Darkness Within [Quest][Katsu]

[|Ayame Unbound|]

She shook her head with a sad smile, clearly pitying the man. "You misunderstand. Put yourself in the shoes of those causing this. You carry a myriad of weaponry and walk strongly down the path. It is clear you mean business. You carry no goods to trade. Do you think this is how the ones you seek appeared?" She asked, her voice showing frustration that he did not understand what she was saying.

[Deleted]

Ah, it had happened again. A breakdown in communication. It always did at some point, for Katsu at least. Whenever he summoned up a spirit to ask for advice there was always a point where either him or the spirit couldn't understand the other. Whether it was because they were simply from different times or if being dead shifted one's point of view too far, it always happened.

In this case though it seemed that it wasn't Katsu that was at fault. "I understood needing to simply appear as someone else, Madam. It is the warning at the end that I responded to. 'You may lose yourself along the way.' What did you mean if not what you said, Madam?" Katsu would ask in polite tones, already beginning to think ahead of what kind of person he was going to be assuming.

Obviously a merchant was a good idea, but what kind? There were lots of things that the land of Frost and Lightning wanted that came through Hot Springs, and Katsu should probably have something that might attract the attention of the people or things making people vanish. Katsu would have to search around the town he was in for.. No wait.

"Ah, pardon me Madam, but I have another question this time. Do you know of a merchant who is in this town that hesitates to take his wares north because of the recent incidents? One who might be willing to pawn of his good cheaply just to break even and move on? I know it's a long shot but if anyone would know it's a spirit like you madam." Katsu gave a boyish smile, meaning what he said. Hopefully he would be able to just assume the persona of a merchant and go with that.

SPOILER: Click to show

2 Rounds left for Reaching Beyond

[|Ayame Unbound|]

She smiled cryptically at his first question and gave no answer. At the second question she closed her eyes and searched her thoughts. "Arano in this country may be able to help you." She explained. "Though he is hopping mad at what is happening."

[Deleted]

It seemed that Katsu's best lead was a person named after prairies or the wilderness. Well at least it was a direction. This mission really was beginning to irk Katsu. So far he'd traveled through two countries and questioned people in two different towns, and still had to resort to the supernatural just to try and get somewhere. Katsu was beginning to think this particular mission was beyond him. Not because of the disappearances, but because it seemed ridiculously hard to gather any facts on what he was actually doing at this point.

Also, when even the dead couldn't immediately locate someone that meant there was something serious happening. It took a lot to be able to hide things from the dead, but chakra based barriers laid down by a true expert could do it. If said person was at fault for the disappearances Katsu wasn't sure he was up to the task of taking them down. Katsu contemplated of returning to Kaminari and requesting assistance, as this was seeming as if it might turn out to be more than just a B rank mission and thus required the attention of the Anbu or Jounin. Yet he didn't, at least not yet. It was one of Katsu's first missions as a Chuunin and certainly his first mission given to him directly by the Daimyo of Lightning. He also needed to be able to give more information as to why he was requesting assistance than some vague feelings and information from a source most believed did not exist.

Katsu bowed to the Lady politely, "I thank you for your assistance madam. I wish you farewell and good fortunes in the afterlife." Once the Lady had returned to her rest Katsu would begin to search out Arano, first assuming a form of a brown haired green eyed portly merchant looking adult without any weaponry, via the Henge technique. Then Katsu would move out to politely inquire as to the location of Arano, as he has been expected farther north and there are people worried over his status. If need be Katsu would simply reuse the Henge technique to keep his appearance as that of a merchant.

SPOILER: Click to show

As a B Class, Katsu can remain in Henge for up to 30 minutes without refreshing the duration via another use


Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)
Rank: "E"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A technique used to change into people other than oneself, but also has the ability to change into animals, plants, and even inanimate objects like weapons.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: Unable to change into any size category larger than the user. May not change into anything that is smaller than Tiny size category (1 foot). Unable to change their voice. Unable to change their sense of smell. Unable to change their chakra signature. Once the user is hit this technique is dispelled.
Description: Using this technique, the user assumes the form of a creature of same
size category as they are or smaller. User may freely designate the specifics of his new form
(such as height, weight, hair texture and color, skin tone, etc.) User doesn't change their movements, nor handseals speed. In the new form user keeps all their normal abilities unless they use a limb or body part that doesn't exist within the current form. This means the user cannot use any technique unless the body form allows it. User may create equipment so the new form may carry so long as they are not complicated items, or use Chakra (Master Crafted Items, Gadgets, Explosives, Summoning Scrolls, etc). User is not automatically proficient in them and their physical strength is not the same as the item. Any part of the body or piece of equipment that is separated from the whole reverts to its true form. Technique lasts 10 minutes per Class level.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu Technique.

[|Ayame Unbound|]

People eyed the camel wearily as it cried out, the sound seeming like a high pitched laugh. They explained that Arano was hopping mad that this was not resolved and thus he was unable to go and unload his wares. One man pointed wearily to a tavern. It seemed the man had been drinking himself stupid in an attempt to drown his sorrow.

[Deleted]

[OOC: I'm gonna ignore the camel as I have no idea why it's just suddenly here again. It got left back in the last town and no mention was made about it following me.]

Katsu would have little other option but to simply heads towards the tavern while thanking those that had pointed him in the right direction, and as Katsu would step into the tavern he would look around the common room to see if he might find this irate merchant.

[|Ayame Unbound|]

[It showing up and acting was the re-appearance so yes, it's there]

The camel would continue to wail as it followed him to the tavern. It would hang back as Katsu walked into the tavern but it would continue its laughing wail. Few patrons were in the bar. One sat at the bar, muttering to himself as he drank. He was an overweight man, cheeks stained red from the drink and obesity. He took no notice as Katsu entered but the bartender offered a nod and waited for him to approach.

[Deleted]

[Exit]