Matatabi Zangai [P]

[acids]

The final stages of the lengthy Vine Octopus remained as Akaza turned away from Kenji to gather the herb. The silvery Megillos was slowly placed into the fist-sized hole on the ninja's chest.

"Theeeere. Should you ever need to replace the herb, alls'ya gotta do is open the cavity on your chest aaaannd," he scratched his head as the vines in Kenji's chest began to close in around the common plant, "uh, oh. Yeah, all you have to do is open the vines around the herb, toss it and viola. But you do lose the effects of the plant, though. That's why I stick to one thing and use its powers, maaaan." Akaza wiggled his fingers before Kenji, now waiting for the effects of the herb to slowly become apparent within the boy. He would nod several times, noting his medical efficiency and how decently the wounds had closed up. Nobara waited behind, waiting to teach Kenji the basic technique in how to control the vines and maybe a hidenjutsu or two.

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 1

This was the end? Kenji guessed that wasn’t so bad, the flap of skin was reattached to his body, and through the use of some high level medical Ninjutsu his wounds began to heal. This process took a few minutes as the medic would have to focus her attention between the original tasks of preventing the boy from bleeding out, and healing the wounds, clearly she was highly skilled at her job. The first wound to be healed was his forehead, probably because it was the closest to her.

The skin started to net together, as the green hued chakra started to saturate it. The effect was akin to turning back time, Kenji was aware however that this technique served to only amplify his own body’s regenerative capacities. It was a fundamentally different way to heal someone to the method he personally used, if the subject did in fact have a particularly slow regenerative rate this technique would be all but useless.

However, the herb method that Kenji used would always have an effect, the problem was this was more of a flat rate, the subject’s regenerative rate made no difference at all, so for someone who had uncanny regeneration like the offspring of a troll—which for some strange reason was becoming less of a rarity and more of the norm—the chakra method would reap more of a result.

Kenji couldn’t help but wonder what the end result would be if you combine a healing herb with the use of a medical Ninjutsu, he had personally never seen it attempted, as a result he could only assume there was some reason why they avoided it? That being said ninjas were relying more and more on the effects of herbs, and the drugs that could be derived from them, from the solider pill, to the aptly named blood clot pill.

As he pondered this simple question the girl would have already started work on the other effected parts of his body, namely his fingers. Each one was sliced to ribbons, and given their small size they appeared to be almost unsalvageable. Never the less the girl pressed on, the skin started to net back together, the muscle grouping and pulling back into line. All the time the skin and the layers of flesh below it were being inter woven with the vines anchoring them firmly in place.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 2

This didn’t stop the convulsions, as the vines were still wriggling around only now it was more visible on the account of his fingers not being bloody messes that looked like something from a warzone causality. He was starting to come to terms with the effects of the vines and how they would change his life.

Presumably the vines either feed on his blood, or his chakra. The two attendants had yet to inform him which, not that it mattered. As if it had been the blood the plants needed, his body would simply adjust to produce more, in the same way someone produces more blood the larger they get. It wasn’t rocket science! And had the vines started to consume his chakra he could only presumable a similar set of events would happen, then again his chakra supply was so vast that he doubted it would make much difference.

The last part of the body to be healed were the balls of his feet. Once again the green chakra seeped into his body, argumentation his regenerative rate so that his feet would recover in a matter of minutes rather than the weeks that it would have normally taken. Kenji couldn’t help but feel a degree of envy, although he was a qualified doctor he had no aptitude for the medical Ninjutsu he was unable to use it at all.

He had always found it quite strange given that he had a fairy high degree of control over his chakra, and even had the wood nature which was commonly linked with life manipulation—as unlike any of the other elements you were quite literally giving life to the nearby environment. He decided not to ponder on it any longer, nothing he could do would change this fact of life short of a divine blessing.

Instead he went to stand back to his feet, only to discover that his bindings still remained quite tight, what on earth was going to happen now? Apparently the ritual wasn’t over yet, in fact it was just getting to its climax. Chakra was poured into the vines completely saturating them with a mixture of Kenji’s and the person performing the technique, though this they would control the growth of the vines manipulating them so that they would rapidly expand within his body.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 3

The horror of this process was of course only increased as this was actually a technique that Kenji knew. He knew by the hand seals what was to come next, as the man started to pull the vines into uniform lines he couldn’t help but moan, they were after all attached to his muscle fibres and chunks of his flesh. It seemed that this whole process was required so that he would be able to manipulate the vines at a later date.

Up until this point Kenji had failed to notice that there was actually a small hole at the place of all the wounds, the exception being his chest, this had effective matted over with just pure vines. He now looked even more like Uchiha Madara, all he needed to do was give these vines a face and he would be the genuine article.

His previous question of how the vines got their energy was soon answered as he could feel them growing inside him, linking into his chakra system as they started to become engulfed in his chakra. It was at the point that a somewhat strange reaction occurred, the plants started to rapidly mutate inside the child’s body, growing at a rapid rate one actually emerged from his right index finger, another from his left foot.

Both of these vines were thick, and warped by Kenji’s spiritual energy, it seemed that they had succumb to the effects of his Venomous Addition being warped from a natural looking vine into a thick exotic and poisonous version. Multiple barbs lined the tendrils which obviously caused the young boy significant pain as this was presumably repeated on the inside of his body as well.

Kenji was oblivious, but apparently this wasn’t a normal occurrence, instead it signified that his vines would be able to accommodate higher levels of herb. Normally the vines would expel herbs above that of a common rarity, they were unable to adapt their molecular structure to accommodate the herbs special qualities. On this occasion however Kenji’s vines had been able to rapidly adapt to their hosts vast source of power allowing them to rapidly mutate in more ways than one.

SPOILER: Click to show

Dokudokushii Tashimae (毒 加) Venomous Addition
Rank: D
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Warps creations from Mokuton no Jutsu into something exotic and poisonous.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: By manipulation of Mokuton no Jutsu, it becomes possible to change what should be healthy vegetation into a deadly, exotic and poisonous creations. Not only does the creation become poisonous, but its appearance makes it more alluring, causing a few of the weak minded to be sucked into its trap.
Limit: Grass Nin Technique. Must have Mokuton no Jutsu.

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 4

The vines continued to grow, apparently they were no longer controlled by the manipulation technique, progressing to a stage that transcended outside manipulation akin to how Kenji couldn’t control the other clan members vines, nor could a sand user control someone else’s sand. Yet Kenji was still unable to control them as they continued to rapidly expand, slicing his skin from the barbs.

Perhaps this was a combination of the inexperience and pain, a deadly cocktail that for the time being didn’t allow him to control the symbiotic relationship. This was to eventually develop to a mutualism style relationship between the two parties, both aiding each other. For the moment however the vines would instinctively try to protect Kenji, binding around his body.

Of course this would inadvertently cut his skin, as the vines attempted to create some manor of armour for the boy, akin to Tobi from the Naruto series. The excess vines simply trailed of his body as they continued to expand. Pulsing through his small body as a small forest was starting to be created inside the room.

Then all of a sudden the barbs were reabsorbed into the vines, and the tendrils rapidly shot inside of his body. The reason for this was currently unknown to Kenji at least, although it should have been quite apparent to the others, a member of the clan must train diligently to be able to keep the vines outside of their body for a set distance, or even a period of time.

Kenji had exceeded these limits even if it was unintentionally, and as a result the tendrils had been retracted back into his body. They were still pulsating with his body, more so than ever before. Giving the young boy a grotesque appearance. Inch long vines ran across his body, stretching the skin that protected them. “Guys, this is normal right? Because it feels pretty strange” he said as he grimaced.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 5

“Theeeere. Should you ever need to replace the herb, alls'ya gotta do is open the cavity on your chest aaaannd,”

As the man spoke the spiral like formation on Kenji’s chest would open like a flower in bloom, revealing a small pulsating part of the herb, this was presumably the ‘heart’ of the creation. Kenji observed the process to the best of his abilities, his eyes would record the whole process inside his memory palace should he ever need to perform this process on himself in the future.

As readily as the vines had opened they once again shut, only this time in a fashion more akin to a slam. They rapidly closed as if the tendrils were greedily feasting upon the herb the man had inserted, Kenji could feel some type of effect happening, as if a ripple was being released and the epicentre was the vine heart. Clearly the vines were sucking the genetic makeup from this herb.

Before long the genes from the herb were starting to modify the vines, they started to contort as they changed in appearance to be similar to the ‘Megillos’, the herb was named such due to the silver veins which ran through its leaves a train that was soon assimilated into Kenji’s tendrils, they evolved and so did his body, all the veins would change colour, from the greenish blue, to a silverish-white.

“uh, oh. Yeah, all you have to do is open the vines around the herb, toss it and viola. But you do lose the effects of the plant, though. That's why I stick to one thing and use its powers, maaaan.”

This effect was best represented on his eyes, giving off a very striking appearance, the silver contrasted the whites of his eyes, when viewed in combination with his already striking red eyes it gave off an almost inhuman appearance. How interesting, even his own genetic makeup was altered by the effects of the herb, and with it came the enhanced vision.

The difference was as clear as the difference between an old style Television and that of high definition, the clarity that was offered by the herb was incredible, so much so that it took Kenji aback. What other herbs could he assimilate into his vines, perhaps the legendary Oede herb could be used, and they say that it is capable of curing any disease or poison. No the possibilities were endless, the question was what type of herb would he go for?

SPOILER: Click to show

Quoted for reference:
Oede
Rank: Nearly Impossible, Medium
Type: Herb, Rural, Spring, Poison Cure
Effect: An herb capable of curing any disease or poison.
Special: Preparation: 2 weeks ; Duration: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: One of the most valuable and prized of all plants, this bush has leaves that are almost golden in color. These leaves can be dried, but if they are not they will last only 2 weeks. This means the drying process must be begun within an hour of the leaves being picked. These leaves can according to legend cure any disease or poison. Cures within 1 round. Herb consists 8 doses.
Limit: Must know Herbal Knowledge for Rural Regions. 1% chance of finding.
Cost: 84,500 Ryo per herb. 8,450 Ryo per Dosage.

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 6

Kenji could bolster his own abilities through rapid regeneration akin to a troll, argumenta his own strength through a performance enhancing drug, or even go for the standard poison. Either way as nice as this herb was he doubted he would stick to it for so long, after all there were many others that did the same thing but to a higher degree. The only problem was some of them were pretty rare, perhaps this required additional training to obtain?

The effects became increasingly clear as the man waved his finger around, surprisingly enough he had managed to act like a normal person this whole time, minus the sporadic bursts of speech. Which suggested that the whole whimsical appearance was some type of façade, interesting as it was Kenji was still in too much pain from the bruising to put much thought to it.

For the time being he would patiently wait for the bindings to be removed and presumably to be given the all clear by the two people, after all he would have no idea whether this was a successful application of the vines, nor how to control them. Presumably some manor of initiation ceremony was also to be issued? The whole thing was very knew to Kenji, he wasn’t aware of how the clan was structured, but he was sure he was soon to find out.

“So that’s it right? I’m good to go?”
He pulled his chess forward making an audible crack as from his shoulders, releasing the tension that had been building up in them for quite some time. The whole ordeal had felt like it had taken several hours, and by now he was ready to have a good meal and recuperate. He sensed however that this wasn’t to be an option, instead he would presumably have to learn some basic techniques to better control his vines else risk murdering everyone on a whim.

The tendrils were now starting to become dormant, settling down and now longer wriggling under his skin. Even their size was diminished, to make them less visible, of course clothing would disguise them altogether at a later date. He had no intention of leaving the bud on his chest exposed ether unlike many of the other clan members, he had no interest in showing his enemies his abilities before a battle had even started.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

0-70, Vine Octopus, post 7

Kenji’s mind raced with all the possibilities, having a living plant inside him could afford him all manner of advantages over a run of the mill ninja. One in particular was the ability to use these vines as a sensory devise, tendrils could be burrowed into the earth to detect minute vibrations which would indicate an attack from below? Or even as an anti-flanking technique, this would improve Kenji’s already uncanny defence to god like levels.

Then of course there was the offensive capabilities of the herbs, they could be used as all manner of weapons the simplest being a piecing attack akin to a spear. Of course Kenji already had some experience with generic vines, and using them for elaborate attacks, one battle strategy was to get the vines to tunnel under the ground attacking an opponent once they jump to the air making avoiding the attack all but impossible.

Perhaps this could be further built on with the ritual vines, after all he could only assume they would have increased dexterity as well as the properties of the herb he was using, should this be a toxic variety then it would prove fatal to all but the most battle hardened ninjas, or those accursed soul casters. Their limp body could simply be dragged under the earth a crushed like a grape. With the power nobody could stop him?

Hmm, that was the thing. There seemed to now be a weakness towards fire, or at least Kenji could only assume there would be given the vines were bioorganic. The wood style shared this weakness, but perhaps the clan would have discovered some way to get around it? Or at the very least reduce its effectiveness to basic levels.

Perhaps flowers could even be created from the vines, the Rafflesia Arnoldii, or more commonly known as the corpse flower, was a type of plant which actually bloomed from vines, perhaps this could be incorporated into one of the clan techniques, to create toxic gases? Presumably the user would be immune to its effects, a terrifying area of effect technique given that most ninjas held no defence what so ever against deadly poisons, aside from the occasional gas mask.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[~Emi~]

All the posts could use a little more length, and who is uchiha madara ?

+63

[Deleted]

63-70, Vine Octopus, post 8

Although Kenji had previously assumed that ritual was over he was in fact incorrect, the physical part; the operation was indeed over but inside his body a change was still occurring the fibres of the vines were rapidly evolving to better adapt to their hosts body. The first notable change was of course the white veins spanned not only through the vines but also his body.

This adaption meant that they would actually be able to cope with higher levelled herbs, currently they could hold the uncommon variety; even this was somewhat of an oddity, at least for a new member to the clan, the majority of people gaining this ability after years of training. Perhaps this was due to his mastery over the paper master? Maybe it was another gift from god?

It didn’t matter either way, Kenji made a small prayer to his god thanking her for protecting him during the ritual. As the vines continued to evolve, this next stage of evolution allowed for the adsorption of rare herbs. A remarkable feat for someone of his age, but then again this type of situation wasn’t uncommon when it came to Kenji, he had a remarkable gift for not only learning techniques in split seconds but also adapting to situations.

These new reinforced tendrils were stronger than before, their genetic makeup changed from something akin to a Kudzu vine to more of a Grape vine, and this next stage of evolution was changing them towards a Liana style. As any keen botanist knew the vines of a Liana were massive, easily able to hold a humans body weight.

Question was could anyone pick up on this rapid mutation? After all they had initially set out to give Kenji just a generic set of vines right? That was what he had thought, but these seemingly odd occurrences seemed to be happening repeatedly, which was making Kenji start to doubt that this man really was so whimsical after all.

OOC: Uchiha Madara is a big bad character in the Naruto slice of life manga, doesn't your character read it? Also can someone do the transaction please, 52,000 total cost. Will be trading both my herbs for 25,550, should leave 1,909 on my account once the missions from here are taken into account.

SPOILER: Click to show

Tamariske [Selling two]
Rank: Uncommon, Colossal
Type: Herb, Rural, All Seasons, Heal
Effect: A large tree capable of healing Light wounds.
Special: Preparation: 2 weeks ; Duration: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: They are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees growing to 1 to 18 meters in height and forming dense thickets. Tamariske are characterized by slender branches and grey-green foliage. The bark of young branches is smooth and reddish-brown. As the plants age, the bark becomes bluish-purple, ridged and furrowed. The leaves are scale-like, 1 to 2 millimeter long, and overlap each other along the stem. They are often encrusted with salt secretions. The pink to white flowers appear in dense masses on 5 to 10 centimeter long spikes at branch tips. This herb will cleanse Light wounds, removing all infection within 15 rounds. Herb consists 128 doses.
Limit: Must know Herbal Knowledge for Rural Regions. 50% chance of finding.
Cost: 25,500 Ryo per herb. 196 Ryo per Dosage.

Tsuru Tako - Gurētā (Vine Octopus - Greater)
Rank: "A"
Type: Augmentation
Effect: Equips the user with a set of vines that are capable of absorbing the properties of other herbs of up to "Rare" rarity.
Special: To perform: 1 hour; Duration: Permanent
Drawback: The length over which the vines can operate is limited by the knowledge in the "Vine Length Manipulation".
Description: The ritual "Tsuru tako - kaizen (Vine Octopus - Greater)"is is an improvement of the original. Please see the original for the details of ritual surgery. For profile purposes place both original and any improved ritual of it.
Limit: Must be a Ritualist for Augmentation Rituals.
Cost: Market Price: 35,000 Ryo Performing Price: 26,000 Ryo

[Draven]

+7 acquired

transaction complete

[acids]

The vines that restrained Kenji slowly began to remove themselves as he was placed on his two feet. It was a miracle that he survived the ritual; even more so that he was able to stand. While still within the chamber room, Akaza mentioned something about payment and Kenji noted that it was back with his equipment that he had left at the entrance of the temple. With a shrug, the Zassou man twirled away from the Kusa-nin; Nobara quickly replaced him as she offered him a hand.

"Would you like for me to teach you a basic hiden technique, shinobi? Otherwise, you can learn them on your own. I will give you a book with several fundamental jutsus.. or I can teach you them here."

She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small jutsu book, which held the hidenjutsu. Whether Kenji accepted her offer of tutelage or not depended on how quickly he would be able to leave the place.

"Oh, and most of the other techniques you will be able to figure out on your own.. think of the placement of your vines."

SPOILER: Click to show

Book: Jutsu-Book: Small//

Vine Sensitivity
Rank: "D" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu, Passive
Effect: Allows Zassou members will be able to "feel" with their vines.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot be used in conjunction with Tetsubun Tsukene no Jutsu ("Iron Vines Technique").
Description: Vines are either spread underground or into a solid surface. When someone walks on the surface (or ground), it creates a vibration that can be felt by the vines. This vibration goes to the Zassou member, and the vine is connected to the nerves and let us them know if someone is around the user. Through this they can learn the approximate location of the opponent. The user will be unable to pinpoint exact location or any details about the opponent beyond their general location and general size.
Limit: Must be a Zassou.

Hand Vine Manipulation
Rank: "D" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu; Passive
Effect: Allows a Zassou member to manipulate vines in their hands.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot use hand vines until this technique is learned.
Description: A form of training that allows a clan member to manipulate vines from different portions of their bodies. Because the vines are threaded through the users chakra system, this allows them to control those vines. The Zassou will learn how to send the vines in and out from their hands, as well as how to control them more precisely.
Limit: Must be a Zassou.

Quick Vine (Hayai no Tsukene)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu; passive
Effect: The user send a surge of chakra causing vines to move faster for a short period of time.
Special: --
Drawback: lasts only one round
Description: The user will send a sudden burst of chakra to their vines this will make a quick spurt of energy causing the vine to move at high speeds. The new blinding speed causes the vine to move twice as fast then normal for a small period of time. This is a technique that can be used in conjunction with other techniques and in some cases a base for others. Quick vine only lasts for six seconds(one round) and must repeatedly use extra chakra for continuous use.
Limit: Must be a Zassou.

Tetsubun Tsukene no Jutsu ("Iron Vines Technique")
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: Lets the vines become as harder as rock. This is mainly to cause more damage or to be better protected against attacks.
Special: "Hand Seals"
Drawback: Cannot be used during Vine Sensitivity. Makes the vines extremely heavier then usual. Can only be used with vines that are outside the body.
Description: With this technique the user makes their vines as hard as rock. This will increase the damage done by them by one rank, as well as it raises their defensive abilities by one rank. Because the vines are heavier in this state they will require more effort to move around. Any technique which involves a piece detaching from the vine will not be effected by this jutsu and remain at its normal strength.
Limit: Must be a Zassou.

[Deleted]

“Maybe some other time.”

Kenji would take the book and leave.

--Exit

[lordspooky]

The grotto opened into an entire, large sized space. The canopy above this region of Grass allowed minute lengths of light, and as I looked about, I observed peculiar flora. The natural enclosure was impressive; yet still, I marched onward to the temple itself. On the outside of this queer architectural component, intricate seals and markings had been carved into its surface. I could only fancy at what they meant. I flicked my wrists once, and engaged the fluidity of my senbon bracelet. It would launch an entire slot from each wrist; and stored in my vest had been hundreds more of the malicious needle.

Had worse come to worse inside of this dark fantasy, I had another form to transform into and darker Kedouin techniques at my array. The bow and arrows that I had would really do little for me here, and especially in this form, for it was Sophus who was the archer. I moved on, still, aware of all movements if I could so observe them, however minute.

With a more than worthy repertoire of jutsu at my disposal, I would make for a hard foe to overcome; unless, of course, if there were beings here who come out as legions upon me...

SPOILER: Click to show

Y

[Y]

In the forest, as the lord of shadows approached, a great pulse of energy was felt by all the local flora. The huge mass of vines and underbrush was throbbing with life, and twitched slightly as the umbral one made his advance upon the fortified temple. While at first the movements of the forest would be gentle, and seem to be completely unrelated to the newcomer, the rhythm of things would begin to change. Finally, the shapeshifter would feel a vine squirm beneath his feet. Slowly but surely, the vines would begin to retract, changing about, moving to achieve some unseen goal. He was now no more than 40 meters from the temple which he was approaching. His course of action was up to him, of course. But he could sense the hostile intent of the very forest itself. Did he dare challenge Gaia itself?

[lordspooky]

Most peculiar...


As I moved further towards the strange temple, the forest surrounding the environ seemed to react. The flora pulsated---and not as it would when in contact with sunlight. I had to believe that these were chakra-based creations, judging by how they readily reacted to my presence. Slightly entranced, I nearly stumbled over a snaking vine that moved underneath my feet as I stepped further inward.

Sensing that the forest had indeed come alive due to my unfamiliar presence, I could only feel but a small tinge of the strange. Fear was a forlorn aspect of humanity, and a human I hardly was; therefore, I settled on continuing my trek some now thirty meters to the agape opening of the temple.

It was just unfortunate that I lacked both a sword and the Katon release to rid myself of any unnecessary weeds along the way.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sense Motive 37[+35]

[lordspooky]

Still, I moved at my natural pace. The roots of the mysterious temple seemed alive and writhing as I tread across their lengths towards the innards of the strangely marked palace. I shoved my hands into my pockets and sighed: what sort of creatures dwelt here that I could manipulate or torture before carrying on my quest for the Godaime of Konohagakure no Sato?

I kept to my reflexive p's and q's...

SPOILER: Click to show

Y

sense motive = 72
observ = 42