The "Snow"

[Sekitan An'ei]

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[Exit team]

[Nurse Joy ♠]

Enter

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[/i] the Daimyo and Kage!

And a few seconds after that little confrontation, Mai had been informed by Sekitan they had to gather information for the mission – seems simple enough to a average shinobi, and not only that but she was working with her teammates! Speaking of team mates, once he finished talking, and somehow mark up the fountain, Mai just gave a nod and watched him go. . . Wherever he was going too. It was then Mai decided to try and start this thing up.

”So, any ideas on where to search first. . . ?”

She turned around after saying this, expecting to see her teammates and not just some random stranger.
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[SAGE]

Namimaru who had followed decidedly against his better judgement met Mais eyes as she turned around, though he was distinctly looking in the other direction and away from her and where his apparent team leader had been standing. For some reason, the silver haired males words had not only annoyed Namimaru, they'd insulted him, showing a blatant disrespect from someone he was meant to be calling a comerade and subordinate and belittling the mans talents without even inspecting them. Simply who was he other than some washed up old crone of a Kage and Daimyo anyway?

But Mais words snapped him back to reality. He was somewhat lucidly aware of their mission; track down the local drug ring. Such a mindless task which should normally have been the charge of the local magistrates, not Ninjas such as they. This would be nothing but a giant hassle. The entire situation did remind Namimaru of a proverb he'd heard not all too long ago, back when he was a child and getting used to the cold, bitter and harsh reality of a life trapped by snow.

"To know the habits of the Bear, know the waste it leaves behind",

Looking into the mingling crowd of people who were bustling about and not paying any heed at all to their position and whom they were, Namimaru lowered his tone and pointed a thumb towards them all.

"They're too rich and fattened. Our search should begin at the end, the husk of what these Drugs do to people. Find the worst effected communities, and you find a breadcrumb trail straight back to the supplier. That's my suggestion atleast".

[Sekitan An'ei]

[At Suiyo Pengin Bar]

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[» Comatose]

Suiyo Pengin Bar

The patrons of the bar were apprehensive in giving any information, and as the former Yukikage had asked, they had all in unison turned their heads the opposite way. All the former chatter that plagued the room was silenced to a fine whisper, patrons covering their mouths to save their lips from being read. It had seemed like the drug ring had a lot more influence than one would initially suspect. No one was willing to give up the ring and it's leader immediately.

However, there were a suspicious few who had gotten up and bee-lined to the back, pushing through a door that led into an inner sanctum of sorts; a room in the back which door yielded the words "Employees Only" -- though it was all too obvious those that entered this room weren't employees from their dirty clothing and oafish nature. Something suspicious was clearly afoot.

[Sekitan An'ei]

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SPOILER: Click to show

Kanashibari no Jutsu
Rank: D-ranked
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: ---
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: If the one this jutsu is cast on gets damaged the jutsu will end. If eye contact is broken the jutsu will end. Only works on those two ranks or more below the user
Description: A fundamental jutsu taught to the ANBU (it is rare for a member of ANBU to not have this technique,) Kanashibari causes the target to become paralyzed. This effect only works on opponents of 2 ranks lower, and the duration is dependant on both the user and the opponent. The duration of this technique when a A-ranked ANBU uses it against a D-ranked is 2 posts. Against a C-ranked , it is 1 post. A. S-ranked use of Kanashibari will last 3 posts against a D-ranked , 2 against a C-ranked, and 1 against a B-ranked. It is important to know that if the target is damaged, the technique immediately ends. While this is most often used as a capture technique, it has medical uses as well. Medical Nin using Kanashibari for the purposes of field surgery are not limited by a number of posts, assuming the target is either unconscious or willing to be put under the technique. User must make eye contact for jutsu to come into effect. Eye contact must be maintained for the duration of the jutsu.
Limit: ANBU Only

[» Comatose]

At Suiyo Pengin Bar, "The Bartender"

The bartender (which in this case can be treated as nothing more than a mere d-ranked non-molding taimaster), was indeed surprised by his sudden inability to move, his face showing his clear fright. He struggled against the invisible chains that binded him, before turning to the man, realizing the position he was in.

"I-I-I'm not sure, I overheard the boss saying some people had paid him for the use of the room, and not to ever disturb them. T-T-That's all I know, really."

It was clear that, that was truly all the Bartender knew, his status only extending to knowing very basic details about the establishment that was his workplace.

At Suiyo Pengin Bar, The Back Room

There was a bit of hustle and bustle that was audible above the soft whispering that was continually going on in the bar itself, and then seconds later only silence. What was going on in this back room? Proceed with caution.

[Sekitan An'ei]

[Statistics]
Taimaster**
500/500 Bone Slots
Bone Strength: B-rank

Evasion: 105%

Kibatsu Genron (Principles For Striking): S-rank
Yobousen (Guarding Against Attacks): A-rank

Odoriko Onchou (Dancers Grace): B-rank

Chakura Kyuin Jutsu (Chakra Absorption Technique)

Shunshin: 0/23
Sugizou: 0/28
Inkaten: 0/22

Gas Mask: On
Equipped MPG: No

---

[/url] in his grasp, his hand gripping tight around the pommel of the weapon. Stepping within, he prepared himself for anything that he might find, blade in hand, silver eyes glaring at all that moved within the room. A steely gaze filled with the frozen flame of his rage…[/ul][/ul][/font]

[» Comatose]

At Suiyo Pengin Bar, The Back Room

Sekitan's initial suspicious were right on the money, and the people who were in this room had clearly left through a door visible in the very back of the room. However, these thugs were not so careful, and in their rush had left many clues. The room was obviously the site of a large argument gone violent, things tossed about, most notably the prescience of a fine white powder on a table situated in the every middle of the room. Simply being in the room with this powder exposed to the air may have caused hallucinogenic effects for the ill-prepared, Sekitan spared from this due to his having his gas mask on.

Further inspection of the room could produce several documents of note, one in particular naming a specific sequence of processes needed to refine the power, the most interesting step requiring the use of a Kaishin. Unfortunately, the steps were incomplete, and only the ending few (including the aforementioned step with the kaishin) could be correctly deciphered.

At Suiyo Pengin Bar, Just Outside The Back Room

If one stepped foot outside the door a number of footprints would be visible in the snow, these trailing in two directions, the majority of them heading for where the main streets of Yukigakure was located, and the rest heading into a desolate area of Yukigakure.

[Sekitan An'ei]

[Statistics]
Taimaster**
500/500 Bone Slots
Bone Strength: B-rank

Evasion: 105%

Kibatsu Genron (Principles For Striking): S-rank
Yobousen (Guarding Against Attacks): A-rank

Odoriko Onchou (Dancers Grace): B-rank

Chakura Kyuin Jutsu (Chakra Absorption Technique)

Shunshin: 0/23
Sugizou: 0/28
Inkaten: 0/22

Gas Mask: On
Equipped MPG: Yes

1 Bunshin Created

---

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SPOILER: Click to show

Bunshin no Jutsu

[Nurse Joy ♠]

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Whilst asking this, she was already searching with her eyes for some sort of sign offering any type of hint that it was something around the description Nami had offered. The only thing that seemed to come close to that was some alley way of which a two men that were gathered together in an alleyway, making incoherent sounds that Mai couldn’t hear from this far away, but they did seem to be. . . A bit shady, to say the least.

In fact she saw one of the two men give the other some sort of small package. . . Interesting. She began to walk forward, but before completely forgetting her team mate, she kept the man in the corner of her eyes and looked towards Nami.

“As a matter of fact, I think I found a good source right there. . . if you want, we can go see if it’s right or not, or you can go search on your own.”

She turned her attention back to Nami, making sure to keep the two, and one of them had handed over what looked like a bag – Ryo perhaps for that package he got? The two men had parted ways after words, the man who got the Ryo walking back into the alleyway, while the man who was a sickly pale color walked towards both Mai and Nami, holding the package protectively towards his chest with an occasional twitch.

Yep. That definitely seemed like a person on somethin’, but she still waited for Nami to answer what he would do – since that man seemed to be walking very swiftly and as fast as possible towards yet another alleyway, one not too far away. Hopefully she wouldn’t lose him. . .

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[SAGE]

Just as he was about to answer and inform her that he'd never actually been to Yozamu before in his life, she pointed at the suspicious and quite odd scene happening before them. It was definately a trade of sorts, though of what type he knew naught. There was never a decent, honest deal that happened in the middle of a cities dark, dingy alleyways though; and for now, it was the only lead they had. Putting a hand to her shoulder lightly as she walked past him, he would mutter to her in a low voice

"Usher the 'buyer' aside and interrogate him. Find out what it is he's holding onto so dearly. I'll go grab the other".

Not waiting for a responce, he would very quickly move past her and beyond the man with the package, brushing shoulders with him lightly before shooting off at a sprint down the alleyway itself, cold and dirty slush flung into the air behind him with each step.

Knowing Suijins luck, it would be nothing; a dud, dead end or something so innately trivial that it mattered naught. If Mais eyes were right however, then they'd not only stumbled upon their first reliable lead and trail of this infamous "Drugs Ring", but a source of vital information from both the users and suppliers side. The man had already departed the alleyway however as Namimaru continued his ferverent search, emerging from the mouth of one of the cities many snaking pathways.

He was in for a streak of luck however it'd seem, for some near fifty yards off and down the stretch of well worn pavement, Namimaru spied the same figure whom he'd seen along with Mai in the alleyway. It looked like he wasn't making a quick get-away at all, merely sauntering down the street. Tapping one hand to his Shirayuki where it lay across his lower back, he would call out - unwisely - to the man,

"Hey! You, wait there!".

[Enter NPC kthx]

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[» Comatose]

At Suiyo Pengin Bar, Just Outside The Back Room

The creation of a bunshin would prove a good choice for the former Yukikage turned Jounin ANBU Sekitan, and a testament to the ability of Yuki Ninja's overall. It would become clear upon further investigation of one of the trails that it led to a dead end of sorts, or rather, would be nearly impossible to correctly pursue.

Outside of Suiyo Pengin Bar, The Larger Trail (Sekitan's Bunshin)

After following the trail, it was obvious that it was in fact the one which would yield no further clues. It would continue on for a few yards or so before meeting with the main road outside of the Bar itself, the trail going cold as it merged with the footprints of all the other's which traveled through the area. The sheer amount of people walking through this area meant that tracking individual footsteps would be impossible, if not done in some esoteric manner such as what was possible as a Sakurai.

Outside of Suiyo Pengin Bar, The Trail to the Desolate Area (Sekitan)

The trail leading to the desolate area of Yukigakure however, would yield even more clues. Every so often a small spot of blood could be seen, in the singular trail of steps, and the steps too showing a somewhat erratic pattern. In the gaze of a trained eye one could probably discern this person must have gotten the short end of the violent argument, likely being hurt. At the end of the trail of their was a small shack hidden in between a thick tree-line. Someone didn't want it to be seen too easily.

Upon further inspection sounds of movement, namely the crashing of glass, could be heard. A liquid began to siphon out from the edges of the shack and pool, eventually beginning to crystallize in the cold of Yuki no Kuni.

Yomazu, The Magistrate District (Mai and Sujin) [/u]

The 'buyer' with the package would have continued to walk, un-phased by Mai being aware of the transaction, and rather uncaring about the noticing of anyone in particular. Unless Mai acted he'd simply walk past her uncaring onwards towards the poorer district, and likely back to the home of his.

The 'seller' on the other hand, alerted by Suijin's yelling would not be so uncaring. With only a turning of his body and head slightly to see the Suijin behind him he'd begin into a full fledged run. Unless stopped beforehand, the alleyway would open up into another street in approximately ten meters, a sea of people moving left and right. It was quite possible that Suijin could lose the man in the crowd should he get that far, and equally possible that if Suijin made any more fuss someone would come to the man's aide.

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[Nurse Joy ♠]

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[Sekitan An'ei]

[Statistics]
Taimaster**
500/500 Bone Slots
Bone Strength: B-rank

Evasion: 105%

Kibatsu Genron (Principles For Striking): S-rank
Yobousen (Guarding Against Attacks): A-rank

Odoriko Onchou (Dancers Grace): B-rank

Chakura Kyuin Jutsu (Chakra Absorption Technique)

Shunshin: 0/23
Sugizou: 0/28
Inkaten: 6/22

Gas Mask: On
Equipped MPG: Yes

---

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SPOILER: Click to show

-6 Inkaten

[SAGE]

Realising the error of his approach only just too late, Namimaru would begin in a start as his lead would turn their head, see him and then suddenly flee. He had made a right dogs ear of this already. Why on earth had he called out when he was meant to be tracking the person?! Of all the stupid ideas he'd had in the past; but no matter. People didn't run lest they had something to hide, which was enough justification in Namimarus mind as to how to approach this less than delicate manner.

With the man soon to be out of sight, he knew he didn't stand a chance at catching him up, even if he were to chain his Shunshin together. His only choice would be to immobilise his target as soon as he could, and that meant reducing their mobiltiy itself - a task fitting of Senbon. Setting off in a sprint after the man, he'd snatch from his pouch a handful of seven Senbon themselves and throw them straight forwards and yet low, below the knee and in a scattered formation. As soon as he had them let fly however, his hands moved instinctively to a variation of seals utilised by those of the Kaishin blood; the seals of control, of guidance, and of the Fuuton element.

Empowering and controlling the Senbon in their flight, he would hold the final seal as he would watch carefully which direction the man was headed; left or right. Either way, it mattered not, for the Senbon would turn the corner with him and still continue their persuit to impale him in the rear of his knee, leg or ankle. If possible, he'd try and do this as much in the single street as possible; though as with the norm, things were most likely never to be destined to go easily for the Kaishin.

SPOILER: Click to show

7/90 Senbon

Name: 冬風 - Fuyukaze - Winter Wind
Rank: C Rank
Skill: Taijutsu
Effect: In description.
Special: Uses 5% of water stored per projectile, Handseals.
Drawback: Only performable whilst using a Shirayuki with water.
Description: Slashing at the air, the user will release a quick stream of water which freezes from the chakra coursing throughout the weapon and continues forwards, creating small icicles with the same equal strength of the users Kuri Buki knowledge and sharpness to rival a kunai.
Limit: Must bear the Kaishin Bloodline. Must have Shirayuki with Water. Must know Kuri Buki.

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[» Comatose]

Yomazu, The Magistrate District, "Buyer" (Mai)[/u]

The 'buyer' at first didn't even appear phased by her sudden appearance, focused on getting to where he wanted to go and fast. However, on a double take of his head, realizing the situation being pinned down he spoke, rather jumbled and nearly incoherent.

"Huh? Who are you? Listen, I need to get home with my stuff. I don't think you should be brandishing a weapon at this time of day with all these witnesses either. Ninja are you?. . Not so great of one, are you?"

After he spoke his piece he shook his head, still grasping the package. It looked like the straightforward approach wasn't going to work on this one, lest without possibly alerting others of the ninja's endeavors. People began to crowd.

Yomazu, The Magistrate District, "Seller" (Suijin)[/u]

Suijin had again been too swift in his decision, obviously misinterpreting the situation he was in, and the sheer mass of people passing by the perpendicular street. As the man would continue forward, he would bust into the crowd of people and essentially be lost in it. There would be no perceiving if he had gone left or right in the mass of people. However, it was not all too late, if Suijin was quick ascertain his second misjudging and picked a direction, there was still a chance he could pick the right one and be led to the 'seller' who was still fleeing.

(A Dice-Roll will be done if you so choose to persue the 'seller', to see if you chose the right direction. Kekekekeke.)

Outside of Suiyo Pengin Bar, The Desolate Area, Shack (Sekitan)

There would be no further movement in the shack after a while, and in seconds a small amount of smoke would begin to flow up out of the sides of it. As Sekitan listened in, there would be but a small amount of chatter, but not with two people -- it was one man talking to himself, and rather incoherently. With one swift movement the man's foot would lift to the door in a kicking manner, kicking it open. When the door was opened it was clear that there were various chemicals littered about the shack, including broken bottles of the stuff. Directly in the doorway stood a shaggy scruffy looking man, holding a home-made cigarette-esque looking item. He took on long drag of his smoke before, his head tilted, revealing a wound on the side of his head.

"Who'are yew?" He spoke in a rather belligerent tone.

Enter the 'Druggie Kaishin'

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[Sekitan An'ei]

[Statistics]
Taimaster**
500/500 Bone Slots
Bone Strength: B-rank

Evasion: 105%

Kibatsu Genron (Principles For Striking): S-rank
Yobousen (Guarding Against Attacks): A-rank

Odoriko Onchou (Dancers Grace): B-rank

Chakura Kyuin Jutsu (Chakra Absorption Technique)

Shunshin: 0/23
Sugizou: 0/28
Inkaten: 0/22

Gas Mask: On
Equipped MPG: No

---

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[Nurse Joy ♠]

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She placed the kunai back in it’s holster and quickly grabbed the man’s bridal style, leaping up onto the nearest wall, her feet coated with chakra as she held herself onto the wall for a moment. She then launched herself upwards again and onto the opposite rooftop she jumped off of. Her captured victim, was held in her arms, and continued to be held onto.

Once she spotted a good, 10 story building, Mai grinned, this was perfect! She leaped off the previous building and landed right onto the fire escape, and a few moments later was at the top of the building. By this time, the man should be awakening, and the first thing she did was yank the package from his grip, drop it on the ground next to her and stand near the edge of the roof top – it was time to get some information.

She threw the man into the air and let him spin, letting him nearly hit his head, but caught his ankle just before he nearly busted his head open, and if he were not awake from the attack, he should have been coming to his senses thanks to this. She walked forward and hung the man over nothing but the air on the 10 story building. She waited until he noticed what was going on, and once that happened, she’d begin the interrogation.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sutan Tekken (Stunning Fist)
Rank: "C"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: A Brawler is capable of striking with such finesse, and such accuracy to where whenever a Brawler attacks using Sutan Tekken (Stunning Fist) they are capable of stunning an opponent for an amount of rounds depending on the class level the user is as well as the class level of the opponent may be.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user is capable of using this technique only to the amount of times they are capable of using Tetsu Tekken (Iron Fist)
Description: Whenever the Brawler attacks the opponent hitting them, striking them using the Sutan Tekken with the consequence of using up a Tetsu Tekken the opponent would become stunned depending on the class of the user as well as the class of the opponent for a number amounts of time. If the user is...

* D Class - The Opponent is stunned for One round
* C Class - The Opponent is stunned for Two rounds
* B Class - The Opponent is stunned for Three rounds
* A Class - The Opponent is stunned for Four rounds
* S Class - The Opponent is stunned for Five rounds


If the opponent is one class higher to that of the user then the amount of rounds is reduced by one round for "C" Class, Two rounds for "B" Class, Three rounds for "A" Class, and Four Rounds for "S" Class. If the opponent is two classes or higher stronger then that of the opponent then the Sutan Tekken (Stunning Fist) does not affect them.
Limit: Must know Tetsu Tekken (Iron Fist)

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[» Comatose]

Yomazu, The Magistrate District, "Seller" (Suijin)[/u]

The opportunity of the last round will still be available for one more round should you choose to to take it.

Yomazu, The Magistrate District, "Buyer" (Mai)[/u]

The 'buyer' would indeed be hit by Mai's Sutan Tekken, lacking the capacity or fighting know how to properly dodge it at all. As such he was effectively stunned, only to awake when he was being hung upside down. His face slowly revealed his horror, and he let out a loud yelp, fidgeting a bit under her grasp.

From this positioning, the full force of gravity blaring down on him constantly, it had been taxing to hold the 'package' he had purchased correctly. Again, this gun-ho method of doing things would be the error in Mai's judgment, the package slipping from his grasp.

The height of the building gave Mai just enough time to save the package, however -- she would only have enough time should she release her grasp on the man. There would be no saving both 'buyer' and his package, she'd be forced to make a moral decision and fast; the window of opportunity would close in only a few seconds.

Outside of Suiyo Pengin Bar, The Desolate Area, Shack (Sekitan)[/u]

"You'a, don't lock like a yuser." The 'druggie kaishin' most studiously observed. "But, I guess we've broadened our market, huh?"

His hand opened up invitingly into the shack, ushering Sekitan forward as he began pouring his heart out, obviously very impaired. It seems like the bluff had worked, the 'druggie kaishin' too out there to think straight. Inside the Shack, wasn't impressive there was barely any space for two people to fit at all. Further inspection would not bring about any more clues, other than the various chemicals littered about -- though, still useless without the correct combination.

"My bro provides me with everything, to think, he came up with such a crazy drug. . ."

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