The Amazing herring race [Leaf&Cloud Only!]

[Solus]

Name: IM: The Amazing herring race.
Rank: C
IIC Length: 48 hours
Difficulty: Low
Objective: Make sure that your herring carrier reaches the fish market in Tanzaku-Gai first.
Description: Every year, when the first new herrings of the year have been caught in the south of Kaminari no Kuni two runners, one representing the Lightning country, clad in blue, and one representing the the Fire country, clad in red, each carrying a barrel of herring. Despite the short distance of 42 kilometers the race is quite boring to watch and lasts the entire day due to the heaviness of the barrel and their inability roll properly due to the fluid and fish within it. However, since the first race it has been a rigged game. Every year the Raikage and Hokage send a team of shinobi whose task it is to make sure that the runner of their country finishes first as part of a friendly contest between the two villages. Of course the public still thinks that it is an honest race, this fact, coupled with the intent of the inter-village contest, makes it for both teams completely forbidden to fight eachother directly, or to harm one of the runners. They are only able to support their runner and deter the opponents runner indirectly.
Reward: 2,500 Ryo and a herring.

A warm spring sun broke through the clouds as a cool breeze would drive away the most heat, leaving quite an agreeable temperature to enjoy for those gathered. Spring had started and with it the first load of fresh herring has been retrieved from the grasp of the ocean, which in turn is the prelude to one of the most famous and least exciting races in the world. People were gathering in a little valley near the coast where the race would soon start, but this would not be your initial destiny. Two hills, one on the North and one on the South side of the valley formed the gathering points for respectively the Cloud and Leaf teams that were sent by their Kage's to rig the race. Unknown to the public, this was what made the race special to the shinobi of these villages. It would not be long now before their secret struggle would commence.

[/blockquote]

[Minoru Hyuuga]

[Enter]

The male entered the mission area with both of his animal companions. He had been told to show up at the northern hill where the race would start. 'Are there anyone here who can tell me a bit more about this mission?' wondered Minoru.
He then approached someone who seemed to be a part of the arrangement comitee. "Excuse me, could you please tell me about this mission?" inquired the guy while showing his mission papers.

[Mugen]

[/color][/b], said Mugen to his senior, knowing that this was a skilled shinobi. "We ninja help our countries representative win the race without the people spectating realizing that we're helping. The Herring Race is a shinobi tradition a way to keep good tithes between Kumogakure and Konohagakure." explained Mugen in the best fashion he could, still slouching, looking back at the man for a reply.[/size]
[/ul]

[Minoru Hyuuga]

"I believe our representative is there" replied the client as he nodded towards a guy approaching them. 'He is not wearing a headband or anything, but maybe it is to blend in a bit better' thought the male.
"Eh, man, stop talking so loud about a ninja mission. You will make the people wonder. We are supposed to be discreet, as if we are here just to watch." told the shinobi in a lazy voice.

"We ninja help our countries representative win the race without the people spectating realizing that we're helping. The herring race is a shinobi tradition a way to keep good tithes between Kumogakure and Konohagakure." informed the guy.
"You're right...let's do our best" replied Minoru. Both of his animal companions looked at the newcomer with a curious glance in their eyes.

"I almost forgot. What is your name?" inquired the guy with a semi-polite voice. He thought that the least thing he could do was to ask for this guys name.
It was an hour until the race would start, so they had some time to talk prior to the competition. This WAS after all an event focusing on the relationships between Kumogakure and Konohagakure.

[Mugen]

[/color][/b], rebutted Mugen as he cracked his neck in boredom. He waited on the man's reply.

Might as well get to know some new people. Mugen never really had friends. He was always either sleep or busy. He was too lazy to upkeep an actual friendship but the shinobi had began to recognize that life wasn't only about sleep. There were beautiful things to see and experience and he had to be in the midst, the forefront of the action, to experience those endeavors.
[/size]
[/ul]

[Minoru Hyuuga]

((OOC: Do you mind if I tell where we're going to start the race?))

"Issou Haitou, Kumogakure no Sato, but you can just call me Mugen. What 'bout you, guy?" replied the guy as he cracked his neck in boredom. It made the male raise an eyebrow since the response was slightly rude.
"Minoru Hyuuga. I'm from Konohagakure no sato" replied Minoru in a more polite voice that would hopefully be a good example for Mugen.

The man that he had spoken to earlier approached the duo. "I would like you two to meet with your runners and discuss the plans. You are going to start at the south" informed the arranger as he handed the guy from Konoha a map.
"Your runner is Hisao Nakano...he's in tent number six" told the man. "I'll meet up with him after I've been to the toilet; see you later Mugen-san" replied the Chuunin.

He went to a cubicle labelled toilet and left his animal companions standing outside. The male then washed his hands with a cleansing wipe he had brought with him before going to the food stands. "I would like two chicken scewers please" told the black-haired guy.
He was given two scewers and gave one that Toshio and Shimoko would share. After the trio had finished their meal, they went to the tent where the runner was.

"Are you the guy we hired for the race?" inquired a voice from the right side. He turned around and saw a man that appeared to be a couple years older than him. He had pine green hair, lightly tanned skin plus golden eyes.
"Yes" replied the guy with a smile. "I'm Hisao Nakano...pleased to meet you" greeted Hisao with a small grin at his face.

"Maybe we should look at the map over our route" suggested Minoru. The runner nodded in agreement before they sat down near a table. His feline animal companion was walking around in the tent while the avian animal companion sat at the table.
"The race is 42 kilometers long with a somewhat varied terrain. What do you think will be the biggest challenges?" inquired the guy.

"I would probably say the hill that comes after the forest area around here. That hill is rather long and a bit steep. Not to mention that it is about 1-3 kilometers away from the finish line...I'd be quite exhausted around that mark" told the man as he pointed at the map.
Pale purple eyes studied the map with a keen look. He would be allowed to help him out, but how should he execute that task?

[Mugen]

OOC :: I don't mind. Let's just have fun with it.

[/color][/b] Mugen was surprised to her a welcoming peachy voice sing "Hi", with a giggle. Mugen looked up to see a gorgeous brunette, standing with nothing but a blue bikini on. It was the world famous Faye Reagan. She was a known female competitive runner who always ran in bikinis to distract her opposition. Mugen saw why !

Mugen quickly fainted with a nosebleed, plummeting to the ground in the shock of the beautifully voluptuous woman..[/ul]

SPOILER: Click to show

[/size]

[Minoru Hyuuga]

Pale purple optics looked at the map to see if there was any ways he could use to help his runner. Most of the route was on a well-used road that went to Tanzaku Gai. But there was a couple of things that could be problematic.
Number one was the fact that parts of the route went through a thick forest were there were a lot of wildlife. Wild animals that smelt fish could be dangerous...his animal companions could confirm that.

The second issue was the somewhat steep hill that was at the border between Shimo and Hi no kuni. Slippery hills could spell disaster for someone who were carrying a barrel or something heavy. 'Perhaps I could use a jutsu in order to remove the ice, but I don't know katon' thought Minoru.
He decided to use raiton or perhaps even a high-pressured suiton jutsu to clear the road. The rest of the route had to be seen in order to make an evaluation.

"I better go to line up now. It's only ten minutes left until the race starts" told the other male. "Yeah, let's go" agreed the male as he took the copy of the map.
He went towards the somewhat forested area after Hisao had left. Shimoko sat on his shoulder and Toshio walked next to them.

The black-haired guy made sure that nobody saw him as he climbed up in a tall pine tree that was not too far away from the starting line. "Shimoko-chan, please keep an eye on him from above. Report to me if you see something or someone weird" muttered the guy.
She nodded before she took off. The animal had to be careful since snowy owls were not a common sight...especially in the winter time.

His eyes glanced down at the silver watch on his left wrist. It was just a couple of minutes until the race would start. "Keep your eyes, nose as well as your ears open Toshio-kun" told Minoru after activating his heritage.
His animal companion nodded while they prepared themselves for the race. What kind of marathon would this be?

Reason for editing: I did not write that I activated the byakugan. I'm sorry for that!

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:

Byakugan. Can see up to 100 yards.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu.
Effect: Allows the user to use the byakugan.
Special: ---
Drawback: Byakugan user has a 360 degree field of vision, with the exception of a small blind spot behind the user's first thoracic vertebrae (as stated in the manga). Lacks the power of analysis. This is demonstrated in an anime filler arc by Ranmaru, who created false chakra circulatory systems through the use of a dôjutsu (possibly a bloodline limit), causing the Byakugan to see inanimate objects as people and the objects themselves at the same time. However, it is not considered canon in a filler episode that a Byakugan user is unable to see the workings of such an “illusion”.
Description: Can see the minuscule chakra pressure points. With the use of certain hand seals, it also has telescopic, X-ray, and thermal vision. The byakugan is the key to Konohagakure's strongest taijutsu, the jyuuken, as it allows the user to see the chakra circulatory system of an opponent. Each level of its insight can therefore be mystified by proper means. When first learned they are capable of seeing up to fifty yards in a 360 degree radius except for that blind spot. Each time learned this amount of distance is increased by ten yards. When the user reaches up to a distance of one hundred yards the amount of training is increased to that of “B” rank level training. The amount of distance is still increased by ten. When the user reaches up to a distance of four hundred yards the user is capable of seeing even further but with an amount of “A” rank training.
Limit: Must be part of the Hyuuga bloodlimit.

[Mugen]

[/i] !

Mugen lay in Faye's arms in a daze, drool slowly rolling down to his chin, as she fanned him. As he awoke, he looked up to see the woman's generous breasts that held up his head, falling down in her lap, jumping up to his feet before he overexcited himself again. He looked down to the woman shocked, exclaiming, "I'm so sorry ! I didn't mean to fall out, you know. I just get sleepy sometimes !" Mugen was in a panic but the woman calmed him, walked up and rubbing his back she sang, ""It's okay. I completely understand that life of a ninja must be pretty hard.", in the most beautiful voice Mugen had every heard.

Before he got too excited again, Mugen stood straight up to get Faye's hand off his back. He had to keep in mind that he was on a mission and that Ms. Reagan was his client. "Thanks Faye-dono, but we should really get to moving the race starts soon.", said Mugen politely, which was uncommon for the lazy ninja. He and Faye walked out of the tent. Many journeying eyes looked at the pain, Mugen did have on his usual ninja uniform or headband so no one would know he was a ninja. Many probably just speculated Ms. Reagan just had brought here boyfriend to accompany here in the race. Much the Mugen's satisfaction.

The even would start soon and people began taking their seats at the starting line. Somewhere in the crowd, Mugen was able to successfully walk away from his client without anyone significantly knowing. Using the moving crowd as his shade, he found a good spot on a ravine right over where the starting line was to prepare for the race. This entire time the crowd was too busy chasing after Faye's autograph in hopes of see the woman's face and hear her gorgeous voice.[/size][/ul]

[Minoru Hyuuga]

"Both of the racers have lined up...we will start in a minute now!" informed the man. The male bent down a bit so nobody would see him hiding here. Nobody was in the area as far as he could see, but better be safe than sorry.
The sharp noise of something that sounded like a miniature explosion tag cut through the silence. "AND THEY'RE OFF!" shouted the arranger.

Minoru narrowed his eyes as he tried to find the older guy on the track. He then found the runner moving at an even pace. "Do you see anything unusual Toshio-kun?" muttered the young man.
"No" replied the animal after a couple of seconds. It would not be long until they got here, so it was time to get a bit ahead.

'Hisao is fast, so I better move quickly' thought the Chuunin as he started tree jumping. He tried to keep the track in his vision while moving so he did not got too far away. 'Wonder if there are any obstacles ahead' pondered the male.
He knew that this race was rigged, so that was definitely a possibility. But the black-haired guy had to find them before the older male did.

[Mugen]

OOC :: Older ?! Mugen's only 17. And Genin at that. I doubt he could be called "the older man"

SPOILER: Click to show

Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push) [2]
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush forward in almost instantaneous speed. Used to draw the user close to the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: May use 3 times a day. May perform 1 more each time learned. Passing amount renders the user's legs immobile due to severe pain. Unable to perform again unless gained medical treatment. Must move through an opening. Unable to maneuver around obstructing objects. Can't attack while performing any Shunshin or Variation.
Description: User is able to move forward in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. It is accomplished by focusing the user's chi along the ankles and foot. User mostly moves just with their ankles and feet. Jutsu takes up no movements. User may only use this Jutsu half of the movements may allow in a single round while rounding down. Example: User has 5 movements, user is able to perform Jutsu 2 times per round.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu.

Doton - Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique)
Rank: "D" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu / TaiJutsu
Effect: A technique where the user hides within the ground for a brief moment to surprise attack the opponent from under ground.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user takes the time to push into the ground by using their Earth Release. The user pushes into the ground quickly so that to be used against the opponent later on. The user at this point cannot necessarily move within the ground at this moment, but the user does know by feel of when an opponent is right above. When an opponent is right under the user reaches up to take the opponent and drag them back down to the ground in one fell swoop without movement or notice. The opponent is unable to move for one post and the user is capable of slamming out of the ground with one movement.
Limit: Needs the Earth Release

[/size]

[Minoru Hyuuga]

((OOC: I was referring to my runner, not you. Sorry for the confusion!))

'Huh!?' thought the male when he saw the other guy appear in the forest area. He had apparently hidden himself behind a tree before he disappeared into the ground. Minoru shook his head over what he had seen.
His byakugan was either playing a trick or Mugen had used some sort of jutsu that he had not seen before. But where had he gone to?

The guy got his answer just moments later when he saw a pair of hands emerge from the ground and made his runner stop. It looked like the leg had been stuck in a pit of quicksand. The Chuunin let out a small sigh of annoyance at this.
"Well...two people can play that game" muttered the male as he started to prepare some chakra. He tree-jumped a bit further ahead so he could do some hindrance to the female runner.

Both of his hands would start to weave a familiar string of handseals while his chakra network started to stir. 'Ninpo! Narakumi no jutsu!' thought the black-haired guy as he released the genjutsu.
Chances were quite small that the other male would spot him since he was hidden at the west end of a tree trunk. Not to mention that the branches of this oak tree gave him plenty of coverage.

Hisao had gotten his leg up from the ground by now but the woman would probably be unable to move out of fear. He had made sure that the genjutsu was aimed at her only, so his runner would not be affected.
The guy tried to imagine that some wild animals were heading towards the opposite runner. Once she entered the 'genjutsu area', she would see wild dogs as well as some snakes heading towards her.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:

Magen: Narakumi no jutsu (Demonic illusion: Hell viewing technique).
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Genjutsu.
Effect: A genjutsu in which causes the opponent to see a grand horrifying vision. A technique that is used by most of the ANBU kind but is known for all genjutsu users in order to scare their opponents greatly hoping to perhaps make them run off in fear.
Special: “Handseals”.
Drawback: The genjutsu non-specialist is only capable of learning up to the “B” rank version of this technique. Depending on the rank of the technique is dependent on how well, how far, as well as how large the user is capable of using this technique.
Description: The user creates and holds the rat handsign. As the user does, so the figment of leaves begins to circle all around in circular fashion as the opponent is engulfed into the genjutsu. Then the technique takes in place as what the user wishes the opponent to see they are capable of seeing. The figment however has to be considered a horrifying state of creation. When first learned the user is capable of creating horrifying images within tiny to small size. When the user learns the “C” rank version, they are capable of creating medium to large size horrifying creations with a distance of thirty meters in radius of the user.
If the user is a genjutsu specialist by the time, they learn the “B” Rank version of the technique the user is capable of creating the image without the figment of leaves as a basis.
Limit: Must know pattern perception. Genjutsu specialist is capable of going into all ranks of this technique.

[Minoru Hyuuga]

((OOC: No reply from Mugen, so I'll continue))

'YES!' thought the male when he saw the female runner getting stuck in the ground. He could not help but to grin since the other competitor had pulled his foot out of the earth. Minoru started to tree jump a bit further with his animal companions right behind him.
'I think this should be a good spot' thought the guy as he hid himself near the top of a maple tree. He could not see the runners yet with his byakugan because they were out of his range.

Purple optics scanned the area for any type of traps that could be nearby. He did not spotted anything out of the normal apart from a couple of deer fifty feet to the right. 'I wonder where we are now...we should be close to Shimo no kuni soon' pondered the Chuunin.
This race would actually cross three countries before ending up in Tanzaku Gai. A part of the male was happy since he knew Hi no kuni quite well.

'I better be on guard. Maybe that other kid tries to do some jutsus again. Looks like he has the doton release under control...that may be dangerous' thought the black-haired guy.
He could not do much jutsu-wise since he only knew raiton as well as suiton. But perhaps that would change if they came to an area close to a river or the coastline.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:

Byakugan still active.

[Mugen]

[/i]. Mugen popped from under the ground, behind a tree so that he may remain hidden, making a few quick handseals.

Tiger ¨ Hare ¨ Boar ¨ Dog, Mugen held the dog handseal as a small bird of rock flew out of the ground. It wasn't moving very fast as Mugen didn't wish to attack his runner just get her out the genjutsu. The bird would fly up and peak the lady hard enough on the shoulder to where she could fill it and shake herself out the genjutsu, before crumbling back to the ground. As Fay came back to her senses and realized she still had a race to win, Mugen hopped over into the cover on the leaves atop the trees, moving forward again as his runner began back running.

"Okay, I scryed her outta that mess.", said Mugen as he scanned the raceway. They had got a pretty good lead off of this trick. Mugen wasn't going to go easily though. As Faye ran to catch up, Mugen races over the tree tops leaving her behind for a second to take on the winning opponents. Mugen would use the trees of the area to cover his movements as he went around his shinobi adversary who was busy scanning the area to see the terrain and find out where they were. Having the Byakugan, he would soon spot Mugen but not before the shinobi jumped to the ground again about 20 meters ahead of the male runner, releasing a devastating punch to a large tree so it would topple down ahead to create an obstacle for the man to overcome.

The tree would fall in the path right before the runner's eyes. He would be halted for a while and he could either go around it in the woods or climb over it.It would look like the old large tree just fail since Mugen was well hidden in the forest while he was acting. Either would take few moments and hopefully give Faye a chance to get closer. Mugen jumped back into the tree branches, watching and waiting.[/ul][/size]

SPOILER: Click to show

Doton: Ba-di-Kawaii no Jutsu (Earth Release: Art of the Pretty Birdies)
Rank: "D" Rank
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates up to five birds made out of earth that fly towards the opponent and attempt to inflict damage equivalent to kunai.
Special: "Hand Seals"
Drawback: The technique must be relearned a number of times in order to make a large amount of birdies. The technique is fairly easy to dodge.
Description: After performing the required handseals, the user is then capable of channeling chakra into the earth. For each time that the user has learned this technique, they become capable of creating up to five birds of the user's choice, made out of stone. These birds have sharpened beaks and are used to attack the opponent, moving at the same speed as the normally thrown kunai as well as dealing approximately the same amount of damage. The technique is only capable of being learned up to a maximum of ten times.
Limit: Must have Doton Soushi "D" Rank. Must know Doton no Jutsu.

Deadly Blow
Rank: "B"
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: The Brawler is capable of striking an opponent with such strength, and such power to where a single punch is capable of knocking a man out, creating a concussion, or comma effect for the duration of the battle.
Special: ---
Drawback: The user is capable of using this technique only to the amount of times they are capable of using Tetsu Tekken (Iron Fist)
Description: A technique where the user hits the opponent with such force that they deliver a punch with enough force, and enough precision in subdual damage to where the opponent is knocked out unconscious with a single blow. The opponent stays down for a number of rounds before they are slowly brought out of their unconscious state. When using this technique the user sacrifices the knowledge of a Tetsu Tekken (Iron Fist) technique. Depending on the class of the user as well as the class of the opponent the Deadly Blow lasts for only so long within an amount of rounds.

If the opponent is one class higher to that of the user then the amount of rounds is reduced by one round for "C" Class, Two rounds for "B" Class, Three rounds for "A" Class, and Four Rounds for "S" Class. If the opponent is two classes or higher then the reduction goes up by one. After three classes or more then the technique is incapable of working against the opponent.
Limit: Must know Sutan Tekken (Stunning Fist)

[Minoru Hyuuga]

((OOC: I think we should move the thread to Shimo no kuni/Land of Frost after your post Mugen))

The male could not help but to smirk when he noticed that the guy had gotten a good lead. But sadly, that would not last for too long.
"Look! Something is going on over there!" hissed the animal companion. His golden eyes looked towards the south-west part of the forest.

Minoru directed his eyes towards the place where Toshio had seen something. His purple optics widened upon the sight of the other shinobi. 'WHAT THE....WHY IS HE MOVING SO FAST!? HE'S GONNA CRASH IF HE'S NOT CAREFUL!!!' thought the guy in alert when he realized where Mugen was heading. At that speed with no chakra prepared, he would get his body plastered onto the tree right in front of him.

BAM! The other male delivered a devastating punch into the thick tree before it fell down to the ground. 'OK...that was not exactly what I had expected' thought the Chuunin with a sweatdrop at his face.
His opponent had obviously used a taijutsu of some sort to trick his byakugan from thinking that he was not planning anything. 'At least I know he's quite strong despite that skinny frame' concluded the male as he moved towards the tree trunk.

He HAD to get it out of the way before Hisao reached the spot. The black-haired guy jumped a little closer to the tree trunk while preparing his chakra network. 'This should do the trick' thought the guy as he took the advanced stance right in front of the fallen tree.
"HAKKESHOU! KAITEN!" stated Minoru before he spun around on the spot; the tree now had a five feet wide hole in the middle of the trunk.

He then returned back to the trees as soon as possible so the competing duo would not see him. 'We should be in Shimo no kuni quite soon. I can feel the temperature dropping' thought the guy before he put on a brown jacket.
Good thing that it was summer or else he would be done for. Shimoko let out a small 'hoot' as they moved further down the path.

[Please move this thread to Shimo no kuni/Land of Frost when Mugen has posted]

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:

Byakugan still active.

Jyuuken advanced stance.
Rank: “D” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu.
Effect: Allows the user to use the more advanced jyuuken techniques.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: This stance is very similar to the basic stance, with a few alterations. The back leg is more bent, bringing the user’s body closer to the ground. The front arm remains the same while the palm of the back arm is slightly turned, causing it to face upward instead of forward.
Limit: Must learn from a jyuuken teacher or at the Hyuuga mansion. Must be a Hyuuga. Must know basic jyuuken stance.

Hakkeshou: Kaiten (Hands of the eight divinations: Divination whirl).
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu.
Effect: The user releases chakra from their tenketsu while spinning like a top, creating a dome of spinning chakra that will repel ninjutsu and taijutsu.
Special: --
Drawback: --
Description: The user spins like a top, secreting chakra from all of their tenketsus at once. A blue dome of whirling chakra forms around them, spinning with such force that a wind is whipped up around the dome. The dome has a radius of five meters. Ninjutsu and taijutsu strikes are blown back if they come into contact with the dome. However, strikes of “B” rank or higher can pierce the dome, causing a chakra reaction that will most likely blow both the user and the attacker backwards.
Limit: Must learn from a jyuuken teacher or at the Hyuuga mansion. Must be a Hyuuga. Must know jyuuken advanced stance. Must know hakkeshou: sekishokyuu.

[Nyu]

Moved.

[Mugen]

[/i]! Who turned on the AC ?"[/color][/b]

Mugen, in his usual relaxed mood, continued the run as the Hyuuga made way for his runner through the large tree and Faye continued through the same hole. She was a few meter behind but her length away from her competitor wasn't too bad. Mugen jumped down from the trees quickly, moving at impressive speed before body flickering behind his runner to push her 10 meters forward. After pushing her forward, he would dash back into the tree so that he wouldn't be spotted, taking a knee on the branch to catch a breather.

"Pant. . . Pant", Mugen breathed roughly. "Well, that's all the Shunshins I can offer.", Mugen took a few moments to catch his breathe. His Body Flicker technique was pure taijutsu and he used just his powerful leg muscles to perform it. It was at a cost though. His legs were sore but not strained too bad. He just had to train for better results. He dashed off back again, tree hopping to result in eye view of the race.

Faye had caught up thanks to his Body Flicker, and so this contest would come down to the wire, in this cold atmosphere.[/ul][/size]

SPOILER: Click to show

Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: A Jutsu that allows a user to rush forward in almost instantaneous speed. Used to draw the user close to the opponent.
Special: ---
Drawback: May use 3 times a day. May perform 1 more each time learned. Passing amount renders the user's legs immobile due to severe pain. Unable to perform again unless gained medical treatment. Must move through an opening. Unable to maneuver around obstructing objects. Can't attack while performing any Shunshin or Variation.
Description: User is able to move forward in a straight line along the ground in almost instantaneous untraceable speed while temporarily masking the user's movements within 10 meters. A puff of smoke is occasionally used to disguise the user's movements. It is accomplished by focusing the user's chi along the ankles and foot. User mostly moves just with their ankles and feet. Jutsu takes up no movements. User may only use this Jutsu half of the movements may allow in a single round while rounding down. Example: User has 5 movements, user is able to perform Jutsu 2 times per round.
Limit: Universal NinJutsu or Universal TaiJutsu.

[Minoru Hyuuga]

"Brrrrr. So coooold" muttered the male as he landed on a thick branch. The smell of pine was refreshing to his nose, but the frost was something he could be without.
Especially since it was almost summer at this time. 'Now...where are the runners?' thought Minoru as he scanned the surroundings with his byakugan.

Both of his animal companions appeared to be coping with the change in climate reasonably well thanks to their fur or plumage. Toshio was stretching out at the base of the branch while Shimoko had puffed up her feathers. She basically looked like some sort of miniature fluffy cloud.
'THERE!' thought the guy when he spotted the two runners near an upcoming hill. It looked like both of them were at an even speed and close to each other.

'Doing a genjutsu that affects several targets or explosive ninjutsus are too risky. I need to come up with something else' decided the Chuunin. He tried to evaluate the situation as fast as he could since he saw the other male approach him.
It looked like he was using shunshins to move as fast as possible. Too bad that the jutsu could not be used to help the contestants.

An idea then hit him when he saw his animal companions eating some food he had brought for them. Maybe they could help out in this race! He formed a couple of handseals and tried to focus on Hisao as he formulated a message.
'You will soon hear some threatening animal screams. Don't worry, they are my animal companions' told the male after releasing his genjutsu.

"You two have to wait here for a minute, I'm going to hide myself in that tree over there. Start screaming as loud as you can when I raise my hand. OK?" inquired the black-haired guy.
Both of his animal companions nodded. He jumped towards a tree that was about 80 feet away from the tree they had stood in until now.

His byakugan could then see both of the runners approach the tree. When they were 50 feet away, he raised his hand. The Abyssinian cat let out a somewhat high-pitched howl that sounded like a mix of a crying baby plus someone hissing. His snowy owl made a blood-curling screech which sounded like a crazy vulture.
That OUGHT to make the woman react since she was so close to the duo. Chances were small that she would see them because they were well hidden in the tree.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jutsus used:

Byakugan is still active.

Sasayaki no jutsu (Whisper technique).
Rank: “D” Rank.
Skill: Genjutsu.
Effect: Creates a whispering voice in the target’s mind that only they can hear.
Special: “Handseals”, hold ram.
Drawback: The user must hold the ram seal for the voice to be continuously projected towards the target.
Description: The user performs the handseals, ending with the ram seal and holding it. This projects chakra towards the opponent, stimulating the part of the opponent’s brain that translates the messages sent from the eardrum into actual voices. What this can do is create a whispering voice in the opponent’s mind, with the user choosing what is being whispered into it.
Limit: Must know phantasm perception.

Deafening screech. NB! Will not deafen the runners, but will definitely scare them.
Rank: “D” Rank.
Skill: Taijutsu.
Effect: The animal companion howls, screeches, cries at such a high pitch frequency that it cause one great pain and causes deafness for one round.
Special: ---
Drawback: Has very limited range. Can effect allies.
Description: The animal screams at such a high frequency that any human within 10 meters fell feel like they were punched in the ear and will not be able to hear for one round.
Limit: Any type of animal.

[Minoru Hyuuga]

((OOC: No reply from Mugen and I've PM-ed him about this. I'll continue this mission))

'YES!' thought the male while a grin formed at his face in triumph. The female runner jumped in fear while looking around in the snowy landscape to see where the animals were. But the animals were nothing to fear, something that the male runner knew.
'He has a head start on 30 meters now' presumed Minoru as he jumped from tree to tree to keep up. It did not sounded like much but every meter counted in a race like this.

Both of his animals had already found themselves a nice spot in a pine tree. The guy had now a comfortable distance of 400 feet ahead of his runner. 'Let's see if there are any diffi-'.
His thoughts were interrupted when he saw some deer blocking the narrow path beneath him. 'I better clear this up' thought the Chuunin before he jumped down from the pine tree.

The animals appeared to be male judging from the antlers at their heads. "I'm afraid you guys have to go now. Come on now, hush" told the male while he did some swishing motions with his hands.
The deer closest to him just gave him a daft look while the other shook his head. 'How should I get them away...the runners are coming here any minute!' thought the black-haired guy.

He then saw one of the creatures pushing his backpacker and he got an idea. The guy put the backpacker at the ground while he tried to remember where he had put his food. 'FOUND IT!' thought Minoru in triumph when he found what he looked for.
"You guys like apples right? Come now and you'll get them!" muttered the male as he hold the light red apples in front of the duo.

It looked like the deer were interested and the Chuunin stepped backwards as fast as he could. His byakugan could see the runner from Konoha just entering his vision field. "Come, come, come now" coaxed the guy as he put the backpacker on his back again.
The creatures followed him a bit further into the forest until they pushed the food out of his hands. "There you go...eat it" told the black-haired male as he smiled.

Shimoko let out a small hoot; it was time to continue. He started to jump from tree to tree right away with Toshio right in his heels. "We should be in Hi no kuni pretty soon" told the male with a smile at his face.
"Good. This is getting a bit cold for my liking" replied the animal as they continued further into the forest.

[Mugen]

[/i], as Mugen held the rabbit a prism of Earth would begin to rapidly rise around Minoru. The hyuuga had little time to react. This wasn't to harm his opponent but only to deter him. with his powerful Taijutsu he would be able to break through in a few powerful blows but Mugen had bigger plans. When the Hyuuga was scheming an escapr, Muhen would emulate one of his earlier moves, once more. Giving him and his runner and larger gap of time to catch up.

He then quickly began hopping from tree to tree, keeping his eyes on Faye the entire time. He jumped down the ground about 10 meter in front of the runner's current position, hidden by the tree so that crowd couldn't see him. He burrowed into the ground, using his Doton to move the rocks and dirt back into perfect place.

As they ran through the snow everglades, Mugen set his trap. As the man ran by Mugen would grab his leg, making careful attention not to physically injure the man, he pulled his leg into the earth, just his shin down, hardening the earth around his leg with his chakra this time so the man couldn't pull out with his own strength this time. It would look like the man simply ran into a pothole and got stuck again. Faye continued to run catching up. Snow would suddenly began to fall as Mugen leaped from the earth's depths to the trees, quickly. Resting for a while as Faye sped up her run.[/ul][/size]

SPOILER: Click to show

Daichi Kangoku No Jutsu (Earth Prison Technique)
Rank: "B"
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Raises Earth in a circle radius around the person of the user's choice. It can have a maximum base diameter of 3 meters.
Special: Hanseals, Hold Rabbit
Drawback: The earth prison is not closed at the top, so it is possible for the victim to escape.
Description: Earth rises up around the targeted person quickly to a maximum height of 10 feet, trapping them inside. At D rank this technique is little more then a distraction or simple defense, only able to absorb a simple "D" ranked attack before it crumbles. Only the part that is attacked will collapse, unless the structural integrity of the entire prison is compromised. At C rank it becomes much harder and resists attacks better, but with persistence victim can break free (1 C rank). At B rank the prison is extremely hard and thick, made of solid rock. It is very difficult to break and will reflect most ninjutsu techniques back upon the victim. Although this attack is only B ranked, its is extremely tough and will stand up to most jutsu, including all B ranked techniques. Piercing jutsu will be most effective in breaking the wall.
Limit: Earth release, C rank requires rock creation "C", B rank requires rock creation "B".

Doton - Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique)
Rank: "D" Rank
Skill: NinJutsu / TaiJutsu
Effect: A technique where the user hides within the ground for a brief moment to surprise attack the opponent from under ground.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The user takes the time to push into the ground by using their Earth Release. The user pushes into the ground quickly so that to be used against the opponent later on. The user at this point cannot necessarily move within the ground at this moment, but the user does know by feel of when an opponent is right above. When an opponent is right under the user reaches up to take the opponent and drag them back down to the ground in one fell swoop without movement or notice. The opponent is unable to move for one post and the user is capable of slamming out of the ground with one movement.
Limit: Needs the Earth Release