Patrolling the Bazaar

[Flower]

[OOC: i am ready to go! will we need a chuunin for this mission?]

Shihana held the package after looking at Isamu for protection and immediately went for a ride. For a long time there was nothing, the flickering of lights, not knowing... Time sped but who could have known it. There was just the flickering of lights. Months passed. Conversations. It was no longer Shihana who witnessed the events but Valerys' soul which experienced the scenes. Finally there was sunlight and she saw the product inside a bag -- picked up by a police officer from a man, the smuggler -- and noted the appearance of all the men that he moved his product to. Scar on the forehead. Trilby hat. Child. And suddenly she was whisked away...

Valerys watched the bag as it had been brought through the desert by a man on a camel, noted the path that it had taken to get there and the lab where it had been processed even before this. Days, weeks, and months going by. Time no longer existent. Valerys looked upon the lab and she knew this to be the place where the drugs were being processed. This was their headquarters. After a lengthy amount of time in which Isamu could discuss whatever he needed with the officer, Shihana would open her eyes.

"You don't have to worry," she said as her mind began to settle back into the rhythm of traditional and linear time, "I have found them. A band of smugglers have been bringing the saffron in from an alchemy lab on the outskirts of the bazaar to the east." Shihana put her right hand on her hip and looked primarily at Isamu, for the first time giving him a small smile. "We've been assigned this mission by the Kazekage. We must see it through to the end." She put her hand on Isamu's shoulder, thinking about his bloodlimit and the unique talent that they shared. Their secret abilities. As Shihana looked at Isamu suddenly her purple eyes would shift and change. At first it seemed a trick of the light, but soon enough her eyes were becoming hues of red. Finally they settled down on a light color almost like faded blood. Valerys' eyes.

"Soon we will both need new faces."

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:

• Heroism [5 hours, Isamu] (+2 attack, +2 saves, +10 skills)
• ---
  

Homunculi:

[Christoff]

Isamu inspected Officer Ryutetsu's badge as the man explained his suspicions. Isamu was somewhat disappointed. For Officer Ryutetsu to suspect his brothers and sisters in arms of betraying the village, Isamu would have liked him to have a little bit more to go on. There might be traitors in the police force or these might be particularly competent criminals.

Isamu said nothing and walked over to Shihana who was still rooted in her trance. He looked at the Saffron powder in her hand and wondered about its provenance. He walked around the perimeter of the room, looking at the various boxes, thinking more than he was observing. Finally he spoke to Ryutetsu, "The receptionist, why did she send for you specifically? Can she be trusted? Has anyone else been working closely with you on this case?" Isamu would listen to the man's responses and nod regardless of the answer. Unless something in the answer popped this was all background information that he would file away for later use.

Shihana's eyes snapped open and she spoke, "You don't have to worry, I have found them. A band of smugglers have been bringing the saffron in from an alchemy lab on the outskirts of the bazaar to the east." An undercurrent of exhilaration washed through Isamu. The hunt was on. Isamu couldn't be sure but it certainly seemed that Shihana had in fact used the same technique as the Kazekage. Shihana spoke again, "We've been assigned this mission by the Kazekage. We must see it through to the end."

The invocation of their mission and purpose enhanced the feeling of affirmation and self belief that had swelled in Isamu since Shihana bestowed her blessing. "Of course, until the very end." Isamu turned his head towards Officer Ryutetsu, "Speak nothing of this and do not act on what you have heard today. If you do not hear anything in 72 hours come looking for us." Isamu did not expect a den of drug dealers to pose any issue for him after the pitched battles in Taki no Kuni and the Kazekage had displayed a high level of trust in Shihana. They ought to be more than capable, but a little humility and caution never hurt.

Isamu now was aware of Shihana's hand on his shoulder and looked down into her lilac colored eyes. There was something different about them now. The subtle change became unsubtle as the red hues overpowered the purple settling out into her new eyes. "Soon we will both need new faces." Isamu only nodded but things were falling into place for him now. Shihana's comments were clear. She had just shown him her ability to change her appearance. He thought about the creature that had come from her leg. He knew of no ability that would link the two but he suspected now that they were.

Isamu reached behind himself, grabbed the corner of his cloak and pulled it off. The cloth slid effortlessly out from under his gourd of sand. He reached inside and slowly removed ten of his explosive kunai and secured them into his tactical vest. Isamu held the cloak out, "Officer Ryutetsu, thank you for all of your help. Please hold onto this for me. It is too conspicuous for what we are about to do." Isamu opened the door for Shihana and said, while returning her slight smile, "Lead the way."

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:
Heroism: 5 hours remaining, +2 Attack, +2 Saves, +10 Skills

[Deleted]

(I'll take care of that. The npc officer can count as a chuunin for the sake of mission progression.) 

The officer seemed slightly bothered by the males words. "She called for me because I've been the one leading this investigation since the start and I was the one who requested the village send ninja. Make no mistake here, Kazekage or not this is my jurisdiction and I will be involved in taking these criminals down. It's personal." The officers voice wavered slightly, emotionally as he said the words. He glanced over at the woman who seemingly had some sort of breakthrough. "I don't know what you did, but its more than we have had to go off of for months." 

"You aren't leaving without me. I too have bosses, I too have an obligation to see this to the end." The officer said as he pulled open a drawer. If the ninja needed to leave some gear behind he could. He reached into the desk and pulled out what appeared to be some sort of crossbow pistol with an internal loading magazine. The man opened the breach of the crossbow pistol and examined all six rounds inside the pistol to make sure it was loaded. He grabbed a worn brown hat and put it on his head. He loaded the pistol inside his harness and quickly through over a desert robe to conceal it. 

"Lead the way."

[Flower]

Shihana listened to the man's words and looked him over closely with her eyes, feeling inside of herself, an ounce of annoyance at his lawfulness, from the woman who was no longer so far away. However, it was not her place to deny the officer his right to live and die by the mission -- if he wanted to take it on then so be it. "Heh," Shihana said and closed her eyes, passing her hand over her face as her cells began to construct themselves in to odd and bewildering patterns. Her mouth, eyes, and nose changing before their very eyes as she spoke. "So you want to come along, huh? Fine by me." After a few seconds her face would begin to take on a more masculine quality and all of her features would have finished shaping, which left her looking like the man who had rode the saffron out of the courtesan district on the camel and put the bag into the well. Even her white hair would have receeded and shaped into his full facial appearance so that Isamu would know enough to take on this disguise if necessary.

"This is the face of the man who we are looking for," Shihana said and referred to her own appearance, "He rides a camel and has delivered packages out to a well on a street leading from the courtesan district. I want to track him down outside the smuggler's den (although another will do if necessary) and that is where you two will come in." Shihana looked at Isamu closely, letting him know with her eyes what she meant even before she said it. "I'll assist you from long-range as you two capture the man. He must be taken alive. Then I will extract what intel I need from him, which will be invaluable to us when we infiltrate them." In particular, Shihana hoped that she could use the camel-riding criminal to understand more about the habits, the conversations, the history of this smuggler organization. Once that had been achieved, infiltrating their ranks would only be that much easier. She intended to discover much more than just who this chemist was... However, if it turned out that he was too difficult to find then they could settle on another victim -- but she knew that this one was at least fairly high in their ranks if he directly received shipments from the smuggler's den.

"If all goes well, after gathering the information we can immediately move into the den. Any objections?" She looked to both Officer Ryutetsu and Isamu, curious as to what they thought of her plan and how they should proceed. She also paid particularly close attention to Officer Ryutetsu wondering if he would agree knowing that this mission would involve espionage. The implication being that he needed some method of transforming into another person or stealth -- unless he was going to watch them from the background. She waited on their response before moving out even though she was eager to do so, not wanting to jeopardize the mission by speaking out in the open.

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:

• Heroism [5 hours, Isamu] (+2 attack, +2 saves, +10 skills)
• ---
  

Homunculi:

[Christoff]

Isamu was taken aback by Officer Ryutetsu's screed. Isamu was as much of a stickler for protocol as anyone but he had not thought the officer would be offended by the suggestion. Isamu was also not so sure that the officer was correct about the supremacy of his jurisdiction. The officer had called for aid from the village not the other way around. If he didn't want other people treading on his turf he should have solve the case himself. Shihana responded first, "So you want to come along, huh? Fine by me." Isamu consciously soothed the annoyance he was feeling and answered the man calmly, "I meant no offence Officer."

Now Isamu turned his attention back to Shihana and witnessed the final stages of her transformation with something of a start. Shihana spoke her voice now seemingly out of place coming from the man's face, "This is the face of the man who we are looking for. He rides a camel and has delivered packages out to a well on a street leading from the courtesan district. I want to track him down outside the smuggler's den (although another will do if necessary) and that is where you two will come in." As Shihana continued to lay out her plan Isamu studied the face intently ,memorizing every line. When she finished Isamu nodded, "That sounds like a fine plan, but if we are going to track him down we will need to be on the same page," the Genin's left hand reached down to the pack on his belt, the pack had already opened and shifted two wireless radios to the top. Isamu took the radios and held them out towards Shihana and Officer Ryutetsu, "Take these if you need them they should already be tuned to the same channel as mine."

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:
Heroism: 5 hours remaining, +2 Attack, +2 Saves, +10 Skills
Offering two Wireless Radios

[Deleted]

The officer paused for a bit. Clearly taken back by the changing of the ninja's face. "Kedoins." The officer said plainly yet still slightly perturbed. He reached out and grabbed the wireless radio and tucked it into his jacket. "Be mindful, wireless radios are not common here and to a passing observer it might stand out." The officer said as he started making his way out of the building. As they moved they would slowly exit out to the bazaar. The officer looked around to make sure no one was specifically watching them. The coast was clear. 

"From what it sounds like you saw. I think this well you are talking about is a dead drop. They tend to change as time passes. A few of the runners we have managed have all told us a similar story. A man would pay them to pick up a package from a certain location and it would give a list of people to drop the packages off to. The runners never see the person dropping off the packages and so trying to triangulate where the product is coming from has always been out of our grasps." The officer paused for a moment after the party was a far bit away from the police office. 

"The well might be a dead end. They probably have moved on to a new dead drop location by now. But the quality of the drugs indicates that where ever these drugs are being produced they are probably there for the long haul." The officer wasn't leading them in any particular direction but he was moving through several smaller alleys and back alleys out of the police station. Most the people didn't seem to notice the groups passing but there were a few glances at the parties direction. Kids, merchants and the like. "The more turns we make the fewer eyes we will have on us."

[Flower]

Listening to the man's words and following his lead, Shihana put the wireless radio inside of her butt bag for safe keeping and decided to use it only if it came down to it and she was separated from the group and unseen. Ryutetsu was right that it could give away their position. He explained that the well was likely a dead end as they exited the police headquarters. On their way out, Shihana made sure to rearrange her face back to normal as they passed through the twists and turns of he various halls and path they walked. As they took a different route out of the headquarters, her pet naga would slowly bubble and fade away when she was out of range.

As they continued their trek Ryutetsu was keenly aware of the eyes cast upon them around the bazaar, and Shihana was too. "You're right that the well is probably a dead end. I hoped to find this man outside of the den where he picked up his shipments before dispersing them to the drop locations, but you have a point. He may already be dead or have been replaced by now. In that case we could set up outside the den and capture a different smuggler as they are leaving the hideout instead?" Although she would have liked to had a high-ranking drug dealer to interrogate, one of the underlings would do. Besides who knew -- perhaps they would get lucky and find a smuggler of even higher rank than the camel rider?

As the three of them moved further into the bazaar, Shihana would start leading them, or giving directions to the officer, on how to find the den. She would lean close to Isamu and whisper, "Make sure you stay observant and keep an eye out for any tails or uninvited guests." It would have been unfortunate if one of those children or merchants turned out to be a spy following their trail. Then she would begin to move to the center of their formation, from a position of strength in regards to her enhancements. She was saving her energy for combat and the mission that lie ahead, but always knowing that deep inside her teammates was a hidden power that only she could access.

Meanwhile, from her vantage point Shihana kept an eye out for any of the faces she had seen when going through the months of the smuggler's past. Scar on the forehead. Trilby hat. Child, she thought to herself and wondered once more about the child who watched them as they passed and whether they looked like anyone she had seen before...

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:

• Heroism [5 hours, Isamu] (+2 attack, +2 saves, +10 skills)

[Christoff]

"Kedoins." Isamu didn't react as the officer named Shihana's ability but he was grateful for light being shed on at least one of the day's mysteries. He made a mental note to research Kedoins later. The Officer raised a good point about the wireless radios ear pieces. The sand along Isamu's ear and neck parted and covered the ear piece and cord. Isamu followed Shihana and the officer out of the police building. As they returned to the reception area Isamu took a look around the room wondering if one of the men or women in the building was a traitor to the village.

Shihana and the Officer began discussing their strategy and Isamu listened carefully. Going to the den seemed the most direct route but it seemed clear to him that Shihana wanted to gather more information first. "If we go to the den we will need to tail someone far enough away that grabbing them wont raise any suspicions." Isamu didn't have much else to add. Shihana and Officer Ryutetsu were in the driver's seat at the moment.

After rounding one corner Shihana whispered to him, "Make sure you stay observant and keep an eye out for any tails or uninvited guests." Isamu nodded. Both hands remained at his side while the right formed six quick one handed seals. Isamu's left eye's henge faded as it loosened from the socket and floated outwards and upwards on a string of invisible chakra.

Isamu adjusted his headband down at an angle to cover the now empty eye socket. The small eye of sand looked down and back keeping a close watch out for tails and suspicious activity behind them. At every turn the eye lingered a little longer to watch the reactions of those the party passed before returning to hover over their heads. Isamu used his right eye to scan ahead of the party for suspicious activities as they moved forward. [Observation Check for tails and suspicious activity] 

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:
Heroism: 4.5 hours remaining, +2 Attack, +2 Saves, +10 Skills

Techniques Used:
Handseals: [6/75]

One-Handed Jutsu
Rank: "A"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: User learns how to perform Jutsus with One Handed Handseals.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Jutsus are normally performed with the use of 2 hands. A Stilled One-Handed Jutsu can be performed with Handseals using 1 Hand. Jutsus without Handseal components are not affected. Jutsu Handseal/Chakra Increase: 0 Rank.
Limit: Must learn from Universal NinJutsu.

Daisan no Me (The Third Eye)
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A technique that allows the user the capability of using their sand to where they can create an eye. This eye of sand is used for spying purposes and information gathering purposes. A simple technique known within the Sand Regiments.
Special: ---
Drawback: When the user uses this technique they are unable to use one of their eyes. The user will need to be capable of seeing and the mind is unable to process so many images. Lack of better words the user literally uses his own eye to see by using Sand. The user is however only capable of using this technique within the distance of 10 meters each character rank
Description: The user creates a simple eye that is in the color of brown. The sand is condensed to the point it solidifies and looks like that of an eye. The user keeps a small string of sand that is lined with chakra in order to allow the user to still see.
Limit: Must have the Sand Release.

Skill Check:

Observation 125/125 SP +10 from Heroism
Rank: "E"
Skill: Skill
Effect: This skill focuses certain powers of observation - sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Can be learned by an Animal. A failed check indicates that the character is oblivious until the thing is pointed out to him. This skill is important for ferreting out advancing enemies or ambushes, generally real-time events and actions occurring, versus scrutiny, which covers static objects or areas. A Game Master may roll an Observation skill check for a Character any time there is an NPC, monster, event or happening that a character might notice, even if he did not specifically state that he is monitoring his surroundings. Characters are capable of noticing any event within their perception. Observation reveals only facts, not motivation. If user has 25 or more Ranks in Evidence Analysis user gains a Synergy Bonus +10 to Observation. Each time learned user gets 1 die roll to increase the skill.
Limit: ---

[Deleted]

The group moved without issue as they continued to make their way through the nearly empty alleyways. Their observations would reveal something quite simple. The bazaar was being watched by several different groups. It seemed keeping an eye out for law enforcement was a regular occurrence. The pair's observations would notice small nuances in some of the people in the bazaar. Some people seemingly working at vending stalls seemed to be just gazing into the crowds looking for anything suspicious. 

No one seemed to outright notice anything suspicious about the group. The group having made no calls to bring attention to themselves were able to freely travel without bringing to much attention to themselves. After a short while moving away from the police station the lookouts got far less active. No one was tracking or tailing the party, after a short while the man would differ to the female ninja and let her lead the way as he did not know the location they were heading. 

[Flower]

As their group moved into the streets it became apparent that several groups were keeping an eye out for law enforcement, as well as vendors looking for suspicious activity, although no one seemed to be giving them trouble so far. "You make a good point," Shihana said addressing Isamu's concerns, "in that case, if the situation allows then we should try to take a prisoner to interrogate. Given the opportunity I'm sure that this could contribute to our infiltration, but if it becomes too much of a burden then we should forego capturing one of them and perhaps move in with the information we currently possess." No signs from Isamu indicated that there were being followed or had a tail, so she did not take any greater lengths to watch out for the group -- conserving her energy for later.

As the team moved further to the east, Shihana noticed that there were less and less lookouts in the streets. As Ryutetsu differed to her for directions, Shihana would lead him toward the courtesan district and in the direction of where she knew the den to be. However, as the group came within 500 meters of the locale, Shihana would begin looking for a secluded alley or natural hideout to make final plans with her group before getting close to the den.

As a final note, she looked to her teammates and asked, "So then, how do you two suggest that we run this operation?" Given that they had limited information on the group and even the individuals whose faces Shihana knew, their ruse might be discovered rather quickly if they just jumped in. So as they approached the 500 meter distance, Shihana's skin would begin to bubble once more. Just like with the naga in front of the police headquarters, but this time Shihana looked over to her bare shoulder as her flesh began to burst and pop. Soon a small goblin would begin to crawl out of her shoulder and hung on to her, riding upon her shoulder.

The goblin stood only about a foot tall and was a pale green or greyish color, sporting a pair of glowing red eyes and a toothy grin. He wore a red quetzalcoatl outfit and smiled at Isamu and Ryutetsu. It took only a couple seconds for him to birth and Shihana once more spoke to this one in draconic. It chuckled and nodded at her before taking on the same camouflaging technique as the naga, seeming to vanish just as it had appeared. Although she did not give him specific instructions now, Shihana kept Doragon close by with the intention of putting him to use soon.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shihana:

• Heroism [5 hours, Isamu] (+2 attack, +2 saves, +10 skills)
• ---

Doragon, the Goblin:

• Textured Camouflage [∞]

[Christoff]

Isamu noted the watchful eyes from his vantage point on the ground and in the skies. The bazaar was as much a hub for information and gossip as it was a place of commerce. He supposed that information and commerce went hand in hand. Still Isamu could not determine any ill intent from the onlookers and gradually their numbers dwindled. Shihana responded to Isamu's point about raising suspicions so close to the hideout. Even having raised concerns about taking a prisoner for interrogation Isamu was of two minds about how to proceed.

Isamu knew very little about the workings of the dealers they were targeting. As a calculating individual he liked to have as much information as possible and taking a prisoner could provide valuable insight. They would likely only have one shot at detaining a prisoner. What if they got the wrong person? Isamu pondered the dilemma as they twisted through the maze of back alleys, still keeping an eye out from the ground and the sky.

Finally Shihana prompted Isamu and the officer for a response, "So then, how do you two suggest that we run this operation?" Isamu paused for a brief moment before answering, "I have been thinking about that..." He took a half second to reorganize his thoughts on the mission, "With the information we have now, we don't know the best path forward. We need to gather more information about the comings and goings of the den. If we can identify a high value target we can detain and interrogate them. If we can't then we will have more information to plan the raid." Isamu reached down to his utility belt and slid a surveillance spike out.

"I have four of these. Between these cameras and our abilities" Isamu looked curiously at the new creature forming on the shoulder of Shihana, "We should be able to conduct comprehensive surveillance. Hopefully that will shed light on the best path forward." As Shihana gave her instructions to the goblin Isamu awaited feedback from the team.

SPOILER: Click to show

Still Active:
Heroism: 4.5 hours remaining, +2 Attack, +2 Saves, +10 Skills

Daisan no Me (The Third Eye)
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A technique that allows the user the capability of using their sand to where they can create an eye. This eye of sand is used for spying purposes and information gathering purposes. A simple technique known within the Sand Regiments.
Special: ---
Drawback: When the user uses this technique they are unable to use one of their eyes. The user will need to be capable of seeing and the mind is unable to process so many images. Lack of better words the user literally uses his own eye to see by using Sand. The user is however only capable of using this technique within the distance of 10 meters each character rank
Description: The user creates a simple eye that is in the color of brown. The sand is condensed to the point it solidifies and looks like that of an eye. The user keeps a small string of sand that is lined with chakra in order to allow the user to still see.
Limit: Must have the Sand Release.

[Deleted]

The officer shuddered again. "That's isn't going to stop being weird." The officer said more to himself than to the party as he saw the green gremlin looking thing sprout from the ninja. After the ninjas were done speaking and the party was within operational distance of the compound. Of course, the officer didn't know where the den was yet. No one was keen to share the details with him at the moment. He listened to the male ninja say his piece. And examined the equipment. "Those could be useful, even if we just take a bit of time to see who goes in and out of this place we could make catching any stragglers easier for my guys." He paused for a moment in the alleyway. "So... which building is it?" He asked as he scanned up ahead looking for anything strange or out of the ordinary.

[Flower]

"So... which building is it?" Ryutetsu would ask and Shihana would describe the location of the den to her companions. "Up ahead on the left about 500 meters, it will be disguised and hidden in the basement of what appears to be some bar or brothel. As for your cameras..." Shihana looked at them, glad to see Isamu coming through with some skills of his own, "Where did you want to place them and do you have a way to immediately survey the images?" She wondered if they could keep track of multiple places at once. While Shihana was speaking her hands would be weaving and forming handsigns to enhance her allies even more as they got closer to the den. She looked to Isamu who she had been assigned this mission with, and trusting that Ryutetsu had skills of his own, said, "Hold still."

She pressed her two fingers into Isamu's third eye one once more, letting her chakra enter his consciousness and enhance his powers even more. "Things have become a bit more serious." It was true. No longer were they taking on the low-ranking missions that they were assigned. No, they were beyond that now and Heroism would no longer do. But a form of Greater Heroism... Yes.

As she gave her blessing to Isamu, Shihana would also be manipulating the cells that made up her clothing. Suddenly the fabric would shift and change becoming less tactical, more attractive. Suddenly she wore a shirt that revealed her shoulder and the strap of a tanktop or bra underneath, hanging down her arm and suggesting toward a short, pink skirt. A choker was tied around her neck now decorated with a gold crystal ornament, and there was a white band strapped around her left leg. Now she looked much more like a person going to a bar, her butt bag hidden underneath her skirt and her spear folded up and put away in her messenger pack -- the only piece of apparel or weaponry still evident on her. "Now I am ready to go. You two might want to take on a more casual appearance if we are entering a brothel. My goblin can set up the cameras if it is somewhere he won't be noticed along the way, but I want to move inside of the brothel and at least set ourselves up in the main area. From there we can discover the suspect that we will capture, if it is meant to be, and the entrance to the den."

Then she would prepare to start walking toward where she knew the den to be, feeling more comfortable in this new set of clothes.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shihana:

• Heroism, Greater [5 hours, Isamu] (+4 damage, +4 saves, +20 skills, +5 fear effects, +25 temporary ap)
  Rank: "A"
  Skill: GenJutsu
  Effect: Advanced form of Heroism.
  Special: "Handseals"
  Drawback: ---
  Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 creature. The user is able to perform this technique on the target they touch. The duration of this technique lasts for 1 hour per class level. This technique may be negated. This Jutsu functions like Heroism, except the creature gains a +4 morale bonus on Attack Damage, Saves, and +20 to Skill checks, +5 to fear effects, and temporary Armour Points equal to 5 per Class Level.
  Limit: Must know the Enchantment Perception. Must know Heroism.
• Flesh Fabric
  Rank: C-ranked
  Skill: Taijutsu
  Effect: The user can create clothing from their own body.
  Special: ---
  Drawback: Clothing created from this technique cannot grant additional properties (skin looks like armor, it is not armor). Flesh Fabric turns to dust after a set amount of time.
  Description: With great control over the user's skin cells, the user can command their flesh to appear like cloth and fabric. The user commands the body to produce a layer a skin that is sloughed off from the body. This layer of skin is shaped and altered to the users desires before being removed from the body. The skin cells can mimic the texture, color, and patterns of any fabric, cloth, or armor the user has encountered before. This grants the user access of clothing made from their own body, made to look like anything they want. Unlike clothing created from a transformation technique, this fabric does not disappear when the user is harmed. It takes 1 post for the user to create a single set of clothing from their skin. This clothing lasts 4 hours, before turning to dust. For every rank the user is above "D-Class", they may extend this duration for 2 additional hour per rank.
  Limit: Kedōin Blood Line. Must know "Warped Visage: Growth of Skin"

Doragon, the Goblin:

• Textured Camouflage [∞]

[Christoff]

"Those could be useful, even if we just take a bit of time to see who goes in and out of this place we could make catching any stragglers easier for my guys." Isamu nodded to the Officer as Shihana followed up with her description of the den and a question for the Sadojin, "Where did you want to place them and do you have a way to immediately survey the images?" Isamu reached back into his belt pulling his surveillance monitor out. "This is linked to all four cameras. My thinking was to place them all around the perimeter and to hold back for an hour in order to get a feel for the comings and goings of the building." Isamu had no idea how much more Shihana knew about the drug den outside of its location. "Even if we go straight in Officer Ryutetsu can monitor the entrance and exterior of the building. He can radio me inside if there are any issues." Isamu's hand reached up and tapped his left ear which had formed over the wireless radio.

Isamu had noticed Shihana's handseals and so he was not surprised when she bid him to stay still pressing her fingers to his forehead. Isamu felt an even stronger surge of confidence course through him. It was another blessing, more powerful than any other he had ever felt. He looked down at Shihana who's outfit was shifting in front of him. His initial rush faded but he felt a warm glow inside him. It felt as though he could never fail.

Shihana finished her transformation and spoke, "Now I am ready to go. You two might want to take on a more casual appearance if we are entering a brothel. My goblin can set up the cameras if it is somewhere he won't be noticed along the way, but I want to move inside of the brothel and at least set ourselves up in the main area. From there we can discover the suspect that we will capture, if it is meant to be, and the entrance to the den."

Isamu felt another rush come over him and immediately began to shift his own appearance. The gourd on his back sloughed off to the ground in a pile of sand. Isamu's short black hair grew longer falling over his right eye. Isamu reached up to his left eye pulling his headband free and stowing it in his butt bag. The empty socket filled almost instantly reforming the eye as he allowed his technique to end. Next his vest morphed into a black jacket. The dark tones rippled down his torso turning his shirt grey and his pants black.

Isamu held out the surveillance monitor and spikes for anyone to grab. "Let's put one outside the entrance. If there is another entrance we can cover that as well. I can hold on to the other two and see if there is an opportunity to plant them or if there are other entrances we can cover them with it. Officer are you willing to monitor these while we go inside?" If the officer agreed Isamu would weave together some handseals and a single sand clone would form from the pile of sand that used to be his gourd. Isamu tasked the clone with following and protecting Officer Ryutetsu. To the clone Isamu handed his sword and melody arm. Free of his visible weapons Isamu looked down at Shihana a glint of excitement in his eye, "Right, let's do this."

SPOILER: Click to show

Active:
Greater Heroism: 5 hours remaining, +4 damage, +4 saves, +20 skills, +5 fear effects, +25 temporary ap
Techniques Used:

Suna Bunshin no Jutsu (Sand Clone Technique)
Rank: "D" "C+"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The user creates clones of sand.
Special: "Hand Seals"
Drawback: For D Ranks The Clones that are created are basically useless, only used as a distraction, only used to stand/move and can not be used to attack. One meter of sand is needed per clone.
Description: If the user has an abundant amount of sand along the ground the user is capable of focusing their chakra along the sand to where they are capable of controlling the sand's structure to create a vast amount of clones if capable. When first learned the user is capable of creating up to five Clones, this is for the D Rank Version. If the user learns the C Rank version they are capable of creating ten clones. At C rank the clones are capable of attacking and using sand techniques. The C rank of this may be learned an additional four times to create a maximum of thirty clones.
Limit: Must have the Sand Release.

[Deleted]

"Sure. And I'll wait till you guys go inside before I make a call. When this goes down I need enough of my guys here to cordon off the area." The officer grabbed the device and started walking up a nearby staircase up to a sandstone veranda. A rooftop veranda was common in a lot of these areas. As the ninja examined the compound they would be heading into they would see the following layout.



From their view from the far right. The building would be to their left if they followed the road upwards. Rows and Rows of vendor huts were inside this gated compound. There was no telling who was in on this but given their close proximity to the group of three buildings that made up this compound. The building with the teal roof was the one Shihana would recollect as being the point of exit for the drugs. However, it would seem two other buildings were connected to it. The longer one seemed to be an old revenue and tax building long since converted into a row of shops who seemed to have a bit of prominence to them. The bigger building to the south was a two-story building which seemed to be a brothel given the number of bedroom windows on the building. 

It was time for the ninja to plan their approach and set their gadgets.

[Flower]

Shihana would remove her Sand headband just as Isamu did and listen to Ryutetsu's words, leaving him on the veranda of one of the sand buildings before taking off with her companion into the impound. Isamu took on a new form with longer hair and more casual dress, and Shihana looked at it -- a little fasciinated. Proud to see someone else taking advantage of their shape shifting abilities. There were several small vendor huts that surrounded the area as they entered, but Shihana walked past them and to the set of three buildings connected to one another. Shihana leaned close to Isamu, looking as if she could have been one of his entertainers with a secret, and whispered in his ear, "The one with the teal roof where they keep the drugs. I'd like to move into the brothel to the south. If there is a bar or sitting area we could set up there, and could simply act as patrons in case we are questioned."

The goblin chuckled a little bit from a top her shoulder, although not loud enough to be heard by anyone, and Shihana waited for Isamu to place the cameras as she prepared her own body for the infiltration. When he was done with his cameras and Shihana was done weaving her cells through invisible patterns in her body, she would walk with Isamu up to the brothel. Unlike with the police headquarters, Shihana would go fist and walk in front of Isamu, making him look somewhat like her bodyguard. Upon entering Shihana would look all around the room and immediately begin to assess their setting and situation.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shihana:

• Heroism, Greater [5 hours, Isamu] (+4 damage, +4 saves, +20 skills, +5 fear effects, +25 temporary ap)
• Body Of lies
  Rank: C-ranked
  Skill: Taijutsu
  Effect: Lie detecting skills and abilities do not work well on the user.
  Special: ---
  Drawback: Complex movements and techniques, usually of the "A-ranked" and "S-ranked" nature will break the concentration needed for this technique. Movement enhancement techniques (IE: Chakra gates) will cause this technique to end.
  Description: This technique is often used to control the body in such a manner, as to deceive others attempting to peer into the body or read some kind of bodily function from the user for the purposes of lie detecting. If the heart rate, temperature, smooth muscle movement and breathing are being read to detect lying, the user can fool on lookers by maintaining consistencies within these automatic body functions. Rather than sweating, breathing heavily or having your heart race, the user can maintain a normal base line within all body functions, which fools on lookers. Control over these autonomic functions can be overridden by the user's cellular control nature. With this, the user may appear as if they are telling the truth, with no inclination of lying. If die rolls are used, the opponent automatically lose 50% on all die rolls. If a ranking system is used, then the user is considered a user one rank above their opponents. Animals are affected by this technique in the same manner. It takes 1 post to alter and maintain consistent body functions.
  Limit: Kedōin Blood Line.

Doragon, the Goblin:

• Textured Camouflage [∞]

[Christoff]

Isamu followed Shihana into the compound as his Sand Clone followed the Officer up to the roof of the building. While she strode ahead he followed behind, glancing briefly. and disinterestedly, at some of the wares. He would give a brief shake of the head and a smile to anyone who tried too hard to get him to engage with their products. As they drew deeper into the vendors Shihana pulled up very close to him and whispered close in his ear, "The one with the teal roof where they keep the drugs. I'd like to move into the brothel to the south. If there is a bar or sitting area we could set up there, and could simply act as patrons in case we are questioned."

Isamu made a show of smiling as if Shihana had whispered something sweet. Isamu leaned his head over to hear and whispered his response, "I will plant one camera across from the teal building. Have your creature take the rest and plant one once we are inside." Isamu rested his right hand at his belt while he responded and removed three surveillance spikes. Then he reached up to take Shihana's hand pressing the three small cameras into her hand. He gave her hand a little squeeze and then dropped it, moving away from her towards the stalls in front of the Teal building. He gave a glance back at her for show and began perusing through the stalls the last camera clutched in his fist.

Isamu picked his way through the stalls looking for potential hiding places. Finally he settled on a stall selling handwoven blankets. Picking through the piles of blankets Isamu would activate and slide the camera under one of the stacks so that only the lens stuck out. With his other hand he thumbed through the stack of blankets looking down and making sure that it had been planted successfully. Turning to the vendor Isamu said, "These are lovely I'll be sure to circle back here on my way out today."

Isamu returned to Shihana's side saying for the benefit of eavesdroppers, "Remind to swing by there later to pick one of those out." The Genin followed into the building taking stock of the situation and layout as they entered.

SPOILER: Click to show

Active:
Greater Heroism: 5 hours remaining, +4 damage, +4 saves, +20 skills, +5 fear effects, +25 temporary ap

[Deleted]

People were watching them as they drew a bit closer. Though to what intent it couldn't be determined. As the two were together the male of the group decided to try and make a stealthy pass to hand the object over. A few of the lookouts were hidden among the crowds and market vendors and were looking for anything particularly out of the ordinary. The couple at first glance did not appear suspicious. (+ 25sp modifiers to your SOH and Acting skills.)  The man would quickly try and pass the items over to the female, as he did the handoff would be attempted to be concealed. (Highest lookout observation is considered low-level advanced at 55 sp in observation and an average sense motive of 40.) 

Roll one to determine if the handoff was unnoticed by the lookout:

0 Sleight of hand + 25 sp modifier, + 1d100 oVPr6ZOs1-100 , Vs 55 observation + 1d100, 1-100

Outcome: The handoff was noticed, almost instantly. What exactly was handed off would be unable to be determined from where the lookouts were positioned. Their own observation was not good enough to determine what was going on. But more people seemed to be looking at them now. Result from outcome: Players are no longer unsuspicious. 

Roll two to determine the acting check was believable to the carpet salesman: 

Sense Motive base is novice at 25, + 1d1001-100, vs acting at 0 +1d100 1-100

Outcome: The carpet salesman, however, bought your story without question. The man seemed delighted that you seemed interested in his rugs. More importantly, he was so charmed by your conversation that he not only held that specific rug for you and tucked it away, but he was willing to offer you a discount and invited you to come eat dinner with him and his wife sometime. Way to go you silver-tongued devil. 

Approaching the entrance to the brothel the two would see two armed guards standing at the front of the entryway. One on either side of a sunbleached door that led to the brothel. They would need to walk up about 6 sandstone steps to be within touch of the guards. The two guards were dressed in traditional desert garb but wore some form of Llamalar armor and carried a long curved sword each at their hips. Both kept their faces covered minus the copper skin tones that seemed to peak out from behind their cloth covered faces. Their almond, dark brown eyes watched the two of them intently trying to make a judgment of the two. One of them paused. "We don't allow any weapons but our own in the building." One grunted. 1-100�1-100�1-100�1-100

[Flower]

As Isamu handed Shihana the cameras, he was not as sneaky about as she might have been. Yet she appreciated the new gifts and held them with tender care in her hand, facing her body so that no one might see -- as if they were little senbons or weapons up her palm. Isamu discussed some stuff with a merchant and Shihana looked around, feeling the tug of her tanktop in the warm, desert breeze. She thought about how she would have Doragon move the cameras once it was inside, deciding that it could probably hide something that small within his arms so that it too was camouflaged. For now she would tuck them into the side of her messenger pack and then come to the steps and face two guards. "We don't allow any weapons but our own in the building."

Shihana raised her arms and held them out. Her tanktop and skirt wore close to the skin and revealed more than it should have. Only her messenger pack, which was not combat gear per se, hung around her arm and the spear inside her bag was folded so that it did not look like a true weapon. While walking the steps and coming close to the guards, Shihana would be leaking her soul energy into one of the guards in an attempt to capture him with her Charming Soul technique (Will DC 26 negates). They sure didn't look like genjutsu masters after all. "As you say," Shihana said and looked to Isamu to see if he had any weapons clearly apparent. Then her voice went to a slight lower octave as she spoke more quietly. "The bag is filled with herbs and crafting material that we're bringing to trade. Certain... goods... in there have a chemical structure that would be destroyed immediately if they touched sunlight. But I assure you I have no weapons." She used her acting skills (Acting 225) and Body of Lies technique (auto 50% fail to determine a lie), and her soul, to try to fool them and hoped to imply that it was some special drug that could not be exposed to sunlight.

Shihana held her breath and waited for their response, hoping that Isamu was aware that this was the moment of truth. If her own charm and investigate techniques failed them, he would need to be ready to help protect. Shihana was also ready just in case for some reason her skills did not work and they asked to look in the bag, always prepared herself several steps ahead. Doragon kept his eyes open as well and resisted the urge to chuckle at these two beefy, hidden-faced guards.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shihana:

Doragon:

[Christoff]

Isamu thanked the merchant for his kindness before returning to Shihana. Together they walked to the entrance of the brothel. Officer Ryutetsu would have full view of them as the approached from the surveillance spike. Isamu looked the two guards up and down eyeing their swords. The blades didn't appear to be anything special but they left him feeling exposed. The guards challenged them, warning them that they could not bring weapons into the establishment.

Isamu kept up a brave face as Shihana bluffed about her bag. His own weapons were hidden from view and as she spoke he pulled all of them, save for a lone kunai, farther within himself. Isamu reached inside his black jacket and produced the kunai offering it hilt first to the guards. Isamu spoke in a bored voice, "This is all I have. Can't be too careful." (Acting 135 +20 from Greater Heroism)

Isamu hoped that by offering a weapon he would ease the guard's suspicion. If they elected to pat him down he would allow it. Few had experience patting down a Sadojin and his weapons were hidden beneath a healthy coating of sand. If the guard discovered them then he would already be exactly where Isamu wanted him for a quick takedown. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, he had no idea how many other guards were waiting for them on the inside.
@snowflak3

SPOILER: Click to show

I am going to use my revamped bio since the last one is archived
Active:
Greater Heroism: +4 attack damage, +4 will saves, +20 skill checks, +22 Temporary AP