The Attack of the Automations - Back Gate

[Natsy]

The Medic's recovery from the explosion was successful, however after patting himself down, Ryuuchou would find that the skin on his shoulders, upper back and upper arms would be charred slightly due to the intensity of the automaton's fire but otherwise the young male would be unharmed. However, upon the dash toward the Medic made by the automatons, Ryuuchou would successfully make contact with the side of a slanting building and would continue to dash upward preparing his attack.

However, the moment the gentleman made contact with the building, automatons D and E would turn swiftly on the balls of their feet and rush after him, both jumping fourth while D formed a quick series of handseals before extending both it's arms to shoot ten bullets toward the male in an attempt at knocking him off the wall or at least stopping the boy in his tracks. The automaton would then descend somewhat quickly, only to have E overlapping it's partner's descending movements with an attempted swipe with it's sword.

The blow would not only create a large gap in the Medic's back should he stop by the bullets, but it would prevent him from fluent movements for two rounds unless treated before. Automaton F would also move as the bullets were being shot but only to tail both automatons D and E just encase one were to fall.. Meanwhile, Baek remained airborne with three automatons ascending after him. Each automaton had prepared themselves to stab the boy from below but as Baek twisted himself around, the large fireball would descend upon all three automatons at once, engulfing them in the same fireball that they loved to use.

A large gust of chakra would erupt from the flames, expelling into the air indicating that the automatons had been destroyed. However, along with four buildings, the citizens whom Baek had been trying to save would also perish within the flames, having the Kusa Ninja failed his duty in saving them. The flames would also stretch out down the road, intercepting with the battle happening with the Takigakure Shinobi and the remaining three automatons.

The blast of the attack would knock all four beings to the right harshly, smacking Ryuuchou and Automatons D and E into the building they were scaling if they had not moved prior to the release of Baek's fireball. Automaton F would also be knocked but it was still upon the ground so after falling over, it would quickly get back to it's feet, forming handseals of it's own and returning the favor to Baek for his rude interruption in it's battle with the Takigakure Shinobi. This fireball would fly toward the Kusa Shinobi and detonate 2m before Baek, exploading with a 3.4m radius.

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: - -

Automatons D, E and F vs Ryuuchou:

• Automaton D and E have jumped at the same time, both ascending after Ryuuchou as he dashed up the side of the building preparing his counter attack.
  
• Automaton D would use:
  

[/b]
Rank: D-Ranked
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The users fingertips begin to glow a light blue as they fire off lightning bolts from the fingertips.
Special: Tiger, Serpent, Dragon
Drawback: After being used multiple times they begin to numb the user’s finger making it very difficult to use weapon’s such as Bows, Swords, or even Kunai. Can be trained multiple times to increase the amount of times that it is capable of using without making finger’s numb
Description: Once the user has performed the required handseals the user will outstretch his hands and his fingers. Chakra will be rapidly gathered their and suddenly each finger will begin to emit electricity. The user will then move their hands back and fling them forward releasing the Lightning Bullets at the opponent. The Bullet’s look like small marble-sized balls of lightning with is giving off a constant discharge. The balls travel as fast as a person can throw a kunai or shuriken.
Limit: Lightning Release[/ul]
[/li][li] Automaton E is traveling directly behind Ryuuchou, so once D started to descend, E, who is still ascending toward you, would attempt to slash you with it's sword. The blow aimed directly toward your mid-back section.
[/li][li] Automaton F moved as automaton D fired the bullets, so at least three second after but has not attacked you.
However, due to the fireball caused by Baek, it returned the favor to him.

[/b]
Rank: "C" "B" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The user is capable of performing a few handseals in which gives them the capability of blowing a large body of fire in size of a large sphere that has great fire proportions and explosive capabilities.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: Depending on the Rank, is dependent on how strong or how much the user is capable of doing with the Goukakyuu no Jutsu.
Description: The user quickly performs a few handseals. The user then places the hand over their mouth creating a small like circle. This technique in turn is then to help the user control the great flame. The use then blows out and creates a large fireball that twice the size of a normal human body. When the "C" Rank version is first learned the user is only capable of blowing out the Great Fireball that is cannot be moved or go anywhere else. This also means that the technique does not explode in a fiery explosion, but burns greatly to anyone that is caught within the technique. When the user learns the "B" Rank version then the user is capable blowing the Great Fireball into the distance, sending it away from the use it to hurl towards the very opponent. This technique is only capable of going into a straight line and this is capable of having the size three times the size of a human body. This technique when launched at an opponent then becomes dangerous because at this point the technique can explode causing damage that is even more devastating.
Limit: Must have the Fire Release [/ul][/li][/ul]

Automatons A, B and C vs Baek:

• Automatons A, B and C dead by the fireball
  
• Citizens (woman and children dead due to fireball)

19|25 Automatons remaining
[/spoiler][/size]

[Ryuuchou Meimu]

With his miniature bombs prepped and ready, and with the knowledge that these enemies would not easily let him get away, Ryuuchou made a split second decision and lept off of his spot on the wall, moving slightly upward and backwards into the air. Though he was mostly unaware of the attacks being launched at him, hopefully the arc-like motion would bring him out of reach of the lightning and the slash. He would aim to land on the wall of a building opposite his previous location and latch onto it with his Chakra, which still traveled into the soles of his feet.

After hopefully clearing these attacks, or at least dodging enough to stay relatively unharmed, he would release two of his kunai while in midair after locating the two automatons wherever they might have ended up. He knew what relative area to look at since they had just been trying to attack him, and he would likely be able to spot them relatively quickly while flying through the air. His hope was to neutralize them without wasting too much stamina or Chakra, and with minimal risk to himself, so he made a point to set them and throw them so that they would detonate when the kunai got within reach. He had been slightly burned already, he didn't care to add to those injuries with unnecessary risks.



Upon landing on the wall opposite where he had been just moments ago, he would notice a strange heat and an odd smell entering his nostrils that he couldn't quite place. He hadn't seen anything, but that may have just been because of his airborne acrobatic stunt. Nevertheless, after the sensation was pushed from his mind, he would then try to locate the third automaton that he had been faced with. As soon as he was able to spot it, he would let his third and final kunai bomb fly from his hand, aimed at the creatures torso and ready to explode. Though he didn't know about the attack it was preparing, perhaps he would be able to intercept it...?

SPOILER: Click to show

All three kunai w/ paper bombs used.

Kinobori no Waza - Act of Tree Climbing
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/Supplementary
Effect: Allows a Non-Ninja the ability to perform Advanced chakra techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: Non Ninjas must learn in order to learn Advanced chakra techniques. Ninjas gain this technique for free in the beginning however does not add into Character Class like other starting techniques. Does not work on Animal Companions.
Description: Kinobori no Waza, the art of tree climbing serves a dual purpose. Taking part in Kinobori Shugyou (Tree Climbing Training) helps a ninja learn how to focus their chakra. It also teaches the ninja how to run up trees and walk on vertical walls. The training helps the ninja learn how to focus just the right amount of chakra to a particular part of their body. The amount needed to climb is small but it must be precise. The feet are regarded as the hardest location to master chakra focusing. So by gaining the art of this skill, the ninja will have any jutsu available (theoretically) because they will be able to focus their chakra as needed. Allows a user to learn up to "C" Rank Chakra related Techniques.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu Technique.

[Baek]

As the pillar of fire erupted Baek shielded his eyes against the brilliance of the blast, the concussive force of its might nearly throwing him from his feet even where he stood. He paid no heed to the battle that resumed a short distance away from him as he dropped to his knees. Thoughts of the faces of the woman and children lost in the slowly dying embers of his jutsu tormented him, but fate was not so kind as to give him a moment’s respite for his shame—for his failure.

3 seconds after his own attack had extinguished the life of all three attacking automatons along with those of the civilians another looming fireball came into the view of his peripheral. It already had taken flight when he noticed it giving him time to only rise to his feet and leap 1 meter high and 1 meter backwards through the air before it exploded approximately 2 meters from his previous location. The ground shook with the force of the technique and the thunderous crack of the ground shattered filled Baek’s ears even as a burst of heat and power slammed into him with unforgiving force. Hurtling through the air, charred along his arms where fire had touched his skin, Baek wondered whether it was here that he would finally meet his end. Momentary weightlessness quickly gave way to a rude and abrupt stop 15 meters from where three automatons continued their grueling battle against the stranger from earlier.

Collapsed on the ground in front of a broken building Baek desperately to rise to his feet again, but exhaustion and pain left him gasping on his side. Blood spluttered from his mouth as his ribs ached with the pain of the landing. Delirious with pain he only barely registered the fact that his cloak had managed to save him from a great deal of harm, but in exchange it had been greatly damaged by burn holes that would need to be tailored in the future. If there is a future, he reminded himself grimly; it was the only thought that came clearly through the confusing myriad of feelings clouding his thoughts.

He had failed his duty.

The burden of duty had always grounded him and pushed him to the limits of his strength, yet it was not enough to save a life—it had also not been enough to save Nanao; so many failures in his short life and yet he continued to parade around as if he were someone of significance. Urouge-sempai…don’t forget that failure. The list of deeds gone unaccomplished began piling themselves unforgivingly against his conscience and he could feel hot tears threatening to sting his eyes as the sounds of explosions and death rang all too clearly in his ears. Gritty ash mixed in with the earth caked his lips and he knew he was streaked with soot, looking nothing like the savior he’d believed himself to be. Exactly what had been searching for when he had come to this country? Glory? Honor? Pride?

Against the loss of life these things mattered little now. But it wasn’t over.

Ahead, approximately 20 meters now, where the strange ninja battled three of the mechanical monsters by himself was a sign that there was still duty to be fulfilled. He could not die knowing that another kept fighting where he had given in. Even if the man was an enemy ninja—he was still human and in this war that was enough of a bond to bind the two together. Taking to his feet gingerly Baek began jogging towards the pile where twisted burnt metal lay strewn across the ground; it was where he had destroyed the other automaton. He kept his gaze averted from anything that might have looked like the remains of the civilians until he snatched up one of the swords the automatons had been wielding. It was not a daito like the blade he’d lost in the explosion, its blade curved like that of a traditional katana, but the weight was roughly the same and the grip on the hilt was good. Surprisingly his sheath still clung to his hip and with blade in hand Baek leveled his gaze to the automaton that had sent the last fireball sailing in his direction some 10 meters away.

Along either side of the street were housing buildings giving both ninja foot purchases to escape an open street brawl, but as a proud man of the Bushido code he would not cower behind concrete against an enemy that did not even have the freedom of its own will. With a throat racking war cry he surged forward, flecks of dust flying into the air as his image blurred with the speed of his movement. In a matter of 2 seconds the space of 10 meters had been shortened to one meter and it was here that Baek dropped his knee to the ground, the cloth of his pants tearing until raw flesh was being scraped as he skidded along the gravelly earth. Expelling a single calming breath before he embraced the Void, he drew his blade with the fluid dexterity of a man whose intention was to kill and was very practiced it at it.

Firelight glimmered as the blade hissed through the air, igniting the surface of the blade with its glow. Baek’s muscles ached with the pain of overuse, yet his face was fixed with determination as he bared his teeth at the soulless enemy. Die The word screamed from his mind, but his lips were otherwise occupied spewing breath and spitol in the vigorous effort of his motion.

The rising slash would split the automaton directly up the middle starting from the groin regions before climbing all through the skull. It was the strike of a desperate man and it left him open to attack, but he’d known that as well as the fact that it very well have been impossible for him to cut down the enemy with a single blow given the state he was in, but he had to try. Besides even if the sword were to lodge itself in the steel body of the machine that in itself would present other opportunities for attack.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Battojutsu Stance
Rank: E Rank
Effect: Allows the use of Battojutsu forms
Special: None
Drawbacks: None
Description: The practitioner moves into a bow stance, their main hand gripping the hilt of the sword and their offhand resting half way down the sheath; they stand slightly crouched, able to easily move to a kneeling of standing position for their forms.
Restrictions: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

Morote-giri (Two Handed Cut)
Rank: C Rank
Effect: A strong (B Rank) strike at an approaching attacker (can be easily struck afterwards)
Special: None
Drawbacks: Weakened defensive ability shortly after attack is made, allowing for simple attacks to hit with ease.
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner rises and strikes with his sword in both hands, performing a strong attack but weakening his defense due to the time taken for the strike.
Restriction: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn; must have Quick Strike Training (C) or Reflex Training (C Rank)

[Natsy]

While moving in mid air, Ryuu would successfully lower himself down to avoid the bullets. However, the sword would nick him slightly, clawing his mid back section to the point of drawing blood but not overly so. The blast from the fire would move you slightly, aiding in your attempt to dodge the attacks. The bombs were thrown toward the two automatons as they slammed against the wall you had once been traveling on, detonating as they made contact.

A brief, large amount of chakra would expel into the air, notifying your victory against two foes. However, there was still one remaining automaton left in the area, but it would be your comrade that would successfully destroy it with his desperate, yet impressive move which had occurred 0.2 seconds after the explosion. The final amount of chakra installed within this automaton would be expelled also, and thus, leaving you two alone momentarily. Now would be the time to tend to wounds and get the introductions taken care of, as you both now have reinforcements on their way already.

However, if both of you would take the time to survey your surroundings, you would find yourself standing 50m away south from the Takikage Tower. And to the Tower's left, 60m away from your position, you would see another fight occurring over there between man and beast (Aiji, Wolfy and his companions) but the need to travel there would be impossible due to the sound of reinforcements approaching in from the north, and a large quantity too, from the sounds of it. It was only a short matter of time before they reach you...

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: Oh Baek... I love your post! It was so passionate!! Gentlemen, I have decided to give you guys a break, and the time to tend to your wounds and get properly introduced. I will let you know the amount of automatons coming within my next post. But this event is slowly coming to an end, and I might have Aiji and Axel give you guys a hand since their thread is ahead of yours. From there you will be sent to the final thread as a group to face off the source of the battle and to save Rosalie. So IC rest up cause I am trying to make this last big battle at least a bit challenging.. Hopefully..

All automatons within the area are dead. Reinforcements are on their way.

17|25 Automatons remaining

[Satu Akira]

[Enter]
His eyes focused, his speed to its fullest, he’d chase towards the chakra signature he believed to be that of the Takikage, his mind blank, his objective focused. Thirty meters into his advance towards the direction of the signature, the chakra’s vanished; “Wait…” Jolting himself back he halted his charge. “Where could they’ve gone!?” focusing closely he felt two other chakra signatures moving sporadically, in what from experience can only be explained as combat. Immediately after noticing the chakra he heard the sounds of the battle that clashed thirty meters away and saw the smoke that had erupted as a result. How could I have not noticed it… We’re under attack! he thought to himself, he’d been so caught up in the moment that he lost sight of the world around him. His muscles grew tense and his heart began to race even more, “… Just what the hell is going on!” he shouted towards himself in frustration. Turning towards the direction of the disturbance he’d feel multiple burst of large chakra being dispersed, but it was pure chakra, nothing more ; A jutsu perhaps? he thought to himself approaching the two signature’s left.

Now only 15 meters away he saw the aftermath of the devastation in its true form, chakra slowly seeped away from those crushed in the rubble signing their demise and alone two people were left and injured. A boy of silver hair and a man of brown, they were shinobi from the looks of it and one of them wasn’t wearing a Waterfall shinobi’s forehead protector. With his forehead protector securely upon his forehead, the red-headed fireball rushed onto the scene to his comrade’s aid standing between Ryuu and the Grass Shinobi, only two meters away from Ryuu in a guarded position. “Hey, you don’t appear to be a Jounin; head back to the Taki-tower and report this… they don’t seem to know what the Grass is up to yet…” Satu said over his shoulder. His arms quickly rose in front of him, his Kikaichu ready to explode from his sleeves at his commands; his focus recentering upon the grass shinobi who seemed injured as well. “I don’t know what is going on, but drop that sword!” He also took careful note of both the ally shinobi and the grass shinobi’s chakra signatures.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shield was left at his home.
Equipment: 5 - Uzume-Bi (Mine) "C" - 5 Slot
6 - Handle-Less Kunai "C" - 3 Slot
2 - Double-bladed Kunai "C" - 1 Slot
80 - Fake Explosive Tags "C" - 1 Slot
2 - Sting Grenade "C" - 2 Slot
2 - Smoke Grenade "C" - 2 Slot
80 - Explosive Tags "C" - 1 Slot
15/15 Slot Used

Triple Scroll Size Pouch(Attached to front-rightside of waist)- 1/3 Slots Taken: World Map: Waterfall Village marked.


Advanced Chakra Sensing
Rank: D
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to differentiate between chakra signatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This skill is used in conjunction with Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. This passive ability allows the user to differentiate between separate chakra signatures. A person will be able to tell if the chakra is that of a human or an animal. Also once the user sees an individual’s chakra signature once they will automatically recognize that persons chakra signature from then on.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Mind's Eye of the Kagura
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Skill: Passive
Effect: The basic technique needed in order to learn all Sensor Techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The basic yet complex ability that allows Sensor's to find, sense, and track individuals over a vast range. This ability is done by the user closing their eyes and opening their mind's eye in order to see the advanced chakra systems around them. At A rank and above, Sensors no longer need to close their eyes in order to access their mind's eye. The user of this jutsu can only sense those up to the equivalent class rank of the rank they know. (i.e. If the user knows up to B rank in this jutsu they can sense characters of all the way from D to B rank. The basic range of this technique is ten meters.
Limit: Must fulfill all requirements to become Sensor in order to learn this technique.

OOC: No time to read every post, please feel any blanks that I need to know in OOC, also excuse the effectiveness of the post, first post after a year of no RP lol.

[Baek]

The mechanical menace fell as the other did…as any who stood against him would and Baek dropped to his knee, the pilfered katana still gripped tightly in his hand as he tried to grasp his breath. Although his head was lowered in tiredness, his eyes were still trained intently upon the Takigakure ninja standing directly in front of him at about 2 meters. Waves of pain and muscle exhaustion left him motionless and gritting his teeth against the backlash of opening the Initial Gate; it wasn’t something he was used to, but given the enemy he hadn’t had much choice.

For the moment there was a peaceful break in the chaos. The sounds of war raging all around them shook the ground with its fury, but between Baek and the shinobi there was only relief at having survived an onslaught the likes of which neither had probably ever seen before. Just as quickly as the battle abated something rushed in-between the pair and Baek suddenly found himself facing another ninja, this one with red hair and a look to him that suggested years of combat experience to his name. Immediately Baek broke out into a smile, but the abrupt appearance was not that of a friend…it seemed that yet another enemy had entered the arena, “Hey, you don’t appear to be a Jounin; head back to the Taki-tower and report this… they don’t seem to know what the Grass is up to yet…” the man instructed the original ninja Baek had been facing.

Wha-what did he say?!

With no small effort of will Baek struggled to his feet where he wavered in place as his mouth only functioned to intake the oxygen which his body so desperately needed. The new shinobi extended his hands in Baek’s direction and instinct took over despite his better judgment. Immediately his center of gravity lowered, his feet spread themselves shoulder width apart, and his weight distributed itself evenly while the sword slipped easily into the sheath with his left hand gently resting upon the hilt; if he was going to be attacked he would not hesitate to respond in kind. Brazenly the newcomer demanded that he relinquish his weapon and Baek’s brow twitched with the desire to impale the man on the spot. To appear without identifying oneself on the battlefield warranted a swift death even if was against an ally. Nothing was certain in war…except death.

Calming his agitated passion Baek allowed the tension to slip from his muscles, his mind quickly embracing the Void to maintain his composure; there were larger threats to be dealt with. Inter-village animosity was not a suitable reason to endanger the success of the mission. Above all else, duty came first. Eyes narrowed and his stance still maintained Baek addressed the new stranger, “I have no quarrel with you and I can assure you that Kusagakure had nothing to do with this mess,” he spat while giving a quick nod in the direction of the ruined machines.

Items left among the mutilated automatons’ remains glistened in the firelight’s glow as the houses on either side of the open street were alight with flames. The air stung with the scent of ash and charred flesh—that could have just been his odor though. A quick muscle spasm made his face twitch painfully, reminding him that he could not afford unnecessary battles in the state that he was. Resisting every instinct that had been engraved into him, Baek dropped his guard and stood straight up.

“I was conscripted here upon rumors of an uprising. I had no idea who the enemy was, but I know for certain it was not Takigakure…until your man attacked some citizens awhile back. Then I wasn’t so sure,” he explained. As the words left his lips he felt a pang of guilt lance through his chest.

The citizens had been killed by his hand. The machines hadn’t done it, the Takigakure ninja hadn’t done it….he had killed them. With these thoughts on his mind, Baek fell silent, waiting to see what the answer to his explanation would be.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Iaijutsu Stance
Rank: E Rank
Effect: Allows the use of Iaijutsu Forms.
Special: None
Drawbacks: None
Description: The practitioner moves into a bow stance, their main hand resting over the hilt of the sword without gripping it, and their offhand resting just under the hilt on the sheath; they stand slightly crouched, able to easily move to a kneeling of standing position for their forms.
Restrictions: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

[Natsy]

It was past noon and the sun was high in the sky. The clouds provided enough shelter, aiding Takigakure's large tree in shielding the village which appeared to be half in flames and damaged. The smell of charred flesh and smoke filled the area, intoxicating should anyone breathe in large amounts. The area the two Shinobi stood in, smoke covered the buildings and the flames danced along the ground, flickering within the destroyed buildings and on the remains of citizens whom had unfortunately been caught within the fight.

The silence was eerily strange at present, as no other explosions seemed to occur. Only the sounds of flames crackling and the heavy breathing of the Shinobi whom had fought to defend a broken village could be heard. However, At the arrival of the newcomer, the swift order clearly showed that the red haired gentleman was a Jounin of Takigakure. Should Ryuu obey the order given and leave the scene, no harm would come to him due to the fact that reinforcements had not yet arrived.

However, during this short break, the two Shinobi would be able to make their introductions and gather any weapons from the remains of automatons #1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 which are scattered around the area they were in. Once this was completed, the sensor abilities granted by the Jounin would prove useful and he would detect a large chakra source coming from the Takikage Tower behind Satu 15m away, quickly separating into ten different sections, approaching in from the left and the right of the tower and moving very quickly.

Should Satu pay those signatures careful attention, he would notice that the signatures were giving off the same signature and not mixing like a group of beings should. The distance set between each automaton would be exactly 3m as the group neared the three Shinobi (should Ryuu choose to stay), the three automatons (#1, 2 & 3) in the direct front of the approaching group all performed handseals at the exact same time, and Red, Blue, Green, White and Black chakra Dragons soon appear and begin spinning high above the three automatons, before the Tower before merging together to release a huge fireball upon the Shinobi before them.

This large ball would detonate on contact with the ground directly on top of the Kusa and Taki Shinobi and flames would splay out throughout the entire area, engulfing trees and buildings within it's wake. Should the Shinobi dodge or prevent this large ball, there may not be much of a village left if they fail to do so. The remaining seven automatons are continuing in their approach and have not attacked as of yet.

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: Welcome to the thread, Satu. If Ryuu continues to not post in here, he can simply take up Satu's order and head to the tower (make his exit) don't worry love, you will still get paid. You deserve it. Apart from that, gentlemen you two can continue posting with the posting order of whoever posts first after my own post. Any questions are to be PMed to me, saves the spamming of OOCs since I want to get this moving. Thank you^^

10 Automatons vs Satu, Baek and Ryuu

• Automatons #1, 2, & 3 perform the following jutsu while the remaining seven continue their approach from 3m behind.
  

[/b]
Rank: A
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: The Jutsu causes heavy damage and many burns across the opponent's body.
Special: Handseals: Dragon, Snake, Dog, Boar, Rabbit, Dragon
Drawback: The attack can only be used once every 2 days for that’s how long it requires the dragons to charge their power back up before they can perform the attack again.
Description: Red, Blue, Green, White, and Black chakra dragons emerge from the user's Chakra and spin into the air fusing themselves together to create a mixture of all the colors Chakra dragon. The Dragon's maw then opens and a deadly Chakra blast, a mixture of all the colors above blows out of its mouth and engulf the opponent in the deadly flame. It is a good attack for attacking multiple opponents also.
Limit: User must have the Fire Release[/ul][/li][/ul]

17|25 Automatons remaining
[/spoiler][/size]

[Satu Akira]

For all the destruction that surrounded Satu he could only focus in on the cries of the earth, through the sounds of buildings crumbling within the suffocating embrace of fire. It held the earth hostage to its touch, allowing only its own embrace, and bringing about pain to all others who drew near. However brief this moment of realization was for Satu, he quickly drew himself back onto himself; no more empathy for the earth which had already lost. Like a brittle young calf, the grass shinobi forced him into a position, dignified of a man. Satu’s eyes grew more focused, more intense, as if to convey a message I don’t want to hurt you…don’t do it! His heart grew restless, forcing it’s hysterical vibrations through his chest. The Grass shinboi's center of gravity drew low and his stance more blatant in its disregard for Satu’s command; even his Satu’s bugs grew impatient. Contingencies, was the first word Satu thought of in that moment, for a man of the sword, being in such close proximity, would warrant high concern for Satu, and so his leg muscles would tighten, ready to evade at a moment’s notice. This moment passed quickly however, Satu read the face of this shinobi carefully awaiting any indication, and when his face let up, so did Satu slightly as if air being removed from a balloon of uncertainty.

“I have no quarrel with you and I assure you that Kusagakure had nothing to do with this mess.”

These words were carefully deciphered by Satu’s sensor ability which had remained active throughout this introduction. The grass shinobi spoke the truth just before spitting upon the pavement Ew… That’s gross! Holding a split second moment of grimace of what the grass shinobi had just done, he turned his focus onto the direction of the spit. A metallic humanoid creature of some kind had been cut in two, Satu had never seen anything like this before. Puppets? No… There was chakra emitting from that, they aren’t living creatures… Something else! Why do they have chakra? What was for a moment a sign of relief now grew into a deeper concern, Satu knew how to approach shinobi, but creatures of the unknown, he knew nothing. His arms still extended, his eyes shifted left then right, So these things attacked the village? “I was conscripted here upon rumors of an uprising. I had no idea who the enemy was but I know for certain it was not Takigakure… Until your man attacked some citizens awhile back.” The pause made the lie pretty clear “Your man attacked some citizens awhile back?” Why would he lie about that… Tch, you bastard. Anger seemed to build in that moment as words slowly began to form in Satu’s mouth, but that would be interrupted by ten more signatures that felt the same from before.

Satu’s arms lowered as his body shifted toward the direction of the signature. Normally I wouldn’t turn away from someone I don’t trust like that, but his words about intending the village no harm were true. He justified his lack of guardedness before addressing the grass shinobi “Ten enemies are approaching. If you can move, hide… If not; then pray for the dead you sullied in your efforts today!” His seemed calm, not angry, but unforgiving; his eyes did not meet with the boy again but instead focused up ahead towards the approaching automations forming a single hand seal the tiger before extending his arms. A single bug would make its way down the pants leg of Satu and make its way in a discreet manner towards the grass shinobi, to track the boy should he run off; following the boy even should he notice.
- The Battle Would Now Commence –

His bugs feared the embrace of fire even more so due to the cries of the earth, but this fear would be met with Satu’s calming spirit which tamed the bugs into submissiveness unparalleled to any other. Go forth now… Strike the enemy from their sides! his spirit spoke to them as a small portion creped form his sleeve, 1,000 bugs in all [Movement 1]. They broke off into separate directions weaving through the area to avoid the fire and focusing on attacked the machine’s left and right flank. Satu did not know whether this idea would work but the Aburame were known for their dealings with getting into the knick and crannies of things and he figured, whether puppets or odd creatures, as long as they had crevices they were no exception; as long as they had chakra for his bugs to feed upon. Satu could see from the 15 meter distance the movement of the automation arms and his body sprang into action forming hand seals immediately [Movement 2, two seconds] His bugs would apporach ten meter from each of his shoulders, weaving about the fire at maximum speed towards the three automations on the outside of each side. Both his hands had already formed the tiger seals separately as half-seals which were kept together at their ends forming a triangle. This triangle would quickly glow a bright red hue as flames danced around its confines. Knowing that timing and length meant everything his arms extended at the execution of this jutsu signifying its completion. [Movement 3, 2.6 seconds technically.]. The shot would be that of a pyramid at around two feet and some inches, the length of Satu's arm. The angle of Satu’s flame would lower towards the feet of his enemy, which allowed the enemy to escape into the air if they chose, into the embrace of his bugs; should this happen the bugs would engulf all with a span of 100 bugs per automation attempting to enter its body and disrupt movement along with chakra drainage. If they hadn’t moved this would be the perfect opportunity to see how they are affected when they are fought fire-with-fire.

Regardless if their jutsu was or wasn’t disrupted Satu would retreat into the warm touch of the earth after tossing a smoke grenade which would explode in front him on impact. Movement 4, 5, and 6: 4.6 seconds leaving the Grass shinobi to fend for himself; Satu had no love for those who would hurt his countrymen. However for all his quick thinking, it was obvious he knew genjutsu or some other trick to disappear so quickly from the battlefield despite having the smoke cover the his body for a split moment. Inside the earth’s embrace, 10 feet under, he’d focus on the chakra signatures carefully plotting his next movement.

OOC: Timing a little sloopy. Had a hard time posting a little because I didn’t know the rank or specialization of the automation, so I took the safe approach and ended the turn with 1.4 seconds to spare, so any split moment thinking can be factored in. The smoke becomes a plume quickly and slowly expands, so I don’t think my disappearance would be an issue.

SPOILER: Click to show

Passive:
Advanced Chakra Sensing [D-Rank]
Lie Sensing
Rank: C
Skill: Passive
Effect: Allows the user to tell when someone is lieing.
Special: ---
Drawback: Cannot tell exactly what the lie is.
Description: This technique allows the user to tell when someone is lying via the various fluctuations in the chakra around them. These fluctuations in the chakra system stem from the dishonest emotions that are given birth through them not being fully honest. Fluctuations also occur when the opponent may be telling the truth, but leaving out a major detail. Mind's Eye must also be active in order for this jutsu to be used.
Limit: Must be a Sensor.

Used:
Doton - Dochuu Eigyo (Underground Fish Projection)
Rank: "C" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: By using the similarity of Doton - Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique) the user is capable of moving through the earth and all around.
Special: "Handseals" before performing
Drawback: Technique cannot be used through Sand
Description: The user uses the basic Doton - Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique) as they slam down into the ground. Doing so the user is capable of moving about within the ground capable of rising, singing and capable of pushing through the very ground in multiple types of ways. This type of attack may be used so then the user may move away from the very opponent and attack at the moment's notice.
Limit: Needs the Earth Release, Must have knowledge of the Doton - Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique)

Katon Porigon(Fire Polygon)
Rank: B
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: The user creates a large polygon of flames and fires it at the opponent at amazing speeds.
Special: The user creates and holds the one-handed Tiger handseal throughout the entire jutsu. It is mostly done with both hands, but it can be done with one hand in situations when the user only has one hand to use, but the outcome is much smaller.
Drawback: Doing this four times in a battle singes the finger tips of the user making it hard to create handseals. The user must stand still.
Description: The user creates the one-handed Tiger Handseal with both hands and then creates a polygon of the users choice in front of them with the tip of their middle and index finger tips as they hold the Tiger seal. Once they complete the shape of the polygon, the flames will fill in the empty polygon. they can push it forward shooting at the opponent or object of choice. The speed of the jutsu is just as fast as a kunai in flight. The size depends on the arm spand of the user. If the flames make contact with the opponent, they rap around the user and explode in a large blaze of flames. Of course, it can be survived but major burns will occur.
Limit: Fire Release, Requires the One-Handed Tiger Handseal

Kikaichu no Jutsu (Destruction Bug Host Technique)
Rank: D
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Allows the user to control the kikaichu given to him by the Kikaichu Ishoku ritual.
Special: N/A
Drawback: The kikaichu feed from the shinobi’s chakra.
Description: This allows the user the control the kikaichu in the use for their techniques. he bugs feed and live off the Chakra which the body stores and in return the Ninja gets to control and command the bugs, using them as their primary fighting technique. These bugs have the ability to drain chakra through physical contact with the enemy (and possibly consume a fraction of the host's chakra as well.)
Limit: Must have Kikaichu Ishoku

Kikaichu Tracking (Destruction Bug Tracking)
Rank: D
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Allows the user to find a female kikaichu by covering it in a small amount of chakra and sending it towards an opponent. The kikaichu will land and remain motionless while emitting a scent that the male kikaichu can smell as well as allowing the user to understand the location through the chakra.
Special: Tiger handseal to cover the bug in chakra; then launching the bug at the opponent without their knowledge.
Drawback: If the opponent discovers the bug, they can remove it, giving off a false information to the person using it as a tracking device.
Description: The user performs the Tiger handseal to cover the female kikaichu in chakra. The bug then flies off towards the opponent, moving stealthily to avoid detection. It is very small and difficult to see. Once it has landed on the opponent, the user can use both the chakra and the scent that it excretes to the males of its kind to allow the user to always be able to track the opponent.
Limit: Kikaichu no Jutsu

[Baek]

Though the man’s words were clipped Baek nodded inexpressively. There was little trust between the ninja villages and he hadn’t expected his reception from any ninja from the Hidden Waterfall to be forgiving. As the stranger had warned enemies burst into the clearing from all sides and the beginnings of a powerful jutsu, the likes of which Baek had never experienced before, began to take shape.

The next few events took place to rapidly for him to properly account for. As quickly as the clouds of chakra had begun to mesh together, they evaporated and three automatons shivered violently before collapsing to the ground as inert corpses. Shooting a glance in the stranger ninja’s direction Baek wondered what sort of jutsu could allow a man to take down multiple opponents down with ease…and then he saw the dark cloud of bugs hovering in the air. What the…

His surprise was short-lived as two shadows shot past the man and immediately flanked Baek. A brief moment of reprieve allowed him to realize that both enemies wielded drawn swords and the unfamiliar fear that had made his skin crawl at having witnessed the stranger’s remarkable power immediately evaporated. Battle was nothing he was unfamiliar with; these machines had reawakened Baek’s instincts…and he would find a proper way to thank them for it.

The instant the two machines drew their swords Baek dropped into a bow stance. His left knee touching the ground while his right bent enough to support his weight upon the ground, while his torso tensed in anticipation for the quick movement to come. Fire and ash still licked the air in tangible quantities leaving Baek’s eyes water as the fingers of his right hand wrapped around the hilt of newly acquired katana. With his left hand serving as a steadying weight on the body of the sheath Baek made a fluid draw of flashing steel aimed at the enemies ankles with enough force to disrupt their footing along with any further attacks while giving him time to gather his bearings once more. Gathering momentum by torqueing his torso along with the acceleration of his cut the gentle tension of movement turned him in one complete circle, likely felling one if not both enemies.

Marugiri was useful in close combat settings—especially when taken by surprise, but Baek knew it was only a matter of time before he was under attack again. No sooner had his blade slid back into its sheath he sprung into the air, the acrid stench of smoke filling his nose as he floated upwards for 3 meters before his ascension tapered off. His left hand set to working several half-seals while his mind delved further into the Void to acquire the calm within battle that allowed him to effectively use his mind in chaotic settings. Sweat had beaded on his brow as the din of the battlefield faded away leaving only the sound of his breath gently flowing in and out of him gained precedence. It was only an instant in time, but the respite from the emotional turmoil proved to be just what he needed. As his eyes snapped open and focused on the enemies below him yellow tinted sparks of electricity flickered from his skin before fading into nothingness.

“Raiton: Raiu Karasu!”

Lumbering birds of prey comprised completely of lightening energy popped into existence where the sparks had harmlessly flickered out and more still were created as more Raiton escaped from Baek’s body and was molded with his thoughts. Soon suspending in the air alongside him were 40 life sized ravens beating their wings. Cawing sounds filled the air for a moment, but as Baek’s purpose imprinted itself upon his creations silence followed and with that, all 40 lightening birds dove straight down upon the enemy. Their combined brilliance illuminating the block where the primal struggle took place for miles in all direction of the village.

If Baek had been weary before, his body felt like deadweight as the expended energy left him in a dizzying rush. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold on.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Iaijutsu Stance
Rank: E Rank
Effect: Allows the use of Iaijutsu Forms.
Special: None
Drawbacks: None
Description: The practitioner moves into a bow stance, their main hand resting over the hilt of the sword without gripping it, and their offhand resting just under the hilt on the sheath; they stand slightly crouched, able to easily move to a kneeling of standing position for their forms.
Restrictions: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

Reflex Training
Rank: D, C and B Rank
Effect: D Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill marginally. C Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill slightly. B Rank - Improves evasive and deflection/blocking skill moderately
Special: None
Drawbacks: Cannot learn Quick Strike training.
Description: The practitioner is put through a series of rigorous repetitive movements to improve their ability to reflexively react to attacks by evading or deflecting/blocking with their sword. As they develop their training, their speed and reflexes slowly increase.
Restriction: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn.

Marugiri (Circle Cut)[10 TP]
Rank: D Rank
Effect: One all-round attack that deflects and knock backs rather than harms (D Rank or less for deflection - no damage).
Special: None
Drawbacks: The blunt of the sword is used; no real damage is dealt.
Description: Commencing from a kneeling position, the practitioner draws, rises and spins in one fluid motion, forestalling opponents all around and then quickly sheathes
Restriction: Must have a Senpai/Sensei of a Kenjutsu Dojo to learn; must have Quick Strike Training (D) or Reflex Training (D Rank)

Raiton – Raiu Karasu (Thunderstorm Raven)
Rank: "C", "B"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: User creates birds out of Lightning to shoot at opponents.
Special: "Handseals" - Holds "Bird Handseal"
Drawback: Must learn multiple times. Birds disappear after moving further than 40 meters away from the user.
Description: User forms needed handseals and hold the Bird Handseal. User creates an amount of birds (User's Choice, Mostly Ravens) and shoots them at the opponent. Each bird is created from pure electricity, discharge into a shock of electricity when striking an object while having a 2 foot wingspan. Each individual bird has a "D" Rank equivalent amount of power when hitting. Depending on the Rank the user knows depends on the amount of birds the user is able to create, how many times they must learn the same rank before going into the next rank, how much power it takes to create the birds, and how well each bird can fly.

"C" Rank - When first learned the user is able to create 5 birds each time the technique is performed. User is able to learn this rank 10 times. Each time learned user is able to create 5 additional birds each time technique is performed, creating a maximum of 50 birds if learned 10 times. Every 10 birds uses the amount of energy equal to 1 "C" Rank Technique. Each bird has the flight capability of Poor: The creature flies as well as a very large bird.

"B" Rank - After learning the "C" Rank 10 times, user must then learn the "B" Rank version. Each time learned the user is able to create 5 additional birds on top of the 50. User is able to learn this rank 10 times giving a maximum of 100 birds created each time the technique is performed. Every 10 birds uses the amount of energy equal to 1 "C" Rank Technique. Each bird has the flight capability of Average: The creature can fly as adroitly as a small bird.
Limit: Must have Lightning Release.

[Natsy]

At the exertion of the first flock of bugs, the swarm had weaved around the fusing dragons and cloaked all the automatons, invading their metallic bodies and messing with the chakra network. Twenty sets of eyes began to flicker upon the onslaught and the weaving of the seals had become disrupted to the point when the jutsu being formed had canceled itself. This had also forced the automatons to descend to avoid the bugs. Satu's next assault had caused the ground beneath the automatons to catch fire. However, before the metallic feet would make a touch down, small compartments hidden within the heels of the machines' feet would open and shoot out a quick burst of fire to propel the automatons upward in a dash – like motion.

The bugs would then issue another attack to all the automatons and suck out all the chakra relatively quickly. The lights that had indicated life for the automatons would continue to flicker for at least 3 seconds before they suddenly went out, causing each machine to drop down like flies. Ten loud clang – like thuds would soon occur before the flames of Satu's Polygon Technique would remove the evidence of the automatons bodies. After the Jounin's retreat into the earth, the smoke bomb which had been launched during the assault had exploded and smoke stretched about the area, dousing the flames until the area was silent again. Such a quick and easy kill despite the two Shinobi were out matched by a large number.

Ryuu had made his quick departure, having headed toward the tower to feed the news to the guards to inform their beloved Kage. However, should the two gentleman continue their investigation of the village, they would find that the source of the automatons had been coming from behind the Takikage Tower, and that someone was evidently issuing out chakra to power these metallic lifeforms. Should the Kusa Shinobi and the Takigakure Jounin head toward the Tower, could they find out the source of the problem and disable it before more of these creatures were created?

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: Sorry Baek, I missed your post. Ah, I have sent you a PM regarding this. Consider Ryuu out of the event. Just head toward the tower in this thread. Do not exit the thread, I will tell you when I want you to exit. Thanks and I'm sorry guys..

10 Automaton(s) vs Baek/Satu/Ryuu

• x10 Automatons dead by bugs.

07|25 Automatons remaining

[Satu Akira]

Where the world once met Satu’s ears with sadness now filled it with an eerie silence. He was underground now, ten feet below to be exact, and the world around him lay asleep; dormant in its’ infinite silence. His mind focused on the area around him, feeling for the presence of chakra that was unfamiliar to him. Above ground, Satu’s kikaichu made short work of the metallic creatures; sensing this Satu sighed in relief as his bugs hovered above the shells of the creatures; just out of range of his fire that died shortly after. Satu never had been fan of tight spaces and being within the confines of the earth was no exception. Sensing that the chakra signatures had disappeared he grasped towards the sky, pulling himself from the earth in a fashion that can only be described as zombie like. Sensing the return of their partner, the Kikaichu made their way back to Satu, appetites met and less eager than before. “Well that sucked…” Satu said aloud to himself crouched as the smoke slowly dispersed. Looking about his uniform he’d brush away the dirt that clung itself onto his body. However that moment of laxation was quickly met with the presence of a large chakra signature coming from the Takigakure tower itself. … How did I not notice this chakra before? Can it mask its’ chakra like myself? he thought to himself.

Focusing his sights towards the tower he thought for a moment on what actions to take; There are AnBu at the tower, perhaps sensing this chakra means they are engaging it? Should I help? Where is the Takikage? His eyes closed, he’d rub his head in frustration on what action to take next shouting in frustration “What would Azrael do?!” When the words left Satu’s mouth a certain spark seemed to ignite within his brain, clarity would ensue. What do I know? Enemies appeared to move in groups, contain the same chakra, and become a hard shell when that chakra is taken away. Puppetry is taken out the equation… Possession of some kind? His head shifted to his right to see one of the remains of the creatures. “They seem electronic… Machines that run on chakra?” he said in a low tone to himself. His head focused back towards the tower as his hands rested on his waist. So that large chakra signature may be the source, distributing chakra to run these machines? If so, who or what is that source. Only one way to find out!

[Heading towards the Takitower, should I stay in this thread or go to the tower thread?]

SPOILER: Click to show

-Still reading chakra passively-
-Still have tracking bug on grass shinobi-

[Baek]

As the fighting died down and the immediate area grew dormant Baek felt the rush of adrenaline that had lent him strength leave his body in an unsteadying rush. Dropping again to one knee he inhaled carefully knowing that anything too vigorous would agitate his injured ribs. By the time he looked up the Takigakure ninja had returned to sight and was looking intently towards a looming structure that seemed to command the attention of all eyes in the village at any time.

How did I miss that? That must be the kage’s tower…but why is he staring at it like that? Baek wondered as he slowly managed to struggle to his feet.

While his body pulsed with varying degrees of pain his mind had cleared enough for him to continue fighting. Images of the woman and children killed in the wanton destruction of the battle stabbed the back of his thoughts and as he clenched his fist he swore inwardly to atone for his sin by ending Takigakure’s conflict—with or without the help of the untrusting village ninja. Piecing together the tidbits that he caught from the self-directed conversation the red haired ninja seemed to be having with himself Baek found himself confused when finally the man blurted out, “They seem electronic… Machines that run on chakra?” , with eyes that shone with the light of understanding. As the man came to a decision Baek let his irritation get the better of him.

“What are you doing?!” he snapped. Pain rifled up his side and nearly floored him if not for his being stubborn. When he finally recovered enough to speak he looked through the matted cloud of blue-grey hair wreathing his head, “What…whatever this is doesn’t matter. There’s something at the tower, right? That’s where your kage is, isn’t it? Then what are you waiting for? Isn’t their safety more important than understanding these things?”

When no more words spilled past his lips he felt as if he’d shamed himself. Losing his head like that served no purpose and there wasn’t the slightest chance he’d work alongside someone who didn’t trust him anyway—not that Baek was particularly at ease with a bug wielding ninja either. With a limp that became more obvious as he hobbled on, Baek plodded along the open village streets. Clouds of smoke flagged as the fires that gave them life began to fail. It seemed the machines had defeated for the moment; now was the time to make a final stroke against the heart of the matter. Greasy, battered, and weary Baek said nothing as he slowly made his way for the magnificent building that no doubt hold the answers to the questions he had.

[OOC: We’re supposed to head to the tower, but not exit the thread.]

[Satu Akira]

[OOC: I am responding to his post. I suppose you can call this, half-time!]

“What are you doing?!”

An electrical jolt erupted from those words, affecting not only his emotion but his very body. The best possible way of describing it would be a volcano erupting inside of a much larger volcano as it’d seem. His body leaned forward ever so lightly, bringing him onto his tippy toes before returning flat-footed. His hands lowered from his waist and rested at his sides as his body fought for permission to pulverize this murderer.
“What… whatever it doesn’t matter.” So the words came and they made Satu’s decision to act, all the bit easier. However before he could issue the order to his body “There’s something at the tower, right? That’s where your kage is, isn’t it? Then what are you waiting for? Isn’t their safety more important that understanding these things?” Blank eyes now peered into the abyss, vengeance was a dish he felt he could serve the boy shinobi. Even then however, the decision was delayed by another thought rushing into the process. “Never lose sight of what you’ve learned here. Abide by this creed and you will have fulfilled any obligations you have towards us.” Those words now made their way in-between the anger and disgust. ‘every life has value.’ ‘I refuse to abandon a life in need,’ that part of the greed… he thought to himself as reality seemed to once again slap him in the face. The staggered step of the grass shinobi was clear, he was tired, beaten, but still earnest in his attempt to help the village, despite how misguided and wrong his actions were. In that moment Satu could not ignore the boy, his creed took precedence above all else.
Jogging forward, he would make his way in front of the boy, two meters away. There he would kneel onto one knee, his back still facing the grass shinobi. He did not look back, there was no way of getting past his anger and he didn’t want to provoke himself further. “If you really want to help, climb upon my back. You won’t make a difference if you’re not even half-way towards the tower when I wipe the floor with whoever is there. I’ll only ask once.” he said holding the position for a moment; staring intently ahead towards the chakra signature, waiting for any signs of movement.

[Baek]

Baek flinched visibly at the offer to coattail on the efforts of the until-then hostile Takigakure ninja. Everything about the way he spoke, the distant examination of the world around him, even the way he casually dismissed one of his own simply upon the basis of ranking within the village—it grated on Baek’s nerves.

He opened his mouth to refuse offhandedly, pride making impossible for him to accept such a gesture, but the words stopped in his throat. Again the tormented screams of the murdered swam in his thoughts. In his condition he really might not make it in time if he blindly dismissed much needed aid. Looking down once he made the decision in as long as it took him to inhale deeply and release the mounting tension in one quick breath. Meeting the eyes of the other shinobi in silence, he nodded once to affirm his decision before hobbling across the two meter space separating them.

Unclipping the sheath for the ride Baek extended his hand for the shinobi to take. If it was in duty to a greater cause then he would devote himself completely regardless of the shame he might incur in the process. Besides…there was still the debt he owed to the departed…

“As you say I’m still pretty weak,” Baek admitted as he watched the red haired man. Examining him from this close made Baek realize just how much older the fellow must be. Obviously there were youthful aspects, but the overall presence that clung to the ninja’s shoulders was far too mature, too poised to be that of a child. There was that height as well. “Once we get to the tower though…can I trust you? Or am I on my own again?” he asked after a moment.

Instinct told him immediately to turn away. If he really pushed himself he could make the journey to the tower alone, but it would be perilous one and his exhaustion would make him an easy target if anymore machines lay in wait for him. A broken skeleton of a building collapsed completely in distance as the final tongues of a dying flame ate away the support that had been holding the remainder of its structure upright. For a moment the unchecked destruction unsettled his stomach as he stood, his cheeks stained with crusted blood—both his own and others—his thoughts were not for Takigakure. It’s people would recover and the ninja he cared even less for, but the chaos that had erupted so suddenly to destroy what had once been beautiful…shouldn’t someone have stopped it?

Focus returned to his eyes and the reverie of the moment ended; there was work to be done. A determined light danced in his eyes, partly the reflections of the surroundings around him, but the other half came from an inner glow. More than anything Baek wanted to feel and have his worth measured even if it meant dying for a people he had no desire to protect. Duty demanded that he give all his strength and he would do it without hesitation.

That was the heart of a true warrior.

“Well? Can I trust you?” he asked again, uncertain if he’d missed the answer the first time.

Regardless of the outcome, his hand remained extended for the shinobi to take and carry him. He needed time to recuperate and the ninja had offered it. When the time came to pick sides he would see what sort of man he was trying to ally with—not that he expected much.

[Satu Akira]

Satu waited for a moment, looking back just slightly enough to see the boy’s hand extended. The boy asked whether he could trust Satu and was met without an answer, but one part of what the boy said bothered him “Or am I on my own again?” Silence ensued, only broken by the boy asking again “Well? Can I trust you?” satu once gain did not answer, instead he took his left hand and reached back to grab the boy’s arm before pulling him forward and onto his back. He’d then take his arms and wrap them around the boy’s thighs to keep him from falling, pushing off in the next instance to stand with the boy upon his back. “After the people you’ve killed today, you do not deserve an explanation. What they deserve…” he said in a low agitated tone. “What they deserve… Is for you to finish the job you started. I won’t let you die until then.” Satu would not dare let the boy know about his creed or how he felt, he would not let the boy take his kindness for weakness. “I have nothing more to say to you.” Those were the last words he spoke before dashing off into the direction of the tower, focusing on the chakra signature ahead.

OOC: Only had a little time to post.

[Natsy]

Just as the Kusa Shinobi climbed upon the Jounin of Takigakure, a large puff of smoke would soon fill the area before Satu and his companion. The person whom had emerged from the smoke was clearly an AnBU Frog, the woman's long purple hair swaying as she briskly approached the two gentlemen. The sword she had strapped to her back seemed to consume her body while two butt-bags were strapped to both sides of the woman, each containing medical supplies and weaponry should an ambush occur.

This woman appeared around five foot seven in height, slim, athletic build with the perfect curves of a full grown woman. Her age, however will remain impossible to tell due to the white porcelain mask that she wore to hide her features. “Satu Akira. Please put the Shinobi down, he needs medical attention urgently.” The AnBU's voice was soft spoken, yet it was evident that she was accustomed to authority and leadership. The blank mask then turned toward Baek.

“I want you to tell me exactly where you are injured, any wounds visible will be taken care of. And please be quick about it, we have not yet won this battle.” She would say sternly, awaiting for the Kusa Shinobi to respond to her should Satu put him back down. “I am also here to give you two an update on the situation.” The AnBu keeled down abruptly and raised her hands to begin treatment.

“From what the Owls have gathered during their investigation of the enemy. It appears as if the village's Mechanist has built a large army of what appear to be automatic robots and is infusing some of his chakra into these things to give them life. They also know Raiton and Katon abilities as well as Taijutsu as you probably have seen from the looks of things. His base is behind the Takikage Tower in a small abandoned building on the hill.”

This brief explanation would soon fall silent while she observed the Kusa Shinobi's wounds [Baek will need to tell me everything that is wrong with him, so I know what techniques to use so there will be one more post in here before I send you to the other thread]. “And judging from the scout of the entire village, there is another team not too far from your current location. And a total of 15 of those robots left. We don't know if the Mechanist is still building more of these things, but we must act quickly. I will be heading to the other team after I have assisted you.”

[Baek]

The words of the Takigakure patriot were harsh and seemed somewhat uneducated, but Baek said nothing as he schooled his facial expression to blankness. Wordlessly he allowed himself to be towed upon the man’s back until the appearance of another disrupted their departure.

“Satu Akira. Please put the Shinobi down, he needs medical attention urgently.” the strange woman demanded with demure tones.

For a moment Baek marveled at the beauty of her features. Her body was lean, inviting and above all she carried herself in a way that was both frightening…yet all the more enticing. Even though he considered himself a man, he was hardly beyond boyhood and for a moment as he took in the pleasing curves of this new stranger’s hips Baek was without words or thoughts; completely mesmerized by the strength of her attractiveness. Until he noticed the mask. Then Baek’s wariness returned, but without waiting to be released he detached himself from this Satsu Akira’s grasp—any man who was arrogant enough not to share his name before making meaningless threats was no ally to him. Only after the thought flashed through his head did he realize that he’d not made form introductions before jumping to hostilities either. The thought shamed him, but he kept his face stolid as he cautiously approached the ANBU woman.

When Baek had drawn close enough the woman urged him to quickly inform her of his injuries, her patience clearly wearing thin with some foreigner skulking about her village. The urge to bristle with dislike for the disrespect being shown throughout the country that had been seeking his aid fought with the overwhelming desire to have his wounds seen to. In the end his rapidly deteriorating physical condition won out, “Several of my ribs are broken, I can’t tell you which ones, but they hurt all the same when I breathe. Trauma to the head and several first degree burns on my hands, arms, and face. The least of my injuries would be the overall muscle exhaustion….”

Here he hesitated. Revealing his ability to open the Hachimontoku would give the enemy information about him that could be used later on. While he was here to offer his help—that much had not changed—he was not going to allow himself to be catalogued for later purposes. Rather than completing his sentence he simply settled onto his right knee at the war maiden’s feet as methodically continued to explain the intelligence gathered from the reports of the intelligence units.

Through it all Baek kept his head bowed, his body relaxed so that he could accept the healing the unlikely medic had offered him. I wonder how many medics carry swords and weaponry like that…. Still what she was saying induced several questions to loom heavily on his mind. How had this mechanist gained position behind the Takikage’s tower without notice? Where was his materials coming from to design these machines?

While all of these continued pestering him, the most prevalent thought was the one that broke free from his tongue. Raising his head to eye the woman—and Akira for that matter—he asked what he felt was the single most important question that the woman had not answered,

“Where is the Takikage? Wouldn’t this conflict be easily resolved if they’re recovered?”

Of course he knew he was speaking without knowledge, but where he’d come from, the village’s leader was always the head of the military. Whenever there was war or conflict their presence was used to bolster and coordinate the retaliation. In fact this had been part of his understanding as student of the Bushi code; where the head turns, the body would follow. Broken pavement and dirt swam thick in the air and Baek gave a cough before anyone could answer before falling silent again. Whatever the woman’s plans were, she would need to divulge them quickly; all this waiting was setting Baek’s nerves on edge—he wanted to fight.

[Satu Akira]

Appraching the chakra signature beyond the Taki-kage’s tower, Satu felt a new presence enter the fray out of nowhere; sliding to a halt he’d see a puff of smoke before him. His body grew tense in that moment, his heart skipping a beat in the suspenseful moment. However this feeling would soon subside upon sight of the porcelain AnBu Mask. “Satu Akira,” she addressed him “Please put the Shinobi down, he needs medical attention urgently.” His grip loosened as the boy would step forward towards the women to explain his injuries. Satu however remained silent, staring on ahead towards the chakra disturbance, he was growing restless, however he felt obligated for the grass shinobi to see his action through to the end. He kept reassuring himself in that moment that it was necessary for the grass shinobi to be healed; he’d be more useful that way. The words of the AnBu member however caught Satu’s ear, however were quickly drowned out the thought of Yeah, I already figured that. Aside from it being a mechanist from the village, Satu had already deduced the location of the enemy “Where is the Takikage? Wouldn’t this conflict be easily resolved if they’re recovered?” These words in theory work, however the last ten years have been nothing but ideal, the village numbers have been dwindling, mostly because of our lack of movement, but also because of the growing peace. Peace had never been an issue with Satu, but lack of movement was, it was shameful as he would put it, and hearing such made his eyes veer off towards his left, staring off onto the ground the distance. What are we doing, Satu asked himself. Are we really doing enough?

[Natsy]

After the cautious approach made by Baek, the AnBU frog would listen briefly to the boy's words before she took action. With little time to move on, the AnBU was unable to remove the gentleman's shirt to examine him properly, but as she neared him, her hand paused part way toward his rib cage. “Excuse me, but I need to touch you. Please remain relaxed at all times, I will deal with what pain you are feeling in the chest.” The AnBU then said.

If Baek were to listen to her carefully, he would realize that the tone in her voice would make her age to be around fifteen to seventeen years, except for the fact that her body gave her the appearance of a fully grown woman. But as the AnBU brushed away Baek's clothing to feel around his chest, on the right side, she would find six out of twenty four ribs that have been broken, and judging from the softness around them, Baek's chest was extremely bruised. “Hmm..” The AnBU would then feel the rest of her way down his chest to stop just before the waist line of his pants before pulling back.

Once her right hand was raised, a soft purple glow began to protrude through her pores, engulfing her entire hand before she gently moved closer toward Baek, her hand touching him through the fabric of his clothing. The AnBU has had many years training within the art of Medical Ninjutsu and is the best within the division, her ability to assist the injured without stripping them was amazing and a surprise to anyone who would have encountered her. Once Baek's chest began to numb, the AnBU would then press gently upon Baek's broken ribs to put them back into their correct alignment before continuing to heal him.

The young woman's hand begin to glow a faint green glow while the bones within Baek's chest began to heal rapidly. Baek's hands were them picked up gently and held with such tenderness while unseen eyes peered carefully at them through the porcelain mask. “I am surprised you are even standing, with severely burnt hands, six broken ribs and the overused muscle – usage, not many Shinobi would have been standing by now. You must count yourself lucky.” The tone the AnBU used was gentle this time, as her eyes scanned the Kusa Shinobi's body.

Once the faint green glow turned brighter, the AnBU then placed her hand upon Baek's tenderly and begin to heal the burns before moving slowly up his arms. Both her hands then raised to cup both of his cheeks once the chakra surrounding one hand had split and transferred to the other. And once the Shinobi's burns were healed to the point when they weren't of any degree, the AnBU then began to look at Baek's head to examine the trauma he had suffered through combat. “Judging from your responses, your head appeared fine. You will be able to go back into combat. But you need to be careful.”

As for Baek's well build body, his muscles were all tense, which had made the AnBU wonder how Baek could be standing the amount of pain he was currently in. With a swift shake of her head, the AnBU gently moved both of his hands to his sides before both her hands began to glow a light blue, almost sky blue color. For many people, watching the chakra change during a healing session is fascinating, but as the AnBU gently ran her glowing hands all over Baek's arms, thighs and lower legs, the relaxation of the muscles should at least ease the pain and provide him with a more easier way of maneuvering.

Once the AnBU was finished, she would stand and offer her hand. “This is all I can do for now, the numbing in your chest will fade within a few minutes, so there is nothing to worry about.” But once the Kusa Shinobi inquired about their beloved Kage, the AnBU glanced toward Satu momentarily and sighed. “Lady Takikage has been kidnapped by the Mechanist, and is being held hostage within the building behind the Tower. There are roughly fifteen robots guarding the area, but the AnBU have been told to seal off the area to prevent further damage to the village.”

The AnBU then turned toward the direction of the Tower. “Once they see the two of you, plus any other teams about the village, we will issue out a full on attack, since we are short on members..” Embarrassment clearly etched itself into the AnBU voice as she explained the village's lack in armory. But once she turned to face the two Shinobi again, her tone would return to it's authoritative, stern one. “You must head there now, I will see you two again soon. Good luck and be careful.” And with that, the AnBU was gone within a puff of smoke.

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: You will be receiving a PM from me with the link to your new thread once I finish preparing it for you four. Won't be long now.

AnBU Frog

• Masuiyaku no Jutsu (Art of the Anesthetic)
  Rank: C Rank
  Skill: Medical Ninjutsu
  Effect: Allows the user to cause numbing chakra to enter into a target location, removing the sense of pain there.
  Special: ---
  Drawback: The technique, due to the exact nature of the chakra transplantation, cannot be performed in battle unless the opponent has been restrained.
  Description: A medical technique that is meant to aid those in surgery from suffering from pain. Gathering chakra, the user will then release a soft purple glow from their hands which, when placed upon body, will slowly seep into the target location. Capable of effecting up to one square foot of flesh per turn, the user will maintain this technique until all areas that will suffer from surgical procedures have been effected. The purple chakra targets nerve receptors and pain receptors in a manner that completely numbs and immobilizes it. With intense chakra control, the user is capable of numbing areas around a specific area while purposely missing others; an example of this would be to completely numb the chest, but skip the heart so that it continues to beat, and the lungs so that breathing may continue. This effect lasts until the pain and nerve receptors have been healed by the use of Shosen no Jutsu or until they heal naturally over time. Using Shosen, it takes one movement per square foot of flesh to heal the receptors.
  Limit: Must have Shosen no Jutsu "C" Rank. Medical Ninjutsu.
  
  Hone Chiyu (Bone Healer)
  Rank: C
  Skill: Ninjutsu
  Effect: The user stimulates the rapid healing of bones.
  Special: ---
  Drawback: The bone will heal in the position it is in, therefore must be properly set in order for it to properly heal.
  Description: The user focuses chakra along their hands, creating a faint green glow along them. They then focus the chakra into the patient’s body, boosting calcium levels and encouraging the repair of bone breaks or fractures. This technique takes four movements to fix a break and six movements to heal a fracture, minus one for every difficulty rank above D the user holds.
  Limit: Must be a medic, must know Shosen no Jutsu.
  
  Shosen no Jutsu (Healing Hands Technique) B rank used
  Rank: D, C, B, A, S
  Skill: Ninjutsu
  Effect: The user heals injuries that repairs physical damage.
  Special: ---
  Drawback: certain injuries may be impossible to cure or may take a long time to cure. The amount of chakra used is proportional to the injury required to be healed.
  Description: The user gathers chakra into their hands, creating a bright green glow around them. The user then forces the healing chakra into the body of the patient, healing physical damage. This technique requires three movements to heal a minor injury and six movements to heal a major injury, minus one for every rank in this technique above D the user possesses, to a minimum of one. Starting at B rank, the user is able to heal critical injuries with this technique. Healing a critical injury requires sixteen movements, minus one movement for every rank above B the user possesses. Remove one movement from this process for every difficulty rank above D the user possesses.
  Limit: Must be a medic, must know Gantai no Jutsu.
  
  "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction)
  Rank: C-ranked
  Skill: Ninjutsu (Medical)
  Effect: Allows a Medic to command any muscle to constrict or relax.
  Special: ---
  Drawback: if used more than three times in a row, the users hand cramps for one turn. Targets only one area of muscle (muscle within contact region). Only another medic with the same technique can counter this techniques effect.
  Description: A fundamental technique for any Medic, which builds off of "Suji Rirakkusu" (Muscle Relaxer). The medic commands their hand to glow a light Blue color as chakra envelopes their entire hand(s). While their hand is enveloped by chakra, the medic proceeds to touch a recipient (friend/foe). Upon contact with their skin, the chakra forcefully seeps pass epidermal layers and targets any muscles below (up to a depth of 4 inches, up to an area of 8 inches sq.). This propagates and triggers a synaptic response from a neuromuscular junction located on a selected area of muscle soon after. The area of muscle effected will either contract or relax from contraction, against the will of its recipient. The user may also perform this technique on themselves, performing this technique internally, without the use of hand contact. The application of this technique is nearly endless. For example, the user can cause a contraction to pump more blood into a single area (effecting smooth muscles which line the walls of arteries/veins) for various medical purposes; Or, the user the user can cause muscles to contract in manner as to slow the flow of a poison within the blood stream, thus buying more time; Or even cause a muscle to contract/relax in manner as to physically break down blood clots which have built up along the walls of arteries/veins. The applications are endless. How long a muscle can be contracted/relaxed is determined by the user Rank within medical Ninjusu:
  Contraction/relaxation lasts up to 1 post (6 seconds). For every rank the user is above D-ranked, contraction/relaxation lasts for an additional post (6 seconds).
  Limit: Medic user. Must know Suji Rirakkusu (Muscle Relaxer)
  
  
  • "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction-Expansion)
    Rank: C-ranked
    Skill: Ninjutsu, supplementary (Medical)
    Effect: Expands the size and depth of "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction)
    Special: Must be combined with "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction) or "Chakra Enjintou" (Chakra Scalpel) and related technique.
    Drawback: Same drawbacks as "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction).
    The two effects stated below cannot be combined within one and another.
    Description: An enhancement on the "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction) technique. Expending additional chakra, the user is able to extend the reach of their "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction) technique or use it in conjunction with Chakra Enjintou (Chakra Scalpel). Upon gaining this enhancement, the user can extend the reach of "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction). The medic commands their hand to glow a light Blue color as chakra envelopes their entire hand(s). While their hand is enveloped by chakra, the medic proceeds place their hands near a recipient's skin (friend/foe). The light blue chakra exuded from the users hand reaches a distance of 6 inches. Upon contact with their skin, the chakra forcefully seeps pass epidermal layers and targets any muscles below (up to a depth of 6 inches, up to an area of 10 inches sq.) The effect from "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction) is now applied. Alternatively, the user may perform this technique will using "Chakra Enjintou" (Chakra Scalpel) and "Chakra Enjintou" (Chakra Scalpel) related techniques. While performing a chakra scalpel or a chakra scalpel related technique, the incision made by a chakra scalpel with produce the same effects as "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction). The muscles within the areas cut by the chakra scalpel with begin to either contract or relax, following the same effects propagated by "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction). In essence, the offensive power increase for the chakra scalpel technique, as a wound will now not only bleed, but suffer from a uncontrollable contraction/relaxation.
    Limit: Medic user. Must have 200tp within medical branch. Must know "Suji Handou" (Muscular Reaction).

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[Baek]

As the woman’s hands touched his skin, Baek felt several sensations erupt in his brain at once. He was only vaguely aware of the shifting chakra colors surrounding the woman’s hands as he squeezed eyes shut first against the pain then the absence of it, then something new altogether. His forehead creased in the effort to keep from screaming while his hands fought the urge the spasm as they clenched and unclenched in rapid succession.

Finally the pain in his ribs faded away and the woman explained to him how fortunate he was that he hadn’t succumbed to his injuries, but he said nothing. Only the sound of his heart racing filled his eyes as he tried to catch his breath as the more subtle healing continued. His mind wandered as the burns along his arms cooled under the ANBU’s touch and the numbness in his chest didn’t feel so alien to his skin anymore. Closing his eyes he could faintly catch the hues of different colored chakra burning behind the skin of his eyelids and as relief flooded into him, the desire to collapse into a bed for several weeks without stirring gripped him with such ferocity that he wavered a bit. Dedication was what kept him steady though and the faces of the civilians that he watched die, their final moments were what had prevented him from giving into pain. Pain was the toll one paid for justice…he would bear with as much of it as was needed.

“Judging from your responses, your head appeared fine. You will be able to go back into combat. But you need to be careful.” the gentle medic’s voice said as her soft hands cupped his face---even through the gear she was wearing he noticed her texture of her hands above all else; he wondered how someone could look so fierce, yet possess such a genial spirit.

Mumbling something unintelligible he offered his heartfelt thanks as she continued working on his legs, the tautness of his cramps alleviating almost instantly and it was only then that Baek began to grasp the prodigious skill this woman held. In a matter of seconds she had done with several injuries that would have incapacitated him had she appeared any later. As she rose to her feet, the smoke streaked sky cleared for a single moment to let the Takigakure sun glow warmly on the land. The ANBU’s outline seemed dramatic against the sunlight, but when she offered her hand, Baek took it without any hesitation. As a warrior with a code he could not turn his back on such generosity---regardless of what other animousites lay with the other natives of the land.

Whatever levity her appearance had brought was quickly erased as she explained the fate of the Takikage. As she spoke Baek cut a glance in Akira’s direction, wondering what the man was making of all of this. He seemed the proud sort and though he was strong, experienced, and a Jounin there still was some childish pride about that Baek felt himself unwillingly relating to. If the same had been said of Kusagakure in front of a foreigner he doubted he would have had a better reaction than embarrassment, but duty was duty. The time to act was now.

Before she left them the ANBU gave them their instructions, the location of the resistance, and what the plan of attack was. Her final well wishes sounded tragic as she disappeared with little preamble, the smoke winding in the direction the breeze was blowing as the scents that had been negated by the pleasant odors of the ANBU returned to Baek’s nose. Death reeked on the wind and his left hand, newly restored clutched tightly upon the sword hilt at his waist as he stared at the tower’s image in the horizon. Whether or not Akira enjoyed his company was a small matter now. His muscles tensed as his mind embraced the Void. Now, the true battle would begin and somehow he felt his heart burst with flames of excitement; finally…a battle.

With a morose expression he spoke to Akira, his heart fluttering with each word, “I don’t think we’re ever going to get along, but staring at all this death and destruction….” He began. His words cut off as flashes of charred limbs, forever ended smiles, and stilled eyes blotted his mind. When he continued again there was hardness that could only be described as anger for himself and for those that would do harm to the weak and innocent, “I think I can set aside my differences for this one moment. Afterwards you and I can settle the score if you wish.”

Baek did not truly understand where the words were coming from. Perhaps it was the feeling of the wind pressing against his tattered clothing, the renewed life humming with his body, or maybe it was the rising flames of passion that were making him so melodramatic. Whatever the case was as he stood, eyes peering through the rubble and flames of the decimated hidden village he felt a hope blossoming within him…a hope and will to fight.