To Crash a Party

[M$]

It was time.

A Messenger bird had been sent to all the ninja who signed up for the expedition into Yukigakure's territories — the letter contained specific instructions to not only meet outside of the village gates at the coordinates described, but to also make sure to leave headbands and any other items that could give away their affiliation back inside the village.

Word from the village's Owl ANBU division had it that the war-torn and dismembered country was beginning its' rise back to prominence, which was something that Amegakure could not have. The specialized agents of the ANBU had come across information most interesting -- it seemed as if a new Kage had been selected to lead the Village Hidden in now, and that they were holding a festival, which doubled as an inauguration, to introduce him/her to the village. Surprisingly, the security would be most lax, and that was exactly why the ninja from Amegakure would waltz right in through the front door.

Itada would wait patiently for the other ninja to arrive; he, himself, was dressed in his normal clothing, shrouded in the hooded ebony cloak that usually adorned his figure. It would do well to protect him from the majority of the rain while in Ame no Kuni, and hopefully it would be enough to shield him from the cold of the ninja's worlds snowiest nation.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Rain on the Parade
Rank: B (A -- if combat breaks out)
IIC Length: ---
Difficulty: Moderate
Objective: Gather information on Yukigakure and its' new Kage
Description: Amegakure's spies have come under important in crucial information — Yukigakure has both elected a new Kage, and has begun its' rise back to power. Naturally as enemies, this is of no benefit to Amegakure. Attend the inauguration event, and gather as much information as possible and return to the village. This is an espionage mission, o combat is best to be avoided if possible – if not, defend yourself with extreme prejudice.
Reward: 75,000 Ryo (100,000 Ryo)

[~Emi~]

Enter

T

he brief moment of being dry and warm was swiftly destroyed when Emi's divine step had him land a few hundred feet away from the gate and the rain hit him for the first time in a few days. The long stay he had in the prison had made him both uncomfortable yet miss the cold sensation of rain. So he stopped a few seconds and took a couple of deep breaths while leaning his head backwards with his eyes closed. The sounds of the swamp was sadly silent, but it was still allowing him to feel safe. Nature had never had him feel anything but strong and relaxed, so he as he walked towards the rendezvous area he made sure to walk off road, enjoying the walk. He unbuttoned the top buttons on the robe before making sure that his full body corset was correctly attached. It had him look around two meters long and ordinarily thick for the size.

When he began to see the meeting area in the distance, Emi slowed down further to make sure he didn't frighten anyone for coming from such an awkward direction. He also had his arms with his bear paw gauntlets hidden within his sleeves for the same reason. The jounin was quite excited to once again leave the village, especially as he was getting fed up with the corruption within it. But also because it seemed like every time he was out on adventures he met people he actually enjoyed being around. It had him wonder if any of the travel companions would be anyone that he ever would consider being a friend. When he saw Itada waiting for for, Emi focused his mind and raised his hand in a greeting.

[suno]

The boy Uchiha would make his way to where Itada had indicated. He was rubbing the top of his head where his headband normally rested. It felt strange not to be wearing it, almost vulnerable. He lowered his arm back underneath his plain black cloak, which shielded him from the rain that never seemed to stop. It would also help hide the equipment he carried with him. Underneath the cloak Suno had strapped his new tactical vest, which had been filled with various weapons and equipment he might need for the long journey.

Behind him, at roughly the same height, wearing the same black cloak and "hair" fashioned the same way as his, marched his puppet Shino. The hope was he wouldn't need to fight, but he wasn't going to leave himself vulnerable and leave behind his best weapon because of a hope.

As the older Uchiha came into view, Suno approached him, holding up a hand before stopping in front of him.
"Suno reporting and ready to go!" the boy said cheerfully. He was well rested and far more himself than he perhaps was at their last meeting. He hadn't forgotten however what had happened between the two. The assualt on the childs mind had left him wary of the the older Uchiha. Nether the less, he was still excited. He might have a chance to work on his Dojutsu skills and increase his own power.

Another had already joined Itada before Suno had arrived. The boy was unfamiliar with this person, but assumed he might be one of the people Itada had talked about. One of the ones who helped over throw the Council. For that reason, Suno would have to be careful. Right or wrong, it didn't make what they did any better. They were still dangerous. But Suno took in their appearance. Black cloak, long purple hair, blue eyes, a slim build. He was clearly older and taller than both of the Uchihas. The skin was different though. Suno knew somewhere in the back of his bookworm mind, he knew why the persons skin looked like this. But he couldn't recall it at the moment. As to not appear rude for staring, Suno suddenly poked out a small hand toward the person.
"Suno at your service" he said pleasantly.

[Izanami-no-Mikoto]

The rain could only hold a dull noise in the background of Izanami's mind, as she traveled long beyond the village gates. Admittedly...to be beyond the walls of the village has given her a feeling of relief that she hasn't felt in a very long time. She has always wanted to move beyond the walls on a trip to explore. However Izanami's fears and phobias damaged her courage to do so. Thus the insightful woman couldn't taste the value of exploration.

However to be finally doing one of the things she had been longing for, has given her a sense of bravery. Though her fears were still present. Something...about this makes her feel as if something very familiar should be coming to memory about now. Especially as she ventured deeper in the more secluded areas of the land to a predetermined area.

For the second time in her second life, Izanami was going to be working along with others from the village. The last time she did this, the previous kage had to help a diner owner ensure that ninja weren't allowed to just cause chaos whenever they please. Albeit it didn't matter to Izanami too much, but for this instance she would prefer to keep her odd urges of misdeeds undercheck. At least until she knows being overly assertive won't harm or jeopardize someone or something again.

This decision would be the last before she arrived to the point that the disclosed message described. Izanami wouldn't recognize any of the three males already present, nor would she recognize that one of them was a Jounin, and the other the kage. Nor would her eyes ba able to tell any signs that they had bloodlimits or not...at least. Not her regular crimson eyes anyway...

Still in a very calm manner Izanami would noticeably arrive, in a way that allowed them to simply acknowledge her presence without it jumping out of seemingly nowhere. In fact if none them weren't already doing the same she might be mistaken for a traveller that stumbled into the wrong place due to her normal clothing which is somewhat foreign to her body.

Izanami's figure would be graciously outlined and complimented by a black sleeveless sundress stops at a high point along her thighs. However taking weather into consideration the white haired maiden did take preparations of wearing a dark brown hooded coat that for the moment was unbuttoned. Within this coat she brought simple items such as a world map, and compass. Other than the bow and quiver full of arrows her other equipment such as explosive tags, kunai, and shuriken were tucked away in a pouches connected to a belt that was worn around her waist that didn't look out of place with her dress. More so just gives her a gentle maiden out for bow and arrow practice look.

Underneath the dress more so catering towards the lower body she took to wearing simple leggings as well as sturdy boots that wouldn't impede movement yet also complimented the attire she chose. Without her village headband to make it obvious she, truly could pass for an average young woman. Her expression held little emotion as she included herself amongst the other three subtly. Her eyes shifted to glance at each individual for a few seconds, before finally resting on Itada. She was considerably short at 5'4, but despite this she didn't seem unnerved around these strangers. Only keeping to herself as she would soon gaze off at different things around them to pass the time unless someone said anything.

[M$]

It had been some time since Itada had seen Emi last; undoubtedly, what he had went through over the last few months surely had taken a toll on him. Naturally, the Uchiha gave the jounin his space and whatever time he needed to recuperate from his time locked away, and so he was surprised when the Hoshigaki had signed on to return to his shinobi duties so soon. It only spoke volumes of the shark's true character, loyalty, and his devotion to the village. Before the coup, the Jounin had vastly outranked him, and had even led the Uchiha on a mission prior, and so even he found the sudden shift of authority slightly awkward. However, soon the Jounin would come to understand that he could act on his own accord, regardless of what – respect from the new Kage had deemed it so.

"Back to work so soon?" – Itada bowed as the legend approached him, before the words even left his mouth.

The next to rendevous was the talented and "gifted" genin he had met just yesterday, a descendant of the infamous Uchiha Clan who already had achieved the power most of their kinsmen could not. Although he was young and untamed, the boy would come to know great power under the Hidden rain's tutelage. "Ah, you made it", Itada spoke to the boy, soon after introducing him to Emi and Emi to him. The two was sure to be unrecognizable to the other, but surely this trip would bring all the ninja closer together.

The last was another genin, a kunoichi, Izanami. This was he only one of the group that Itada had not met previously, yet he had read over her shinobi file courtesy of Mae Sako, who spoke good things about the ninja. Although she never got the chance to speak with her more, her performance in a previous mission had greatly impressed the former council woman. She approached quietly, yet it was obvious that she was the last of the cell they were waiting for. Itada was almost sure that she would not know who he was – as for the others, who knows – and so he would be the first to break the ice as she came to rest among the group.

"You must be Izanami...", he began, eyes gazing over the entirely of her frame as he continued.

"Seiryu, Itada .. Amekage.. tis my pleasure", he would finish soon after.

"As you all know, we will be heading into the Land of Snow, Yuki's territory. Our nations aren't the best of friends so I don't want any trouble. I will fill in the rest of the details on the way.. it's best we get a move on.", he would speak aloud to the entire group.

Once everyone conceded, they would be on their way.

[suno]

Another had joined the group. Though with everyone looking so casual, it was hard to know if anyone actually belonged. This final member, who stood just an inch shorter than himself, seemed to also be older than anyone else. She of course wasn't old, but older than any of the current members. Suno was slightly nervous as Itada introduced himself as he had actually never worked with, or associated with the members of the opposite sex. It was only with in the last year or so that he had truly begun to notice girls. He blushed slightly as he turned away and began to fiddle with Shino's cloak. He sent up silent prayers to whatever god or gods were above that no one noticed.

"As you all know, we will be heading into the Land of Snow, Yuki's territory. Our nations aren't the best of friends so I don't want any trouble. I will fill in the rest of the details on the way.. it's best we get a move on." The younger Uchiha turned back to the group as Itada began speaking. Suno's heart began to beat faster. Enemy territory! He had never been outside the country of Rain. It seemed fitting that his first time would be somewhere he probably shouldn't be. Still, he was excited and couldn't wait to see the outside world around him.

As the group began to move, Suno would flick his wrist underneath the cloak, forcing the puppet to follow along. As they moved, Suno began to dig in his weapon pouches. He would pull out six Kunai, and six exploding tags. He began to roll the tags around the handle. Just in case something happened, he wanted to be ready. He would place them back into the weapon pouches that he got them out of while he walked, listening to any conversation that might be taking place.

+6 Kunai wrapped in explosive tags.

OOC: Are we going to do a posting order? or just post as we go for now since we are just traveling?

[~Emi~]

Steps through the lands

T

he initial sight of Itada had him wonder if he had enjoyed his new found role, there was a wisdom in his eyes that had been less clear the first time they had met. But Emi knew that it would be a lot more for the boy to learn and he hoped that there would be time to learn it. During the greeting he paused a little when Itada bowed, it was a gesture he hadn't been offered in a long time, especially a sincere one. But not to offend, Emi made sure to give one back while offering a pleased smile.

In comparison to the life I've suffered, this won't be that bad. Also, it could be pleasant to get some free air and exercise again, I haven't pushed myself in a while.

A few stretches of his arms and neck ended his sentence before he moved a little to the side and glanced over to the incoming shinobis. From a first impression he was unable to connect them with anyone he had met before, even though he had met a lot of the village ninjas, he knew he had forgotten most. But he offered them a gentle greeting and a smile to allow them to calm themselves in his presence. When the group had been collected and it was time to move out, Itada felt the need to warn them about the hostility of snow. It made him curious, how much politics had the new kage studied?

When they moved out, Emi took the opportunity of them being alone to change his demeanor. If they were supposed to move incognito he wanted to blend in better in a crowd than large Hoshigakis normally did. So he pulled up the full body corset and recreated himself to look like an older man with a pale complexion and a fairly long nose. The bags under his eyes would have him look worn and tired from the travels and the staff he picked up would indicate that he was accustomed to journeys. His robe was already worn and torn for it to look natural, but he made sure to make his hair slightly wilder.

Disguise: 151

[Izanami-no-Mikoto]

"I'll do my best to be of use, Lord Amekage." she'd assure with a gentle grace to her voice as she responded to Itada's greeting. Her expression remained generally unchanged from its current tranquil look. Her own crimson gaze whom was not manifested currently by doujutsu, had a very faint illumination to it. The shimmer of a power not yet in use. However to the two Uchiha present it would be obvious that Izanami wasn't of Uchiha blood. Her features sharing no such resemblances. However with a gaze like hers, it could be forgiven for at first for making that mistake.

Furthermore Izanami maintained her relaxed demeanor throughout Itada's brief disclosure of details about the journey. Despite the events following her life thus far, Izanami couldn't think of a single reason besides danger that she wouldn't want to finally venture beyond the walls of Amegakure. As a kunoichi it should be simple that she would end up in dangerous situations. Going to an e why territory even discretely is daring. Which was more than enough incentive for Izanami to gamble on coming along. Even if it's with fellow ninja whom she hasn't met or at least remembers.

Of course excitement is a minor factor to accompany. Life can be entirely too boring to truly enjoy the minor things when there is so much to be explored all at once. To see new visuals...it could be an experience that may lead to her figuring out why she is living a second life in a world that seems to not recognize who she was before hand. In a world that she feels...disconnected to. Which brings her to think about these three individuals she is soon to acknowledge as teammates. They all must have stories to tell...but how does that bring them here? This mission was created under the radar so everyone here was hand picked by the kage. And so...it makes the curious maiden wonder what makes them special...

Her gaze once again shifted to each one. The young leader had a refined presence about him that Izanami took note of, reminding her of many people whom weren't as focused at such an age. Then the blue skinned fellow was next. By first glance and words alone Izanami could sense a strong aura on him. Though she couldn't help, but wonder what all of that meant. Then of course was the last one. The youngest of the three, but still in a league of their own. His youth was to be admired. Her eyes trained on him for a moment. He was interesting to say the least. And for a moment Izanami...smiled.

A subtle yet genuine smile that curled her soft lips gently in a show of positive emotion. Though it had many meanings behind it. Once those seconds went by her smile faded back into a soft neutral state as did her facial expression. And from here on Izanami would be focused on the mission ahead. Taking note of her momentary companions. She did not want to lose this chance to live. Not again...

[M$]

With the greetings and introductions out of the way, the young Kage would begin the trek forward. He had been away from the village only a few times before, yet never had he traveled into territory that would be openly hostile. They would be alright as long as they took precaution not to attract any unwanted attention, but even if they did it would only take an instant for them to return home. The Uchiha possessed both a world map and a compass, so them getting lost would be far to none. Glancing over the thin parchment that was his map, he studied it for the briefest of moments as he plotted the course toward the lands of Yuki. It seemed as if they had quite the distance to go, but with a little improvising they could inevitably end up faster. The question was – do they travel by foot, or should they catch a boat off the shores of the country of fire?

The boat seemed the quickest and most logical, but he'd present the question to the rest of the ninja to get their opinions on the subject.

(I didn't realize Snow was so farrr away)
(After last person posts lets get it moved to fire)

[~Emi~]

Familiar path

S

ince Emi hqd traveled the road to the fire nation a large amount of times, he knew the way by heart and only focused on landmarks whenever they appeared different. It was joyful for him to get away the constant darkness which was the cloudy nation, but he didnt like the fact that his nerves remained equally tense, proving that he longer felt safe in his home. So he made sure to work some extra on his disguise as they traveled. Whenever they met a traveling group he greeted them in a mute fashion.

The seas around cloud has been contested area and lately inhabited by pirates, so its probably calmer if we avoid too much traveling across the ocean.

Was the only thing he said about the path question the kage had given them. He didnt feel like he needed to take the decision as he liked traveling by water, but he wqnted to make them aware of the increased threat.

[suno]

As the group traveled, mostly in silence, Suno couldn't help but appreciate the subtly changing landscape. His puppet traveled close behind him, keeping its head down and covered. If anyone were to spy the group from a distance, they would assume it was one more person. The young Uchiha watched the other group members. He was curious about each member and why they were here. He knew what was special about himself and Amekage, but did the others have special gifts as well?

"The seas around cloud has been contested area and lately inhabited by pirates, so its probably calmer if we avoid too much traveling across the ocean." The one Itada had greeted before he arrived, Emi if he remembered correctly, spoke up about the path they were taking. Pirates? Suno smirked from the back.
"I wouldn't worry too much about Pirates. I feel like we could handle anything they could throw at us before they ever reached us." Suno piped up with the over confidence of youth who hadn't seen much combat. He was ready to test himself, and show everyone else he was strong. That he could take care of himself, and those around him.

[Christoff]

Moved to Fire

[M$]

The shift into fire country was a subtle one – where there was once grey skies and an abundance of rain, there was now complete sunlight and healthy, vibrant vegetation before them, the only indication that they were exiting Ame's lands was perhaps a rainbow or two as the grew closer to the border. The Uchiha had only been there a few times despite being born there, yet he had no interest in such a nation. Since he'd taken office, and even much before, words of Hi no Kuni was scarce, and even more so when it came to Konohagakure. A time would come where he would need to make his presence known to the Hokage, but that time was not now. For now, he needed to forge strength and loyalty within his own village. Still, his thoughts continued to run rampant as the group traveled, checking his map occasionally as their next destination would be the Land of Hotsprings.

[suno]

The small group entered the lands of his forefathers. Some of his people still resided here he assumed. He wondered if the Amekage was having some of the same thoughts and feelings he was. He had never been to the Land of Fire. Or so he was told. He parents told him he was born in the Land of Rain, though he wondered how true that actually was. He released a sigh and kept marching on.

[~Emi~]

Emi followed the group while thinking on distant subjects as he didn't feel the need to be on high alert. He liked the environment in the land of fire while the architecture was quite uneventful. So when he noticed that they almost were at the site on which he had hidden one of his flying destruction machines. He then awoke from his dozed state and almost wanted to go and see what was still left of it, but instead decided not to bother the group and just continued straight ahead.

[Izanami-no-Mikoto]

The travels began quickly, and with a steady pace at that. Once on the move Izanami started speculating possible sights she may see outside the country borders. Although nothing truly amounted to the what she, could see in her imagination once the real thing appeared before her hopeful eyes.

For once after a really really long time of being confused, and disconnected. Izanami felt a rush of excitement hit the core of her soul to the point that it reflected on her face in the form of genuine interest. The cold mask of nulled emotions finally came off for once as Izanami looked all around at the change of scenery of Fire Country. It...was quite nice here. Amegakure and it's rain held a beauty of it's own, but...staying in its borders for too long had taken a toll. Being out in this change of weather...well it just made Izanami happy for once. Her mind...the confusion she was at peace for once.

So much so that when she gazed back at the teammates around her, she began to wonder...what do they feel inside? From the safety of her mind she wondered how they felt about the world around them. What it meant to them... Her curiosity grew in ways that they tend to, once ideas such as these make their way into her mind. Until eventually she gets antsy enough to actually bite at it.

"What do we expect from this journey?" Her graceful and relaxed voice intervened to break the established silence. Upon feeling as if her words were too vague she decided to continue to speak in order to elaborate.

"I mean...in terms of feeling. I am quite enclosed off from the world you see. And well as fellow Shinobi I suppose it's custom I try to know you three if we are to work together...so I ask...why have all of you conjoined on this mission if I may know? I'll share the same in return..." She explained further. With this peace being within her being. Izanami didn't wish to waste the potential knowledge in front of her.

[Christoff]

Moved to Hot Springs

[M$]

"It is my best interest to protect the village, and Yuki has been an enemy of the nation for a long time", Itada replied to the inquisitive kunoichi. Although he was young, he had been around long enough to see some of the darkest days of the village, and was forced to mature at a faster pace than most his age. There was a reason he had been bestowed with such an ancient wisdom and untamed power -- it was both a blessing and a curse, and he understood that all too well.

It wouldn't be long before they came upon a docking port off the shores of the Land of Hotsprings, and it would take even less time for them to secure a ship for the travel. Whereas most people needed ryo or another form of currency, the Uchiha paid the fee with his kekkei genkai. If Suno had been paying attention, this would have been the perfect time to understand the power of the Sharingan's hypnotic stare.

They of course, would need some one to pilot the ship and the hypnotized captain would serve that purpose perfectly.

[suno]

Suno looked down hiding his smile. The Amekage didn't play fair it seem. Suno had never thought to use his own Sharingan like that, and wondered how the Kage manage to do that. His own Sharingan wasn't so powerful. He could probably go toe to toe in hand to hand combat, or dodging enemy attacks, but as far as using it as a weapon, he hadn't manage to learn how to do that just yet.

"I mean...in terms of feeling. I am quite enclosed off from the world you see. And well as fellow Shinobi I suppose it's custom I try to know you three if we are to work together...so I ask...why have all of you conjoined on this mission if I may know? I'll share the same in return..."

Suno listened to his fellow Genin. Looking up as they all boarded the ship, he stared off into the sky for a good while thinking about his answer. Why was he here? Was it simply to learn more about the power of his people? As easy as it would have been to say yes, he knew deep down that wasn't the only reason he agreed to join the group.
"I suppose..part of it is I wanted to see more of the outside world. I've never been outside the village before. A chance to leave the nest...to grow stronger, and experience life seemed too much to pass up."[/I] He cast a glance at Itada. Of course he couldn't deny a chance to see and grow his own sharingan power was pretty overwhelming.

[~Emi~]

After they had crossed yet another border the young Hoshigaki was starting to get slightly bored of the numbing steps, constant wind in his face and silent surroundings. So he moved closer to the other travelers and listened to them speaking to each others. The young kages reply did answer his previous curiosity of his overall knowledge, but it had him fear the ignorance.

The village of snow has been Amegakure's ally throughout all peaceful years and only become strangers with our rulers when we had puppets in power. The most recent hostility was however due to the passions of someone with a bad personal experience with the nation. So I would suggest not to assume an unfriendly state when we arrive, be open minded like one should always be.

Emi then became quiet as he began to feel bad about needing to tutor yet another leader, how many more times would he need to be there to start up someone? How long would he have with Itada? A dark cloud rushed over his previously happy demeanor while he walked up on the boat and ignored the fact that they stole the ride while being rich enough to buy an armada. He then leaned against the front of the boat and as he looked into the horizon he answered Izanami's question with a stale voice.

I'm following to give the villagers of yuki a face to remember, to grant us a politic edge and also... because I need to investigate.. a matter in the nation.