Hall of Roses

[Deleted]

Shunsoku would nod politely at the Kazeraikou as she spoke about her want to speak with the Raikage. When she paused for breath Shunsoku would take the opportunity to speak himself, "Ah, I also have an interest in getting my hands on some of the village jutsu to study. Probably nothing as advanced as you have in mind, but one must start from the bottom up lest what they are building crumbles from a weak foundation, or so my Sensei tells me."

He'd stop to let Sita continue her speech, and he would blush and turn away from facing her at the kind words. Although his face was hidden by the skull mask and tricorne, it'd still be pretty obvious Shunsoku was beginning to feel more and more awkward in this social situation.

"Oh, uh. Well, the food and drink was..." Shunsoku would begin to point out where the drinks and food were, but trailed off as someone new came up to join him and Sita. It was a strange looking teenager. He was average height with a similar body-type to Shunsoku, thin yet muscular. His eyes were so red they nearly seemed to glow in the lighting of the ballroom, and his coloured hair clashed with the eyes, giving Shunsoku an impression of blood-soaked gold. Another appearance oddity was the person's skin, it seemed to be minute scales that were slightly tanned coloured.

Shunsoku instantly disliked him before he even spoke. When the boy opened his mouth and said that he was also a Sansutomu Shunsoku disliked him even more. He'd always hated the Sansutomu for his own personal reasons, and this... "Raika's" appearance made him so easy to hate. It was as if he had sprung from Shunsoku's view of the "evil Sansutomu". Shunsoku's left hand began to clench before he managed to check himself, but he couldn't control his eyes nearly as well. When Shunsoku looked at Raika his eyes said in bold letters "FUCK OFF AND DIE!".

A moment of staring death at the Sansutomu before Shunsoku would remember Sita's question, which he would answer in his distant yet respectful voice, "Oh, Sita. The food and drink are all on a table over there.." Shunsoku would use an upturned palm to point towards the table he had spoken of, pointedly ignoring the third party in the process.

"If you'll pardon me, I feel the sudden want to be somewhere else but here. Have a nice night." Shunsoku would say to Sita with a short bow. Immediately after he would move off through the crowd, deftly slipping between the people to put some distance between him and Raika Sansutomu...

[Naota]

[atrb=width,450px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][bg=FEFFF4] Time to dance~ Sky looked around and wondered why he felt a sense of caution from those around him. He stopped dancing for a second and would look at Tatsuta and speak to her. While he spoke a tremor from under could be heard and a slight noise. "Tatsu. Something is wrong." the sense he was getting wasn't too far off. Anyone in this room can feel the hatred that was exuding from the walls. The floor and even the roof. After the slight tremor subsided one could hear a slight fizzle. Ninja would easily recognize this as an exploding tag. The though of the tag made the worse fear come to life. A massive explosion from underground causing the floor to cave in in the area about 15 feet away from our dearest Raikage. Through the smoke a shadow could be seen and a malicious grin capable of striking the fear of death into one's heart. Strong red eyes peered at his target as he rushed at her with amazing speed forming handseals to get rid of the first person to get in the way. From another's point of view all you could possibly see was a man wearing a brown cloak covering most including the top half of his face. "Shit!" Sky knew something like this was going to happen. Though there are many ninjas to foil this he would try and be one of them starting with running a interception path between the man and the kage. He wondered how could he discern the Kage between others which led him to believe it was by scent. Strange but plausible. While he ran another would get in his way. This man was larger then Sky and held a sword of his own which Sky immediately matched with his. "Tch." Anger and disbelief came over him as his way to the lady was blocked. Now was time he trusted Kira more than ever, he knew that he was searching for her and his cause was just. He had to fight this man now. A power struggle between each's blade would be disadvantageous for him since others were around so he quickly shunshined upward. An advanced type of shunshin this was. "A shunshin!" This party was now getting started. The man who blocked him was now 15 feet away from him up on a shaft near the roof.

[Raika Tatsu]

[Pre-Tremble]

Raika looked at Shunsoku's odd behavior, noticing several key things in his response, and watched as the young boy left.
"Interesting", thought Raika. "Excuse me, milady, I believe I have offended the young boy, I must find out how, and try to make amends. Enjoy this party, hopefully it becomes more exciting somehow."

Raika quickly moved through the crowd, dropping his drink on the first table he encountered and reached Shunsoku without much of a sound, probably surprising the young one.
"Shunsoku, wait! I meant no offense. I noticed the way you reacted when I mentioned the Sansutomu, and can only conclude that you have some sort of hatred for them. I just wanted to say that I understand, the Sansutomu are no brethren of mine, they themselves helped in the extermination of my parents. I even changed my name and go by Tatsu Hebiarashi, Raika being my alias. The one thing I am glad to have is their ability to manipulate the storm, but I am a Tokagekuran first. Forgive me if somehow I have offended or upset you, I just thought you should know."

A moment--and only a moment--would pass, allowing just enough time for Shunsoku to respond.

[Moment of Tremble]

Suddenly, a small trembling rocked the floor. It was definately unusual, and Raika was immediately put on guard. This was no ordinary tremble. Suddenly, the dance floor erupted in an explosion, about fifteen meters from a pair of silver-haired shinobi. Raika had noticed them earlier because of the interesting color of their hair, but as he did not know them, he had not paid much attention. On the other hand, he could have sworn that the current Raikage was silver-haired herself, something unusual in this village. Could that mean.........well, it seemed that his earlier wish for excitement had come true, unfortunately.

"Seems that we get to do something after all. Shunsoku, I am not evil in any sense, despite my appearance, and would only wish to be friends, comrades. We can work together to help protect those that need it. Now, Fuukomanako!"

Raika activated his Sansutomu eyes and looked towards the silver-haired pair. All of the crowd acted unsuspiciously, except one. There was one man running towards the silver-haired woman. Raika could only assume she was the target--of an assassination.

"Shunsoku, there! Come on, let's go." Raika would begin to run towards the hooded man, hoping Shunsoku would come with him. He hoped someone else would be able to intercept the cloaked figure soon, Raika was not sure he'd reach him in time, but he would try.

[// One]

Don't want to play your game anymore, no matter what you say
I'm all out of love for you, baby, and now that I've tried everything
I'll numb the pain, 'Til I am made of stone

The noise was quiet, but noticeable. Akuryō's attention pulled from the people around him and his eyes went blank. His senses were focused and piqued at the odd sounds and feelings. The floor, the walls, everything artificial gave a sense of hatred, his immediate thoughts were genjutsu but had little to counter it aside from one technique, and to use that right then would have been reckless and irresponsible with all the guests around. Then the tremor passed, like a clock, the motions were ticking by so perfectly without interruption, but the next tick was alarming. The slightest fizzle, the sound that was unmistakable. An exploding tag. There was no time to react and assure safety all around, his body cautioned its patience to keep its hold until the spectacle further moved along.

As expected, an explosion, the floor collapsed and rubble crashed below sending dust and dirt everywhere, the noise was slightly deafening but soon passed for the AnBu. His attention immediately switched from his enemies to those he could find and protect that were of the utmost importance but the masks slowed this process down. His nose immediately picked up the leftovers and took over, his own senses multiplied tenfold to most. But that was soon discarded, the main invader bee-lined straight for one guest in particular, and the men with him blocked those who attempted to interrupt. A sleek smirk crossed his features under the mask and he was gone. The spot he just stood now empty.

His speed an advantage against most, but he still had a lot to learn. Each guest in the way swept past his delicate dance-like movements as he dodged and ducked past. The two hand crossbows were tied by straps onto his back while the bolts for them lay in quivers at his sides. His erratic movements caused them to sway side to side. Coming to a halt as he stopped before the man. The red eyes strong and fierce, but far from the worst he had seen. Akuryō was tempted to show the man what his looked like when he needed them, but felt the situation too raw for them just yet. He awaited the response, no doubt to get rid of the mute shinobi, but he found himself in a better position than before, right in front of the lady Raikage and some distance from the aggressor.

[/font]

[shadowdance]

Being left alone after a awkward conversation with one child I know as Shunsoku, another male, teenager but the sound of his voice, and that he has dropped in tone, it seemed that this male, name I think he said was Raika, had angered the child to the point that he left. I picked up posture with the child, that he was upset with what Raika had said, but to be honest, I have not herd of their surname before so I was not one to judge. I didn't even get a chance to say that I enjoyed their awkward conversation, but at least he told me where the drink was, and that he bowed. Such a sweet child.

But then to my surprise, the teenage male, Raika, said his 'see you laters' in different words before he went after the child. Totally bewildered for everything was running smoothly until then, but I simply shrugged it off and approached the table for a drink hopefully, Orange juice, hopefully just juice, orange and mango flavor. But on my way of approaching the table, a prickle of fear stabbed my neck and cold fingers slid down my backbone. I stop still in my tracks as soon as a tremble took place within the ballroom and I knew instantly that that was not part of the show.

I turned and looked over at Tatsuta, but she has stopped dancing, the male she was dancing with, looked concerned also that I knew instantly that something was up. The tremble stopped but then a loud bang vibrated before the ground sunk down by what had been a explosion tag, and the floor erupted up in dust and concrete. Judging by the distance of the explosion, it seemed about fifteen meters. I knew instantly that something was up and I activated my bloodlimit instantly and looked about the place. The building shook with the force of feet pounding across the floor as people raced to get out of the way.

I picked up a person wearing a costume totally different from others and made my way toward that area. The person was running toward that female, and at once I knew that that was the Raikage, I haven't seen her before but I just knew. I moved as quickly as I could, my dress ridding up my legs but that did not matter, for the place was in complete disarray and she might need help. Hopefully I am not making a life threating mistake.

[Kuro]

As his movements were smooth all until he'd reach Nagi only ten feet from the Kaeor, Kira and the female he'd suddenly stumble, though not due to lack of grace. Yet more so the tremble that would come from beneath. His eyes widened behind his mask as he'd quickly turn toward the group he had just left. Due to the grace of a dancer within his heart and mind he'd be aware of the threat. Without a second thought he'd raise both arms and call forth the Kikaichu from within his body. He had no weapons to fight, so he'd stick on the defensive for now. Thankfully he had placed that female kikaichu upon her hair before walking away, it would allow the Kikai to follow the scent and complete the task given to them by Shinji. As the streams of black bugs bolted in a dead line knocking people out of their way if need be, they'd wrap around the unknown female thought to be Lady Machiko. He'd pull hard back on the bugs using the grapple to forcibly remove her from danger instead of pulling himself forward. Hopefully pulling her body away just before the floor beneath would cave from the underground explosions.

[Deleted]

[Pre-Explosion]

Ugh, why couldn't he just get the hint? Shunsoku thought to himself as Raika decided to catch up to him. Quite frankly, Shunsoku wasn't interested in what the Sansutomu lizard man had to say and kept walking even as the person spoke to him, although he at least kept a semi-attentive ear for the man. Although, what he heard seemed just too convenient for Shunsoku, who gave a small snort under his breath. One had to remember he was ten, and prone to believing only what he wanted to. He didn't respond to Raika except to continue walking.

Shunsoku didn't pick up on the sudden burst of hatred, his own hatred masking any outside source from his inexperienced Genin senses, and so he didn't know what was happening until he heard something. A gentle "fzzzz" sound, a tell-tale sign of an exploding tag about to go off. Shunsoku sighed inwardly, and ducked low to the ground in preparation.

[Moment of Explosion and Beyond]

When the explosion rocked the ballroom Shunsoku was already prepared, set low to the ground so when the ground shook it didn't affect his balance. Once the rumbling was over Shunsoku realized someone new had entered the ballroom. A man wearing a bulky brown cloak that hid most of his features. He seemed dead set on a certain woman in the crowd, and a whole bunch of other people seemed dead set on stopping him from getting to her.

"Doesn't take a genius to assume it's an assassin after the Raikage. But they've all got that one assailant, so...BE CAREFUL, THERE'S BOUND TO MORE ASSAILANTS!" Shunsoku cried out to anybody who could hear him.

Shunsoku kept himself aware of his surroundings, letting all the other people deal with the one assailant and making sure he could point out any more potential enemies to those in the ballroom. He would do in a heartbeat. (If more assailants show up, you have my permission to say that Shunsoku tries to shout out their position for others)

[|Ayame Unbound|]

As she turned to reply the floor exploded. Her hall? Her? Those bastards. Her body flew backwards ten meters. She slid into a crouching position for all of a moment before her hand grappled for equipment she was not carrying. She placed her fingers to her lips and let out a shrill whistle. While the other hand formed seals. A small owl came bombing through the window to her shoulder as a shadow shot forth, weaving its way to the target. She promised herself when she was done her first act was going to be to murder the Elder's. Who else would do this? Who else knew of this event? No one. Fury powered her as she kept an eye on the enemy and her senses extended in case anyone else attempted to show up.

[Naota]

[atrb=width,450px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][bg=FEFFF4] Time to dance~ The assassin with the red eyes would look into the eye's of the one who impeded him. Slight anger would fill his own eyes and he'd continue forward noticing that past him the raikage had summoned her owl while the other hand formed seals. Her shadow had begun to move and as an expert soldier he knew what the meant. That shadow touching him or his own shadow would mean his capture and death. Now wasn't the time to worry though for him. He had his friend to back him up here. The man on the roof wasn't nearly in the mood for the one's who got in his way and he'd weave seals of his own while the Raikage did hers. A hundred baseball sized wads of flames would shoot out of his mouth and towards the Akuryo and on a path towards Kana. The red eyed assassin on the floor would shunshin backwards and form his own handseals and before him a wall of flame would shield him from view from all. Once the flame dies down he would no longer be there. Meaning he had done something to escape unseen. ____ Sky by this time would be running up the wall in attempt to persue the man who had attempted to escape from him. His job at this point would be to fight the intruders while the other's gaurded the kage. In his heart he knew that if he shows his fellow villagers that he has the initiative that they would let him govern them without disapproval. Real men stand tall. Prideful and not afraid to die in battle against another with the same pride. The two stood facing eachother now at this point, him still firing his flaming bullets and his friend escaping. From this point Sky could see many others moving to help the lady. Between the two were cieling. Both hanging upside down. Not a moment spared as Sky threw his hands together and from his feet the cieling began to freeze creating a mirror to those who look up. This would also allow a different point of view to those below to help search for the man who is now well hidden.

[GO AWAY]

All hell had broken loose. What a night, but she had to admit, such events only brought a devilish smile upon her face. It had indeed gotten messy, even if it wasn't after the last dance-- it was enough to bring an odd joy to minzy. Turning her attention to the one nearest to her for but a second, the man seemed familiar and yet she couldn't figure it out, had she cared to remember she would have known it was Shinji. The explosion caused quite a ruckus, it even made Minzy stagger slightly, had she not been used to walking around in her boots all day, she'd have fallen over. The events following the explosion seemed to move by rather quickly and yet every second seemed to count in this sort of situation. Despite the surroundings and the havoc being caused, Minzy could only bask in the glory of such a moment. She was lucky that night, to witness such chaos.

[Kuro]

His grasp of the Raikage would fail despite the tracking scent of the Kikaichu being upon her. Regardless he'd leave the Kikai floating around him as he was starting to feel irritated with everything that was happening. Reaching up he'd pull the mask from his face and pocket it quickly within his suit. A quick flicker of motion would place him only a few feet from Kana's side, her shadow techniques were familiar to that of what he, himself was capable of. His emerald eyes were diligent, finally he'd begin to grasp how to face everything that was going on around him. With the bright wall of fire cutting off the shadow's attempt to snag the runaway assailant, Shinji would notice.

When the fire vanished it would appear that the attacker whom used it would be gone as well. Though on the floor as Kana's shadow would retract he'd spot another, yet no body near it. He'd glance up at the glass tiling on the ceiling, they were being watched by yet another. Quick seals were preformed as he would keep this attack more so to himself instead of broadcasting the position to everyone in the room. Holding the seal up to his mouth he'd aim up at the window toward the opponent whom he had spotted. Six sound bullets would be shot with amazing speed, without special doujutsu the attack would be untraceable. The sound far too low of a tone for human ears to even pick up on it. The target's chest was the goal, it would shatter the glass as it passed through it, yet it wouldn't be stopped unless a large amount of sound counteracted in front of the senbon sized sound bullets. Once they landed within the man's chest his vitals would be struck violently until erupting and bringing him to his death.

[// One]

[OOC: Adios guys, no longer in the event, enjoy. Sky/Ayame, feel free to boot me out of the building however you wish.]

[Exit]

[/font]

[|Ayame Unbound|]

Cursing beautifully she would flicker her eyes to the chuunin and then back to the opponent. Chakra coursed through her as she focused on the man who attacked her originally. Chakra would wash between them and her voice would cross the distance, cold and imposing. "You will stop causing or trying to cause harm to anyone here." She demanded, no question or disbelief in her voice. She would be obeyed.

[Naota]

[atrb=width,450px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][bg=FEFFF4] Time to dance~ The fighter below him who he knew to be Akuryo happened to fly through the flames and the now invisible red eyed assailant was nowhere to be seen. Since that man had obviously not been there Akuryo would crash into a wall, well rather through it and should be unconcious. Silly guy. Soon the window would crash and out the window the invisible man would go. His partner was angry that he left him alone but wasn't about to abandon his mission. He first had to take care of Sky. At breakneck speeds he'd run to Sky and throw a hard uppercut from under Sky which sent him hurdling down to the floor below. Sky now falling towards Tatsuta. Once Sky was out of the way this male would aim towards the lady Raikage and pull out a kunai with an explosive tag on it and hurl it at the lady. As he threw it she commanded him to stop. A silly attempt to divert him from his actions. When the explosion in the room would happen a retreat unfortunately was secretly ordered through his Tac. Com which was plugged into his ear. Forced to leave he'd shunshin right out of the window. Sky would land hard on the floor unless someone was there to catch him.

[Deleted]

Shit, this is going too fast for me to keep up! Shunsoku lamented to himself in his mind. He didn't have enough battle experience to keep up with such impressive Shinobi, all he could do was really hope no-one decided to take an interest in a ten-year-old kid. Shunsoku none-the-less kept his eyes peeled for anything he might do to help out his fellow Shinobi.

He got his chance when the assailant in the brown cloak decided that enough was enough and sent an upside-down uppercut towards his opponent, knocking him from the ceiling to plummet toward the ground. Shunsoku burst into motion, running as fast as his legs would carry him. As he ran he realized the assailant had one more trick before they left. A kunai with an explosive tag.

Whether by chance or fate, Shunsoku was still holding onto the empty plate of food that he had gotten earlier in the evening, and channeling a bit of chakra into the heavy golden plate Shunsoku prepared to throw. The assailant threw his Kunai. Shunsoku threw his plate, aiming to hit it. The plate whirled through the air, a bit wobbly but true, and it smacked into the side of the thrown kunai. The electrical charge went to the kunai, then to the exploding tag, and then both kunai and plate were swallowed in the midair explosion. Lucky for all Shunsoku had managed to hit it high enough off the ground that it wouldn't actually harm anybody nearby, although it'd probably knock them on their ass. Of course, Shunsoku could only hit the kunai if someone else didn't do anything to before the plate reached it.

The falling man would probably be closer than others, and the explosion would most likely send him careening sideways, somewhat towards Shunsoku. Shunsoku would leap up in an attempt to catch the man and have them both land without breaking something...

[Raika Tatsu]

Raika watched as the shinobi who had first attacked the Lady Raikage escaped into a pillar of fire and fled, then watched as his partner attacked another man and threw a kunai towards the Raikage. He watched as Shunsoku's quick thinking allowed him to attempt an interception of the kunai. Raika could only watch the expert shinobi battle it out in seconds, and the retreat of the enemy as quickly as they had come. They had been foolish to think they could storm a hall full of shinobi and complete attempt at assassination without being stopped or thwarted.

As Raika had been running in the direction of both assailants, he had ended up closer to Sky than Shunsoku, the genin who seemed to now hate him due to his origins. It was not ideal considering their place as fellow members of the village, but it could not be helped, and Raika was not about to let it bother him much more. Raika would attempt to catch Sky should no one else be able to, with the explosion that came only slightly making him lose balance, but not direction. He was closer than Shunsoku, but that was not to say he was the closest. If anyone else was nearer to Sky or right behind him when he went flying, they would have the best chance of catching him, but Raika was going to try just in case. The Raikage seemed safe...for now.

[N A T S U M I]

OOC: Sorry guys, I can't do this right now. I'm far too stressed and can't keep up with everything....

[Exit]

[Kuro]

ENDGAME

The Sound Bullets would hit, though with even less in their way due to the attacker coming through the window before the bullets. He'd head straight for the invisible bullets the size of senbon. Once the six bullets entered his body they'd be aimed into his lower gut. Rattling the water molecules within the cells rupturing them. This would severely damage his liver, intestinal track and kidneys. Internal bleeding would begin and his movements would be severely hindered. Though he somehow still managed to land the uppercut aimed at the male whom had pulled a sword earlier. Shinji was done playing games, this was about to come to an end. Chakra focused through his arms, should the assailant even consider throwing the Kunai it would matter, for the arms of Shinji's would already be raised, chakra bolted forth with the Kikaichu following the command of their respective home. The straight lines of Kikaichu would be launched before the male could even pull the kunai with the exploding tag. This means he has time to dodge, but if he dared to throw it would leave him open for the hit. Let alone the bugs would be able to deflect the attempt on the life of Lady Raikage whom stood to Shinji's right. The Aburame was a Chuunin and an ANBU, his duty was to protect this Village with his life!

SPOILER: Click to show

Remember Sky, you ignored my Sound Bullets. Critical Hit rule applies ^_^. Though I allowed your post to continue for story allowing the kid to still be able to try and catch you.

[|Ayame Unbound|]

The man on the ground, focused on her would also cease his action. He would have no choice but to listen to her words and stop the chaos. It seemed the other man had been taken care of as well. As she looked closer at the disheveled pair she reached up and tore off her mask. Forcefully she threw it to the ground. Her face was revealed to the world now. "ELDER MIYUKI!" Her voice thundered through the frozen hall. After a moment of silence the woman would appear, clearing her throat and looking as innocent as someone that cruel can.

"Do you think me a fool?!" Kana roared, anger rippling through her voice. "Not only do I recognize these two but I recognize your filthy little hooks in everything that goes wrong in this village. Explain yourself now before I change my mind and obliterate you." She demanded. A long pause followed. "You took something that was not yours." The Elder said with a shrug. Kana glowered at her. "You took something from me too. I took nothing that belongs to Kumogakure. I took only the fruits of my own labors." She hissed.

"And your answer is to take my life?! Leave my sight now old woman. If I see you again or suspect you of trying to take power into your hands I will kill you where you stand, mark my words." She hissed. The woman was quiet for a second and she vanished. Red faced Kana would turn, looking upon her village. "Kumogakure, I suppose now is the time to tell you. No longer will I be leading you as Raikage. This is by my own choice, I can only ask your forgiveness but... well the truth is..."

She looked to Kaeor and smiled and held her hand out to him. Her anger dissipated and happiness shown upon her face. "I'm getting married." She said with a helpless shrug.

[Naota]

[atrb=width,450px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][bg=FEFFF4] Time to dance~ The anbu male was struck with the sound bullets but kept going to punch Sky off of the roof. His internal organs have been punctured and he'd need immediate medical attention. While this was all happening a roar could be heard from the crowd. Kana was yelling hard at an old woman who seemed to be behind all this. The duo Anbu managed to somehow escape during the speech of the woman. Phasing somewhat. The ninja of Kumogakure were triumphant in protecting their kage. Sky at this point had long since fallen on the ground and had even managed to get to his feet. He felt slightly foolish. His attack had done nothing to the man and his punch felt extremely heavy. He managed to get to Kana and the elder woman while she proclaimed that she was getting married to the man he spoke to earlier. He was in awe at her devotion to him. The blonde male bowed in front of the two slightly and stood there with his mask on. His hand reached for his face and he took it off. Revealing his icey blue eyes and the bangs of his hair. A rather gentle looking man he was. He gazed at Kana and introduced himself after her hatred had been cast upon the fossil of a woman. "Hello Soon to wed Raikage. I'm Sky, your successor." The bombshell had been dropped. His gaze not lifting from her once as the expected crowd to murmur and talk of this. He feared she would not be accepting of him. After all he was a genin and he even had a sensei still. Would this make sense? So many question rung through his mind as he waited for her response.