We're off to pass the exams! [Trav][E]

[Natsy]

//Enter

Oh how long I have been waiting for this. The chuunin exams. Last year I had failed them dramatically and was insulted as I left the area. With my self-esteem low and my stomach aching, I made it back to the village to whimper at my sensei’s feet. But that was then, and this is now. Just after passing through the gates with the most unusual kunoichi I have met yet, my determination to sit these exams and pass is foremost in my mind. At first I was silent, my mind in turmoil due to the past events that had happened prior to this moment.

Absently focusing a B rank’s worth of chakra to my stored amount within my forehead, I glance toward my companion. I had no idea that she was a medic and was curious about her cat-like features. “Are you new? Your file looked recent. But that was just from a quick glance.” I said, my tone curious yet genuine. Prior to meeting this young woman, I had been in my Godaime Outfit. An outfit that I always wore to formal meetings. But now that I was no longer visiting anyone on formal terms, I was free to where whatever I liked.

Whenever I went out on missions or occasions like the exams, I wore an entire black outfit. A black tank top above a pair of black track pants and boots. My ginger red hair was tied back into a plat which had been rolled up into a bun at the base of my head while my fringe was secured to the right side of my face with a snowflake clip. The way my hair was positioned had revealed a small black rhombus which sat within the centre of my forehead. Takigakure’s insignia was etched into the fabric on the back of my shirt which covered the entire top section of my back.

I wore a black cloak (type 4) which was filled with thirty kunai, forty five bo-shuriken and two scalpels. The cloak also had the village insignia etched into the back of it in golden threads. Yes, I was extremely proud of my village and flaunted it with pride. My Bo staff was sitting within the hem in the opening of my cloak while my two hand axes were strapped to both sides of my waist. I also had a butt bag filled with thirty blood clot pills and ten kunai strapped to the right side of my waist beside one of the axes while I held my world map in my right hand.

My hitai-ate was hanging loosely around my neck which occasionally shone whenever the sun hit it. I continued to walk quietly while part of my attention remained upon the kunoichi Evangeline had called Schatzi.

Post Number: 18
Byakugō no In charges: 4

[The Bearer of Bad News]

Schatzi followed at her Master's heel, waiting for the right moment. The only clothing she wore was a cloak and a trio of belts crossed over her crotch, as well as a pair of sturdy boots and the Takigakure headband tied to her left arm. The main belt around her waist carried mostly utility items, while the two which hung diagonally contained each ten kunai and twenty-five knives. Among her utility gear was a flashlight, a lighter, a book of matches, a smoke pipe, a pack of tobacco cigarettes, a multi-tool, a wireless radio, three pouches each of smoke and goo types, a lensatic compass, a set of binoculars, a pair of stun grenades, two vials of silverthorn antidote, and a pair of very expensive goggles with a variety of vision enhancements and anti-flash lenses. Each of the three belts held one tiny scroll, though currently they were empty.

At each hip was a pouch and a small weapon - on the left hand side a pouch containing few saddilia nuts and some pipeweed as well as a survival hatchet, on the right hand side her money such as it remained and a greatly enhanced boomerang designed for distance and sturdiness. She also had a few maps on hand, but the only useful one for now would be the one of the entire known world, in a broad view. Foreign lands existed, but reaching them was too difficult to accurately map their location and borders, let alone the interiors.

Her immodest garb didn't really matter though, as she was cloaked in a semi-permanent illusion which granted her whatever appearance she liked. Considering that she was able to change her appearance physically however, she only used it for clothes. Her short blonde mane was still in its typical spikey bob, and her violet eyes drank in her Master's new appearance with approval. Schatzi Rutherford could be whomever it chose, male or female, but it favored this ambiguous form. Officially as far as the records of Takigakure were concerned she was female, so this was her chosen shape in dealing with those of the village. The illusion of clothes was of a tan scout's uniform - a short sleeved shirt and very short shorts, with high socks and white gloves.

"The file is indeed recent, Master," she spoke seriously, dropping her playful façade for a moment. Her favorite feline ears were gone now, though if they were replaced by normal ones could not be seen through her hair. Surely they must have though, else she would be unable to hear her new Master's words. "It is also almost entirely false. None can know me for what I am, not yet. None save you, my new Master."

[Natsy]

So the file was indeed recent. It must explain the fact that I had never seen this kunoichi before today. She seemed.. Mysterious and very cunning. I noticed it in the way she spoke, it was as if Schatzi wanted to tell you what she wanted, truth or not. I narrow my eyes, this kunoichi I will need to watch. So she was blond, unlike the many red heads that roamed through Takigakure. But her ears were no longer visible. This made me wonder if it was an argumentation ritual that was performed upon her.

So the details within the file were bogus. I turn my head to gaze upon her. “False? Why provide a file with false information?” I ask, my tone concerned. I kept the genuine look as my primary expression, but this young woman would no doubt see right through that façade. She seemed the type to know when a person was lying. “And please call me Rosie. Master makes me sound like Yoda.” I gave out a slight chuckle at the thought of being compared to a small green being. I was no Yoda, but I wasn’t a master either. However, I do pause in my stride and open the map I held in my right hand.

Knelling down, I lay the map out along the ground. “Tell me do you own a compass or know Raiton?” I then ask, glancing up at the kunoichi. I only had a map and had not bought a compass just yet. Silly me. If Schatzi didn’t have a compass or Raiton, then this trip will be a long one.

Move to Hi no Kuni after Sets’ post please.

Post Number: 21
Byakugō no In charges: 5

[Natsy]

Void

[The Bearer of Bad News]

"Because I entered your place under false pretenses of course, Master Rosie. I couldn't exactly walk up to the gates and say 'Hi there, I'm an eternal and omnipresent being beyond your puny comprehension who feasts on the bodies and souls of your kind, may I come in?' now could I?"

Her shape changed somewhat now, becoming a few inches taller and fuller of figure, her hair becoming longer, thicker, an curlier. Her feline ears twitched as they appeared atop her head. This wasn't illusion, but rather an actual physical change. Her voice remained the same however. "I think I might use this look in a couple years. I'm not very good with judging the growth rate of radishes."

She pulled out her compass and handed it over, swift despite it being jumbled among other items. She was good at getting what she wanted. And then she was a man, though still with her catty accessories, handsome and charming with her favorite features picked out between Hiroki and Tori, as well as some he invented on the spot. The burnished copper hair mussed atop his head was a nice midway point between the former bombshell's blonde and the ginger hue that seemed common among Taki ninja. His illusionary garb had shifted to a deep red formal suit worn casually, unbuttoned down to his chest and without a tie."Of course in private I can be like this for you," he purred seductively, "Or any way you favor. In return for having a proper Master again, I can do almost anything for you, be almost anyone."

His hand touched against her lower back, but did not wander. Not with his Master. Not until she requested him to, or commanded. Either way was fine.

[Father 'Suke]

Moved to Hi no Kuni

[Natsy]

Upon being questioned, Schatzi spoke, continuing to stick with the “master” title. I ground my teeth at the word and shifted my gaze away. Her explanation was somewhat amusing though. She had a point. “No, I suppose not. But with all those.. uh habits you have, are you a threat to Takigakure?” I ask, deciding to jump straight into the heavy. My gaze slithered up to hers seriously. I was cut short, however as the kunoichi’s appearance had changed completely.

Schatzi was now a taller, blossomed woman with long hair and those cat ears. I glance further down to see if I was able to spot a tail. So far, no. “How do you do that?” I then ask, more so to myself. I had never met a person who could change their appearance at will. It was amazing. The compass was handed over upon requested as well.

I had used it quickly, realizing that we needed to head south east. I look up back at Schatzi only to find that she had changed again. Now she resembled both Hiroki and another familiar face. Wait, he was the guy I had appointed chuunin after healing a grave wound. He had been attacked by a tiger at his home, perhaps one of his many feline companions. The attack nearly killed him. Yet a thought occurred to me.

Climbing to my feet with the map and compass in both hands, I continue walking heading south east as I did so. Hi no Kuni was nearby and already I can see and feel the climate change. “Schatzi, do you know a Tori Nara?” I ask, referring to the appearance she currently had. Or should I start saying he? But at the sound of her.. uh his words, I snapped my attention his way. “Excuse me?” I say, feeling his hand against the small of my back. Elegantly and as politely as I could, I moved away from the touch, slightly flustered by the sudden approach.

By then we were traveling within Hi no Kuni. I memorized a section of the map which I knew would lead to Cha no Kuni. Not too long now…

Move to Cha no Kuni after Set’s post please.

Post Number: 24
Byakugō no In charges: 5

[The Bearer of Bad News]

Direct. Good. Though her flustered rejection stung a little. He wasn't sure how to please her. If she didn't consent to being his new master, then where would he be? He couldn't function without the restrictions imposed by such a relationship. Too much freedom, and he would go wild, and be unable to stop himself until he was alone in the world or somehow a radish managed to kill him. More likely the former. And if he was alone, he would be lonely and bored. He needed a Master.

"Not as long as I have a Master, no," he answered her initial question, with urgency and the total honesty he had promised. Did he promise? He meant to, it was just sometimes difficult to differentiate his thoughts from his words. It was such a mess in there, in his mind. "I can actually be very helpful. Tori was my chuunin escort on the mission to Iwagakure, he knows a range of the...services I can offer you. As for how I do what I do, I can't answer that. I would if I could, you have to believe that, but I don't know for myself. I am that I am. I am whatever - wherever - I will. Or as willed by you, if you'll have me."

He hoped dearly that she would agree to rule him, and reign in his more untamed nature. His heart was fit to burst - after so many years if he had to begin the search all over again...he might rampage right now from the mental strain, ravish and devour her before moving on to the next victim and the next. Not that that wouldn't be fun, but it would be so fleeting compared to what could be.

[Natsy]

So basically, Schatzi was a very unstable person. My immediate thought was concern, followed by a tinge of fear. But despite the instability of this peculiar person, he, her, whatever I felt the need to console her. Sigh. He sounded very genuine in answering the question, but the lingering doubt crossed my mind, and continued to do so as well. But the thing about Tori was interesting as well. She, he knew him.

“I remember when Tori was a genin, fresh out of the chuunin exams. He had gone home to shower and change before coming to the tower to receive his new rank. However, somewhere in between he was mauled by one of his feline companions and was rushed to the hospital. I was there helping the medics when I was rushed to his aid..” I absently spoke, living in the memory as it were. “That’s how I met him, you know? Good fellow.” I said softly. But when Schatzi refused to tell me how he could change shape at will, I frowned.

He didn’t know what he was? “Hmm…” Well I will find out. All I needed was more information. But something about this strange shinobi was telling me that getting info will be a mission on its own. He seemed somewhat desperate for a “master” as he put it. But I had ideas of my own. “I will accept your proposal but on one condition.” I said, trekking past Hi no Kuni and into Cha. “You are to be honest with me at all times.” I said, my tone matter of fact.

“Honesty between us will ensure that we can trust each other. I will do what I can about finding out why and how you change your appearance, that's if you want to know. But I will expect your trust and honesty in return. Deal?” I ask, my gaze boring into his. When Schatzi spoke of Tori knowing these abilities, I knew that I needed to speak with him and urgently. I also trusted in him and knew that if he trusted this shinobi, then I will as well. But I wanted honesty and no secrets. But was Schatzi willing to bargain on that?

Post Number: 25
Byakugō no In charges: 6

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

Moving to Cha.

[The Bearer of Bad News]

A sigh of relief. She accepted, under conditions that were implied in the deal anyway. "Of course. I could do no less anyway. But to make it official, I swear upon your name as my Master that I will never lie to you. I may not always volunteer things, but anything you ask will be answered and honestly. In exchange, anything you command will be done, regardless of difficulty or nature. I can kill your enemies, heal your wounds, protect your loved ones, show you heights of pleasure you could only have dreamed of before, and more. Anything you desire, you need only say it."

There was also the issue of how it was he could change his appearance so quickly and easily. She offered to help him find out how. That was...nice? But it wasn't actually important, and he didn't want her to focus on that when there were other matters to attend. Besides, he had Tori looking into the Kedoin angle on the quiet. Oh, right, there was also that to get out of the way.

"Nobody knows but you now that I can change my appearance, by the way. I went to a lot of trouble to make sure you were the first to know me as I am, rather than as the public image I claimed to be. Though I'll admit I'm fond of that identity now. So even if you ask Tori he wouldn't know anything about it. But he can still vouch for my other claims." He considered paying the chuunin another visit some time. That man had potential, and unbelievably high stamina. Schatzi was becoming aroused remembering it. His tail stiffened and stood straight up, waving slightly and making itself more noticeable from before.

"So, Master Rosie, do with me as you please. Consider me your personal monster."

[Natsy]

The relief soared upon Schatzi’s face as I accepted his proposal. I could not help but to smile. But when Tori’s name was bought up again, Schatzi had spoken in such a manner that he wanted his hidden ability hidden. He wanted no one to know that he could change shape or form. “Your changing ability with be between the pair of us.” I said softly. But when Schatzi referred herself as a monster, I frowned.

By then, the pair of us had boarded a ship. Other merchants were headed to Haha Island to see the exams. If only they knew we were participants. But while we ventured down beneath the decks, I sat down upon a crate filled with sea creatures and propped one leg over the other. The edge of my hand axe was visible in this posture as was the edge of my Bo staff. Another thought had come to me, a thought regarding Iizuka’s skull. “Schatzi, should we both survive these exams, I will be needing company and insight about Iwagakure as I plan to travel there.

“You already saw the skull that was delivered. I want the remains of Iizuka’s body so that he can be buried with honor. And since you have physically been inside the village, I would appreciate it if you accompanied me to speak with the Tsuchikage. I consider this man an enemy to the village and no doubt he would think me the same.” I said, trailing off for a moment. “If you decide to accompany me, you may treat any Iwa shinobi in our path as a happy meal with legs.” I said, flashing my companion a sly smile. I honestly didn’t care how many Iwagakue shinobi were killed, and something told me Schatzi didn’t either, as long as it wasn’t either of us.

Absently, I felt the pull of a C ranked worth of my chakra flowing up the side of my neck, almost untraceable. I knew where it was heading: to fill what space I had within that tiny rhombus located in the center of my head. I rub said rhombus a few times before leaning back against the crate. “So what do you think partner?” I ask, giving a split second pause between the words “think” and “partner.”

Move to Haha Island please

Post Number: 26
Byakugō no In charges: 6

[Deleted]

Moving.

[The Bearer of Bad News]

Schatzi had resumed his androgynous default form, though remained male for the time being. Not that it was a simple matter to tell. His latest Soul Split was gallivanting about at the figurehead and in the rigging, generally amusing himself at the expense of others. He did so love to travel.

Belowdecks with Master Rosie, he crouched beside her as she outlined her plan. Everything he had hoped for. She was perfect. He dropped his illusionary clothing, leaving himself garbed only in the few physical items. Perfect honesty showed in the condition of his body. An amount of chakra was siphoned off by the seal on his forehead.

"I'm thinking many things, Master Rosie. So many things. That you were the right choice to make, given this plan. You'll be a much better Master than you give yourself credit for. That I liked you better with your hair down. That we could produce beautiful children together. That I have to keep you save, and have a way to do it. I can leave a mark on your body and in your chakra. With it, I can call you to me, from anywhere."

[Natsy]

Seeing Schatzi change his appearance at will again had me blinking. That was something I needed to get used to. But as he spoke, part of what he was saying caused me to tense. “Ah, thank you?” It was all I could say! I mean, having a person who can be a woman one moment, then a man in the next telling you something like that as bound to come across as weird. I resisted the urge not to shiver. But upon the part about leaving a mark on my body, I felt all kinds of emotions.

The mechanist had left his mark in my body the day he injected his chakra into me. Now Schatzi was basically asking me to have a piece of his as well. I looked doubtful. Just what kind of mark? He spoke of it being a type of summon. Well it was logical considering the pact we had just made. But the idea of having any more chakra coursing through my body made me mentally sick. Sigh. “If it will help the village as well as those within it, then let’s do it before we get off this boat.” I said, my tone uncertain.

I didn’t like the idea. But I wanted to be able to trust my shinobi and help them in any way I could. I swallow a gulp of fear before scooting closer toward him, holding out my left arm. I squeezed my eyes shut and waited for the procedure to commence. “So basically you’ll be able to summon me to your area as long as I have whatever this mark you are placing on me?” I ask, curious and afraid at the same time. Gosh, for a Kage I really was a chicken. Sceptical yes, but could one really blame me? I was kidnapped by a stranger and had his chakra coursing through my system. That same man was the reason why I skipped five years of my life.

However, once the procedure was completed, the feeling of Schatzi’s new mark upon my skin I glance down at it. My body reacted to it, positively for a change. It grabbed some of the signature chakra there and shipped it up to the seal sitting upon my forehead for safe keeping. It was as if my body was thanking my comrade for the mark. I smiled kindly and stand. “Let’s go get our titles!” I then said should nothing more be needed regarding this implant. The pair of us would leave the ship and dash across the country before entering the park where we were to be registered.

//Attempted Exit

Post Number: 27
Byakugō no In charges: 6

[The Bearer of Bad News]

She was reluctant. But she accepted. That was fine, he meant no harm. Well, he meant plenty of harm, just not to her. For now, he embedded his chakra into her offered forearm so she could see for herself. The seal left behind was small and unobtrusive. It may as well have been a tattoo. But those who knew about such things would recognize it. He would have to move it later where it wouldn't be so easily seen.

His Soul Split was already on land now, waiting for his Master, so he simply dismissed himself, vanishing as though he was never there in the first place. Together they made their way to the park where exam registry would occur.

#Exit