Showering the Grass [P, invite}

[Wolf of the Falls]

Axel yawned as he laid on a large granite crystal that had halfway sunk into the river from which the cave of the crystal flowed. He stretched as a purr rumbled in his throat before sitting up and popping his back in succession. His swords rested against the crystal while his cloak floated on the wind concealing the blades as it rested on their pommels.

His pouch clinked softly with his tools as he stroked his hair glad that he had finally gotten away long enough to relax. The paperwork was getting to be far too troublesome then it was worth. He groaned and laid back again tossing a piece of chocolate into his mouth sucking on it quietly. "Damn I love chocolate from Tsume no Kuni."

[bigblackfish]

||enter.

Zenaku was unaware at the time, but had he known he was tracking the Kage of Takigakure he may have discontinued the effort in respect to the Kage's evident desire to be alone. Though in hindsight, nothing could have been done to realize the royal company he would stumble across as the activation of sonar did not distinguish who it was, it simply identified where it was. A curious brow was raised at the notion that someone was nearby, naturally the Chakra Viking prayed paradoxically for an intruder to devour. Granted, sonar delivered the whereabouts of the man's location with precision, the Chuunin was first tipped of the man not by his sonar (for he did not idly stroll the vast promontory of Taki no Kuni with sonar active at all times as it would be quite a nuisance to detect every slight obtrusion to the sound waves) but at a broken tree branch, rustled leaves and a single foot step would be the culprit. The trail ran cold rather quickly, for it may or may not have been intentional, but the Kage was doing a rather adequate job at concealing his tracks. Had it not been for his ability in the Sound Release, Zenaku may not have been able to formally introduce himself from a tree at a distance of 25 meters.

"Lost? Or is the mighty Takikage defeated by the intensity of his own to do list?"

[/right] No smirk would be conveyed, for even when this brute spoke amiably and with a fraction of humor, the ever-consuming black hole of his soul disintegrated any potential to display even the trace of a smile. Even those who once knew Izanagi as a child, before he was incapable of pleasant emotions, they would be surprised to find even the memory of his smile would be scorched to a char that the image of what it had looked like in the past was impossible to recall. Even Zenaku himself forgot what it would look like if his lips decided to curl upwards away from its piercing stale frown. Exposing himself by dropping down from the tree, he landed with feline grace; though the gourd struggled to cause otherwise. The amassed sand that lay lifeless upon his back jumped to life within the gourd upon the descent and settled once again whispering the sound almost similar to the sprinkle of water. It weighed heavy on his back, but it had become nearly apart of him for he mounted it cumbersome upon his back wherever he went. He bowed appropriately, approaching gradually afterwards.

"Zenaku Izanagi, Chuunin of Takigakure."

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[Wolf of the Falls]

Axel's placid demeanor rippled quietly at the comment that hung in the air as he rolled over watching as the ninja fell out of a tree, his sand cushioning his fall while Axel stretched softly yawning before grinning.

"Nah, I just finished a stack of paperwork and wanted to get out before another avalanche heh." Axel remarked calmly while his wolfy attitude left the grin on his lips friendly towards his own shinobi as he was told who he was.

"Zenaku... Izanagi?... aha! I remember your name in the dossiers I read when I was appointed its an honor to meet you Zen." Axel replied light-hearted as he sat up and tossed a piece of chocolate towards the Chunnin. "Are you just walking around or were you looking for me?"

[bigblackfish]

A debilitated Takikage would wake from his seemingly slumberous stupor. Though, Zenaku possessed a semblance of empathy for the man as he could understand the significant burden that lay like a parasite upon the boy's back. Confidentially, the Chuunin was not unequivocally assured at the Kage's potential to be a Kage simply based upon the status of this magnificent Country. Taki no Kuni was deteriorating just as all mere mortals are intended to fall victim to; but like a rose cut off from its essential nutrients of light and water, we were steadily deteriorating until our final petals collapsed gracelessly upon the cold, bitter ground. It annoyed the brute ever so slightly that the boy lay indifferently upon the damp rock as if he were far off upon a distant channel island, soaking up the sun in a time of ecstasy.

Zenaku soon realized the contradiction of his two thoughts, one being of empathy to the boy's respite, the other being of ridicule to his carelessness unto the dire condition of Zenaku's treasured nation. Had he been in charge, there would not be a single breath of rest until all was as it should be. Though, everyone had different methods to solving problems, and Izanagi respected that. He was unsure, however, of Axel's choice in method. A piece of chocolate would be thrown at him, but the intuitive reaction of the Sand Mastery would instantly be awaken as she interpreted the throw as something hostile. Sand from within the Chakra Vikings gourd hurdled upwards creating a barrier, deflecting the harmless piece of candy to the floor. His scarred brow, the one hidden behind an eye patch, was raised in curiosity at the boy's toss, and at his own subconscious for utilizing the sand in such a manner.

Though, even if the boy's friendly gesture was insulted by his guardian, no words would be spoken on the matter unless the Takikage decided to bring it up himself. For Zenaku did not doubt himself, nor his vigilant guardian of sand that in every way, was a part of his mind, heart, and soul. She lived to serve Zenaku, take wounds for Zenaku, even die for Zenaku, and in that way... he respected the sand no less than he respected himself, and she felt mutually the same.

"I found your tracks a few miles off and traced them here, you might consider being more discrete."

The words were spoken sharply, without effort to dilute the insult thrown at the boy. The Chuunin did not dislike him, it was just Zenaku's demeanor to convey brutal honesty without considering the other's opinion.

"But all is well. Now that I have you I would like to voice a few requests."

Of course, Zenaku would wait the invite to ask these requests; for brutal honesty was one character trait of his, but patience and respect was another. He was not so bold as to inquire without permission, though he was bold enough to kill without permission. Interestingly enough, two very distinctive contradictions in Zenaku's composure were revealed, and recognized by Zenaku here: his respect for others but all the while his lack of concern for those he respects. Zenaku respected the Takikage greatly, but was insensitive to his feelings, and even his life.

[/blockquote]

[Wolf of the Falls]

Axel was a little down-trodden at the man's sandy defense of his friendly toss. he sat up watching the man as his eyes shifted to a serious ice blue hardness. He took the man's crass advice with a grain of salt nodding to him. "Ill come here through the labyrinth from now on then, say what you will I'll never cage your mind or words."

Axel watched the man sensing the air around him of direct conflict about him smelling the blood in his sand. It was obvious the ninja was seasoned and powerful and Axel didn't want to urge a conflict but he wouldn't back down either.

[bigblackfish]

A compelling statement, were the words spoken silently within Zenaku's head. The words administered by the Takikage were seriously appreciated by the Chuunin as Zenaku irrefutably respected his own freedom of opinion, as well as the respect granted by the Takikage to that freedom. He did not hesitate, however.

"My request regards to my status here within this Village. I do not relish on wasting either of our time so I will not justify my request, I will simply make it known. I lack the title of Jounin. I desire to achieve the title, as well as serve this Country under the respected division of AnBu Bear."

The request was to the point.The Chuunin felt it unnecessary to validate his request or provide an appeal as to why he deserved the title, for nothing said here would sway the decision of the Kage and Zenaku was forthrightly confident that he was worthy.

"My allegiance is sworn to Takigakure, to You. I am not satisfied with my ranking, and I strongly urge you to coordinate a Jounin exam immediately, for I am not a man who likes to waste my own time nor have others waste it for me. It is of course in the best interest of our Country. "

He solicitously awaited a response, for his lack of honored standing was more than just an irritation, but a necessity to his very being. He demanded success, and if he failed, he failed none other than himself. Failure was absolutely unacceptable.

[/blockquote]

[Wolf of the Falls]

Axel's eyes raised a bit in surprised at the man's request but the surprise was quickly replaced by pleasure as he smiled wide and laughed soft. "I love that kind of fire and initiative Zen you got I'll create an exam for you to be a jounin and also you have my permission to be a Bear when you've fulfilled the requirements of the position respectfully."

He bowed softly from his sitting position his eyes having gained the soft mirth of ocean waves. His mind started to shift and roll with ideas for an extreme exam as he leaned back on his palms thinking while his head bobbed. "Ill try to coordinate one with Mist and try to get the exams going for you Zen just give me some time."

[👺 Usiel]

1. How do you know about the Kurenai scrolls
2. How do you know Ayame's character has them.
3. Jounin Exams are "EXAMS" not "Do me a mission and I'll promote you"
4. Jounin Exams are Events.
5. Why wasn't this stated IC? Why did you just say that OOC? Like IC how the hell is he supposed to know?

[Wolf of the Falls]

1 2 and 5. I dont know about them IC and thats why I was telling him OOC
3 and 4 I didn't know that I couldn't find a thread

will fix it

[Wolf of the Falls]

fixed

[bigblackfish]

Zenaku was uncertain of the Kage's true intentions. The boy acquired a noticeable laid back composure that conveyed something of uncertainty in Zenaku. Though he did not consider this relaxed persona negatively, he just simply became unsure. Unsure of his legitimacy to actually coordinate an exam. Was he being honest, or was he flattering the giant with an embellished form of deceit. The Chuunin anticipated his own return to clarify whether or not his time was being wasted or not; to ensure an exam. If this boy played the Chakra Viking for a fool, surely it would not sit right with the Izanagi. Though, the ambiguity of this situation was soon alleviated with a cunning plan.

"Mist you say? Well, I'm sure you would not mind if I accompanied you, Takikage. My world map is a bit blank and desire to mark the various cities, and you could not go wrong with additional protection."

His voice was stern, almost implying that he was going regardless, though he would accept a denial if it was so spoken. But he could not comprehend why he would be denied. The Takikage could always use a bodyguard, and there was some truth behind Zenaku's desire to fill in his world map. He wisely sought to kill two birds with one stone; confirm the manifestation of the Jounin Exam as well as pursue his hobby in cartography. Hopefully, Axel saw the benefits of his company and concurred with the idea of a paired journey.

[/blockquote]

[Wolf of the Falls]

Axel's smile lightened softly as he looked at the man not wanting to seem like he was evading the request but not going to lie to him either. "Actually my connection to Mist is already here in Waterfall so I don't have to go all the way to the village, my connection to the village is actually the kage's assistant."

Axel became firmer standing upright having become a bit defensive of the envoy from Mist. He could handle the preparations well enough as well as confirming the man's gaze to be of somewhat mistrust. His gaze shifted to a somewhat softer look as his thoughts pieced the man's words together. "but I am extremely grateful for your offer to be my bodyguard for the would-be journey Zen."

[bigblackfish]

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Loose ends
Rank: B
IIC Length: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Objective: Befriend the target and protect him on his way to Takigakure then publicly execute him.
Description: A noble that has funded minor operations of Takigakure has been caught embezzling funds and trying to sell out the village to local bandits and other villages. Befriend the man and gain his trust while evading his bodyguard’s attention then bring him back to Takigakure and execute him in front of the Daimyo and other nobles. Kage will GM. Can be done 3 times per person. Waterfall ninja only.
Reward: 6200 Ryo

"Interesting. So it appears you have things under control, so I will spare no time to complete my AnBu requirements."

The Chuunin would retrieve a bound scroll he had obtained within the Mission's Department and toss it towards the Takikage. The context would reveal a mission that would soon be fulfilled upon the Kage's permission.

"With your approval, I will depart at once. If you so desire, you are welcome to join me; though we must leave straightaway."

Attracted to the idea of witnessing the Kage's potential, a welcoming hand was extended to Axel. The Chakra Viking was dubious in the boys skill –rather, unconfirmed –and therefore wanted to see it firsthand. He hadn't the slightest understanding of how the Takikage operated: his prowess, his tactics and methodology, but more importantly, his strategical wit. Battle was never determined by how many techniques you used, but how well you used them.

More prevalent a reason however, was the fact that every relationship was an asset to Zenaku; a stepping stone to achieving greater results. If he befriended the Takikage –the highest authority –he would be granted access to many opportunities. For in many ways, Zenaku perceived life as a game of chess; and like chess, one must always plan two steps ahead.

[/blockquote]

[Wolf of the Falls]

(OOC: I put in the mission that I will GM it already so I cant really be part of it to Zenaku's expectations.)

Axel took the scroll softly and unfurled it using his claw points for the accuracy to unroll it in a split second as he scanned over it his eyes began to churn in irritation and anger he remembered the initial report of this mission when he agreed. His gaze lifted back steadily to the man as he nodded to him. "I can't go with you it would be too suspicious if the Takikage took part in this mission."

He rolled up the scroll and handed it back to him as he whistled sharp and resolute the sound echoing at a near sub sonic pitch through the valleys that surrounded them. as the sound died away he stretched yawning softly waiting as he stretched his hand out to Zenaku. "I wish you luck though and I await your success"

[bigblackfish]

"Success is inevitable."

Replacing the scroll back within his pack, the magnificent Kamyuja hands would wrap entirely around the Inuzuka's. His strength was unparalleled by any one who roamed this Earth (unless of course they too were gifted with the Kamyuja genetics), and possessing this strength the Kamyuja could crush the very fibers of his hand with a simple squeeze. But he respected his Country far too much to insult her in such a manner, and harbored no animosity against Axel to do so anyways. Confidentially, maybe even unknown to Izanagi himself, he enjoyed the boys disposition. He was calm company. A free spirit.

She, his guardian, would awaken. The living sand would begin to manifest a platform beneath Zenaku's feet ascending him above the treeline. The Chuunin began to levitate towards his destination; unconcerned about his trials faced alone. Though, the one obstacle that proved a cog in the gears was not his ability to execute the noble when in fact the time came, but more so his ability to deceive and befriend the man on their journey back to the Daimyo. For if there was one element the Chakra Viking was not gifted in, it would be the art of friendship.

As the crow flies, traveling was simplified. In the open air, Zenaku felt the transient rays reflecting upon his Crystallized skin, the wind upon his brow and the majestic sight to behold through his scarred eye. A free spirit.

They were alike in that way.

A devouring thought reigned in his head: Where is my prey...?

||exit.

[/blockquote]

[Wolf of the Falls]

Axel silently watched the man raise back up into the air on his sand. His attention was soon filled by the bubbling of water flowing behind him and he turned and jumped back onto the large crystal he had been resting on as a sharp whoosh of air filled his ears. Soon the weight of about 20 pounds of pup was laying on Axel's chest while a larger weight rested across his lap.

"You both made good time." he murmured soft while stroking both of their bushy fur. The air calmed and settled as he relaxed and the wolves settled with him relaxing. as the blades of grass around them shifted with the air.

[Wolf of the Falls]

[EXIT]