoughts for the moment were interrupted by the criminal.
“Hmmm…I thought I’d need a few more men; I guess I won’t need to call the reinforcements waiting outside to our aid just yet, hmmm? Probably makes it a bit bad that this is there's only one entrance into the inn as well, no?” He was right. They were trapped like wild animals.

As W sat there, he heard the most unexpected sound. A crow. Perhaps attracted by the smell of blood, crows were often the sign of conflict and death. He searched with his eyes for the source of the sound. Then he found it. A window on the other side of the boy. Looking out, he saw the crow sitting on a rough of a neighboring building. For a while, he sat there just watching. After a minute, the bird cawed once more, and took flight. It suddenly occurred to them. They were not trapped. Squeezing the smoke bomb in his hand, he began to laugh. And laugh hard. His booming voice filled the air. As he finally manage to control himself, he finally faced the man for the first time. He had a strange look in his eye.
"You know..people often think of crows as a source of bad luck..even a sign of death. I personally think they are a symbol of good luck. They are just misunderstood. Much like this situation. You are indeed right. You won't need to call the reinforcements. You do need more practice with ninja though. If you think we are defeated here..then perhaps you aren't as strong as what you would have your thugs believe."

And with that, it was time for him to act. Popping the trigger for the smoke bomb, he flew himself forward toward the boy, as he reached him, he dropped the weapon as it was shooting a cloud of purple smoke. Grabbing the boy tight, he hurled them both through the window he was staring out of. As he floated through the air, he used his now free hand to grab his bow. As they came down, broken glass would littler the ground. Rolling, W stood with his bow at the ready over the boy.
"Quickly! Move!" with that, he fired an arrow at a nearby enemy dropping one. They needed to get out of sight of the man with the crossbow, and send him on the defensive.

ooc:I don't remember seeing anything describing the entire inn..so i embellished a little and created my own part of the inn. I figured most will have a window. If you want me to change it, let me know.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push)
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

[1/3]

Point Blank Shot
Rank: "D"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: A technique that allows a user with great proficiency to attack opponents without worrying or fumbling at a distance of ten meters.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: With this technique the user is able to fight against opponents within a ten meter radius without the worry or fear of fumbling with their weapon. They gain the courage and ability to perform combat without much effort. This is a prerequisite technique for more popular techniques. What good is an Marksman if they are not ready to battle while in close range.
Limit: Must be a Marksman

[Baek]

W's mad laughter was quickly followed by a declarartion of the man's never ending defiance of those that would pursue to do wrong against the Kusagakure and her sister cities. Baek eyed curiously, trying to fathom what the ANBU was playing at. Of course it was a noble sentiment that he shared, but boasting to an enemy that easily had them surrounded as well as locked into a single entry room was not the best time to ramble on about righteousness. All his pondering left him ill-prepared when the time came to move.

Acrid smoke suddenly filled the room and Akio's enraged bellow rang out in the heavy smog, cracking desperately as he tried to move his men to the purpose of thwarting W's rabid scheme. Baek found himself scooped up suddenly and time moved too quickly for him to correctly recount what had taken place, but the feel and sound of shattered glass scraping against his skin further bloodied him as both ninja landed outside the building; wondrously free to move about as they pleased.

"Quickly! Move!" W shouted harshly as he strung a mysterious looking bow and let loose death into an nearby enemy. The blade-thin form of Akio Mitsura appeared upon the roof of the inn, the three remaining thugs from outside clambering up the slanted tile roof to accompany their master. In the grimy sunlight that beamed upon the city, the crossbow glittered menacingly as Akio raised a hand as if to signal an attack. It was then that Baek took his eyes from the gang's boss to examine the streets that were filled with 50 strong looking men wielding various makeshift weapons including pipes, wrenches, garbage can lids among other barely recognizable items. Each had their faces branded with the same tattoo that the other six bore and even more importantly as the wild look in their eyes and the diverse number of still-healing wounds carved into their skins.

These men were all barbarians intent on obeying their master's will at all cost. They were the most dangerous sort of posse to fight against and for a moment Baek followed W's train of thought and began turning towards the winding streets where they could whittle the enemy's numbers without fearing the deadly rain of Akio's crossbow. He only managed a single step before something stirred within him, forcing him to stop where he stood.

The men that had been charging wildly at him paused in a moment of confusion as Baek stood swaying in his spot, his eyes downcast as his lips quivered something just short of disgust, "W" he hissed through gritted teeth. A knot of emotion swelled in his throat, choking him as he tried to spit the feelings eating away at his heart. How could he make his comrade understand? How could he make anyone understand why he simply could not run away from these men?

Turning back wordlessly to the miniature hoard waiting on their leader's commands, Baek lifted his gaze to the rooftop where Mitsura watched him intently for the moment. "W-san, I can't turn away from these men. Not even in pursuit of tactical advantage. I fear that if I retreat even one step, everything that I believe in, everything I stand for will lose its meaning. Forgive me, but I cannot abide the weight of my burden being placed upon someone else."

When the words his heart had been harboring finally freed themselves from his being he felt a crushing weight lift from his spirit. With lightening quick reflex, his left hand worked several half-seals before any of the men had time to recover from their momentary stupor. Electricity crackled in the air as sparks leapt from Baek's body before taking flight in the form of sakura petals floating upon the wind. Each petal was electric-blue in color and frequently an errant tendril of electricity would jump from its surface before flickering from existence. Forging his chakra into Raiton energy Baek filled the air with these lightening petals until several hundred of them littered the air within a three meter radius of where he stood. An ironic smile curving his lips, Baek flashed a look towards the ANBU who had sworn to protect him on this mission,

"I never told you this, but I'm nothing more than a simple swordsman" he said before turning back.

His right hand, still crackling with yellow-white electricity, lifted out to his side. His palm outstretched as if waiting for something to appear, Baek closed his eyes as another series of half-seals formed in his left hand. By this time the men had recovered from their admiration and the three closest men were stood one meter space from Baek, their formation a half-circle approaching him from the front[. The one on his far right shrieked with an animalistic fervor as his feet pounded the earth on their way to kill the young man who had so slighted their leader.

Baek, eyes still closed, calmly dropped to his left knee, his hand still outstretched when the petals nearest to him began rushing towards him in a river of blue-white colors, swirling in a tiny tornado that suddenly formed into a straight-bladed katana made completely from lightening energy. When the katana solidified Baek's grip closed expectantly around the hilt as his eyes snapped open to catch the wide-eyed thug in midair with a bat poised to bash his skull in. A wisp of the smile he'd given W remained on his lips, but his body had long forgotten the details of his setting. All his focus poured into the familiar passionless flames of the Void. His mind cleared instantly until it was like a placid lake and as the man came floating down, Baek's new lightening-wrought blade flashed upwards, splitting the man's belly and chin in a single, terrible stroke. Sizzling noises interwove with the screaming cries of the grievously wounded enemy as the man toppled backwards, blood spewing into the air in a velvet cascade that further drenched Baek in its wake.

The toll was not paid in full with a single man's life; the Kokinzwa would suffer for a bit longer before they debts would be cleared.

Stunned by the speed and ferocity of the attack the remaining two enemies were not prepared as Baek to his immediate left, bringing his sword across his body in cross-reverse slash that tore open the second enemy's throat as if it were paper. Momentum carried him in a continuous motion towards the last man who only whimpered as Baek's third attack was a brutal counter slash from the position of the second attack that took the man across the face, tearing open his eyes in a gory mess. More blood shimmered in the air, the beautiful globules reflecting the sun's light like tiny diamonds before they splattered repulsively upon the ground at Baek's feet. By now Baek's hair and forehead were colored dirty red as where the bandages on both wrists and the ones wrapped around his right ankle and shin.

For a moment he stood panting as the enemy stood stunned at the sudden display of mindless violence in his fighting, but Akio would not allow his men to fall so easily¡ªnot when the entire city was watching this battle between the Kusagakure ninja and the Kokinzowa. "What are you waiting for?! Kill them! Kill them both! And if any of you dare run, I'll shoot you sorry sons of bitches dead right here!"

As the gang leader's words stirred his men into motion, Baek met Akio's eyes and knew that the man feared what the two ninja were capable of now. Before any of the remaining 47 men came within 10 meters of Baek and W, someone from the mob threw a grenade into the air. Not knowing what sort of artillery he was facing Baek answered by quickly reaching into his butt bag and in a single motion hurling a single ninja star to intercept the flight path of the explosive. The two weapon collided in midair and a half-second passed as everyone watched as the grenade fell to the ground.

Then it exploded and another 15 men died as fragments cut into their eyes, throats, skulls, and chests. Akio swore audibly from his perch and Baek's resolved strengthened at the knowledge of having taken down 18 of Akio's men in 6 seconds. Perhaps death would not have them today. Not yet.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Raiton: Raikou no Ken
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Allows the user the ability to send small jolts of electricity into the opponent with every hand-strike and arm block for three turns. Can be used in conjunction with most Taijutsu that deal with hand-strikes.
Special: Hand Seals
Drawback: May backfire if user attacks a water clone or other water type barrier etc.
Description: User takes in a very deep breath and holds the snake handsign briefly while their chakra is diverted to their arms. With every punch or other hand strike, the user's chakra is sent out into the opponent's body in a small burst that is electrified. It doesn't cause paralysis immediately, but the strikes do accumulate and it adds to the power of each strike. Basically, you hit harder and you shock as well. A smaller shock is sent out whenever the user blocks an attack with their arms. It is significantly less severe, but it does cause discomfort to the opponent.
Limit: Lightning Release

Raiton: Sakurai, À×¹â: µ¤É« ľ À×¹â, (Lightning Style: Cherry Blossom Lightning)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user creates a mass of blue-white lightning petals.
Special: ¡°Hand Seals¡±
Drawback: Not a complete technique, but a set-up for others.
Description: The user forms the hand seals, focusing chakra around them. They then mold the chakra into several hundred blue-white sakura petals of lightning in a three-meter radius around the user, like the Sand of a Saton user. These petals float gently around the user¡¯s body. Each one gives out minor shocking, but together they can give strong shocks and burns akin to a C rank shock. The petals last until the user chooses to dispel them. The user can control these techniques in a fifteen meter radius around them.
Limit: Must have Raiton.

Raiton: Sakurai Ken, À×¹â: µ¤É« ľ À׹⠵¶, (Lighting Style: Cherry Blossom Lightning Sword)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user forms weapons out of Sakurai petals.
Special: ¡°Hand Seals¡±
Drawback: Raiton: Sakurai must be active.
Description: The user forms the hand seal, focusing their chakra into the Sakurai petals around them. They then mold the lightning chakra, gathering the Sakurai petals into the shape of a sword and containing them with chakra. Using this technique, the user may form one weapon of katana size of smaller, or five weapons of kunai size or smaller. These weapons are built of the lightning that the Sakurai are composed of, and are capable of giving out shocks akin to second-degree burns. They are incapable of blocking like normal weapons. The weapons last until the user chooses to dispel them, or a round after they lose contact with the user.
Limit: Must have Raiton. Must know Raiton: Sakurai.

Weapon Proficiency
Rank: "D" "C" "B" "A"
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: Increases the users accuracy with long range secondary weapons.
D - Increases Accuracy by 10%
C - Increases Accuracy by 20%
B - Increases Accuracy by 30%
A - Increases Accuracy by 40%
Each additional A rank training increases the Accuracy by a further 5% (e.g one extra training would be 45%) up to a maximum of 75%.
Special: None
Drawback: None
Description: A weapon specialist devotes their training to improve their proficiency with large range attacks using secondary weapons. The main aspect of this training is to improve the accuracy of attacks and therefore make the weapon specialist more deadly.
Limit: Must be a weapon specialist.

[-W-]

Precise Shot
Rank: "D"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: When it comes to hand to hand combat, the user is able to bring in their bow and arrow into a melee attack without having any problems.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Another prerequisite technique that brings the Marksman even closer to combat without fumbling or worry of using the weapon. The user is able to get at extreme close range while preparing their weapon and fire at the opponent with precise ability.
Limit: Must be a Marksman. Must know Point Blank Shot.

[0/10]

"W-san, I can't turn away from these men. Not even in pursuit of tactical advantage. I fear that if I retreat even one step, everything that I believe in, everything I stand for will lose its meaning. Forgive me, but I cannot abide the weight of my burden being placed upon someone else."

Of all the lousy luck, he would get the job of watching out for the one politician that was an idealist.
"Sir I really must protest-" he began, but feel silent, cursing him. The boy was already off charging the men attack. 47. 47..48 against 1 and a half. That was great odds. Honestly what they really needed was some reinforcements, or a chance to just catch their breath and organize. He could say all he wanted against his enemy, but he knew they were smart enough to prevent that. This guy..what was his deal. He drew his bow back once again and took aim. He let lose his arrow and watched it as it soared into the crowd of charging enemies. There was too many of them for him to fight this close. He was too weaken from his mistake with the trap. Fighting hand to hand would be suicide, and he couldn't use any more of his multiple enemy jutsus because they required too much chakra use. He had to conserve his chakra. As he struggled to come up with a plan, a man jumped at him holding a club. Dodging the clumsy swing, W swung at the enemy with his bow as if it was a club, hitting him in the temple. The man wouldn't die, but he wasn't getting up any time soon. This gave him enough time to dodge the second enemy attack.

Holding it up, he blocked a spear. Holding it with one hand, he pulled back on the string, feeling a small portion of his chakra leave, an arrow of electricity was formed. Releasing the string, the arrow shot the man through the chest, leaving a small smoking hole in the middle. As he dropped, W picked up the spear, and jabbed it into the side of the man he had hit earlier. He was already trying to pick himself up.

"Sir..there are just too many! Put aside your pride for the moment and lets find better ground. Tactical retreat is perfectly acceptable!" Even as he said this, his kage threw a shuriken into a falling explosive, killing roughly ten, fifteen people. Damnit.. W though, forcing himself up right, he fired off another quick shot, not looking to see if it even hit a target. The best he could do was to retreat, and provide covering fire. Maybe even scope out if he could get a good shot at the real leader. He wasn't the only one with a fancy weapon. As another enemy attacked, this time with a sword, W brought his solid bow up, blocking the attacker as if he was using a sword himself. As he brushed the man aside, he spun, pulled back on the string and let it loose. The arrow would follow the attacker, hitting him square in the back. Turning to the next enemy with out bothering to see if the man was dead,(the loud thud told him) he knocked the next one square in the face, causing blood to spurt from the mans noose, all over his face and Ws. He manage to tackle W dragging him to the ground. His free hand manage to grab a knife from his assailant. Digging it deep into his side, he could feel the flesh tear as warm blood spilled onto his own body.

Tossing him off, he stood up and began falling back slowly. The enemy now realizing he did not need to use arrows to fire, were reluctant to attack him head on.
"Come on!" W bellowed. "Lets do this!" His body twitched back and forth between the group of men trying to get the edge on him. As the slowly moved on him, W finally released another arrow. As soon as it left, the others jumped forward trying to get him before he could shoot another. Throwing the bow into the stomach of his next enemy, He brought it up, hitting the next man in the jaw, Continuing his movement, he slammed the main body of his bow into anothers head. As he circled back around, he drew his sword with his free hand, cutting all three of them down. Blood covered the ground as they dropped moaning in pain. W just continue to move back trying to find a place to cover the Kage.

[Baek]

The world quickly condensed into a tiny bubble consisting only of the sights, feelings, and tastes of the things within immediate range. All other existence and thoughts faded into irrelevance—except for the ever looming knowledge that perched safely above the bloodshed and chaos was the dishonorable jackal that had begun this sad affair.

A bearded face suddenly broke through the faceless sea of humanity rushing at Baek. The man’s anger was accentuated in the deep furrow of his brow, the angry creases in his forehead, and the raised veins protruding alongside either temple as he swung a heavy rusted chain in Baek’s direction. Somewhere beyond the Void his rational mind quickly calculated the distance between them in the precious time before the attack landed. 1 meter, maybe 1.5 meters the voice whispered across the expanse of the Void. Armed with that knowledge an awareness of the tension drawing his muscles tight made itself apparent to Baek, but he welcomed the sensation as his center of gravity dropped and he held his right arm, the one holding the Raiton katana across his body. Looking into the screaming man’s face, Baek dropped suddenly to one knee, his sweat matted hair cooling beneath the errant attack just as his hips tensed in order to capitalize upon the enemy’s mistake.

With another shout the man attempted to swing the heavy metal links back across his body in a downward smash, but Baek’s explosive rise to his feet was too quick, allowing him to easily sidestep the startled foe before delivering a debilitating gash across the eyes with the nonchalant stroke of his weapon.

As yet another maimed figure weighed against his thoughts he noticed the other men hesitating a step as they tried to encircle him, their blind fear slowly beginning to win out against their allegiance to Akio Mitsura. At the beginning there had been about 50 men ready to take arms for their cause; now only about 27 people remained by Baek’s count. Over half the men killed or defeated at the hands of two desperate and weary men. Their mob’s confidence was waning and Akio sensed it. From where he stood he let an angry curse slip his lips before dropping down from the roof and into the streets where the battle raged.

Silently Baek watched as the men retreated another step from him, the circle expanding enough to leave him a 3 meter radius of open space. Meanwhile the men parted to allow Akio to step through their midst before joining Baek in the clearing that had been made for them. “Who do you think you are?! Huh?! A hero?” Mitsura spat, his cheeks slack and hallow as bated breath after bated breath slowly deflated the once pompous façade that had made him appear so untouchable before.
Not answering, Baek kept his eyes trained solely upon the crossbow latched to the villain’s arm and Akio’s anger enflamed at the thought of being ignored,

“I’ll kill you!” he roared above the added indignant cries of his men. As he shouted the forearm-strapped crossbow came up, its sights set upon Baek and that moment fixed itself in Baek’s thoughts as his instincts and training moved his body to counteract the man instantly and without mercy. By the time the next ballast had been loaded, Baek had already formed the needed half-seals with his free hand and as electricity crackled madly around his left palm he gave Akio a single look that conveyed a message.

Baek had not been certain what he looked like at that moment. He could not even clearly define what his emotions at the time were. At the time all he had meant to transmit to the other man was the resolute rage that was only restrained by the knowledge that not only did honor and duty bind him to behaving as such a man, but there was someone behind him, someone important to whom he needed to show the way. If he was going to lead a village then he had to do so by example. In his heart he knew that allowing his hatred for the ill-bred swine would do nothing more than sully his chances to truly earn the respect of those he had sworn his duty to protect, but even so…the waste of life at this man’s expense was unbearable.

Perhaps this disgust for Akio was what had frightened the ganger leader so, but whatever the reason, the man’s shot was stalled for 1 second and that was all that was needed.

With a howl of pure vengeance Baek’s left hand bore down onto the ground, his calloused palm smacking loudly into the earth to send an eruption of lightening ripped through the street pavement, tearing to pieces the ground as it surged in all directions. Raiton: Jibashi! his mind called out as a thunderous boom sounded in Baek’s ear. All men within a 10 meter radius were sent flying into the air as their bodies shivered from post-electrocution. Smoke and debris created a filmy smog that the wind carried for 2 meters, but on the battlefield all was silent as those who had been attempting to trap Baek twitched uncontrollably upon the ground. Among them was Akio Mitsura.

Weak from chakra exhaustion and muscle fatigue, Baek’s sword winked out abruptly and the charge that had been circling his hand dissipated to nothing. Slumping visibly, Baek limped to where Akio lay, a single stream of blood trailing down the side of the delicate looking man’s mouth.

“Never…stand against Kusagakure,” Baek choked out before stamping a foot upon the enemy’s neck.

Eyes smoldering with hatred, Baek pressed his heel down as a few of the stouter men attempted to struggle to their feet. Akio’s desperateclawing at his leg left a few more minor scratches along his right shin, but the effort was futile and as the light dimmed in Akio’s eyes Baek pressed on, wishing fervently for the man to die so that he could be done with this cursed ordeal. With one last death rattle Akio Mitsura died beneath the heel of a Kusagakure ninja.

It took some time before the other men—about 12 of them left standing and 5 of them were barely functioning following being thunderstruck byRaiton: Jibashi—realized that the man beneath the small ninja boy’s foot was in fact their leader. Breathing tiredly, Baek eyed the surrounding men with the patience of a wolf, hoping that they would chose not to attack; there had been enough killing today. To continue any further was to stain his honor…and that was not something he could stomach.

Besides if there was any more violence, there was nothing he could do about it; his faith lay solely in W’s capabilities…and later that would bother him, but for now he would have no choice.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Iaijutsu Stance
Rank: E Rank
Effect: Allows the use of Iaijutsu Forms.
Special: None
Drawbacks: None
Description: The practitioner moves into a bow stance, their main hand resting over the hilt of the sword without gripping it, and their offhand resting just under the hilt on the sheath; they stand slightly crouched, able to easily move to a kneeling of standing position for their forms.
Restrictions: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

Reflex Training
Rank: D, C and B Rank
Effect: D Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill marginally. C Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill slightly. B Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill moderately
Special: None
Drawbacks: Cannot learn Quick Strike training.
Description: The practitioner is put through a series of rigorous repetitive movements to improve their ability to reflexively react to attacks by evading or deflecting/blocking with their sword. As they develop their training, their speed and reflexes slowly increase.
Restriction: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

Nukiuchi [Iaijutsu] (Sudden Draw)
Rank: C Rank
Effect: Evade a frontal moderate (C Rank or less) attack then strike
Special: None
Drawbacks: The strike is only a shallow blow, causing little damage (D Rank).
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner avoids a frontal strike, then draws to attack before sheathing again.
Restrictions: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn; must have Reflex Training (C Rank) or Quick Strike Training (C Rank)

Raiton: Jibashi (Lightning Element: Electromagnetic Murder)
Rank: C
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: A lightning jutsu that travels along the ground towards an enemy.
Special: Hand Seals
Drawback: Can only travel across earth and water. There is a maximum range of 10 meters and can be dodged if seen approaching.
Description: After forming handseals, the user creates a wave of electricity in their hands and shoots it into the ground. This jutsu can vary in power from a small surge to a powerful stream of lightning capable of ripping through solid rock. It is ideal to use in conjunction with a water jutsu.
Limit: Must know Lightning Release.

[butterflyart]

-W- + 9

[-W-]

Precise Shot
Rank: "D"
Skill: TaiJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: When it comes to hand to hand combat, the user is able to bring in their bow and arrow into a melee attack without having any problems.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Another prerequisite technique that brings the Marksman even closer to combat without fumbling or worry of using the weapon. The user is able to get at extreme close range while preparing their weapon and fire at the opponent with precise ability.
Limit: Must be a Marksman. Must know Point Blank Shot.

[9/10]

W had taken a spot on a nearby roof top. He continued to fire off arrows. Occasionally, an enemy would charge him, some how managing to climb the building. With as many people as their were, there wasn't any doubt he was missing a few of them under his watchful eye. His main concern had been watching both the main on the opposite roof top, as well as his kage. His chakra arrows had been firing all around him, taking off those who tried to attack him from behind. Even if they didn't hit, they would slow them down enough for the boy to take them out himself. As he fired his shot, the arrow would hit his target, causing him to fall with a thud. He took a look at the other roof top. The man was gone. Where..? Looking wildly, his search was interrupted. A man had manage to climb the building too the rooftop. Ducking his head to the wild blow, W tackled the man, throwing him down. Bringing his weapon down like a blunt club, W hit the man across the face. As he went down for another hit, he felt a sharp pain hit him in the side. Doubling over, he felt blood coming from his side. A Kunai, one of his in fact, stuck out his side.

The two laid on the roof slowly moving around, trying to shove the other to the ground. His medical knowledge told him not to remove the weapon. While it was there, it slowed the bleeding. But it was hurting him every moment it lingered. Gripping his bow, he pulled back on the string wildly, and let it go. He felt a zap of his chakra leave, and heard the now all too familiar sound of flesh tearing, mixed with the smell of burnt flesh. He laid still for a moment, wincing at the pain. That is when he heard it. Something big just happened. Chakra was heavy in the air. Biting back a curse, he forced his body up in the best position he could. The boy had done some indescribable jutsu work and he missed it. Under his foot, laid the mess of a man he couldn't identify. The looks on the faces of the now still mob seem in disbelief. Was that perhaps their target? God he hoped so.

Before any of them moved, W called out to the remaining crowd.
"The rest of you don't have to die!" He stood up slowly, his mask slightly torn, and blood stained. "It is over. Our target is dead. More then half of your comrades died for the will of this mad man! Whats more, the died against two men! One who is nothing more then a child! A Sub par ninja and a child nearly eradicated one of the strongest gangs in the country! Even if you kill us, do you think the village won't send another team, this one probably stronger and more prepared to finish the job? Save yourselves, and just go home! Live decent lives and be thankful you who survived didn't have to forfeit your lives for a lunatic who cared nothing for you." The responses on their faces differed from man to man. Eventually however, one dropped his weapon and turned. Slowly, another followed, then another. Soon they all were leaving, occasionally sending back looks in their directions. W held his bow up just in case.

When at last it was just himself in the boy, he dropped the weapon, and fell back to the roof top.
"Sir..I think i am gonna need help over here.." W said softly. Applying pressure to the wound, he used his free hand to remove his equipment. It wasn't deep, but it was deep enough in his side to still cause concern for bleeding out if he didn't take care of it now.
"Can we finally take a tactical retreat?"

[Baek]

Staring dumbly into space, Baek barely registered W’s negotiation with the remainder of the thugs. They had been teetering on the precipice of retreat and it seemed the man’s sentiments finally swayed their minds to the cause of giving up. One by one the men left, their eyes furtively glancing in Baek’s direction where beneath the heel of a child one of the two great gangster bosses of Aokusa lay. It was a long time before Baek felt that the streets became lonely and his mind wandered to the moments before he'd so brutally ended the life of the man at his feet. Images of what might have portions unseen: a child waiting for their father to come, a wife expecting her husband to walk through the doors even knowing what he did for a living. As the Void slipped from his consciousness he felt the wave of emotion bath him in a series crippling insinuations that he fended off for the moment out of sheer necessity of not wanting to shed tears.

Once the area cleared completely leaving Baek and W alone, the ANBU called from where he was perched upon a nearby rooftop. It was the first time Baek had heard him since they had broken free of the ambush in the inn; if he had said anything prior, the words had gone unheard. “Can we finally take a tactical retreat?”

The question startled Baek out of his stupor and though he found the blatant opinion given on his ideals a bit distasteful he couldn’t help the small smile that curved his lips softly as he finally removed his foot from atop Akio’s corpse. One last look at the man left Baek with a withering impression of a man who had so meticulously plotted to ambush two ninja of Kusagakure despite what that meant. Baek turned towards W’s location and with a quick glance caught sight of the upturned concrete and the broad, black streaks where his lightening had scoured the earth deeply; the aftermath’s repair would likely cost the city no small sum. With a shake of his head he tried to block out what the recounting of this venture would lead to once the council caught wind of his activities.

Looking back towards the roof where his man, loyal to the very end, was resting he was also quickly reminded of whom he had supporting him as kage when the time came. “I guess it’d be pointless to start worrying about the council with such fierce allies at my side.” Somehow the words seemed to numb the pain radiating from his muscles and several cuts, especially the crude line etched into his left cheek from Mitsura’s ambush. When he finally managed to scale the wall and join W atop the roof he allowed fatigue to drag him down, dropping first onto his rump before falling flat on his back so that his gaze was directed to the clear, blue skies of the city.

Burnt flesh smells and the stuffiness of the remaining electromagnetic field lingered in the air, but beneath the gleaming sun and the silence after the chaos of battle Baek welcomed these things as friend. Besides he’d never realized just how blue the city’s skies were as a child. Above, clouds floated listlessly, completely unaware of the war that had just been waged beneath its banner. As with all things concerning men and their quarrels, we remain relatively unimportant to nature, right Urouge-sempai? Thoughts of his teacher reawakened an ancient wound and his hand moved upon reflex to rest upon his chest before he knew what he was doing. Trying to change the focus of his thoughts Baek rolled his head to face W’s direction and that was when he saw the stream of blood flowing steadily from ANBU’s side.

“W-san!” he gasped as he staggered uncertainly to his feet. Not knowing what else to do he tore off what remained of his tattered, white sleeveless shirt and pressed the linen around the kunai to help staunch the bleeding a bit. Firm, lean muscle served as a poor surface to keep the cloth pressed to the wound, but there was nothing else to be done without further instruction; Baek was no medic. A chilled wind raised goosebumps across his exposed shoulders, but his eyes were serious with worry as he examined W’s state. “Tell me what needs to be done—and I don’t want to hear anything other than instructions on how to deal with this until we get to the village hospital; my duty is first to my men before the mission.”

Baek was surprised at the veracity of his words, but he knew that as ANBU W should harbor issues with his line of thinking. So be it, he was no politician seeking position; he was a warrior who had now taken more than enough lives that it was becoming hard to list them in his mind as he had once been able to do.

“Hurry now, tell me what needs to be done” he urged W softly, yet firmly.

[-W-]

Even as the boy joined him on the roof, he did not notice the wound. He was close mentioning it himself when he heard the cry.
“W-san!” Cocking a smile underneath his mask, before grimacing, "Ah, so you've finally noticed. I was beginning to worry you were just gonna let me bleed out." He said in a dull voice. "Glad I was mistaken." He said finishing. Shifting his body slightly to face the boy, he heard him talking. Before he even finished, W was letting out a wheezing laugh.

“Tell me what needs to be done—and I don’t want to hear anything other than instructions on how to deal with this until we get to the village hospital; my duty is first to my men before the mission.”
"No worries. At the moment, I'm more concerned with my life then the mission." He chuckled again pressing on the cloth he had applied to the wound. "I haven't been an ANBU ninja long enough to think my life is worth nothing. I'd die for a successful completion of the mission, not a half done one." Pushing himself up higher, he pointed to the ground.
"First take me there, and place me in the darkest corner you can find. "I can make straps of cloth out of the earth, and tie them around the wound to help slow the bleeding while you are gone."

He waited to be helped back to the ground. While he sat back down, he performed the jutsu causing long strips of cloth to be formed out of the earth. Wrapping them around the Kunai, he could see the blood flow slow a little.
"The next part is on you. You will need to locate the City hospital. The Medical corp keep a detachment of medical ANBU ninja there at all time in the case of war, or a natural disaster. A member of my team is there now. She is very good and won't ask any questions about what happened. I would trust her with my life." The statement caused him to chuckle. "No pun intended." He said just in case the boy didn't understand why he was laughing.

"Her code name on the team is A. But her name is Maiko. She is young, very attractive..even if you can't see her face. Shouldn't have any problem finding her." Drawing his sword, he gave it to him. "Just in case.." The worn handle was placed in his hands. It felt weird to be on the other side of his blade. He placed his bow on his lap.
"I'll be fine..I don't think anyone is gonna come around for a while..not after the noise we made."


ooc: Maiko(A) is a made up character i use when i solo training, or missions by myself. Her personality, or the way i alwats did it, is kind of bubbly. Not childish, but happy. She is around 20, i always pictured her with short hair, brown. Just incase you wanna rp as her. Bet you were wondering how I was gonna heal myself with out medical techs weren't you? So glad i mentioned my "team" was off a month ago. =D