To Kusagakure [Arisu, Shouta]

[The God Damn Otokage]

[/i]

The sun was just setting as she stepped out into the country. Belted upon to her waist were the twin legendary blades. One bore the name Tessaiga while the other was Sasoriken. The blades bound to never leave her side. Her wireless device of course say in her ear. A pouch around her hips held five slots of kunai, one slot of hira-shuriken, two incendiary grenades, three fragmentation grenades. She also carried two spare wireless devices. She also carried a flint and a baseplate compass.

In a rolling bag she carried twenty-nine slots of senbon, a pack of cigarettes, two doses of fire-toad poison, a slot of goo pouches, two slots of lightning tags, eleven soldier pills, a slot of locking tags, and eight slots of large marbles. Over her eyes she also wore rose tinted glasses that were truly lie-detector lenses. It was the simple gear she carried at all times. As she awaited her companions she surveyed the area making sure all was as it should be. It would perhaps come as a surprise to Shouta that Mayu was not inclined to chatter. Not unless she was with one of her very close friends.

In the growing darkness she would reach up and free her hair from the tie. Her dark pink locks cascaded in waves down to the bottom of her rib cage. It was a touch of femininity she rarely showed off but tonight she was feeling quite comfortable and felt no need to deal with the pinching of her hair. Soon they would be on their way and she would have to worry slightly more about pomp and circumstance but for now it was a quiet freedom.[/ul][/font]

[The Creator]

I felt more at ease when I stepped out from under the shadows of the Oto walls. It was not fear that they inspired me to behold but rather a feeling of entrapment: a feeling akin to, perhaps, a kenneled dog. The sun was just setting and cast an orange glow over the sky which I might have enjoyed if I were not traveling with two complete strangers. I, of course, preferred to travel at night and sleep during the day. It was easier to hide in the darkness of night which usually worked both ways, both against the would be assailant and the unwary traveller. But with Tasukeru, the darkness could not hide those who came near me. I, however, could travel in the natural shadow of night.

I thought of voicing this suggestion to the group, that we should travel nocturnally, but I hesitated before I did so. They would immediately assume that I preferred to travel at night and that was dangerous information to give away. Because of this, I kept my mouth shut.

It was often a game I played with traveling companions: who would travel behind. If the companions were wary of one another they would attempt to travel behind the others. Get more than 1 wary of each other and you then had a very slow going because so many were in competition to be behind all the rest. Luckily I had Tasukeru but unluckily I did not have the chakra to support it for such long stretches. I would have loved to travel behind but to do so would give the others the slight that I did not trust them and thus was not to be trusted myself. Not wanting to give away my motives I decided upon stretches of leading with Tasukeru followed by stretches of trailing. And when I trailed, I tended to do so by 30 or so paces given a good sight line of surroundings. My company would probably not appreciate such a ludicrous distance in a forest or at night.

This journey would be a perfect time to attempt to discern information from the kunoichi. Mayu travelled with two companions: both wicked looking blades fastened at the hip. I would immediately assume that she was well versed in weapon combat and was possibly a taijutsu user. Of course, this could be what she would have liked me to assume just to catch me off guard. With such little information present, I couldn't make a conclusion just yet. Arisu, on the other hand, was given the same inspection. The sword belied her alignment with taijutsu but I was still hesitant to draw conclusions.

I carried only the equipment hidden within my bag. A six inch flashlight in particularly dark environments, a bag of 20 tracers (and with that thought I eyed the peacock Arisu was traveling with), 3 Surveillance Spikes and a wireless radio in my right ear which was not yet set to any team frequency. In my bag were also two books for leisure.

"What's the radio frequency?" I asked Mayu who would be, doubtlessly, the one to decide upon it. I wished not to speak at all but it was dire information that could not be found out in any other way I could think of. The consequences of such a question could not be much, either, I figured and was safe enough to ask.

[Arisu]

Fuji-hime on mission!

As Arisu left the gates of Otogakure and marched behind both Mayu and Shouta, she remained fully silent. It would seem as if most of their travels would be in complete silence. Shouta did not speak much. Which did not particularly raise any bells in Arisu's mind. Mayu on the other hand had not shared much more either, but she did not seem as introverted as Shouta. And then there was Arisu herself, taught at a young age to keep her mouth shut, to be beautiful and to be twice as strong as a male to get half as much recognition. She only spoke when necessary. Indeed silence would reign.

Dusting off her black kunoichi uniform she quickly readjusted the emerald and violet scarf she wore around her neck.

In the butt bag above her backside, Arisu had carefully arranged two slotes of Senbon, or 114 individual needles, six kunai, eighty exploding tags and three tear grenades. Before she was told which radio frequency to get on for the good of the mission, Arisu lifted a finger and focused her chakra. Quickly opening the Mind's Eye of the Kagura she scanned the surrounding area, making sure all was safe for their travels.

As always Nijihime stood next to her, the proud peacock was still holding onto the sheathed rapier sword on its back.

SPOILER: Click to show

Mind's Eye of the Kagura
Rank: D, C, B, A, S(10,20,60,90,120)
Skill: Passive
Effect: The basic technique needed in order to learn all Sensor Techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The basic yet complex ability that allows Sensor's to find, sense, and track individuals over a vast range. This ability is done by the user closing their eyes and opening their mind's eye in order to see the advanced chakra systems around them. At A rank and above, Sensors no longer need to close their eyes in order to access their mind's eye. The user of this jutsu can only sense those up to the equivalent class rank of the rank they know. (i.e. If the user knows up to B rank in this jutsu they can sense characters of all the way from D to B rank. The basic range of this technique is ten meters.
Limit: Must fulfill all requirements to become Sensor in order to learn this technique.

Mind’s Eye Extension
Rank: D, C, B, A(10,20,60,90)
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to increase the range of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This technique is passively used to increase the distance of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. At D rank this extends the maximum range of the technique to twenty-five. At every rank after D the distance will double until reaching a maximum range of two hundred meters.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Advanced Chakra Sensing
Rank: D(10)
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to differentiate between chakra signatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This skill is used in conjunction with Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. This passive ability allows the user to differentiate between separate chakra signatures. A person will be able to tell if the chakra is that of a human or an animal. Also once the user sees an individual’s chakra signature once they will automatically recognize that persons chakra signature from then on.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Illusion Sensing
Rank: D, C, B, A, S(10, 20, 60, 90)
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to detect genjutsu.
Special: ---
Drawback: Does not break the genjutsu, only tells the user that a genjutsu is in effect.
Description: This technique allows the user to sense the various fluctuations in the chakra around them. These fluctuations will allow the user to identify that a genjutsu is in play. The user is able to use this technique with the same distance chart as Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. The user need not be affected by the illusion to see it. Also note that the user can only sense Genjutsu of the same rank of this technique. Meaning D rank Illusion Sensing can detect D rank Genjutsu and so on and so forth.
Limit: Must be a Sensor.

Lie Sensing
Rank: C(20)
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to tell when someone is lieing.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot tell exactly what the lie is.
Description: This technique allows the user to tell when someone is lying via the various fluctuations in the chakra around them. These fluctuations in the chakra system stem from the dishonest emotions that are given birth through them not being fully honest. Fluctuations also occur when the opponent may be telling the truth, but leaving out a major detail. Mind's Eye must also be active in order for this jutsu to be used.
Limit: Must be a Sensor.

Clone Detection
Rank: C, B(20, 60)
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to detect clones.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot detect the Onigami clones created by Demonic Illusions.
Description: Due to their sight of the chakra nature and advanced abilities the user is able to differentiate between a clone and a real person. At C ranked the user can sense any clone except those which are learned at the next rank. At A rank the user can sense any and all clones including Kage Bunshin this is because of the advanced sensing abilities that allow the user to differentiate between human and animals.
Limit: Must know Advanced Chakra Sensing.

[The God Damn Otokage]

[/i] allies by connection of Kumogakure but she had a deep seated hated for Fire that she couldn't exactly place. With the quick thoughts she led them south west through towards fire. Darkness was truly falling now. If Mayu was the least bit anxious or worried she did not show it. In fact she let the darkness of the night wrap about her like a blanket. "Just the village frequency. We'll be far enough away that we won't pick up things from Oto." She replied, her eyes never leaving the area around them.

The full moon provided enough light for her low-light vision to kick in. A fact she didn't care to divulge with her companions. It seemed Arisu and Shouta were both quiet companions. Draven wasn't overly prone to chatter but it was nice to have Rahael around. The girl spoke her mind. "I know this is mainly an escort mission but I do want an opinions you guys draw. Obviously we play nice in Kusa, they are our allies. That doesn't mean much though." She didn't say anything more. She trusted them enough to be able to reason out the rest from there.

Change of Kages could mean drastic things to an alliance. And even on the best days an alliance was a piece of paper. Nothing truly prevented them from backstabbing each other.[/ul][/font]

[The Creator]

((Are we going to do REs?))

I would clinch my teeth in a silent anger as my question was answered. I did not know the village frequency but refused to let them know of my ignorance. My companions were quiet, which was bittersweet, as I was hoping for some dialogue between the women. It seemed that I was going to have to wait.

Mayu eventually did speak as darkness began to grow. I would occasionally turn Tasukeru off and on to make sure that the surrounding area was clear. I had clear vision up to 250 meters which I took a special pride in; nobody in Otogakure could match my perception. The chakra drain was low because I had kept it on for only seconds at a time. She was wanting us to draw opinions and give them to her about Kusagakure. From what she told us we were allies but remembering what she had told me in the tower there had been a recent Kage change.

I had prepared to make my own conclusions before she even asked me . Then it was simply a question of how much of my opinion I would share with her. I could have told her right then and there that this alliance would mean shit when it came time to put weight on it but I don't think she would have appreciated the comment. I remained silent.

It looked like it was going to be a quiet night; I had no problem with that.

[Arisu]

Fuji-hime travels!

[OOC:I really need to start rereading my RP posts, I make A LOT of stupid mistakes!]

Without saying anything, Arisu arranged her communication ear piece to the frequency that was required. Tightening the ponytail at the back of her head, she walked somewhere between Mayu and Shouta. She did not really care about the marching order. When Mayu spoke of their mission, the young Tenshu had to give it some thought. The Academy and her personal tutors had all spoken of the different histories and alliances that populated the word of shinobi. Still, regardless of all alliances and diplomacy, could they really depend upon another village? Arisu was unsure, if she was Otokage, she would have trouble wanting to reach out to any other village. Somewhere in history, every village had caused some grief to another. Be it during Chuunin Exams, in real battles or even during instances of war. Still, the blonde kunoichi could not help but realize that she knew so little about the people of Kusagakure, she was eager to know more though.

"I am unsure if it is my place to give my opinion on diplomacy. There are a lot of facts I ignore about Kusagakure." She answered casually.

"Also I am extending my sensing as far as I can, if there is any trouble during our travels I should be able to detect it in advance." She explained to her travelling companions.

SPOILER: Click to show

Mind's Eye of the Kagura
Rank: D, C, B, A, S(10,20,60,90,120)
Skill: Passive
Effect: The basic technique needed in order to learn all Sensor Techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The basic yet complex ability that allows Sensor's to find, sense, and track individuals over a vast range. This ability is done by the user closing their eyes and opening their mind's eye in order to see the advanced chakra systems around them. At A rank and above, Sensors no longer need to close their eyes in order to access their mind's eye. The user of this jutsu can only sense those up to the equivalent class rank of the rank they know. (i.e. If the user knows up to B rank in this jutsu they can sense characters of all the way from D to B rank. The basic range of this technique is ten meters.
Limit: Must fulfill all requirements to become Sensor in order to learn this technique.

Mind’s Eye Extension
Rank: D, C, B, A(10,20,60,90)
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to increase the range of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This technique is passively used to increase the distance of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. At D rank this extends the maximum range of the technique to twenty-five. At every rank after D the distance will double until reaching a maximum range of two hundred meters.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Advanced Chakra Sensing
Rank: D(10)
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to differentiate between chakra signatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This skill is used in conjunction with Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. This passive ability allows the user to differentiate between separate chakra signatures. A person will be able to tell if the chakra is that of a human or an animal. Also once the user sees an individual’s chakra signature once they will automatically recognize that persons chakra signature from then on.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Illusion Sensing
Rank: D, C, B, A, S(10, 20, 60, 90)
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to detect genjutsu.
Special: ---
Drawback: Does not break the genjutsu, only tells the user that a genjutsu is in effect.
Description: This technique allows the user to sense the various fluctuations in the chakra around them. These fluctuations will allow the user to identify that a genjutsu is in play. The user is able to use this technique with the same distance chart as Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. The user need not be affected by the illusion to see it. Also note that the user can only sense Genjutsu of the same rank of this technique. Meaning D rank Illusion Sensing can detect D rank Genjutsu and so on and so forth.
Limit: Must be a Sensor.

Lie Sensing
Rank: C(20)
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to tell when someone is lieing.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot tell exactly what the lie is.
Description: This technique allows the user to tell when someone is lying via the various fluctuations in the chakra around them. These fluctuations in the chakra system stem from the dishonest emotions that are given birth through them not being fully honest. Fluctuations also occur when the opponent may be telling the truth, but leaving out a major detail. Mind's Eye must also be active in order for this jutsu to be used.
Limit: Must be a Sensor.

Clone Detection
Rank: C, B(20, 60)
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to detect clones.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot detect the Onigami clones created by Demonic Illusions.
Description: Due to their sight of the chakra nature and advanced abilities the user is able to differentiate between a clone and a real person. At C ranked the user can sense any clone except those which are learned at the next rank. At A rank the user can sense any and all clones including Kage Bunshin this is because of the advanced sensing abilities that allow the user to differentiate between human and animals.
Limit: Must know Advanced Chakra Sensing.

[Nira]

>_>

Welcome to your least liked country, Otokage-sama.

The Land of Fire awaits.

[The God Damn Otokage]

[The Creator]

For a long time there was silence. Or, rather, silence as silent as nature could allow. A chorus of insects sang throughout the night. Even as we continued our march well after the moon had materialized in the darkening sky the insects kept up their nocturnal song. They would not stop until the daylight brought the more angelic songs of their winged predators.

I was beginning to become drowsy. I was not sure why Mayu insisted on traveling through the night with no rest at all, it was not as if we were making a hard march on a besieged ally; we were simply on a diplomatic mission. Drowsiness came slowly but once I realized that it had taken me it held my attention raptly. As it typically did during enduring nights, it forced an impatience onto me.

Arisu began to voice her own opinion, pining that her opinion mattered little, which it did, and that she was not knowledgable enough to decide one way or the other. Mayu then voiced a similar opinion: she did not know enough. Why had they spoken at all in the first place, only to discuss that they would have to wait to discus it further, eluded me. I mentally scoffed at them. But not even the growing impatience of fatigue pushed me far enough as to vocalize my thoughts. I still did not trust them at all and they were certainly not on their way to earning my respect through showing tact in decision making or clever ingenuousness. I had often thought ninjas were full of the stuff.

Arisu's comment on her ability to sense amused me. I had only recently conjured the thought that I was the best in Otogakure and she seemed to assume that we were in need of her ability. I did not know if she had heard me give my name to the guards, labeling myself as an Onigami, or if she was just ignorant of what the ability of the Onigami allowed. (I need to quit calling myself an Onigami. Too much info.). In any case, I began to slowly move up, in front of Arisu, activating Tasukeru. I had spent too long in the back and would be acting suspicious if I had remained any longer. Still silent, I stumbled slightly, momentarily losing my balance. Ancestors damn them; I was getting tired.. Was I the only one?

SPOILER: Click to show

Tasukeru (Seeing Life) (250 m)
Rank: C, B, A, S (x2)
Skill: Doujutsu
Effect: Allows a full three hundred and sixty (360) degree field of vision and some predictability to physical attacks. Unlike Byakugan, the user sees life in its normal colors during this tech, no details spared. Signs of life, thermal readings and X Ray vision is near perfect. Can also read a determine the difference of a regular shinobi to that of one with a bloodline or if they house any foreign presence by the different chakra waves displayed when observed through Tasukeru. This does not mean one knows the BL right away. Must have encountered the BL before in order to know exactly who they are. The ‘C’ ranked version grants the user up to 50 meters of observing. Each new rank for the Jutsu will add 50 more meters. This can be trained multiple times after all the ranks are achieved in order to add 50 meters onto one’s total. Each extra training is worth an S ranked training.
Special: Although one is born with this jutsu, one must activate the eyes through training.
Drawback: Heavy chakra drain over time, especially when multiple phases of the Tasukeru are accessed. While Taijutsu can be predicted, the Onigami are not designed to have fast twitch muscles. As such, perfect blocking simply won’t happen all the time.
Description: Summoned through will, the scarlet eyes of the Onigami will grow a very vibrant neon red and all life becomes theirs to fully observe. Once activated, the user has a three hundred and sixty (360) degree field of vision, as well as the ability to see into other people’s bloods. For those allied to an Onigami, this jutsu is revered for making the Onigami known as the ultimate scouts.
Limit: Must be part of the Onigami BL.

[Arisu]

Fuji-hime wonders...

Arisu wondered for a moment why Shouta remained so silent. It was true, Mayu and Arisu were not talking at length. It was simply small talk at this point. Still he had still decided to remain silent, not even wanting to reply to anything the Otokage, leader of the Village Hidden in the Sound. She studied him for a moment before he began walking before her and soon she was at the back. Shrugging it off she remained passive with the whole situation. When Shouta stumbled slightly, Arisu reached out, but she quickly revised herself, thinking that as a male he would perhaps not want any help. On top of that he had not truly spoken to her directly.

Instead, the young Tenshu girl kept running behind both Mayu and Shouta. There were now in the Land of Fire. Being a girl that had never left the village, this was definitely as far as she had ever gotten from the Tenshu Domain. For a moment she wondered how her family was. But she corrected that soon enough, her own siblings, parents and other members of family were regularly on missions. They probably did not give a second thought about their family back home.

"Should we camp for the night?" Arisu called out as she rubbed her eyes, willing them to remain alert.

[The God Damn Otokage]

[The Creator]

It wasn't much longer before Arisu had the guts to question the direction of the Otokage by asking to camp. I had not a watch with me but knew that it was well past the hour that marked the boundary between one day and the next and stifled a yawn behind my bone-white mask as she asked it. The question earned her a bit of respect from me though my conscious mind refused to admit it.

Mayu conceded, saying that she really did not want to stay here in Hi no Kuni (is that where we were now?) but that it looked like we didn't have much of a choice. The four of us (the fourth being that strange peacock) walked only a bit further to find a clearing that looked suitable. I took off my backpack and boots, unlacing the thick, black cords to reveal thin, black socks underneath. I chose a place perhaps 5 meters away from the rest of them and set my pack down and rested my head atop it.

Sleeping with my mask was terribly uncomfortable and it was something I hated but I found I had no choice other than to endure the pain for the night. I would rest my hands upon my stomach, fingers interlaced, and close my eyes. I would listen keenly for movement before fatigue tugged me one final time into the spiral of sleep which I was then lulled into.

The night greeted me with uncomfortable dreams.

[Arisu]

Fuji-hime needs her beauty rest!

Mayu accepted the request for camp. Arisu smiled thankfully toward the Otokage. The spot that was chosen was as good as any other. Arisu was just eager to find solace in sleep's embrace. She removed her small bag and nodded toward Fujihime. The peacock slowly lowered itself to the ground, soon looking more like a feathery rock. The young blonde princess smiled toward her animal companion before she lowered herself onto the grassy ground. She dispelled the notion that there were bugs in the grass and that they could creep upon her skin and body. Instead she shut that very thought out of her mind as she closed her eyes and sighed into her living pillow.

"If you need someone to pick up after you, I can do it Lady Otokage." Mayu would not have time to reprimand the young Tenshu girl about her too formal addressing, as she slowly fell asleep, her eyelids too heavy to support. And with that she was soundlessly asleep among the wilderness of the Fire Country. Dreaming of the Tenshu Domain, of its clean sheets and countless servants...

[The God Damn Otokage]

[The Creator]

I turned over in my sleep. Nervous dreams.

[Arisu]

Fuji-hime's night out!

Only the gentle nudge was enough to wake Arisu up. She was uncomfortable enough on the grass, even with Fujihime as her pillow. She sighed before sitting up, the stiffness in her back a powerful reminder of the comfort of the Tenshu Domain. Yes her father and mother were very harsh parents that drove her mad at times and she had to live within strict boundaries and followed etiquette, but at least she had the luxury of a decent bed. "My..." Arisu took a moment to rub the exhaustion out of her eyes. The two hours had been enough to replenish her chakra reserves and energy, but still it always took her a few moments to catch up to the world around her. Even when she woke up, the Tenshu girl was a natural beauty.

"My turn?" She whispered as she bowed her head in acceptance. With that she got up to her feet and stretched her legs out, bending over to loosen up.

[It would please me greatly if we sped this up. All three of us know that this mission is somewhat pointless so it would be great to perhaps return to Otogakure promptly once we learn of the Kusakage's absence? <3]

[The God Damn Otokage]

[The Creator]

Jerked from the black depths of a calm sea, I was awakened. I sat up suddenly, the angst of my dreams permeating the brief moments of that small bridge that connects sleep and waking. My eyes flashed with red light of Tasukeru, only for a brief moment, before reality clapped me on the shoulder. It was Arisu's hand. I groggily sat up breathing the early spring air in with my nostrils. It was cool enough to jog my mind back into a functioning state.

My watch. Right.

I stood up, brushing the grass from my black robes, and took a lap around the camp to get my body working. For the next hours I would be a manifestation of the trust required by ninja villages. How well did the lives I was now protecting know me? Did they know whether or not I was an indiscriminate killer? A bandit? A saint? If I could place such a strong faith in the hands of a stranger then I found that anyone could. Not that I was comfortable with it; that was the well from which those dreams sprung forth.

A black gargoyle in a black night. White mask to top it off. Much akin to a cult, I thought humorously. I waited patiently for dawn to break. My mind buzzed as idle minds did.

[Arisu]

Fuji-hime, the sentinel

"It may be your turn, but I can't fall back asleep." Arisu admitted to Shouta as she returned to sit next to Fujihime, her peacock. She moved her blond curls out of her face as she took in the fresh air of the forest. There was one thing that she could get use to. That was the freshness of the air, its gentle aroma that made her feel so alive, so full of energy even if her body was tired. Her body may have been slightly tired, but the fresh air was enough to wake her and keep her alert. The young Tenshu girl wanted to talk to Shouta, to get to know him. But she was socially awkward, taught that she was above everyone else, it was difficult to get to know other people. She had been told that it was better to not mix in with the regular folk, even if they were shinobi.

Still she had to give it a try. She gently rearranged her long purple and emerald scarf, hiding the lower half of her face within it as she spoke out to Shouta. "Nice...nice weather." She said simply. Unsure what regular folk try to speak of whenever there was no apparent topic.

[The God Damn Otokage]