KGE 01 [closed, mission, NDE].

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

((OOC: Please PM me if the "flashback" scene seems off))


"Understood" replied the younger male. He leaped towards the boat while the man called the coastguard. "This is Kumogakure ANBU. I'm calling in for an emergency. We found a stranded sailor boat at Hokusan beach" told the ANBU.

"Roger ANBU. Who else is with you?" inquired the coast guard. "My travel companion. He's looking through the wreckage now. We haven't found any survivors yet" informed the male.

The 25 minute flashback would give Zuruel some interesting information. Someone had clearly been there before them. The shoe prints near the boat was the first hint. However, that was the only trace they left behind. The young male would soon find out who the owner was.


25 minutes earlier.

It was still night. The boat was still in the same position as earlier. Only the faint screams of seagulls could be heard. A smell of salt water plus a faint scent of jasmine tingled in the air. Wait a minute...there were no jasmines nearby!

A woman in her early thirties approached the boat. Her taupe brown eyes widened. "No...no no no! Why did this happen!?" muttered the woman. She turned on her heel and ran away.

End of flashback.


The other guy would investigate the area. 'These shoe prints are not very big. Nor are they very deep. This person must be rather small. Maybe a teenager or a petite woman' observed the owl agent.

He looked at the wreckage itself. The back of the boat was fine. Both masts were in decent condition as well. The front however was a different story. There was a ten feet wide gaping hole in the hull!

'I can see some burned edges. Maybe raiton or fuuton. Explosives could be another candidate' observed the male. He walked back to his partner. Maybe he had found out something?

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:


Phantasmal Whisper
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A message of a length the user sets races to their intended recipient.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 allied creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be negated. The user can send any length message. User needs not mouth the words or whisper, so there is no chance for spies to read lips. Provided the recipient understands the language, they hear it clearly on Jutsu completion, regardless of the noise in the room. No one else understands or even hears the message. Silence Jutsu, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the Jutsu. The message, however, does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between the user and the subject, and if the path's entire length lies within the Jutsu's range.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.



Skills used:


Observation: 105/125.

Sense motive: 105/125.

Investigate: 101/125.

[Skulking Shinzu]

“Jasmine. Footprints. Woman.” Zuruel’s nose instinctively flared. Three key details had been obtained from the vision. Most notably, a woman. Shifting, Zuruel’s form (and even clothing) changed until it was a perfect mirror of the woman he saw. “This woman was here twenty-five minutes ago. She seemed distraught at the sight of the boat and fled… She was involved somehow but didn’t seem to be intending for the ship to capsize. Perhaps... A robbery gone wrong?” Once the ANBU had given the new form a strong glance, the Kedoin shifted back to his usual jester-like appearance.

He then continued investigating the wreckage. Oddly, most of the ship appeared intact. The front, however, was another story. “Singes? In a ship?” Zuruel attempted to enter the gaping hole and utilised his 20m dark vision to peer inside. He searched the insides to confirm if there was a storage hull directly behind the hole and if so – if any explosive crates or barrels were stored here. The Kedoin also flared his nostrils. His keen sense of smell would easily reveal the presence of gunpowder – which would confirm if explosives had caused this, or a Chakra-based technique.

Finally, Zuruel carefully observed the outline of the gaping hole on the front of the ship. Were splinters and bits of wood bent inwards and into the ship? If so, this would suggest something external had fired into the ship. The opposite – wood bent outwards and away from the ship, would suggest something exploded internally and blasted outwards. Once all this was done, the Kedoin would reveal all he found to the ANBU before setting off. Nostrils flaring again, he eagerly followed the footprints while checking if his enhanced sense of smell could pick up on the scent of jasmines alongside the trail of footprints. If at any point either the footprints or scent began to fade, the Kedoin would utilise soul energy to once again peer into the past. The ability didn’t just grant him simple visions. Footprints and scents could fade with the wind. By peering into the past, he could follow such trails in the state they were twenty-five minutes ago.

SPOILER: Click to show

Pre-Sight
Rank: "D"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: Allows vision into the past.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Target is a personal Jutsu. Range is Personal. Duration is Instantaneous. Life energy exists without time and when a Soulcaster uses this ability they can see that energy as it is laid out. In the time frame of half a round, the user can see 5 minutes per Class level into the past within the area of their viewing as if they were there.
Limit: Must be a Soulcaster.

Scent
Rank: "D", "C", "B", "A", "S"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: This extraordinary special quality allows a creature to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The creature can detect opponents within 10-meters by sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, the range increases to 20-meters; if downwind, it drops to 5-meters. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at x2 the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk, can be detected at x3 normal range. When a creature detects a scent, the exact location of the source is not revealed—only its presence somewhere within range. The creature can take a movement to note the direction of the scent. Whenever the creature comes within 2-meters of the source, the creature pinpoints the source’s location. When finding Herbs and Animals (random), Scent may improve searching for them (must have Scent of object previously before searching). Learning "D" Rank allows the user to search for Common things, while "S" for Nearly Impossible. Each rank user learns increases chance of finding by 2% for the Rank of Herb, and increases per Rank thereafter. Example: At "S" Rank User gains 10% increase chance in finding Common Herbs and Animals but only 2% Increase for Nearly Impossible Herbs and Animals.
Limit: Must be an Animal, Fey, Monster, or Vermin. Innate Animal Jutsu.

Observation - 255
Tracking - 225

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

In the hood.

'WHAT THE-' thought the male when he saw his companion. He looked a lot more feminine than earlier. "This woman was here twenty-five minutes ago. She seemed distraught at the sight of the boat and fled...She was involved somehow but didn’t seem to be intending for the ship to capsize. Perhaps... A robbery gone wrong?" suggested the younger male.

"That could be it. I just called the coast guard. They should be here any minute. By the way, I think something attacked the ship. The splinters are bending inwards" informed the ANBU.

The footprints on the beach led them to the stairs they used earlier. After that, the perfume would lead the duo north-east. 'Hold on a minute. This is where we we had the conference last month!' realized the man. They were heading straight towards an ANBU checkpoint!

The scent trail stopped outside a traditional Japanese restaurant. Only five people were inside. Two of them were police men who spoke with a monk. A man in a chef uniform stood next to him. Sitting near the back was the woman Zuruel saw earlier.

"Please change back to your previous form Zuruel-san. That woman is a Kumogakure shinobi" muttered the owl agent. He was right. The woman had a headband tied around her neck like a scarf. This could go terribly wrong or right depending on their approach.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:


Phantasmal Whisper
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A message of a length the user sets races to their intended recipient.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 allied creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be negated. The user can send any length message. User needs not mouth the words or whisper, so there is no chance for spies to read lips. Provided the recipient understands the language, they hear it clearly on Jutsu completion, regardless of the noise in the room. No one else understands or even hears the message. Silence Jutsu, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the Jutsu. The message, however, does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between the user and the subject, and if the path's entire length lies within the Jutsu's range.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.



Skills used:


Observation: 105/125.

Sense motive: 105/125.

Investigate: 101/125.

[Skulking Shinzu]

Zuruel blinked at the shock in the ANBU’s voice. Did Cloud not possess any shape shifters? The thought filled him with pride. If nothing else, it made him very useful. “Inwards, huh?” The Kedoin hoped it wouldn’t be the case, but inwards splinters and singed wood suggested his fears. The ship had been attacked. Grimacing, Zuruel shifted back to his usual form and dismissed his clone just outside the Japanese restaurant. Inside, a bombardment of scents struck Zuruel. However, little could fool his keen sense of smell. Ignoring the ambient odours, the Kedoin flared his nostrils and searched for the smell of jasmine. Just because the scent had led the group here, didn’t mean that it belonged to the woman. For all he knew, the woman had also followed the scent here. Secondly, Zuruel’s keen sense of hearing focused on all the heartbeats in the area. Did any suddenly jolt into action at the sight of Zuruel and the Owl ANBU? “Now what? Should we… Approach?” He whispered while ensuring he was purposely vague in case anyone could hear him. If someone was eavesdropping, then he was sure the rhythm of their heartbeat would pick up.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

((OOC: I thought we could finish it up here))


In the hood.

"Now what? Should we...approach?" asked the younger guy. The male was about to reply when something happened. The monk inside the restaurant looked straight in his direction. The holy man walked straight towards the door with a determined look at his face.

"Stay calm" told the ANBU. A small "ding ding" was heard when the monk opened the door. His stern face turned into a smile moments later. "Please come in. She's been expecting you" told the man in a polite voice.

The man did not sense any danger. He followed the older guy inside the restaurant. Suddenly, the woman perked up. "That did not take long! Thank you for coming so fast" told the woman.

"Me and my partner were on a patrol. I assume you got news about the wreck?" inquired the owl agent. "Well - I knew the people aboard. They were friends of mine. Aoyama-san here saw everything happen" told the woman.

Her eyes shifted towards the police. "Do you mind giving me a copy of his statement? Especially since there may be shinobis involved" inquired the man. "I don't really mind. Aoyama-san, thank you for your help" told the officer.

"You're welcome. Have a good night. Keep up your good work shinobis. Us non-shinobis need strong people to help us" told Aoyama. He gave the masked agent a polite smile before he left.

"I need to speak with the police. Please stay behind Zuruel-san. We always put our ladies first in Kumogakure" told the male. He went with the police officers into the kitchen. Meanwhile, the chef poured some tea into two cups.

He placed both cups and the teapot at the woman's table. "Hello. I haven't met you before. Do you mind telling me your name?" inquired the kuinochi. She seemed a little shaken, but not scared.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:


Phantasmal Whisper
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A message of a length the user sets races to their intended recipient.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 allied creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be negated. The user can send any length message. User needs not mouth the words or whisper, so there is no chance for spies to read lips. Provided the recipient understands the language, they hear it clearly on Jutsu completion, regardless of the noise in the room. No one else understands or even hears the message. Silence Jutsu, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the Jutsu. The message, however, does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between the user and the subject, and if the path's entire length lies within the Jutsu's range.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.



Skills used:


Observation: 105/125.

Sense motive: 105/125.

Investigate: 101/125.

[Skulking Shinzu]

Zuruel raised an eyebrow at the woman’s welcoming words. They seemed strange compared to her demeanour in the vision. Still, he knew there was little he could do. A statement had been given and the ANBU was investigating further. Allowing himself a moment to relax, he sat down and reached for the tea. About to take a sip, he paused as the woman spoke – which also gave him a chance to sniff the aroma of the brew for the presence of any poison or strange substances. “Zuruel. I am new here. I suppose at this stage, I’m more of a diplomat from the Land of Fire.” If nothing seemed off, he’d take a sip. “What about you my lady? What happened here if you don’t mind me asking?”

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

In the hood.

"Zuruel. I am new here. I suppose at this stage, I’m more of a diplomat from the Land of Fire." told the male. The female gave him a small smile.

They both took a sip of tea. Nothing was off. "What about you my lady? What happened here if you don’t mind me asking??" inquired Zuruel. "My name is Tomoko. I am a Kumogakure Chuunin" replied Tomoko.

"I was supposed to meet some friends at a southern port. Sadly, that travel came to a short" told the woman. The older man came back from the kitchen. "I got what I needed. Let's leave" told the ANBU.

"Thank you for having us" told the Chuunin. She paid their tea before they left the restaurant."Let's go back to Kumogakure. You can take the lead Zuruel-san" ordered the man. The trio would walk back south in silence.

"Have you been in Kaminari no Kuni for long Zuruel-san?" asked the female. Her sincere voice sounded curious. It was not often diplomats came to Kumogakure no Sato. They were getting closer to the village. In addition, the sun was rising.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:


Phantasmal Whisper
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A message of a length the user sets races to their intended recipient.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 allied creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be negated. The user can send any length message. User needs not mouth the words or whisper, so there is no chance for spies to read lips. Provided the recipient understands the language, they hear it clearly on Jutsu completion, regardless of the noise in the room. No one else understands or even hears the message. Silence Jutsu, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the Jutsu. The message, however, does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between the user and the subject, and if the path's entire length lies within the Jutsu's range.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.



Skills used:


Observation: 105/125.

Sense motive: 105/125.

Investigate: 101/125.

[Skulking Shinzu]

Zuruel suddenly stopped sipping his tea. “Tomoko, you say?” Didn’t he meet a Tomoko all those many moons ago in Mo? He seemed to recall that she was the first diplomat from Cloud that he had ever met. What did she look like again…? He couldn’t quite recall. However, he remembered that she always carried the distinct aroma of perfume. Which perfume was it again? Something flowery… Wasn’t there a hint of jasmine to it? Squinting, the Kedoin flared his nostrils once more. Jasmine. Was it the same jasmine as before? Unfortunately, all these revelations were about all his limited memories could manage.

Grinning, he gave Tomoko a short smile before focusing on the tea once more. “Cloud seems to be filled with Tomokos that enjoy the lovely scent of jasmine.” He said slyly as if to hint at something before allowing the conversation to naturally continue. “I see-” The short response was all he could manage before the ANBU cut him off. It appeared as if all had been said and done. “I’ve been lurking for quite some time.” He smiled. Not wishing to be rude and not answer, the Kedoin decided to instead be purposely vague in case this was part of the test. Being an official Shinobi meant keeping certain secrets. Even amongst allies, he knew he couldn’t be as candid with his tongue as he once was as a humble citizen of Mo.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"Cloud seems to be filled with Tomokos that enjoy the lovely scent of jasmine" told the male with a sly smile. The female let out a small laugh. "You're observant. That's good" replied Tomoko. His lack of reply made the woman a little suspicious. Especially since he was a diplomat.

The trio were getting closer to a familiar mountain chain. More sunlight peeked over the eastern skyline. The male made sure nobody was following them. Fortunately, they were in the clear. He took the lead after using a genjutsu that covered their tracks.

"Let's go" muttered the ANBU when they reached a thick forest. He gave the woman a nod. Both shinobis leaped ahead into the forest. The man knew the younger guy could follow them easily. All three of them should reach the gates within sunrise.


[Exit ANBU and Tomoko]

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:


Phantasmal Whisper
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: A message of a length the user sets races to their intended recipient.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 allied creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be negated. The user can send any length message. User needs not mouth the words or whisper, so there is no chance for spies to read lips. Provided the recipient understands the language, they hear it clearly on Jutsu completion, regardless of the noise in the room. No one else understands or even hears the message. Silence Jutsu, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the Jutsu. The message, however, does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between the user and the subject, and if the path's entire length lies within the Jutsu's range.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.


Woodland Veil. Subjects: Tomoko and Zuruel.
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: This Jutsu makes its subjects blend in with natural surroundings, hiding them and quieting the sounds they make.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects any 1 or more creatures within the range of the technique as long as they are not more than 10 meters away from one another. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 50 minutes per class level. This technique may be negated. The Jutsu has no effect in urban settings or indoors (including dungeons). Those affected by this Jutsu can see and hear each other and themselves as if unaffected by the Jutsu. Any affected creature moving more than 10 meters from another target loses the benefit of the Jutsu.
Limit: Must know the Glamour Perception.




Skills used:


Observation: 105/125.

Sense motive: 105/125.

Investigate: 101/125.

[Skulking Shinzu]

Zuruel smiled at Tomoko’s confirmation. It appeared this was a trick after all. However, was this really all there was to the mission? No real fighting had occurred and he hadn't even blown a single thing up. Curious, he leapt after the duo and headed deeper into the forest. Were the group heading back to the gates? This made the Kedoin wonder if the shipwreck had actually occurred – or if it had simply been placed there as a part of the test.

[Exit]