Guiding the guests [NDE, open].

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

((OOC: Photo of old town area: here, minus the hill in the back.))


[Enter kage bunshin and Skulking Shinzu]


The trio reached the old part of the city after a 15 minute walk. A number of old buildings were sprawled across the area. "This is the oldest part of Kumogakure no Sato.
Most of the buildings here dates back 200 - 250 years. Kumogakure no Sato was not exactly a shinobi village back then" started the female.

"Here are some of the houses people lived in. Most of the buildings were made out of wood with traditional doors. They were built on stilts to keep out the rats.
In addition, the stilts prevented flooding. This was a smart idea given how terrible the weather is here" told the kage bunshin.

"The people who lived here were craftsmen, samurais or geishas. Nearly all the buildings are made into workshops or tea houses.
Most of them are open to the public all-year round. Some of them are closed due to restoration" informed the young woman. The streets were not that crowded since everyone was at work.

The disguised Raikage held out her hand to stop them when they rounded a corner. In front of them was an okiya*.
"The house over there is the geisha house. Very few people are allowed in there. If you see a geisha, DO NOT DISTURB HER" warned the female.

SPOILER: Click to show

Okiya = geisha boarding house.


Skills used [kage bunshin]:


Sense Motive. Level: Master [104/125].

Observation. Level: Master [107/125].

Current affairs. Level: Master [109/125].

History, local: Hi no Kuni. Level: Master [112/125].

History, local: Kaminari no Kuni. Level: Master [109/125].

Disguise. Level: Expert [81/125].

Unskilled: Appear as a relative of the same race, sex, and age category.
Novice: Appear as another individual of the same race, sex, and age category.
Average: Alter one's apparent sex or apparent age.
Advanced: Alter one's apparent race.
Expert: Perform multiple combinations of above.



Jutsus used:


Defensive throw.
Rank: “S” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu/supplementary.
Effect: A technique in which if the user has his sights set on a target ready to attack, the senses of the throwing specialist is so in tuned with his surroundings the user is unable to be flanked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the “C” Rank version they must be “C” Class, if they wish to learn the “B” Rank version they must be “B” Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the throwing specialist is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a user that knows this technique cannot use this against an opponent that is “C” Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a throwing specialist.


Solid regard.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is personal. Range is personal. Duration is five hours per class level. User knows their soul and where it is going. This makes them fearless. User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Limit: Must be a soulcaster.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“So, what was Kumogakure no Sato prior to becoming a Ninja village, and what event or events lead to that transition?” Now seemed like an appropriate time to ask that question. Meanwhile, Zuruel inspected the structures around him. On occasion, he even crouched downwards to inspect the stilts the houses were supposedly built on. “Fascinating… Our weather conditions in Mo can be quite harsh and especially windy, but being built on top of a mountain affords the luxury of not having to worry about flooding.” Zuruel extended his right hand outwards and brushed his fingers along the texture of the wood. Tomoko would recall that most of the buildings in Mo had been constructed from stone. Not only was that a safer and more durable construction material, but it also ensured that flammable materials were kept to a minimum. Although Mo possesses a near unlimited supply of water, it can only be harvested a few barrels at a time. Not nearly quick enough to put out a village-wide fire.

“Samu-rai? I have heard of Geisha. Quite a few are littered around Hi no Kuni. These Samurai though, what are they?” Zuruel and Lady both inhaled deeply. They could smell the sawdust from the workshops and a multitude of pleasant herbs emanating from the tea houses. Naturally, both had taken note of Tomoko’s perfume too. “Oh?” Zuruel blinked at the warning. “Why is disturbing a Geisha not allowed. Is it because she may be practising?” Normal human etiquette was a tricky thing for the Kedoin to grasp. Naturally, specific etiquette around a specific group of people was even harder. At the very least, Tomoko seemed like a patient individual that didn’t seem to mind explaining.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

The female blinked in surprise when he said he did not knew what samurais were. She had expected he knew - or at least had read - about them. Especially since Hi no Kuni was quite rich in history.
The kage bunshin started to form an explanation inside her head. How could she formulate this in the best way?

"Samurais are quite similar to the soldiers in Mo. They were bound to a specific lord or daimyo for starters.
Second, they lived by an honorary code called bushido. It was a collection of eight virtues. Those were justice, courage, mercy, politeness, honor, sincerity, loyalty and self-control" summarized the young woman.

She sent a silent 'thank you' to her fiancé for explaining those virtues. "Samurais lived together with the craftsmen for centuries. Many of the current shinobi families have samurai ancestry. At some point, they were introduced to chakra. This chakra gave them the ability to use ninjutsu or illusions" explained the disguised Raikage.

"Geishas are working on very tight schedules. Plus that they can't defend themselves like a shinobi can.
Unlike Mo, we do not have soldiers patrolling the streets. We usually have ANBU recruits or Genins for that" explained the female. She motioned him to follow her once the street was clear.

They walked halfway down the street. Zuruel would probably hear banking sounds in a nearby house.
"I'm sure you hear the banking sound. This particular workshop takes in several trainees every year" told the fake greenette. She pointed her thumb at a window where they could peek in.

They would only get a 3/4 view due to their angle. But what they could see explained a lot.
A pair of teenage boys were measuring a wooden beam on a bench. Another pair were consulting a drawing. At the other end stood a middle aged man, overlooking the procedure.

"What you see here are four apprentices working on some project. The Raikage has encouraged people to take a vocational education if they can. Shinobis need something to fall back on just in case" muttered the young woman.
The top of her head barely reached the window. Then again, the window was 5 feet above the ground.

"Do you have any other questions Zuruel-san? I'm sure it's a bit of a culture shock to see how we're doing things" told the kage bunshin. She had a sincere voice that matched her small smile.
Her eyes looked at his animal companions a moment later. Lady appeared to be sniffing out her surroundings.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used [kage bunshin]:


Sense Motive. Level: Master [104/125].

Observation. Level: Master [107/125].

Current affairs. Level: Master [109/125].

History, local: Hi no Kuni. Level: Master [112/125].

History, local: Kaminari no Kuni. Level: Master [109/125].

Disguise. Level: Expert [81/125].

Unskilled: Appear as a relative of the same race, sex, and age category.
Novice: Appear as another individual of the same race, sex, and age category.
Average: Alter one's apparent sex or apparent age.
Advanced: Alter one's apparent race.
Expert: Perform multiple combinations of above.



Jutsus used:


Defensive throw.
Rank: “S” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu/supplementary.
Effect: A technique in which if the user has his sights set on a target ready to attack, the senses of the throwing specialist is so in tuned with his surroundings the user is unable to be flanked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the “C” Rank version they must be “C” Class, if they wish to learn the “B” Rank version they must be “B” Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the throwing specialist is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a user that knows this technique cannot use this against an opponent that is “C” Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a throwing specialist.


Solid regard.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is personal. Range is personal. Duration is five hours per class level. User knows their soul and where it is going. This makes them fearless. User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Limit: Must be a soulcaster.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Ah!” Zuruel smacked his fist into his palm in a ‘I got it’ gesture. “I remember now. Armoured swordsman bound to Daimyo that practice the code of Bushido. I believe they were infamous for bringing back the heads of their targets as proof of their kills. Quite a few waged war against Mo in the early years when we first refused to be subjugated by the lords of Fire. I had no idea they were called Samurai. Mo’s earlier historical records tended to be… vague at best. A standard for quality only really started to be enforced when the current Duchess’s mother was put into power. Naturally, that interest in knowledge was inherited by her daughter.” Lady raised an eyebrow at her companion. She rarely saw him compliment another individual for non-combat related reasons.

Zuruel then stroked his chin at the mention of the village’s Chakra ancestry. “Were Samurai more naturally adept at Chakra than others? I suppose that would explain why villages such as yours produce so many Chakra-capable Shinobi each year. As you may have noticed, most of Mo’s soldiers focus heavily on physical prowess and what you call Taijutsu. The exceptions being higher ranking lieutenants, squad captains and truly gifted adepts that go on to become generals.” It wasn’t information most would want to share willingly with another village. Zuruel hoped that revealing the inner workings of how Mo functioned would be a sign of good faith.

“Interesting. Mo works in a similar way. Retired soldiers or those who wish to spend more time with their families often end up as either training instructors or teachers. We have many areas where those that wish to can teach the younger generation about the finer arts such as carpentry and smithing.” Zuruel seemed impressed. He assumed Ninja villages had a focus on bloodshed and death. He was pleased to see that like Mo, there was still a huge focus on the everyday lifestyle of the civilians. Not wishing to hide the glow on his face, Tomoko would be able to pick up on this fact fairly easily.

“In case there’s no more need for Shinobi? That’ll be the day. Mo also longs for the day it no longer requires such a emphasis on its soldiers. I’m not sure what I’d do if that happened… Perhaps retire and open a Dojo of my own. Ryu could use the competition.” He chuckled at the end of his sentence before pondering over any further questions he may have. “No, this seems quite nice. Quite peaceful. I hope the Lady Raikage wouldn’t mind me visiting every so often to unwind? I can probably assist with any missions you may have floating around at the time to make myself useful and less of a burden.” Zuruel thought back to the clouds he observed all of last night. He hadn't felt so at peace in a long time. Even the Curse Mark on his chest didn't act up as violently as it usually did.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"Don't get me wrong. We still need shinobis. The daimyos plus the civilians rely on us for protection.
I mean - some ninjutsus can cause tornados or earth quakes. That can cause QUITE a lot of damage" stated the female.

"We have three more places to visit. The research center, hospital plus the knowledge center. Which one would you like to visit first?" asked the kage bunshin.
She decided it was polite to let the guest decide. Especially since he would visit at least two of them in the future.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used [kage bunshin]:


Sense Motive. Level: Master [104/125].

Observation. Level: Master [107/125].

Current affairs. Level: Master [109/125].

History, local: Hi no Kuni. Level: Master [112/125].

History, local: Kaminari no Kuni. Level: Master [109/125].

Disguise. Level: Expert [81/125].

Unskilled: Appear as a relative of the same race, sex, and age category.
Novice: Appear as another individual of the same race, sex, and age category.
Average: Alter one's apparent sex or apparent age.
Advanced: Alter one's apparent race.
Expert: Perform multiple combinations of above.



Jutsus used:


Defensive throw.
Rank: “S” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu/supplementary.
Effect: A technique in which if the user has his sights set on a target ready to attack, the senses of the throwing specialist is so in tuned with his surroundings the user is unable to be flanked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the “C” Rank version they must be “C” Class, if they wish to learn the “B” Rank version they must be “B” Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the throwing specialist is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a user that knows this technique cannot use this against an opponent that is “C” Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a throwing specialist.


Solid regard.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is personal. Range is personal. Duration is five hours per class level. User knows their soul and where it is going. This makes them fearless. User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Limit: Must be a soulcaster.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“They are also probably the only ones capable of stopping earthquakes and tornadoes too.” Zuruel chuckled before focusing on Tomoko’s next set of words. “If it isn’t too far out, let’s go for the hospital first. I’m curious about your medical facilities.” Zuruel glanced around at his surroundings. He couldn’t spot any buildings that looked like anything Tomoko had just mentioned, so he had no real idea what would be the closest and most convenient for her.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

His next comment nearly made the female roll her eyes. 'Yeah, right! I've never seen a taimaster stop a hurricane with his own hands!' laughed her inner.
"If it isn't too far out, let’s go for the hospital first. I'm curious about your medical facilities" replied the male.

"All right then! Let's go this way. We should be there in ten or fifteen minutes at the most" told the kage bunshin.
She would lead them as they went down the traditional looking district. It did not take long until the buildings got more modern.

In addition, the roads got a bit larger. There was more traffic here compared to the old town district.
"See that tall building over there? That's the Kumogakure hospital. I have to warn you - there may be scary smells in there" warned the young woman.

[Temporary exit, kage bunshin]

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Ah, interesting.” Zuruel glanced around and analysed the scenery. It was interesting how the architecture had begun to change. It was clear they were heading into the more recently constructed part of the village. “More people too.” It wasn’t surprising. The old district was likely an interesting destination to unwind and relax. However, for everyday life and living, most of the civilians likely preferred the more modern area. As for Zuruel, he hid it extremely well, but being around so many new individuals made him feel slightly uncomfortable. He preferred the older and more peaceful district. “We will be fine. We have strong stomachs.” Zuruel, specifically, had two.

[Temp Exit]

[Ryutatsu "Sakurai Sword"]

(Enter)

Waiting outside the hospital was Ryutatsu. He had hurried from his dojo training to make it to the meeting with Zuruel as his Kage requested. He was in his usual combative uniform with a few additions. His two swords of course being the most obvious thing on his back. Abyssal Shard and Nightin Gale have earned a reputation thanks to Ryutatsu's constant use of the two.

His white chain armor of Mithral make was also typical of Ryutatsu. It matched his snow white hair making him something a bit different than the usual blacks of everyone. As a contrast though his Shinobi clothes were dark colors making his silhouette quite broken up. Of course his tactical vest was full of pouches with his other equipment. Seeds, metal shavings and small weapons like Kunai, shurikens, and even a Tanto or two were housed there.

His main hand had his signature gauntlet that no one living has seen the surprise of within. Ryutatsu leaned against the wall of the hospital to wait for the two to come out. He thought there was no need to bother them and the doctors inside. It also gave him a minute to catch his breath and look presentable. His shinobi plate wrapped around his neck and goggle on the crest of his head gave him a punk look but his new responsibilities as a chunnin made him a more serious person. And his expression showed this heighten awareness.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

[Enter kage bunshin]


After they exited the hospital, the female spotted someone quite familiar. His pure white hair plus the zircon blue eyes made him stand out.
Her eyes wandered towards his chain armor. It was ivory white in colour and seemed fairly new.

"Ryutatsu-kun! I have not seen you in a while.
I must say that I like that chain armor. It's not often you see something like that" told the kage bunshin. She had a sincere smile on her face.

"Oh - I heard you were promoted to Chuunin. Congratulations with the promotion. You really deserved it" stated the young woman.
She noticed that his clothes looked a little punkish. It was not a surprise since he would be a teenager soon.

"We have a visitor by the way. Something tells me that you know him" told the disguised Raikage. She stepped aside so the visitor could see him.
The female would let the two chat a little bit. It was not often they met one another after all.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used [kage bunshin]:


Sense Motive. Level: Master [104/125].

Observation. Level: Master [107/125].

Current affairs. Level: Master [109/125].

History, local: Hi no Kuni. Level: Master [112/125].

History, local: Kaminari no Kuni. Level: Master [109/125].

Disguise. Level: Expert [81/125].

Unskilled: Appear as a relative of the same race, sex, and age category.
Novice: Appear as another individual of the same race, sex, and age category.
Average: Alter one's apparent sex or apparent age.
Advanced: Alter one's apparent race.
Expert: Perform multiple combinations of above.



Jutsus used:


Defensive throw.
Rank: “S” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu/supplementary.
Effect: A technique in which if the user has his sights set on a target ready to attack, the senses of the throwing specialist is so in tuned with his surroundings the user is unable to be flanked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the “C” Rank version they must be “C” Class, if they wish to learn the “B” Rank version they must be “B” Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the throwing specialist is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a user that knows this technique cannot use this against an opponent that is “C” Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a throwing specialist.


Solid regard.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is personal. Range is personal. Duration is five hours per class level. User knows their soul and where it is going. This makes them fearless. User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Limit: Must be a soulcaster.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Ryu!” Zuruel and Lady called out simultaneously, the later being with her telepathy. The boy seemed different to before. Almost more mature and serious. If the uniform was anything to go by, there was a hint that he had become a Chuunin since their last encounter. Tomoko’s words later seemed to confirm that theory. “My my, you’ve grown. In skill too, I assume?” Zuruel began emitting a faint aura of bloodlust. Ryu, a fellow warrior, would immediately identify that he was itching for a battle.

Lady, meanwhile, rolled her eyes before peeking around Ryu to glance at his equipment in hopes of changing the topic. “Did you ever managed to fix Zuruel’s broken sword?” Zuruel smiled energetically at the comment. “Good idea, if you have it lets break it in.” Lady slapped her palm against her face before frowning. “That’s not why I asked!” Sadly, her words fell on deaf ears. The excitement of seeing Ryu again was triggering the Kedoin’s urge to spar. He wouldn’t be able to hold it back for much longer.

[Ryutatsu "Sakurai Sword"]

Ryutatsu's emerald eyes flashed joy at seeing old friends and new. "Hello, Lady and Zuruel. I have grown a bit but my skill is a bit rusty for I have been having to deal with more administration than training lately." Ryutatsu's own blood began to pump in anticipation of real joy of combat. " I did fix it and it's at my shop and home that is here in the village. "Jonin-san, if you don't mind I could take the visitors to my training area in the old prison and present the commission they asked of me when we were in their village. " The area he was talking about was a partially collapsed abandoned prison on the edge of town that Ryutatsu made his home and workshop during the time of Shiki. The location was unique that Ryutatsu had been renovating it here and there on his own. As an orphan he had a reliance of self before most. The walls of the prison was thick stone and there was barbed wire fencing at the top of walls that were more than 30 meters tall. But sewn through the trees that now grew in the yard was several metal poles at irregular intervals that served no obvious purpose. Only a small stairwell and guard shack was above ground for the main building the rest of it was given over to a generous area to train in. The area was easily 80 meters by 80 meters.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

The female smiled when her guests recognized the younger male. Not only that, but they were on friendly terms as well. That would make the alliance go easier.
"My my, you’ve grown. In skill too, I assume?" inquired Zuruel.

What he said was true. Ryutatsu was an inch taller than 5'5" Tomoko and two inches taller than the Raikage. The latter was a petite adult however.
"Hello, Lady and Zuruel. I have grown a bit but my skill is a bit rusty for I have been having to deal with more administration than training lately." replied the boy.

"Good idea, if you have it lets break it in" suggested the younger man. The young woman mimicked the gesture that Lady did. She could feel the blood lust emerge in both of the males.
'NOT AGAIN!' thought the disguised Raikage while she rolled her eyes.

"Jonin-san, if you don't mind I could take the visitors to my training area in the old prison and present the commission they asked of me when we were in their village." inquired Ryutatsu.
Her eyes stared right into his. She had a rather plain, yet strict expression in her eyes.

"First of all, please don't call me Jonin-san. My name is Tomoko Hanakora. I'm afraid Zuruel-san can't go just yet. I need to show him where the knowledge center is. Raikage orders I'm afraid" replied the female in a no-nonsense voice.

"Besides, the two of you can have a match in the arena. Or at yours if that's what our guest wants.
I promise that the knowledge center is the last place for our guest tour. After that, he's all yours" assured the fake greenette.

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used [kage bunshin]:


Sense Motive. Level: Master [104/125].

Observation. Level: Master [107/125].

Current affairs. Level: Master [109/125].

History, local: Hi no Kuni. Level: Master [112/125].

History, local: Kaminari no Kuni. Level: Master [109/125].

Disguise. Level: Expert [81/125].

Unskilled: Appear as a relative of the same race, sex, and age category.
Novice: Appear as another individual of the same race, sex, and age category.
Average: Alter one's apparent sex or apparent age.
Advanced: Alter one's apparent race.
Expert: Perform multiple combinations of above.



Jutsus used:


Defensive throw.
Rank: “S” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu/supplementary.
Effect: A technique in which if the user has his sights set on a target ready to attack, the senses of the throwing specialist is so in tuned with his surroundings the user is unable to be flanked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the “C” Rank version they must be “C” Class, if they wish to learn the “B” Rank version they must be “B” Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the throwing specialist is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a user that knows this technique cannot use this against an opponent that is “C” Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a throwing specialist.


Solid regard.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is personal. Range is personal. Duration is five hours per class level. User knows their soul and where it is going. This makes them fearless. User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Limit: Must be a soulcaster.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Administration…” A part of Zuruel wondered if he might enjoy living here permanently. However, the sight of a domesticated Ryu forced into carrying out all sorts of administrative duties was off-putting. If there was one thing Mo afforded him, it was the freedom to do away with paperwork and traditional rules. “Oh?” Zuruel perked up at the mention of his commission being complete. Swiftly, he glanced over to Tomoko for permission. Sadly, her face revealed that he probably wouldn’t be getting it.

“Ah yes, the research center. Let’s go there first then.” Taken back by Ryu’s surprise appearance, Zuruel had completely forgotten there was one more building left on the agenda. Knowing that, Zuruel decided the wait would be worthwhile and nodded to Tomoko to prompt her to lead the way. It wouldn’t be long time. A hour or two at most, and the Kedoin would at last be able to stretch his tense muscles.

[Ryutatsu "Sakurai Sword"]

Ryutatsu shrugged and then began to loosen his muscles as they walked towards the research center. "Alright then. Research center then I will show you your commissions, then I can show you the battle dome where I did a lot of my training and got some of my fighting experience from. If we are real good and follow her lead maybe we can get the AnBu to set the arena up for us to do a small spar in. It's perfectly safe to go all out there because of the safeguards built in for the fans. How does that sound?"

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"Ah yes, the research center. Let's go there first then" told the young man. She could tell he was a bit miffed about being denied.
But this was a shinobi village after all. People using streets as sparring grounds was frowned upon here.

"Alright then. Research center then I will show you your commissions, then I can show you the battle dome where I did a lot of my training and got some of my fighting experience from. If we are real good and follow her lead maybe we can get the AnBu to set the arena up for us to do a small spar in. It's perfectly safe to go all out there because of the safeguards built in for the fans. How does that sound?" inquired the male.

"I think the Raikage will appreciate that. I'll keep the tour to the knowledge center short. See you later Ryutatsu-kun" said the female.
She would turn left after walking down five blocks. This would be the last stop on their tour.


[Temporary exit]

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Oh? An opportunity to go all out is pretty rare. I can’t say no to that.” Flaring with enthusiasm, Zuruel chuckled as he followed Tomoko. Contrary to the Kedoin’s focus on training and battle, he was still interested in the research center. Specifically, the types of technical advancements that were incorporated into the building. After all, part of this visit to Kumogakure was to identify areas for improvement in Mo. There’d be no better way to do that than to visit the central hub of advancements and innovation.

[Temp Exit]

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

A mere hour had passed when the duo returned. The female appeared a little nervous compared to earlier. This was reasonable given how the male next to her looked.
"We're done with our tour. You can take him to the arena now told the kage bunshin.

She looked at Zuruel with a smile. "Yes - you heard right. We have a battle arena in Kumogakure no Sato.
Many Genins use it for their Chuunin exams training. Ryutatsu-kun was one of them" informed the young woman.

Her blue eyes looked at the taller, yet younger guy. "I leave him to you. Please don't hurt him too bad. He needs to be ready for school.
Zuruel-san, I think we will meet later. I like your battle form by the way" told the disguised Raikage. She gave him a skinny grin before she left them.


[Exit kage bunshin]

SPOILER: Click to show

Skills used [kage bunshin]:


Sense Motive. Level: Master [104/125].

Observation. Level: Master [107/125].

Current affairs. Level: Master [109/125].

History, local: Hi no Kuni. Level: Master [112/125].

History, local: Kaminari no Kuni. Level: Master [109/125].

Disguise. Level: Expert [81/125].

Unskilled: Appear as a relative of the same race, sex, and age category.
Novice: Appear as another individual of the same race, sex, and age category.
Average: Alter one's apparent sex or apparent age.
Advanced: Alter one's apparent race.
Expert: Perform multiple combinations of above.



Jutsus used:


Defensive throw.
Rank: “S” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu/supplementary.
Effect: A technique in which if the user has his sights set on a target ready to attack, the senses of the throwing specialist is so in tuned with his surroundings the user is unable to be flanked.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user may only learn this technique by the class that they are. This means that in order to learn the “C” Rank version they must be “C” Class, if they wish to learn the “B” Rank version they must be “B” Class.
Description: A technique where the subconscious mind, where the subconscious body reacts just as they are attacked while flanked or while their back is turn. The body reacts in such a way to where they are capable of withstanding so much. This technique makes it where the throwing specialist is incapable of being surprised attacked, a sudden second sense kicks in as their body screams out to them yelling at them telling them to move, duck, dodge or anything else within that manner. This works on whenever they are being attacked. This technique however has a major flaw. The user is capable of dodging only whenever the opponent's class is equal or lower to that of the rank of the technique they know. This means that a user that knows this technique cannot use this against an opponent that is “C” Class or higher.
Limit: Must be a throwing specialist.


Solid regard.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is personal. Range is personal. Duration is five hours per class level. User knows their soul and where it is going. This makes them fearless. User becomes immune to fear and intimidate effects.
Limit: Must be a soulcaster.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Ah, perfect. I’ve been starting to feel quite stiff.” Zuruel cracked his knuckles at the end of his sentence and extended his arms outwards to stretch them. “Makes sense. I was actually curious how your Shinobi prepare for their Chuunin exams. This will be interesting to see in first person.” There was no doubt that Zuruel’s main motive for visiting the arena was for the spar. Of course, there was still that hint of him that wished to seek out knowledge to bring back to Mo. No matter how much his bloodlust consumed him, he still always seemed to be able to remain rational and logical.

“I’m more worried about him hurting me. Did he tell you what he did to me during our last spar?” If not for his Kedoin regenerative abilities, he’d have plenty of scars to show for it. “Ah, you won’t stay? I was hoping to put on a good show for you.” Zuruel chuckled before scratching the back of his head at the compliment he received from Tomoko. “I should use this form more often then.” Upon waving his tour guide away, the Kedoin headed towards the arena. He suspected Ryu would already be there waiting for him.

[Exit]