.With Purpose. -Travel-

[Umehara]

I was restless, it seemed.

Perhaps the power of the Curse Seal had brought my body its inability to simply sit still. Regardless, I moved across the Land of Sound with little more than a single thought that kept me moving forward. My clothing had been completely repaired and replaced through the efforts of the villagers, every item upon my person reflecting my intent as Ambassador. I'd recalled Kusagakure's intentions to ally with Otogakure, and yet we hadn't reached a conclusion on the matter. If Toge thought that he was going to escape the verdict, then I would surely have to reveal to him that he was mistaken.

The Land of Fire approached somewhat faster than I had anticipated. Even in a full day's travel, I was beginning to cover its expanse. My eyes took in the familiar sights in those fleeting moments of thought - I had traveled there before, and I'd marked the map for my destination. I'd performed only a few handseals to retrieve the effects of the kunai compass. With lightning traveling its expanse and its pull allowing me proper direction, I crossed the border and headed toward Kusagakure with resolve.

- Move to Land of Fire -

[Deleted]

Moving.

[Umehara]

"Biding your time until that woman returns, hmm...?"

His voice was a constant reminder of the struggle that I had endured. The small headache that surfaced forced me to wince as I doubled my efforts in moving across the Land of Fire. Meticulously, I placed my feet against every branch upon which I'd land. I jettisoned swiftly over the forestry that this country was known for, its lush greenery doing well to conceal me in the wake of the shadows that cast down toward the edifice below. The scarlet of my mine was only traceable for a breath before I had moved forward, once again using the Kunai Compass technique to light the way toward Kusagakure and its mainland.

Narrowed eyes met with the distance as the afternoon began to roll in, the temperature warm enough so that I might find comfort as I moved along. My hands idly slid along each of my weapons and inventory to ensure that they remained in tact. Soon enough, I'd be crossing over into Kusa and depending on my map and geographical knowledge to see me to the gates and past. It had been a small while since I'd first arrived. Hopefully, Kusa was as hospitable as they'd always been.

- Move to Land of Grass -

[Deleted]

Moving.

[Umehara]

The Land of Grass.

I departed into its expanse, moving toward the village after a good night's rest. Now to resume where I had once left off.

- exit -

[Umehara]

Tendrils of lightning crackled for moments as I allowed its essence to blanket the kunai that would lead me back to the Sound Village. My eyes met the morning, the clouds overhead seemingly much slower than usual as I took to travelling forward to my home. Without much of a brusque pace, I'd decided to take the time and dwell on the alliances with both Kumogakure and Kusagakure. The Sound Five hadn't been in contact with me for a time, though I could only surmise that I was capable of the job without much interference needed from outside force.

I shook my head slightly to free my view of the scarlet tresses that spilled out from my crown. Though it would take longer than my usual trek, I simply enjoyed the countryside and pushed the thoughts of the Curse Seal's constant presence from my psyche. What machinations were planned, I wondered. Burakku remained quiet in the thick of my torment. Perhaps, if I was lucky, the Seal had done away with the control he had once held over me.

The compass directed me toward the Land of Fire. With its forestry on the rise, I knew that my journey had settled into the right timing.

- Move to Land of Fire -

[KoKoKo]

Moving

[Umehara]

The Land of Fire, undoubtedly one of the largest countries that I had had the pleasure of moving across. My footfall was greeted with the soft and lush grass, its fresh dew wetting the bottom of my ninja sandals as they created cadence along the earth. The sheer size of the trees was enough to intimidate those who weren't accustomed to mother nature's bosom. But I'd simply taken the time to shield myself from the midday sun - even one with a heavy heart and mind could enjoy the small things. Pursed lips prevailed as I walked, no sign of life other than myself greeting the seconds it took to move. As was the usual, I would occasionally rest so as to allow my legs their due restoration. I'd even call upon the Curse Seal at times, allowing it to run rampant across my epidermis.

This would, no doubt, speed up the process in which I was able to operate. Sustenance was granted to me via a small restaurant that was out of the way of my travel. But I'd pass up the opportunity to sleep. I'd do so when I returned home, cognizant of the fact that there was a heavy report due to Mayu when I arrived. It was only a matter of time.

- Move to Sound -

[Holy Grail]

Moving

[Umehara]

- exit -

[Umehara]

-- enter

Along the countryside I'd remain, sitting within the lush grass that jut forth from gaia's womb as my eyes took on their indigo appearance. My wrists lay draped along my knees as my fingers clasped together, the scarlet mane at my back flowing with the gentle winds. Slated orbs watched as the trees and the shrubbery moved to and fro. Deep in thought, I allowed it to carry me to an absence of mind while I waited for the night to fall.

[Umehara]

Exit.

[Umehara]

- enter -

A thorough meal rest within my stomach as I traveled the expanse of the country. Sipping leisurely from a small gourd that fit into the palm of my right hand, the refreshing drink allowed me to weather the miles that it took for me to travel through the rice fields at a fairly decent pace. Boots pushed roughly into the emerald blades below as my scarlet mane was pushed to the back of my shoulders. The seemingly endless fields were an open ground to those who would spy my person, but luckily I was more than prepared with the Sensor's Perception actively taking role in my mentality. I would pass no one in particular as I moved, every footstep bringing me closer to a past that was beginning to show itself and awaken within. Burakku was dormant - that much, I could be thankful for. An apathetic mindset was all that I could muster in my travel. And upon looking at my map, it was clear that Hi No Kuni was my intended destination.

Every so often, I checked the kunai of lightning that acted as my compass. The pull of the edge signified that I was surely headed in the right direction, careful fingers allowing it no artificial maneuvers from granting me proper channels with which I could rely on. Soon enough, the lush forestry of Hi No Kuni would be upon me.

- Move To Hi No Kuni -

[~Emi~]

Moved~

[Umehara]

The forest was an appropriate shade compared to the openness of Oto's rice fields. I would even begin to pick up my speed as I traversed the terra. The shade allowed me complete secrecy as my eyes scanned back and forth across the nooks and crannies of the countryside. At every corner, there was opportunity. At every tree trunk, there was a shroud of mystery. A ninja was hardly unaware of such threats. In that regard, I kept my left hand clasped around the handle of the Apashi blade as my feet carried me up and through the branches. Th thick bark was more than capable of holding my weight as my lithe form moved through the greenery. The wind sailed and whipped about me, allowing me to retain my endurance through the journey. If nothing else, I could mildly enjoy the feeling of nature's gale passing through my locks.

Every so often, the blink of my eyes would reveal the Sharingan Eye. Scarlet poured out and along my iris as the tomoe presented themselves. Even my peripheral vision was checked, quick scans to my eastern and western flanks a thorough attempt to ensure that none were following me. Fortunately, the day's journey would end at a small, inconspicuous inn that I could inhabit for the night. Little was spoken to anyone as I took my night's worth of rest. For in the day afterward, I would begin my journey once again.

Oddly enough, the notion to explore had suddenly washed over me as I arose and began my trek toward the country's border. There had been only a single place that I had not dwelled, a single country that had not been explored. And so I would change my destination slightly, my full speed and energy allowing me to dash along the ground beneath the overhead.

Ame No Kuni awaited me.

- Move to Ame No Kuni -

[~Emi~]

Moved ~

[Umehara]

The rain was refreshing, to say the least.

- exit -