[4] Kazekage Tower

[Deleted]

[Of Monsters And Men]

I listened to the ninja and took in his words. My senses were so honed that if he were to tell a lie I would be able to read it in his face or hear the beating of his heart pick up. He told no such lie, he circumvented the need to speak openly by giving me a political answer. But there was something that this young ninja was not telling me and that was his perspective. He was more nervous of my reprisal than he was of the quality of the job he had performed. This was a teachable moment.


"If those girls were attacked. Tonight. By a rapist or a serial killer. After your lessons do you believe they are physically or mentally ready to defend themselves?" I asked plainly. I knew the answer. Of course not. How could they be? But what I needed this young ninja to realize was the importance of these missions. "I want you to learn this lesson now, from myself, so you never need to learn this the hard way. Teaching is more than just learning the movements. It's about understanding and conveying the importance of the lesson at hand. Lupe, if one of those girls was attacked, murdered or raped right now it would haunt you for the rest of your life. You'd forever question if you could have taught them more or poured more effort into it. If they are unwilling or incapable to understand the severity of your training, if they can't process it themselves then you need convince them."


I was done lecturing. With the mission done the ninja would be free to take on another task. "You may perform another solo mission or you should seek out Eijuu or Masar. Both of them are young Genin like yourself. Also before you go. I need you to mold some of your chakra into this piece of paper." I asked as I held out a VIVRE tag in front of him. This would allow me to monitor his health and condition from afar wherever he may go.

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[clawskidna]

        His eyes flickered to the floor. “C-commander. Yes. Of course.” He was right. I lost focus. The allure of a world that didn’t belong to me clouded my judgement. I can’t lose my head every time an attractive villager flashes a smile at me. I am a shinobi now and this is my duty, this is what I’ve always wanted and I can’t slack now. Lupe wasn’t used to constraints and discipline. He spent all his life doing as he willed when he willed, neither man nor law containing him, and he wasn’t accustomed to such responsibility. “I understand. I’ve seen the worst of what lurks in the shadows of this village and I should have done a better job making sure my students would be prepared. I’d never be able to live it down if I let something happen to someone when I could have prevented it.” Releasing his eyes from the floor, he focused his chakra into his palm and placed it onto the tag Shiki held out for him. It’s like he can read my eyes and now he wants my chakra as well. “Sir, if you don’t mind, I’d like one more solo mission, C-rank this time. I feel like it would be beneficial for me to really get a sense of being a shinobi now. Once I’ve returned it would be an honor to meet and possibly embark on missions with my Genin comrades.” I must test myself once, alone. I also need to see where my compatriots rank in strength. I can’t let myself fall behind.


Next Mission:

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Escort the Middle Class

Rank: "C"rank

IIC Length: 2 days

Difficulty: low

Objective: a group of fairly wealthy people need protection on their journey.

Description: carpenters and merchants alike transport goods from one place to another. It is also just as common to have those goods coveted. Protect the middle class merchant/craftsman/citizen at all costs. Their goods drop location will vary depending on information you are given by the informant at the beginning. So attention to detail and directions are important here. Also if any of the merchandise is damaged the ninja or team will be responsible for their replacement. This mission may be taken by one ninja of any rank or a team consisting of up to four members (one Captian). This mission may be repeated after 1 real life week!

Reward: 30,000 Ryo

[Deleted]

[Another Grain Of Sand]

I saw the message had resonated with him. That was enough for me. I nodded as I looked over his mission. I waved my fingers once more and burned my seal of approval into the mission. "Good to go." I said as I sent him off on another mission


"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Deleted]

[The battle begins]

A Small ninja dog summoned from the gate guard would run into the office and wait patiently with a holodisk in its mouth. Inside of it was a recording of a recent encounter at the gate. While normally the Jounin commander was the one who dealt with disciplinary measures. There were some special circumstances where the Jounin Commander would be unable to respond to this. Rather the Kazekage would need to deal with this herself it would seem. The holodisk would show some small video recording with audio of the entire conversation between a Genin and the Chuunin gate guard tasked with defending the gate by the Jounin Commander Shiki Senri.

The holodisk would reveal the following encounter:

narutoforumrp.proboards.com/post/1074818/thread

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

[enter.]

If allowed past the gates that guarded the tower, then Valerys Kedoin would enter and be welcomed to the sight of a place that she had not seen in a long time. True, when she was gone Valerys had not been sure if she would ever see it again -- there had been some close calls afterall. Inside the tower Valerys could see the usual faces, ninja and others connected to the Kazekage moving around and fulfilling task. How Valerys did not envy them... She did so hate sitting inside of an office instead of doing field work. As she entered, Valerys would be sporting her usual appearance but wore a different outfit since she may be meeting with the Kazekage. Instead of a tight, skin red outfit like she normally fitted to her body with her Kedoin abilities, today Valerys would be wearing a black and white dress and a bowtie in the back of her auburn hair. Her Sand Village headband swung at her neck, fastened below her hair. It felt more appropriate to be formal after having just returned. She did not bring any of her weaponry with her except her polearm, which was strapped to her back, thinking that they would be useless during a simple meeting to display good faith.

Although she didn't want to bow to whoever may be running the show in the Sand Village now, Valerys also did not want to pass up a golden opportunity to get to meet some strong and powerful allies. Enemies were plentiful, but friends... Those were difficult to come by. Or at least in Valerys' line of work. As she entered the first floor, Valerys would try to find somebody to talk to -- a receptionist or perhaps an assistant. Either way she was excited. Valerys wasn't exactly sure what she intended to say, except let the leaders that be know of her presence and where she had been for six years. Yes it had been a long time, but Valerys had learned a lot. And aferall, she was more useful as a feild scout than a resident. It was her calling...

"I'm here to talk to whoever is in charge," Valerys would say to whomever she could find, "My name is Valerys Kedoin. I've just returned from my trip to the Lands of Earth, Sound, Fire, and River. I've come to report my return and ask if there are any other matters with which you need assistance." Valerys would try to sound proper to whomever she spoke to, but would look for an opportunity to get to know them better. Trust was an interesting thing, and rapport was a skill. Valerys waited to see what these leaders may have to say. Although she had other qustions, about what the village may be able to do for her, she kept these thoughts pushed aside for now. 

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

I paused for a moment as I heard some unfamiliar footsteps coming through the tower. My trained ears stronger than most canines with the eerie ability to hear through walls and obstructions as if they were not present always made settling in new locations bothersome. It was hard to hold a conversation with someone when you could hear their heart beating across the room or hear their bones and cartilage rub against each other as they shifted their weight. These were things you learned how to block out. But footsteps were something all together different. I had been running things since Amira was recovering from her sickness. Never sleeping, constantly staying within the same tower and always painfully aware of every step made was maddening. A tower of this clandestine nature held many secrets. Whispers floated from every lip into my unintended ears all the time here. Time crawled ever onward between me plotting missions, making requisitions, dealing with contracts for the village and most importantly between my frantic tasking and searching for a cure for our lady kazekage.

In the front room one of the secretaries would look up from the reception desk. The cloying scent of her perfume had long overtaken my sharp sense of smell almost offensively. It was one of those artificial scents trying to recreate some sort of strawberry. While a normal human might find the scent pleasant I could pick apart the missing scents through my olfactory sense. Sharp tones of acetone bit into me through the cloyingly sweet scents she was wearing. She'd shift her weight against the wooden floor as she gave her attention to the newcomer and her footsteps. The floor made the faintest of noises as the pliable wood moved under the changing pressure of the secretary. She ran her fingers through her hair twirling it around one, two, three times before taking in a small breath to make her statement.

"You're gonna want to see the Jounin Commander Shiki Senri. His room is down the hall, through the trophy room and keep on going to make through the double doors at the end of the room."

The receptionist closed the notebook in front of her that she had been writing or drawing in since she took her shift this morning. What she was writing who knew. I certainty didn't. I placed my seal down on a missive that I was sending out to some of our field agents as I continued the endless office work. My mind constantly running in tangents on several different trains of thought at once. From the subject of the conversation I could imagine I would have company soon. I reached over and removed a large stack of parchment that contained some new findings about lady Amira's terminal illness and put them in the top drawer of my desk.

---

If Valerys continued as instructed she would follow a hallway about 12 meters down past the receptionists desk which would turn sharply to the left sprawling out into a large trophy room. The trophy room would be a new addition since she had been at the tower. It was something that, unbeknownst to her Shiki had paid and contracted with his own money. A massive round room at least 30 meters in diameter covered in a glass ceiling allowing the warm sun that was sweltering over Suna to cascade through the glass. The glass itself enchanted to keep the heat out and cast an enlivening and enriching glow into the room. Objects seemed more robust and lively in the light. Including the skeletal structure of a large dragon suspended over the floor to the trophy room. It's shadow casting it's skeletal structure across the floor. Trophies of the monster hunters more exciting past posted around the room. Massive cryo hydra teeth, 4 more dragon skulls hanging from the walls mounted equidistant near the roof. The head of a gargantuan Bandersnatch, the claws of a massive ape-sloth were just a few of many.

Across the room was the double doors refereed by the secretary. The door was already slightly ajar. Upon entering the office the decor would change drastically. The room would be furnished with deep redwoods and warm tones and tapestries. The room itself seeming to flicker a faint orange from the many scentless and smokeless candles that seemed to burn magically. Clashing against the backdrop behind Shiki's elongated desk would be a tall and wide window filled with a strange tinted crystal looking into the desert city below. A white banner hung behind him with a dark depiction of a snarling wolf's head on it. Wardrobes and cabinets, piles of sour parchment and vellum, ink and the acrid scent of paint clung in the air. but a stronger scent of incenses of pine and birch filled the room with a smokey woodland scent as it was wafted about through the HVAC system in the tower.

In his chair, at his desk, sat Shiki. His hair an unnatural snow white and skin equally as pale which stood in contrast against the deep sapphire eyes that seemed to glow against the dim lighting of the room. Across his left eye was a long, botched and noticeable scar that started all the way at the top of his hairline traveling across his eye and all the way down to the center of his cheek bones. While most his body was covered in similar scars, they would be covered under his white cloak. The cloak too carried the strange wolf depiction on it but also a swirling orange and black symbol of the kyoudo. He was without a weapon or armor today instead only with a small black seal on his wrist.

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

"You're gonna want to see the Jounin Commander Shiki Senri. His room is down the hall, through the trophy room and keep on going to make through the double doors at the end of the room." Valerys listened carefully to the instructions and patted her dress down, attempting to look weaker and more humble than she was, and said, "Of course. Thank you." Valerys listened to the seceratary's instruction and went down a hallway before coming to the Trophy Room, a place which was new and had been built since her absence. Valerys marveled at the sights and loved what had become of this place. A massive dragon skeleton stood above the ceiling, and Valerys looked at it enviously with a bit of pity. It was such an unfortunate waste of a dragon... She had been searching for one for years and here one was. Dead. Who could have been so powerful? Other bodies decorated the room but Valerys was not interested in these, at the moment, and so she would walk up to the double doors and prepare herself.

As she walked in, the smell immediately hit Valerys. She was akin to the senses and the body in general, and noticed it immediately, and was proud of the decorations that seemed to decorate the room. But even more proud seemed to be the man who sat in the center of the office, sporting white hair, an athletic build, and a scar across his left eye. Valerys wondered about her own face having a scar for a moment, but decided that the man might take it as an insult or mockery. But they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery... Valerys wanted to chuckle but held it in. As she stepped into the room, Valerys black dress would weave around her knees and she would look at the man -- a small smlie creeping across her face. "Well hi there," Valerys would say, "You must be the man in charge? They told me to come here to talk to you. I like what you've done with the place." She stared around, closer at the room, and noted how different it was from anything she had evr seen here.

I never have seen such decor.

Valerys would then wait for the man to speak. It was courteous to let a superior speak before you (or at least she had been told), and Valerys allowed him the satisfaction of her compliments. Men had more fragile egos and could be manipulated easier than woman she had found, but she doubted that this man was the same. He had a calculated look and an aura of importance. Valerys' red eyes seemed to shine brightly and reflected the light of the gem. She would wait to step into the office until the man motioned her. She did not want to impeed on whatever private dealings or plots he may be working on, not yet anyways.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

I raised an eyebrow as the person entered. They were cute. That's always a plus. I cracked a small smile as they entered the room. Of course I knew who she was now. "Valerys Kedoin, born near Mt. Agaria." Before I had been thrust into a world of monsters I had a short and exciting stint as a sailor. Well, a privater of sorts. Back when the scariest thing I ever had to deal with was the occasional sword fight or band of pirates. I felt myself grow a bit shy. I probably wasn't normal for someone to know things about total strangers. Still. One of the first things I did when I took the position was read over the information of all the active ninja in Sunagakure. As a sailor myself I passed through those shores many a time on our trips from the land lightning to the land of rivers. 

"I was wondering if you were going to show up." I said with a tone of playfulness in my voice. "I can assume since you found me tucked away in this... broom cabinet. You had a reason to do so?" I asked a bit curiously. I myself noticed the faint bit of sadness in my voice at the mention of my working conditions. The inner Inuzuka in me wanted to be outside, away from the sands... preferably to the north where the forests were along the fertile river valleys or perhaps along the coastal shores to the south. It took me a moment as I observed her to realize the tier of ninja she was. I could sense power levels relative to mine. Based on that relatively I quickly surmounted she was in a Tier above all the other ninja at the village. Perhaps more than Hamura as well. 

"Interesting" 

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

"I can assume since you found me tucked away in this... broom cabinet. You had a reason to do so?"

The man seemed to know who she was and quite a bit about her life, even about her reputation out on the docks near Mt. Agaria. "Ah, my younger days," Valerys mused, "Haven't heard about that hunk of rock in a long time." Her red eyes seemed to stare off into space for a minute with what memories one could only guess. Those who knew her better might have had the suspicion that she was remembering someone that she had killed. They would have been right. So much for keeping a low profile, Valerys thought to herself as well, never one to enjoy other people knowing so much about her. Even showing up in her regular skin felt odd, but she maintained the appearance. This was important afterall and she couldn't afford a blunder.

"A reason to do so?" Valerys wondered. "Of course, Shiki, I have a reason for seeking you out. It seems something we all have -- reasons. It has been a long time since I've stood in this very tower and this very village. I've traveled the lands of Earth, Sound, Fire, and River and seen many things. I've come to tell you what I've learned, if you'll have it, and let you know of my... utility. A girl such as myself pains to be of use. If we could sit down and have a conversation, I'm sure that we could discover something that could benefit the two of us." Valerys kept up her smile, and found it hard not to go into a full, sadistic grin. Being around so much power made her anxious -- anxious to curl her hands around her polearm and start swinging. But she fought that urge. It could be unleashed when they were done...

Valerys waited to see if Shiki would offer her a seat and be open to a conversation. If not, then she wouldn't be disappointed. The world seemed to turn so quickly, and one minute a person could be convening with their Kazekage and the next meeting with some white haired man with unknown authority. And who knew where they would be in another six years? Although, having returned to her home, Valerys knew that this time was different. And with any luck, this man could answer the questions that she had always burned to know. Even if he was just a conduit, Valerys knew that even conduits had been touched by lightning.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

How whimsical. Perhaps I could use a break from this prison. "Alright. I'll bite. Please take a seat." I said gesturing towards the redwood chairs sat with red velvet cushions. I had a small grin on my face as she spoke. "Let's start with a bit of what you have seen outside of this village." I said with an actual curiosity as to what her world view held. "Let's start with the land of river." I mused as I closed my eyes for a moment. When my eyes reopened they would look drastically different. The sapphire backdrop now broken by the formation of 4 new pupils in a square pattern around my center pupil. The change was the activation of my kyoudo bloodlimit, while not a dojutsu the chakra flowing through my system caused such features to appear. "I actually bought a winery in the northern area of the land of wind. I haven't made my first season of wines yet but I do have an excellent selection if you'd care for some." As I spoke I was already using my bloodlimit to pull several items from across my office over to my desk. The metal wire around the glass bottle and the metal rings around the base of the wine glasses and decanter made the process of rather easy.

I'd keep my attention focused on her of course, it would be rude otherwise. I uncorked the wine and slowly tilted the bottle into the decanter to give the wine a moment to breath before it would be ready for drinking. It would take a few minutes so I'd wait for her to begin. It was a light and floral red from the Paluva region in the land of river. Sweet, not to dry and a pleasant scent on the nose.

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

Valerys watched Shiki move the glasses and bottles around the desk with some sort of special ability, which she found fascinating, as he poured her a glass of wine. He claimed to own a winery, an interesting hobby for a leader of the Sand Village. Shiki had motioned to a redwood chair which Valerys acknowledged, gratefully, and sat down -- smoothing out her dress over her legs with her hands and looking up, pushing a strand of hair back to her bow. He kept his attention on her as he asked questions, which Valerys found both intimidating and productive. A good sign of rapport. Shiki wanted to start by talking about the Land of River, but Valerys had not traveled there much and she told him as much:

"Little and far between in the Land of River, farmers and mercahnts -- I wasn't there long to be honest. I was eager to return home. When I was last here we and the Leaf Village had our... differences, so I likewise spent little time in the Land of Fire. While within the Land of Earth, however, I did meet a girl by the name of Waru. Wonderfully talented, her and I investigated a strange network of tunnels that led to ancient relics. Through our investigation, I discovered that there has is a cult connected to this location which originally came from the Land of Wind. But sadly, I have not yet discovered their names or whereabouts. But Waru seemed to have known them, meaning that their influence may be growing." Valerys took a minute to let this sink in, and to see if Shiki had any comments. For years Valerys had been hearing of a place that she must find in the Land of Wind -- a fate that was destined for her. In some ways it seemed that this cult was inextricably linked to her destiny, and any clues would be very beneficial.

At the end of her statement, waiting to talk about the Land of Sound if Shiki cared to ask, Valerys would reach out for the glass of wine and bring it to her nose -- sniffing it carefully. It had an elegant fragrance. Valerys went to take a sip, not as crafted in the knowledge of wines as Shiki nor knowing where this one was from, and swallowed to easily. "Do not mistaken me for your other guests, Shiki. I'm not a girl who needs a sweet wine." It was meant to be a joke, since Valerys continued to drink it and really didn't mind if it was sweet, but felt that the commander could use a bit of joviality. Not to mention that she did prefer a strong, pungent beverage. She'd seen her share of drinks, most of them brewed in the hull of ships, when she lived out at the docks and in her travels since. But rarely on the docks did they drink wine. Those men had not been so wealthy...

But now Valerys found herself in the presence of leaders and hidden plots, but she had always known that she wasn't meant for the life that her parents had lived out in the countryside -- and they had known it too. Valerys waited to see if Shiki had any information to share before continuing. Now came the fun part. Valerys was eager to see what opportunities this man might have in store for her.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

My eyes watched her as she sat down. I listened to her speak of the land of wind and her plot she had uncovered about this cult. It was honestly the first time I had heard anything about this. But it did confirm a few suspicions of my own. I let the pause continue as she waited for me to inquire further. I continued thinking about another matter for a bit. Finally I would break the silence after a few seconds had passed. "Sweetness." I said slowly. I poured myself a glass from the decanter and drank a small sip of the wine. "Sweetness is a concealment. In both people and wines alike I've found that sweet is often used to conceal poison... I too prefer things a little bit more confrontational to both the body and the senses. I've found that being blunt, strong and powerful often times gets ones point across far more reliably than by being delicate." I swirled the ruby red mixture around in my glass. "But my fascination lies in the fact that wines are a lot like people. When you set your eyes upon it's composition, when you really catch its scent and measure it's content, give it time to make it's own aroma known. You can start to pick it apart until you fully understand it."

I paused for a moment as I shifted my attention fully back to the woman in front of me. "You are a Genin. Yet, here you are doing your own investigation to uncover the inner working of some sort of ancient and potentially dangerous cult. Long extended absences away from the village without anyone knowing where you are, what you are doing and without any real leadership to guide you as you toyed with ancient relics." I continued to swirl the wine glass around, twisting the glass stem between my fingers as I did. I steadied my eyes at her and took a moment to reflect on that.

"Out fucking standing."

I said with a small smile as I would relax my posture significantly. "I had a very similar drive as you seem to possess. I was off killing krakens, hydras and demons. Cohorting with ancient witches of the woods and even killed a few self proclaimed gods as a Genin. I was shunned, denied promotions and constantly had my patience tested from the last village I was a part of. Things got so bad, there were voices of my clan who called for me to kill the Raikage. There were many who wanted me to seize power and over throw the system. I was a leader in my locality but the village of Kumogakure kept me cast aside." Perhaps sharing too much information at this point. But I needed to make sure that this particular ninja understood where I was coming from.

"Ambitions. Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them. When two ambitious people meet they are destined to become friends or foes. What I want to know from you Valerys. What are your goals? How can I help you achieve them as both Shiki the Monster Slayer and how can I help you achieve them as your Jounin Commander."




"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

Valerys listened to Shiki speak, about wine and about his life, and concerning both she was genuinely fascinated. It seemed that this man hadn't lied about his talents with a vineyard, and she admired that, but also what he said next -- that he had his own confrontations with the Cloud Village. Been involved in plots against his own village even. How tantalizing. He must have been a powerful man, to have gone missing from Cloud and build such a strong reputation here in the Sand Village. She supposed that this meant that their relationship with the Cloud Village was probably not the most friendly. In one moment, Valerys had suddenly learned much about Shiki, about the Sand Village, and about his feelings toward her. It appeared that Shiki did appreciate her rather unique talents and traits, but would he continue to? Could he ride out the ever-changing torrents of her shapeshifting personas?

"My goals," Valerys would say, drinking another sip of the wine and trying to heed Shiki's advice, noticing its undertones, "are fluid. None are permanet. All have no end." She giggled a little at the riddle, pleased with herself for having thought of it and enhancing her dressed-up girl persona. "But thank you for the compliments. I am not insulted by the title of genin. Indeed, Commander, if you were to inform your less-trustworthy allies that you were sending a lowly genin to meet and live among them, and I arrived -- well, wouldn't that just be the perfect situation for me? How unsuspecting I can be..." As if to demonstrate, and if allowed by Shiki, she would beginning using her unique bloodline abilities to alter her body. A red devil's tail would suddenly slide slowly out from above her ass through her legs, and out of her dress - twisting around the chair leg. The tip of the tail ended in a point, oddly shaped like both an arrow and a heart. She was sure that Shiki would notice, and if it didn't notice that then he would certainly notice when two horns sprouted from her head (OOC: Just the horns, no other features from the image). They were long and twisted around her auburn hair, but really had no purpose -- other than deception, and Valerys found that often her purpose was deception. 

"As you can see, I can be quite alterable. My goals, Shiki, are to help you. Send me undercover and I will discover things for you. Let me interrogate your victims and I will get you answers. Let me be your weapon, and use me appropriately, and we can uncover knowledge -- knowledge that I desire so badly to know. And why would I want knowledge so bad?" Valerys leaned forward, her tail flicking a little as she smiled. "I'm very hungry for answers..." Valerys took another drink from her wine and hoped that she hadn't gone too far. The wine had loosened her up, and indeed Shiki had been right -- better to be blunt when one had the opportunity. And with him, she felt as if she had the opportunity. How nice it was to finally be interacting with someone from the Sand Village who could utilize her abilities -- even if they did think themselves her superior (but this was the same with all Kage and their allies, unfortunate), Valerys would go along perfectly happy if they could benefit one another. All of what she told Shiki had been true. For the first time in a while, she did not feel the need to lie.

SPOILER: Click to show

Warped Visage: Flesh Architect
Rank: B-ranked
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: The user can transform into almost anything they desire.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user can never gain special attributes from the body parts they create and mimic; such as wings use in flight.
Description: A mastery technique that is gained by the most powerful Kedōin Clan members. A merit of perfect transformation skill. The user is capable of growing and mimicking body parts that would not normally be found on a normal humans. By commanding the cells of the body, the user can grow and shape their body into almost anything they desire. The user may grow themselves a cat's tail, a set of wings, bovine hooves or even octopi tendrils if they desire. The user can craft themselves these body parts to blend into groups or clans that do in fact own these working body parts (such as copying the Anitsisqua). The body parts the user grows can look and appear to whatever the user desires. Alternatively, some users have been known to take the appearance of large dogs for better infiltration, while some choose to appear like horrific demons or odd snake like hybrid creature for an added fear factors. The body parts grown may move and operate like the body parts they appear like. These parts however are granted enough muscles for movement, but not enough functionality to be used for jutsus. Being attacked does not remove the user from this form of transformation. It takes one post to grow or alter the body the user wishes to possess. May not alter the body beyond what the user is capable of within the "Warped Visage: Mass Alteration".
Limit: Must have 500 tp within the Kedōin Blood Line.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

My grin grew as she let her true nature show. I had long since cast aside the notion that people of ambition were problematic. Rather, I had learned to embrace those who chased their own dreams with a palpable vigor. I had read her file, and the last name was enough to give me forewarning of her abilities. I had met many of their clan before. Still, the sound of a tail tracing along the floor and the appearance of horns across her head brought a bit of amusement to my face. How interesting.

"You do know exactly what to say don't you?" I asked rhetorically in a bewitched voice. "Someone of your ability and passion is a powerful combination." I continued to watch her body to see if any other changes were happening. She was quite full of surprises, I wanted to make sure that I stayed on top of them. She seemed like the type who would likely cut anyone's throat I pointed her at, but only as long as it suited her interests. That was fair enough. The questioned remained. How to keep someone like this interested? Simple. Make things interesting.

"If you truly wish to be a part of the tip of the spear. We must put you towards the front. Next years exams. I want you to participate under an alias and I want you to pass the exam without giving away your identity. If you pass the next exams in first place I will fast track you to join, and eventually lead a unit of our Anbu. Until then. I'm giving you a Class C Access to move to and from the village to pursue your own needs as you see fit."

I finished my glass of wine. I set the glass down still rather transfixed by the horned woman in front of me. I continued on still somewhat in a fog. "With a Class C Access you will need to report in to the village only once every 3 months. I can give you access to the teleportation network I have established if you'd like." I knew better than to fall for temptations like this. My first time nearly dying was to a literal siren. I drew myself out of the haze that was starting to pull me in. As fun as temptation was, I would leave any advances to her and leave them as just that. Temptations.

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

"Hmmm," Valerys seemed to ponder all that Shiki said. Her tail swayed back and forth in the air, making motions to her thoughts, and she tilted her head a little -- making her left horn touch her shoulder. Finally she said, "Alright, I agree. I will take on these exams under the alias that you mentioned. If you would submit my name as Selyse Ikebana that would probably be the best course of action. Yes -- she would be most appropriate..." Valerys seemed to trail off in thought, but came back around. She took another drink from the glass of wine and by now it was half-empty. But Valerys appeared a woman who could hold her alcohol.

"And what, pray tell, would you like me to discover while I'm there -- if I can? If I had the opportunity to investigate the ninja of your previous homeland, would you want me to do it? It sounded like they had slighted you, Shiki. We could right that wrong." Even though she didn't know the whole story (and Valerys recognized this), she knew that it was important to Shiki, and therefore the Sand Village, and she had been waiting for an opportunity like this. And if she discovered the location of a hidden village along the way... well, that would be just fine.

"As for reporting in and the teleportation network, it'd be very kind of you to allow me passage with your network. I would not abuse the privelege. But when I am on a mission I become... somewhat involved." She giggled a bit. "There may be times when I have to send you a raven or messenger if that would be appropriate?" Valerys had learned on her trips just as much about leadership as she had about capoeira. Hopefully she could find followers who could deliver her messages and run her errands. Then she would truly be able to control them. She dreamed of minions and constructs at her feet, doing her bidding with a whim. But these were fantasies, not reality.

"You are a man of great talent, Shiki, I can tell. I'm glad that we've had this opportunity to meet one another. I'm sure it will pay off for both of us in the end." Valerys would smile at him. For the first time in a long time she was happy, and not from spilling the blood of an enemy. It felt good. And if all worked out as she planned, well, there would be a lot of blood to spill. "Are there any missions or task specifically that you would have me to in order to prepare for these exams?" She felt bad peppering him with questions, but he was the leader afterall and she wanted to make sure to maintain this powerful relationship. No sense in waiting when she had the chance to obtain a wealth of knowledge right at this moment. 

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

I paused a little as she seemed agreeable to what I had proposed. "There are two reasons why I am sending you to the exams. The first is, as much as I recognize your power. If I show you too much preferential treatment the other Jounin will take notice and it will spread discontent among the leadership. The faster I can get you to climb the ninja ranking system the more freedom I can give you without turning too many heads. I must at the very least appear to give everyone the same treatment. For most of our more private meetings you appearing as a totally different identity would help all the more. Secondly, although I never had a leadership position in the village of Kumogakure. All the ninja of any note followed me here to the village of Suna. There is only one ninja of any real caliber there and he is a child named Ryutatsu Kyoudo. From how I see it, I'd be surprised if we saw a single ninja from Kumogakure enter these exams."

I poured the last of the wine out of the decanter split between me and her. The bottle was killed but there were many more like it. But Valerys seemed like a stronger spirit all together. And different spirits required stronger spirits. I reached into my desk and pulled out a glass bottle filled with a very strong whiskey I uncorked the top of the bottle as it was already half empty. "This was a gift from a clansmen of mine." I said as I poured two glasses.

"No. The village of Kumogakure is not a threat. If they chose to become one I still know the location of their village and still have ways and means to enter it instantly. Should conflict arise I'd turn their city to cinders before the next sun would rise." I found a strange brutality slipping into my voice as I spoke. Perhaps I did harbor some resentment. But as we were speaking candidly I would choose to continue. "What I'm more interested in is talent. A powerful village is defined by the make of their Genin." My sapphire eyes looked into hers for a moment. It was one of the reasons why I was so eager to speak with her. "Strong Genin become Strong Chuunin, as the cycle continues they will encourage more strength. Understanding which villages have these up coming talented individuals and figuring out which ones to foster and which ones to hamper. Manipulating their alliances, understanding their goals and what makes them tick will help us control diplomatic outcomes for the next few years."

I took a sip of the much stronger woodier liquid as I felt that familiar loving burn against the back of my throat. "Your first series of missions is that I'd like you to travel across the world looking for ninja of note. (pc ninja). I don't care exactly what village they are from, their rank or anything of the nature. But I want you to gather information on them. Try and determine what motivates them, who they consider their master or their driving force. For each note worthy person you can track down gather that data and send it back to the village." I took a moment and paused. I pulled out a small vial and loaded it inside of an auto injector gun. I placed the auto injector gun against my arm and drew a small amount of the blood inside the vial.

"My teleportation network is sealed to only allow someone to travel if they carry my blood on them. It needs to be a significant quantity like this one. Be careful, approaching my portals without my blood will teleport you to the bottom of a dark dark place where nothing but death awaits. Simply envision where you want to go and it will take you there. There is a teleportation circle that leads to this very tower but its linked to my bedroom. Careful not to spend to much time in there. It might appear quite scandalous." I said playfully as I handed over the vial.

---

Shiki's Teleportation Circles can automatically transit you without needing a staffer to move you to to the following countrysides. You don't actually need to post in the threads i'm mentioning below but its more of a keep sake.

The land of River - Villa thread -
The land of bears - To kill a god thread -
Land of Fire - Hunting cryohydra thread -
Land of Lightning - Ice God thread -
Land of Fang - Senri lightning dojo -
Land of Claw - Bookstore -
Land of waves - Bookstore -
Land of Earth - Jewels of the Zarghol -
Land of Sand - Jewels of the Zarghol - exterior
Land of Sand - Kage Tower - Int
Land of Rain - Diplomacy Thread -
Land of Tea - Nagi island safe house -

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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Hitora Uchiha

[Flower]

Valerys listened to Shiki with true interest. All of a sudden she was gaining quite a bit of knowledge. She could not even describe how it thrilled her. Shiki explained to her how he should come to see her and about his motives, and she nodded in agreement. It made complete sense. As for investigating ninja in the exams, it seemed that Cloud was much weaker than it had once been. When Valerys had lived in the Sand Village before, Cloud had been a force to reckon with -- having the most ninja and a powerful kage. But now it seemed that was all over. However, other intel on the village's most successful genin? Well, that was fair game and Valerys was pleased to begin. Additionally, Shiki thought it appropriate to send her on missions to discover other ninja in other lands (as well as telling her about his teleportation networks).

"You have been very gracious to me," Valerys would say after having listened to all Shiki said, "and I understand your point." Valerys would immediately begin forming her tail and horns back inside of her body, not wanting to let anyone outside of the office on to the fact that she could change her form. Now she was just Valerys. "Although I suppose you should say goodbye to Valerys when this is done," she said, "You won't see her for a long time." It was a habit of hers, and an accurate one, to speak about her appearances in third person. Indeed, each one seemed to bring on their own qualities inside of her. At the end of the day, who was she? She didn't even know.

"You have given me wine and access to your own blood. Shiki, you must either be a smart, a kind man, or both. And in any case, I'm glad to have you on my side." Although Valerys didn't necessary think it was good to be kind, she kept her mouth shut. "And as for your missions, I will gladly take them on. Through me you will know, perhaps more than you want to, about the others. Thank you for your trust. It is not unfound. It is clear that we can benefit one another. You have truly improved this village, Shiki, and I am excited to see what you will bring next." This was true. Valerys had no reason to slight or betray Shiki. Perhaps another kage, another leader, but even if this man were kind -- what was the harm? And she wondered how kind he really was, if he was willing to abandon his own village. I would have killed them first, Valerys pondered, What a missed opportunity. She looked at him closely with her red eyes.

"As a final note, do you have any gadgets for recording that you would like me to bring with me? So that you can replay the conversations and interactions? If not, I can acquire my own. It'd be always be beneficial to get your opinion on the situation." She suddenly wondered what Shiki thought of her. If he could see through her charm. It was a strang feeling to her, since most people were so agreeable, and savored the opportunity to feel it.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

A small wolfish grin flashed across my face. "Come now... Don't be gone too long. This tower gets awfully boring." I said with a small grin. I took a small breath as the charming creature was already leaving. "Record however you see fit, if you need to spend money on the items take a note of them and I will have the village reimburse you for any expenditures... Oh. Also, I started a requisition system for the village. If you need some standard issue gear for whatever reason just report to the universal shop and tell the owner you are there for your standard issue." I took a moment to think about what this new Genin thought of the scars of my past. I wondered if she was one of the ninja who considered me nothing more than a power hungry traitor. My initial reaction however has become rather convinced she found these types of things interesting.

Regardless of these errant thoughts. I was enjoying a new face and something to break me away from the monotony of the day.

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

Valerys listened to Shiki and it appeared that the two of them had discussed most of the business that they had met to discuss. Still, Valerys found herself wanting to remain in his presence for a bit longer. Such strength was enticing. But she did not want to dally, especially when she had such important errands to run. "Understood," Valerys said, having taken Shiki's blood and preparing herself to exit. But just at that moment, she wondered of the teleportation network and wondered if it would be appropriate to use it now? He had mentioned it was in his bedroom before. "I believe that in the Land of Grass there is subjects that I could find for you. I notice that you didn't mentioned a teleportation portal there? Perhaps I could use it to travel to the Land of Rain and then make my way there?"

She didn't necessary know why she had chosen this land, but it had spoken to her as she had spent time in the Land of Sound. Often she knew that her gut was her most trusted ally, and she felt no different on this occassion. If Shiki would allow this, then she would say, "Well then, better show me to your bedroom. A bit scandalous indeed..." She would hold the container tightly in her right hand and prepare herself for her mission if all was recieved well. She was excited to finally be starting her missions as a scout, and the first time she wondered about being an Anbu like Shiki mentioned. I could enjoy that, Valerys decided after some thought. Being behind a mask and doing extensive secret operations for the village. And with a leader like Shiki, why, that wouldn't be that bad at all. 

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

I would stand up taking a small step away from the desk as I listened to the dulled sounds of creaking wood underneath me as I moved over to the door. It was a entertaining day. I gave a small grin as she returned my own joke towards me. "The land of grass is a good place to start. I've heard also of a very talented weapon smith in the land of rain as well. I know nothing more than he is a member of the hoshigaki clan. If you could convince him to come visit the village I will have something enjoyable for you when you return with him. If you use the teleportation portal with another, since you don't have as much blood as my physical body you will need to wrap your arm around whoever you bring with you."

I walked barely past her as I led her to my bed chamber. More of a glorified martial arts dojo which connected to a sleeping room. The walls made of a semi-translucent paper tapestry and the ground covered with a cloth wrapped surface. Wooden training weapons and solid metal training dummies lay across the walls. In the far corner was a small stone circle with the depiction of a snarling direwolf. The symbol of my house and depiction for my monster hunting school.

"As you travel. Look for these sigils in stoneworks or metal, if you train for it you will even be able to feel the latent magics in spacetime around it."

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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