Starring:
Date: October 30, 2016
Summary:
Warning was received by Kumo about a possible attack upon the village of Kaidon by the man Chitabe who had previously decimated the town of Doshi unleashing a fount of burning chakra. A pair was sent to investigate the matter and hopefully stop a repeat of that situation.
Poster's note: foul language filtered in obvious places.
"Into the Inferno - Bringing Danger to a Boil"
Land of Lightning, town of Kaidon and surrounding area
Rather out of the blue a young boy arrived in the late afternoon at Kumo's gates. A young boy, scruffy. When questioned by the guards he claimed to have a message from a woman who paid him to deliver it here to the head ninja. Unsure about the claim, it took some time to sort out but eventually the sealed note was read and discovered to be a message from Hanami, who had been pretty silent on her mission so far. It was a simple, but seemingly important note. One of the mountain villages, Kaidon, was going to be the target of the arsonist Hanami had been trying to track down. Specifically higher up the mountain, but Hanami believed it'd make sense for them to attack the village.
It didn't seem like Hanami had any more information, so wasn't a lot to go on. Just that the attack was happening about two days from now. It didn't give much time, the village was located west of Kumo but just possible to be reached if a team hurried. At the moment though it seemed Kumo's forces were otherwise occupied, leaving it to just Nozomi and Zankuro to go alone. Reinforcements would be gathered as soon as possible and sent to back them up. With that, Nozomi and Zankuro were notified and luckily the urgency fit with Nozomi's schedule since they were summoned to meet at sundown at Kumo's west gate. Nozomi was given lead and informed to do what they could to stop the enemy but not to take any unnecessary risks, if need be wait for back up.
After getting the details from the mission office, Nozomi swung by her place quickly to grab her pack. Ang was here, so she informed him on what was going on. Together, they made their way to the West gate, where they would be discussing some things with the guards while they waited for Zankuro to show.
What Zankuro would see is a late-teen female dressed in a dark violet and indigo ninja kimono. Her hands would show some kind of leather underarmor, decorated in the knuckles with bones. Her hair is tucked under a tight-fitting hood, and on her shoulder was a bat the size of a large man's hand. She didn't really carry a pack, as she made frequent storage scroll purchases to store her belongings. All in all, this is a woman used to night missions, since she appeared very comfortable in what she was wearing.
When Zankuro had offer his services (Not that he technically had much of a choice >.>), he did not expect to be called in on a mission so important to Kumogakure. Then again, maybe he was misreading the situation? EITHER WAY, the Sarutobi made a point of moving with all due haste to the meeting point. At least… that was the intent. He is still a little groggy though, having long since laid down for a nap. Thus, he sorta fumbled through using a quick change scroll, resulting in a brief 'incident' along the way.
By the time Nozomi and Ang actually see the man is in full typical konoha chuunin gear, and face flushed from what had to be more than just the run. "Heh… Whoo~… Are you… your the one right? From the… *huff*… Nevermind… Let's just… get going." He says despite his body argument to the contrary. While awaiting confirmation, Zankuro takes one last moment to adjust his bandolier/scroll carrier, then slaps his cheeks. "Yosh!"
Nozomi's left eyebrow arches as Zankuro becomes flustered. "Hai, I am Yamayuki Nozomi, Chuunin of Kumogakure. I was told I'd be working with a Konoha-nin, so I'm assuming that is you?" One thing Zankuro would notice right off the bat is that Nozomi doesn't speak, she sings her words. She seems somewhat confused as Zankuro sikes himself up, but nods anyway. "The bat is my summon-partner. His name is Ang. We don't have much time, so we really should get going. I should warn you, I most often work nights, so I hope you caught a nap before this." She'll wait for him to fully introduce himself before saying, "Okay, let's go!"
"Huh?" Zankuro said, pausing in his last minute stretches to focus on the pair. "Mmn… Nice, uh, meeting ya both." He replies after an awkward moment of staring. Did she sang all that just now? With a curt shake of the head, Zankuro dismisses the idle concern, grins sheepishly, then bows his head. "Sarutobi Zankuro, at your service my lady~" He sing-song back good-naturedly. "And its a good thing that I did take a nap then. I maybe a little groggy still, but I'm good to go." He said, offering a grin and a thumbs up as a go ahead sign for the pair to lead the way.
Once the two shinobi were under way the journey toward the village of Kaidon would be pretty straightforward, even assuming they stopped to rest when needed the pair would find themselves on the mountain nearing the village about two days later. Going by the information gather from Hanami's warning, it should put them just in time to hopefully stop whatever situation was about to go down.
There hadn't been much information the pair could be given on their enemy, given there had only been one previous encounter by Hanami's group not long ago. There was information given that included a description of the supposed leader or mastermind, a man named Chitabe and the clear favoring of fire jutsus. Also the special jutsu Chitabe seemed to use, a unique take on fire jutsu involving putting fire chakra directly into the opponent's chakra network causing severe pain as if they were burned on the inside through touch. There was still no information on Chitabe's goal, just that before he had somehow opened a font of burning chakra in the village that Hanami's group had encountered him in, which is why Nozomi and Zankuro had been ordered to use caution when engaging.
While on their way to this village, Nozomi made sure to fill Zankuro in on her abilities, and asked for his own evaluation of himself as well. She explained that she was a sound user, as her clan name suggested, but that her sounds tended to come from music. While she could, and sometimes did, use other sounds, the bulk of her ninjutsu came from music generated by her. She also explained that she had rudimentary genjutsu training, and that Ang was a heavy genjutsu user. Between the two of them, they had medium and long range jutsu covered.
Finally as they near the village she reveales another trick of the Yamayuki, they were dojutsu users. Nozomi activates her eyes, which turn a richer blue, while laying down two jutsu. The first would mask their sounds from outside perception, and the other would establish a low-level gejutsu link that would allow Zankuro and Nozomi to "talk" without being over-heard, not that their words would be overheard anyway, thanks to the first jutsu. "Look around and tell me what you see," would be the first phrase that Zankuro would "hear."
RP: Nozomi transforms into NEJIGAN-II.
COMBAT: Nozomi focuses 4540 stamina to turn it into 5500 usable chakra!
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with WHITE-NOISE with a roll of: 29
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks Zankuro with AUDITORY-HALLUCINATIONS with a roll of: 25
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
COMBAT: Zankuro defends against AUDITORY-HALLUCINATIONS(25) attack from Nozomi with a TENSE…8
COMBAT: Zankuro loses the roll and sustains 0 damage.
Upon realizing the journey would take more than just a few hours, Zankuro would insist on a breaks. Soldier pills were fine and dandy, but their drawbacks weren't worth their being used all nilly willy. Beyond this, he remained complaint to her wishes to a degree. They may be allies, but this did not mean he should completely lower his guard; especially given how alluring at times her voice tended to be. At the very least, Nozomi would be told of his specialties revolving around ninjutsu and taijutsu. Fire manipulation, to be exact, though its clear enough the man knew how to use scrolls pretty well from how many were obviously on hand.
When they arrive and the Yamayuki reveals her trick, the Sarutobi doesn't seem all too surprised by it, only off put at best by the design. Having had no prior warning, Zankuro almost resist the link, and might have if not for the familiar voice to the illusion. "A little warning next time." He murmurs before turning his focus on the village. He possesed no special abilities, so relied on… other means to spy or sniff out oddities.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 30
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a ENDLESS-PURSUIT…52
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
As the two get situated it didn't seem like there was anyone in their immediate area. The only ambient sounds Nozomi would pick up were the normal sounds one might hear on a mountain location. Some night critters stirring, fain breeze rustling trees and bushes, those sorta things. Otherwise there were no noticable signs of any enemies on the trail leading to the village. The village itself wasn't a very big one, moderate at best for a mountain town. The rest of the peak rose into darkness above it. From outside the village seemed quite, no signs of activity. There was a simple wall made of tree trunks surrounding the village, a fairly normal structure for some towns, keeps the predators out at least. The front gate, one may be able to determine even at night with the moon, was shut.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi nods once, transmitting a sung, "Sorry," over the link as she looks around. Her low-key flute playing dips even lower for a few moments as she sends out pulses to identify exactly what is around, but she does convey to Zankuro that she hasn't seen anything out of the normal even as she works to temporarily sharpen her awareness. "The gates are closed," she adds over the link. Ang springs from her shoulder and starts to fly reconnaissance, in order to add to her abilities.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-SIGHT…44
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
"No big surprise there." Zankuro murmured, adjusting his gaze to better squint at the gate. After a minute or so of staring, he starts to go back to scanning the village from a distance when a thought prompts a frown. "Hmm… Wait… Is it normal for yourfolk up to not post any guards? I know this place isn't exactly a fort, but…" Zankuro trails off from there, thumbing his chin thoughtful. For a brief moment, the Sarutobi entertains the idea of requesting permission to infiltrate the village. But remembering they had eyes in the sky now, the man held off on the request. For now.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Nozomi wouldn't pick up much out of the ordinary around them through her sonar. Ang though, when he passed over the wall into the village would be able to pick up something though might alleviate Zankuro's concerns, at least a little. It did seem like there was a guard stationed on the wall by the gate in a guardpost. Only…tuning into to the ambient noises Ang could tell he was sleeping. So, not the best guard but at least it might give a clue that the village so far seems undisturbed.
Around the immediate area Zankuro's dogged senses would eventually be able to pick up the multitude of tracks, common for a village of course. While it might not help in determining if any of the enemies had been here, his relentless searching would eventually pick up something; a scorch mark against the side of the wall off to the right, toward the direction of the rising mountain peak. And while incredibly faint, getting closer one might be able to pick up the lingering scent of burnt wood, indicating this mark was recent.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi frowns as Ang's perceptions are relayed back to her via a link he himself put on her. "Guard is asleep, so there may already be trouble and no-one would know of it. Have you found anything?" she sends to Zankuro. She watches his movements as well as looking out for anything out of the ordinary. If and when Zankuro reports the burn marks, she sends, "Just in case, let's get closer, and check that out. Someone may already be here, so be careful."
GAME: Save complete.
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Zankuro doesn't answer immediatly this time, which mgith be telling in itself. In the end, his relentless pursuit of the truth does turn up something that prompts him to leap a few meters ahead of Nozomi for a closer look. After confirming his suspicion they are relayed to the bat-girl pair for digestion. "You're look'n at the very essence of careful, my lady." He murmurs just loud enough for the Yamayuki's ears (or perhaps better yet, eyes). Once they get close enough he risks hovering a hand over the sorched wood, marking its heat level as much as scent might, then narrows his eyes in search for any connecting trail. "So much for this being a false alarm."
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a ENDLESS-PURSUIT…45
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
While Ang continued to scout around, including the village, he'd inform Nozomi through the link that the village seemed quiet. He couldn't detect any abnormal sounds down there, just the usual night sounds one might hear. Zankuro on the other hand, would turn up something. A short distance from the burn mark continuing right where the trees are one tree has a visible mark, a simple arrow pointing in that direction.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
COMBAT: Nozomi focuses 4822 stamina to turn it into 5500 usable chakra!
RP: Nozomi transforms into NEJIGAN-II.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-SIGHT…50
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with STEALTH with a roll of: 18
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with WHITE-NOISE with a roll of: 32
Nozomi decides now would be a good time to try to blend into the environment. Unfortunately her normal tactics involve hiding in plain sight, but she is much more practiced in removing any sounds of her passing. She follows noiselessly behind Zankuro, but her attempts to blend in the environment are pretty rudimentary. Even so, she monitors her surroundings most carefully, using her nejigan to its fullest ability to pick up on even the slightest hint that something is happening. "Ang tells me that the entire village is quiet, but he does not sense anything out of the ordinary," she would send via genjutsu link to Zankuro. She looks at the burn mark with interest, and frowns. "I think there may be more going on than what we see…" she adds as an afterthought. "Can you see any tracks or anything?"
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
RPCOMBAT Zankuro took 1000 stamina damage.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 29
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a ENDLESS-PURSUIT…38
Zankuro is scarcely any better in masking his presence, though to a degree this may seem purposeful. It is almost as if he were trying to match Nozomi's ability in the art of stealth, in fact. But why? Regardless of what the answer may be, the Sarutobi's dogged search for more substantial answers eventually results in his motioning to a tree next. Upon seeing the marking up close, Zankuro cannot help but look at her. Well, look in general direction, in any case. It is pretty dark out! "What do you think? Message from a friend, or bait?" He asks quietly. Zankuro waits only long enough for an answer before kneeling and examining the spot more closely. A foot print, a false trail, an unremarkable item — Zankuro leaves no stone unturned in trying to discern who or what might've left the mark.
The night continued to be pretty quiet, crickets and rustling leaves the background noise to Zankuro's search. Eventually he'd find a couple footprints going in the direction the arrow pointed. It's hard to tell in the gloom but he might be able to at least tell they come from two, maybe three different people staying close enough together to probably be a group. Nothing else could be found nearby.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Nozomi is slowly growing more and more concerned as the reports of nothing comes back. "This is not right," she finally sends toward Zankuro. "We were told an attack was imminent, but not even Ang can find anything here," she says as she looks up toward the bat. Another communication to Ang would have him start looking outside of the town for any signs she may be missing personally. "If you can do so without attracting attention, move closer to the burn mark on the wall and see what you can determine." She then sends some of her sounds directly at the wall to see if there's anything different about it that her eyes can't see even while she forms the music in her mind to attempt to break any possible hold any genjutsu in the area may have on her.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-SIGHT…49
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a WILL-BREAK…22
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Zankuro grunts an agreement, but refrained from adding more immediatly. His sole focus was still in discerning as much as he could before things took an inevitable turn for the worse. "Two… no, three…" He murmurs to himself, only to frown and regard Nozomi. "The wall again? Not interested in following the sign, or the three dunder heads responsible for it." He asks only half jokingly, jabbing a thumb in the direction of the prints. Despite his own words, if Nozomi proves insistent, then he would follow her orders without further complaint. He would be a bit half-hearted about it though…
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Ang's searche over the burn mark doesn't turn up any new information. Somewhat recent, but the burn smell was already nearly faded anyways. It didn't seem like the mark was focused on destroying the wall, just striking it, whatever it was that did it. Fire of some sort obviously. Otherwise it continues to seem like another normal, peaceful night for the village of Kaidon. Nozomi's skill use to enhance her senses of the surrounding area really don't come up with anything new either. Zankuro's searching comes up with nothing more past the footprints.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Having run into a dead end there, Nozomi looks back toward Zankuro and nods once. "Okay then, let's go wake the gate guard up and see what's going on. Though I recommend we climb the walls and try to wake the guard up quietly, just in case our enemies are already here." Yes, this could cause problems if the guard proves especially jumpy, but at least this plan is better than finding nothing out here. To this point, she starts to make her way to the gate, then starts walking up the wall, being careful to stick to shadows as much as possible.
RP: Nozomi uses TREE-WALKING.
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with STEALTH with a roll of: 18
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
"Roger, roger." Zankuro offers a whimsical salute, then shadows Nozomi. Wary of danger intercepting mid-climb, he makes a point in staying on ground level until Nozomi has fully reached the top. Afterwards, he built up small amount of chakra before scaling the wall in the same fashion as the Yamayuki. If he spies Ang at any point during the climb, the bat is offered a curt but respectful nod, but no more than that.
If they can manage to arrive without setting off in traps, Zankuro would offer to do the waking up personally. Nothing says gentle like covering a person's mouth from behind, and whispering "wake-up, but stay quiet" all threatening like.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 32
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
The two shinobi reach the top of the wall easily enough without any traps or anything going off. When Zankuro wakes up the sleeping guard 'gently' the man of course jolts awake, his eyes bulging with panic and his muffled voice can be heard though not understood beneath Zankuro's hand as the guy stiffens in his seat, already starting to sweat as his eyes dart back and forth frantically.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Upon reaching the top of the gate where the guard was, Nozomi had dropped her sound suppression to allow Zankuro to awaken the guard. "I am Yamayuki Nozomi, chuunin of Kumogakure, and it appears you fell asleep on your watch," she whispers in the first normal voice Zankuro is likely to have heard from Nozomi's lips. In fact, it sounds a bit unsettling in how cold and authoritarian it sounds. "We'll be discussing that once the crisis has passed. We're here because we received word that your village is about to come under attack, which signs indicate a distinct possibility. Now, when my associate uncovers your mouth, I want you to tell me what defenses you have against an attack, who we need to talk to, and where they are. You are to do so quietly and succinctly. Do you understand?"
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
That little smirk playing at the edge of Zankuro's lips after waking up the guard dies the moment Nozomi speaks for herself. He even nearly lets go of the guard altogether from surprise, but fortunately is quick to recover. Still, the lingering sense of unsettlement made him more adamant about keeping his eyes on the guard, and not looking in the Yamayuki's direction. Sure, he was kind of used to hearing the tone from a surprising amount of woman, but never from one that didn't make that clear from the get go!
"And one last thing. No funny business, and no looking at me." Zankuro adds after the guard's initial response to Nozomi. Upon recieving a favorable response a second time, he would slowly remove his hand, gentle place it on the guard's shoulder, and slip further into the their blindspot. A quiet and ongoing warning that the Sarutobi would remain in position to act within seconds. Afterwards, Zankuro cannot help but look straight at Nozomi and mouth 'No warning?' with his eyes all wide-eyed.
It seems his ability to hold on to his composure only went so far.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
The guard quells before Nozomi's tone. He's settled down though at least, for now. Might be a slight tremor, but who can blame him. The man looks middle-aged, rather plain and a little soft around the edges though he does show some sign of being more or less in shape. He looks upset at Zankuro's words and actions, his head starting to move as if to look behind him but stops and stares straight ahead at Nozomi, still a little wide-eyed. "Y…y..you're sh..shinobi? Wh..what do you mean a…att…attack?" He looks like he wants to move, to look around, still nervous. "W..we have ju..just uh…um…locals. To guard. Not like…uh…trained soldiers exactly th..thoug I did serve in in in my younger years. Qu..quiet town…so uh…a dozen maybe…" He gulps, "The mayor…um…n..north end of town…ca..can't miss, nice house…"
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
"Don't move. Just listen," Nozomi continues to say coldly. She looks up at Zankuro for just a moment, then moves her eyes to the village as she sends, "I'm about to get him to verify the status of the village," via the genjutsu link. Aloud, and in that same voice, she adds, "My associate is about to turn you around. I want you to listen and look into your village, tell me if anything is out of the ordinary. Do not make any sudden movements, do not attempt to look at him. Remain quiet, and tell me what I want to know quietly."
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
If the voice was unnerving being spoken aloud, it was /especially/ disturbing being heard in mind. Zankuro had half a mind to break the link just to avoid the disturbing split between what he saw originally, and what Nozomi displayed now. He doesn't of course, but his mind is never far from the thought! Grudgingly, Zankuro nods belatedly in response to mental statement, then removed his hand to further sell Nozomi's illusions. Unless she really did want him to turn around? In which case, there would be bit of an awkward moment before he shuffles off to the side, and looks outward in seeming search of any signs of an outside invasion.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
The guard gulps, but nods slowly to what Nozomi instructed him to do. When he's turned to look out over his village he takes it seriously. He may have fallen asleep at his post, but he did care about the village. So he looks around, careful not to look at Zankuro still. He didn't know this person behind him, and honestly not sure he wanted to. Though this young woman before him was scary too… After a couple minutes he speaks up, quietly, "I…I don't see nothing miss. I…I mean it's hard to really see out there far, even with moonlight…but…well um…yeah. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Are you saying this attack is going to happen from inside the village?"
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi's voice appears to soften a little, but still retains the normal speech quality it had. "We had concerns over that. Now listen very carefully. I want you to go back to your post, and keep your eyes peeled. Do /not/ fall asleep again, and do not attempt to track us. Keep your ears open, and your eyes peeled. Nod if you understand." Assuming he nods, she motions for Zankuro to move around the guard and down to the village proper via the fastest route. "Remember, the lives of everyone in this village are in your hands," she reminds the guard in that same cold voice. With that, she starts a sub-vocal hum and starts to make her way via the normal path down into the village.
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Having not been corrected on his stance, Zankuro quietly lets out a sigh of relief, and wipes budding sweat from his brow. The remainder of his time is spent keeping a close eye on the guard, noting any suspicious moves, as well as how he spoke. A shinobi couldn't be too careful these days; especially with all the hatred recieved over the years from the "common" folk.
"You forgot to—" Zankuro shakes his head negatively. "Nevermind." He states, then lowers his hand back into place on the man's shoulder. Its only give him a few pats before he whispered into an ear, "You have pleasant evening sir." With that out of the way, Zankuro slips away in such a manner that the guard is left wondering for a moments if the Sarutobi had left at all. As soon as he is within the village itself, Zankuro makes the executive decision of moving quietly to the mayors home.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with ANBU-SLIP with a roll of: 34
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
The guard gives a little nod, still looking scared, "W…wont miss, promise. No more sleeping on the job for me." He stands still, looking around but not at Zankuro until the shinobi leave. Simplest way is just down the stairs from the tower to the ground. Or just down the wall itself, or however which way the two decide to do it. Zankuro would find the way to the mayor's house clear and without trouble, moving quietly through the sleeping village. The mayor's house has a simple but nice brick wall and an ornate metal gate which is closed and locked for the night. Looks to be a large, two story house that you can tell from the front.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi makes her way down the stairs, not trusting her silent coordination to a jump. As she hits the ground, she quickly makes her way to the Mayor's house. She considers things for a moment, then sends in her "usual" voice, "Check the windows around the back and sides, I'll do the same for the front. Alert me if you find anything, or find a way in that isn't the front door and doesn't entail breaking a window. However, if you see anything suspicious, all bets are off." With that she starts checking the front windows on each floor, walking up the walls if necessary to do so.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a PERCEPTION…21
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
It takes every ounce of willpower, but Zankuro manages to keep from peeing his pants from the sudden return of 'the voice'. He still winds up stopping for a moment to let his heart calm down, and mutter a curse. But immediatly after, the man is back on the job. Ever the cautious one, Zankuro is alert for any openings from the moment he spots the building. Of course, without a means to communicate any findings immediatly, the chuunin resolved himself to doing a thorough check in his assigned area first.
Even as he sought an opening, his senses stayed open for any sign of someone else beating them to the punch. That, annnd the possiblity of a guard dog being on duty. Troublesome, troublesome beasts. If necessary, he had a ham sealed away, though that meant no lunch come the morrow. :<
Nozomi's search of the front doesn't turn up anything useful. The grounds are pretty clear, and the couple windows on ground level are larger and don't seem to open. If Nozomi were to walk up to the second floor she'd find those windows locked against the night. Zankuro on the other hand would have more luck. After a couple locked windows he'd come across one that was left unlatched. If he peered in he'd see what looked to be an empty little room, maybe an unused guest room or something. Cloths covered a couple pieces of furniture. The night continued to move on, chirping crickets, creaks and rustles of wood and wind.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi stood on the outer upper-floor wall outside the last window she checked, then made her way around to where Zankuro would be. Noting he discovered an unlocked window, she would pause for a moment then send in the normal sing-song voice, "Go in and check things out in the room. I'm going to go around front and knock on the door. Once you hear movement, check it out. If it seems normal, leave via the same window. If there's danger, then use your best judgment."
Once agreement would be received, Nozomi would make her way back down to the front door. She'd count to ten, then pound on the door calling out, "Is anyone there? I have a message for the Mayor. Hello?!" She'd be speaking this instead of singing, but rather than cold and chilling, her voice would seem to somewhat hasty and demanding, pitched to sound like a messenger instead of a Kunoichi.
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Zankuro bit his tongue hard, killing a surge of joy. Any later and the compulsion to hoot in happiness might've alerted the occupants of the building. Nozomi would come around just in time to see the Sarutobi patting his chest and exhale, restoring his composure. Albeit, only briefly as it turns out. Once again Nozomi's sudden intrusion in mind causes him to jump in place, and then look around instinctively for the source. A half-hearted glare and a bit of grumbling are the closest thing Nozomi gets to answer before Zankuro makes his way inside.
With the only light source inside being the window itself, Zankuro has his work cut out investigating the room. Still, Zankuro does his best starting with the clothes scattered on furniture. Only then does he curse himself for not grilling the guard more about the mayor. For instance, did he have guests tonight? How about guard dogs? Heck, anything more than just where he lived! Or would all the questions come off suspicious?
'Bah… messy messy messy…' He grumbles in mind.
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…38
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Searching the room would mostly just turn up dust. Clearly unused in some time, the cloths would be covering pieces of furniture; a simple, but nice bed. A couple chairs, dresser, wardrobe, sitting table, the usual things. And plenty of dust.
When Nozomi bangs on the door it takes a moment, but sound can be heard coming from inside. For Zankuro it'd be coming from downstairs, probably a servant. And indeed a simple man answers the door sleepily, squinting in the gloom with a light lit behind him, "Wha is it? Do you get what time it is? The mayor and his family are asleep, as should we all." He's clearly grumpy. There doesn't seem to be any more noise coming from house.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi frowns slightly and puts her hand on the door before saying, "I am Yamayuki Nozomi, Chuunin of Kumo. I have an urgent message for the Mayor. Believe me, I am well aware of the time, but it is important I speak to him as soon as possible." She's pitching her voice loud, in normal speech instead of sing-song, almost as if announcing her presence to the house. At the same time, since her nejigan is still active and her voice is loud enough, she is focusing on the echoes her voice gives in the house to identify what else is in there. Yes, they probably should have asked about the family make-up, visitors, etc, but Nozomi is still operating under an ever-decreasing sssumption that the enemy has beaten them there.
RP: Nozomi transforms into NEJIGAN-II.
COMBAT: Nozomi focuses 4656 stamina to turn it into 5500 usable chakra!
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-SIGHT…46
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Although he made a point of making sure to keep from moving things about 'too' much, a few bits of clothing do need to be rearranged back itno their original spots. "Hmm… She didn't say I /couldn't/ check out the rest of house." Zankuro muttered while eye balling the door. After a moment of hesitation, the Sarutobi carefully try for the door, cracking it open if its unlock, and then glance down the hall. Upon seeing the coast is clear, he would seek out the closest door to look like it might lead to the master room, closing the door behind him.
With any luck, any lingering doubts would be cleared up once he got a look at the mayor personally. Hopefully. Either way, he wasn't leaving without being ordered to do so…
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 34
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…36
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
The servant doesn't seem pleased despite Nozomi informing him of her identity. Regardless he steps back and opens the door a little wider, "Well. If this really is an urgent matter as you say, best enter. Stay here, I'll go rouse him." And with that he turns and leaves, heading for the staircase going upstairs.
Zankuro would find himself in a hallway leading farther down with a couple doors along the side and one door at the end of the hall. The voice of the servant could be heard coming closer from behind Zankuro a bit as he comes upstairs, "…in the middle of the night, how rude. Better be something important or someone is going to hear about this…wait what's that? Oh, I hope it isn't the young master, last thing we need is for him to be awake during this mess…" and the footsteps increase their pace coming around a corner to spot Zankuro as he's searching for the master bedroom. "What? Intruder! See here, you better get out of here this instant. Intruder! Intruder! Shinobi, get up here!" Yeah, he's yelling loudly.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi looked around the room when the servent left, looking for anything that would indicate that something was wrong. She initially stayed in one place, but when the servant started yelling she hummed a few bars even as she ran up the stairs. She skidded to a halt when she saw what was going on, then turned to the servant and said, "Just go get the Mayor." She then turned toward Zankuro as pushed Zankuro back toward the stair. "Go downstairs and check the rooms down there. I'll deal with this. It looks like we may have beaten them here after all." This is said in normal voice, not sing-song, though when she moves there's still that odd hum.
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
'Tippity toe~ Nice 'n slow~' Zankuro sang song in mind while creeping ever further away from the exit point. He perhaps has scarcely gotten half down the hall when the voices from downstairs get louder. Too loud. His momentary confusion over the change costs him big time! With only a second or two to work with, Zankuro shakes of the surprise long enough to yank out a scroll, and give it a twirl about him.
Gone is the screw-up konoha-nin! In his place now stood a black cloaked figure with a pale white mask, black gloves, and a giant scroll strapped to his back like a… well, back pack. "Kuso! And I, The Shadow, was so close too…" He states in a sinister and deep voice while turning about to spy the servant. Thankfully, er, assuming the servant does as Nozomi instructed, Zankuro starts to slump in relief for not being forced to play up the role further. "Wha-whoa.. wai-…" But the rest dies in his throat as he is shoved towards the stairs. Unfortunately, neither of them didn't count on the edges of cloak catching, resulting in a rather… painful descent down the stairs.
If the master wasn't awoke before, that had to wake him up now! Regardless, if given the chance to recover, Zankuro doesn't hesitate in scurrying out of immediate sight. @.@
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH with a roll of: 20
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
The servant backs against the wall, staring dumbly at the exchange between Nozomi and Zankuro, or as he knows him, The Shadow. "Wh..what's the meaning of this? You know this intruder? Oh no, you're no shinobi are you!" He starts backing away, down the hall when the door at the end opens. Standing in the doorway holding a lantern and dagger is an older man, middle-aged or so. Brown hair going grey, stocky of build and wearing a dark green robe. He seems alert enough as he gazes at both the servant and Nozomi, "What's the meaning of this? Screaming at the top of your lungs, an intruder? Is this girl the intruder? Explain yourself Ubuki!" Despite his enthusiasm he's trying to keep his voice down some. Almost succeeding.
The servant, Ubuki, stumbles through an explanation that Nozomi was a shinobi, or claiming to be. And there was an intruder in black, but Nozomi seemed to know him and sent him downstairs. The mayor stares at Nozomi, "You better explain yourself."
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi's hitai itei may be hidden by her night duty clothing when she needs to use stealth. She reaches up slowly, indicating that her hands are empty and not coming in contact with each other, and moves the hood back to show the forehead protector. "I told the truth, I am Yamayuki Nozomi, chuunin of Kumogakure. I am now going to retrieve my card from my pouch to further verify my claim, and you know that cannot be faked easily." She makes very slow, very obvious efforts to do just that, then lays it on the floor and steps back. "Ubuki-san can pick it up now, I'm backing away from it."
Assuming he does that once she's far enough away to do so, Nozomi begins a rough explanation. "We were sent here because we received reliable intelligence that your village is about to be attacked. When we arrived, we found the entire town, including your gate guard, asleep. Furthermore, we found evidence that the attackers beat us here. Nozomi is still keeping her hands where they could be seen as she pauses for just a moment to let the Mayor digest all of that. "Our protocol forbids us from assuming that things are clear just because they /seem/ normal. So we made our way here. We found an open window, so I had my partner enter the building to check things out and act as backup. Now, before I go any further, can you verify you are the Mayor here? Given our protocol, I can't just take your word for it."
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a PERCEPTION…29
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
The mayor silently listens and watches Nozomi as she introduces herself, and is allowed to withdraw her identification card leaving it for Ubuki to pick up. Which he does, after a moment's hesitation. He quickly retrieves the card and carries it to the mayor who holds it up to the light to read it. While he does so, he listens to Nozomi's explanation of events, eventually handing the card over to Ubuki so he can return it to Nozomi.
After considering things for a moment he speaks up, "Ubuki, will you go tell my wife that everything is fine, I'm afraid she's probably still in the room worrying about me. Then see to the boy, and if he's awake make sure he stays in his room please. Also make not I'll need to speak with Jiro about falling asleep on the job." Then he looks to Nozomi, "Well I can tell you that I'm indeed the mayor of this town, my name is Hibuki Renzo. I've been the mayor for nearly eight years now after our previous mayor passed away peacefully. Though I'm not sure what else I can tell you to prove the truth of my words since you're a visitor here but I hope you will. Now, if you wouldn't mind you say you were sent here because my town might see an attack? From whom, and for purpose would they have? We're a fairly quiet village, I assure you." While the man speaks Ubuki moves behind him into the bedroom for a minute before reemerging then head down the hall to another door, assumedly the son's bedroom.
COMBAT: It's not your turn.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi is quiet for a moment as Ubiki returns her card to her and she puts it back into her pouch. Over her shoulder she calls out to Zankuro, "When you're done, you can come back up here, but act normal please." That done, she turns her attention to the Mayor, considers everything for a moment, then takes him at his word before describing what she knows of the attackers, and their reasoning behind the oncomming attack. "We found evidence on the outside of your wall that it has been at least marked by fire, with an arrow pointing directly at the mark. Several sets of footprints went from that arrow to the mark. This led us to believe the village could already be infiltrated."
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Zankuro isn't entirely sure how long he spent scurrying along the ground. The only thing that mattered in his panicked mind was getting out of sight, and finding the time to actually think. He spends a good minute or two hiding in what amounted to a supply closet. As soon as his heart is no longer beating like a jack hammer, and aching everything from the fall dies down, Zankuro removes his mask long enough to face palm. Hard.
"Alright… enough joking around. Let's get to it." The darkly muttered words are accompanied by the door creaking open. This time the chuunin intended to wait long enough at the door long enough no OTHER surprise guest came along, then make his move. For what had to be the fourth time in one night, he has barely stepped out of hiding when the call from upstairs causes him to flinch. He doesn't even hesitate to consider options. Zankuro would stretch out his quiet search downstairs for as long as possible just to avoid having to face Nozomi's wrath sooner rather than latter.
Annnnd maybe the mayor's too for giving his butler a heartattack.
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…25
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Zankuro's searching would turn up nothing of importance. Just regular stuff you'd find in a house; supplies, dust, a kitchen, etc etc. Upstairs Renzo is pondering the information Nozomi had given him, "This is indeed a serious matter. While Jiro may have slacked off, I would hazard to say he still does a good job, and if anyone had come in to the village this night to cause trouble there would've been some sign of it already. But still…this is most disturbing…" If, or when, Zankuro shows back up Renzo would look at him curiously, "And I take it you're this…'intruder' that upset Ubuki so, and woke me? Hmm, I understand your methods, the two of you, but next time I'd appreciate it if you didn't sneak in my home. Now, that business settled lets see what we can do about these-"
But right then the front door could be heard opening quickly, and a recognizable voice calling out, "Sir…mayor sir! I'm sorry to disturb you, there's something going on outside!" Indeed it's the poor watchman, Jiro. He can be seen hurrying up the stairs moments later, "Oh! The shinobi, oh! I'm so sorry, I don't mean to disturb you but…well there's something strange going on, on the mountain!" He turns, hurrying into one of the rooms(thankfully not a bedroom) looking out west toward the looming mountain peak. A little ways up one can make out some flashes of red. "They just started appearing a bit ago. I thought it was strange, and then I remembered you shinobi talking about potential danger. So I ran right over."
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi first runs to the window and looks in the direction Jiro is indicating. "Saute," she mutters. She quickly turns around to the Mayor and says, "I'd wake the village now, if I were you. Get them to set up a watch in that direction. Can I hope that mountain isn't a volcano?" she finally asks. IF it is, then they're all in trouble. "ZANKURO! Get up here, NOW!"
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Zankuro truly kept the saying 'leave no stone unturned' in heart during the search. Even the dust itself is turned over twice before satisfying the man's supposed concern for safety. One couldn't be too careful about these things. Right?
Despite his discomfort over the inevitable future, Zankuro /does/ make a move from the front door as soon as hears the door opening. Jiro is way ahead of the curve though, so by the time he reaches the base of the stares, Nozomi is shouting down at him. "No need to shout, milady… Ah, and good to see you again old timer." Zankuro states nonchalantly after reaching the top, still garbed as 'The Shadow'. "So, what's the issue?"
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Renzo stares out at the lights up on the mountain, in the trees, "This would be a sign of the attack you talked about no?" He does nod though, "Yes, best to rouse the village. Whatever these enemies of yours have in mind we wont be caught unawares." He turns, Ubuki! You and Jiro, go out and start getting the village away. Start with the guard and have them help you. If people wish they can gather, peacefully, in the village square. I'll be there shortly to try and answer what questions I can." To the shinobi he looks, "No volcano that I know of, just a mountain. I expect you two are going to figure out what those lights are and what it means for the village correct? I'll leave you to it, anything you need is yours. If you'll excuse me," He definitely seemed awake and alert now as he strode off back to his bedroom while his servant and Jiro took off to start waking the village.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Well, Renzo's words were a sign of relief for Nozomi, at least for the moment. "I believe we found our enemies," she says to Zankuro even as she opens the window. "Let's go see what's going on. You stay just behind me and to my right." With that she pulls a flute out of a long pouch. This flute is odd in that it's made of bone, not metal. Even as she starts to play a tune, she starts to take off at near her top speed, using the rooftops, walls, and even trees as her road. Hopefully Zankuro can keep up…
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Though unnecessary, Zankuro nods curtly in answer to Renzo's question. "So it seems…" Zankuro replies, unconvinced. Yet, while the flute does elicit a raised brow, the Sarutobi doesn't fail to follow after the Yamayuki. He isn't exactly the fastest in Konoha, though. But, by sheer force of will, if nothing else, he gives it his very best to keep up with the more than likely faster shinobi. Zankuro even goes so far as to change back into his original outfit along the way, reducing a some of the cloak's unnecessary drag.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
As the two shinobi take off out of the village, the members of it are being roused from their slumber. It's a bit of a mess but slowly being sorted out. The two of them would find their way up the short mountainside, nearing the spot with the flashing lights, a short distance away in the trees. While not a dense forest, there're enough trees to block line of sight for the moment. The shinobi would also feel a low rumbling that seems to eminate from the spot with the lights.
Nozomi renews the genjutsu link between her and Zankuro, this time warning him first. It had dropped while in the Mayor's house, thus the reason for her ill-fated command earlier. While they are on the move, she tells him via this link that the rest of her words will likely be via this link because she can't talk while she's playing, and the music is part of her ninjutsu.
As they near the site, she once again drops a curtain of silence and attempts to take a hiding place when she spots the enemies. At the same time, her eyes are filtering out the white noise as she concentrates on what the other sounds are telling her, hopefully gaining enough warning to act in case they are spotted. Too bad Zankuro can't return the genjutsu, as it would make them easier to coordinate. As it is, Ang is flying up slightly ahead, already linked with her, to give her a chance to avoid literally stumbling into whoever is up here.
RP: Nozomi transforms into NEJIGAN-II.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-SIGHT…50
RP: Zankuro joins the roleplay.
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with WHITE-NOISE with a roll of: 32
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks Zankuro with AUDITORY-HALLUCINATIONS with a roll of: 29
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
COMBAT: Zankuro defends against AUDITORY-HALLUCINATIONS(29) attack from Nozomi with a TENSE…2
COMBAT: Zankuro loses the roll and sustains 0 damage.
RP: Zankuro transforms into WILL-OF-FIRE.
RPCOMBAT Zankuro took 2000 stamina damage.
Even while on the move within the village Zankuro keeps his head on a subtle swivel. They still did not know the full extent of their enemies plans, so it did not hurt to be careful. Though Nozomi's warning is heard, lingering trepidation over the invasion resulted in some initial resistance on his part. But ultimately, the link is forged.
Slowly but surely, Zankuro steadily built up his chakra reserves along the way in anticipation. Even his mindset gradually shifts to one to better keep his nerves in check. What the Sarutobi may have lacked in prenatural abilities, the young man again sought to make up for by other means. A trail of footsteps, lack of right scents, spying shadows — anything and all is kept in mind to better aid in either obscuring his form, or avoid any potential ambushes. If he should feel Nozomi is perhaps lacking a little in this department, then and only then would he offer what guidance he can along the way through whatever shared handsignals and gestures were known between Kumo and Konoha shinobi.
RP: Zankuro transforms into WILL-OF-EMBERS.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 38
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a ENDLESS-PURSUIT…56
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
[NPC System]: Ankai roll(s) Heat Sense from 20 to 50 and get(s) a 34. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai roll(s) Heat Sense from 20 to 50 and get(s) a 32. - Rolled by: Hanami
COMBAT: Hanami focuses 3092 stamina to turn it into 4000 usable chakra!
RPCOMBAT: Hanami defends against with a WIND-SENSE…47
RPCOMBAT: Hanami defends against with a WIND-SENSE…50
[NPC System]: Grunt roll(s) Perception from 15 to 40 and get(s) a 27. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Grunt roll(s) Perception from 15 to 40 and get(s) a 25. - Rolled by: Hanami
When the two shinobi near the site of the disturbance they'd catch a glimpse of a ring of seals, complex and pulsing with red light. The circle is several feet across and the area inside it ripples with a wild, red chakra. Short bursts spouting out now and then. Their hunting bore fruit, it seemed the enemies weren't worried too much about being found out anymore. Torches around the immediate area provide some illumination, giving a look at their opponents. One man stood in front of the seal ring, focusing and one could assume responsible for the jutsu being worked. He looked to be in his twenties, scruffy with dark hair and simple clothes. Might be some kind of tattoo on his back, with a glimpse near the base of his neck though it's hard to tell even in the torch light. There's another, younger man nearby. Bit scrawny but tough enough seeming with a shaved head. And the last member of the group is a young woman in a hoodie with some kind of mask covering part of her face, the uncovered half is hard to see, kept shadowed by the hoodie. Zankuro should be able to recognize the half mask(and maybe Nozomi too) as the style the ANBU use, seems to have a canine motif of sorts though hard to tell exactly.
The bald guy, Grunt, is glancing around occasionally but most of his attention is taken up with the jutsu being performed. The girl seems to pause for a moment, might not even be noticed, but otherwise seems intent on the jutsu, standing off to the right of the man, Ankai. He on the other hand pauses, head rising then tilting to the side. The grunt stops dead and looks immediately to where Nozomi is hiding, "Gotcha, ya little sneak! This'll be fun, finally get to do something. Itsuko, stay out of my way!" The girl turns to face the same spot but remains motionless, abiding by her companions request. Seems though, that Zankuro is unnoticed for the time being. The grunt grins and breaths out a couple fire shurikens launching them straight for Nozomi. The man Ankai seems to go back to his seal work.
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi roll(s) Blazing Shuriken from 15 to 42 and get(s) a 15. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi roll(s) Blazing Shuriken from 15 to 42 and get(s) a 26. - Rolled by: Hanami
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-WAVE…43
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-WAVE…31
Well, Nozomi's been spotted. Luckily for her, her attacker announced himself as plain as day. Her eyes catch his movements for his attack even as he makes them, and she drops the white noise in favor of two quick notes that sends waves of sound to knock the fire shuriken off course. She smiles grimly even as her music fills the area with a quick but somber-sounding tune. Three nearly invisible blades of sound are sent Grunt and Ankai's way each as she tests their defenses. "Definitely not friendly. See if you can stop that ritual, whatever it is," she sends to Zankuro as she starts her counterattack.
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with THREE-STRING-SWORD with a roll of: 39
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with THREE-STRING-SWORD with a roll of: 34
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
COMBAT: Zankuro focuses 3828 stamina to turn it into 4500 usable chakra!
With practiced ease, Zankuro adjusted his course as the duo grew closer, inevitably positioning in such a way that the glare from the torches further obscured his form. Before he can motion for Nozomi or Ang to do something similiar, hell's proverbial gate is cracked open. The Sarutobi just barely bites back a warning, unnecessary though it may have been anyways. Instead, his sights are set right back on the gathered group, and their pet project.
Zankuro's eyes widen at the sight of the ANBU member among them. Familiar, truthfully, with only his team within Konoha's personal corps, he could not hazard a guess at an identity or true loyalties. He hesitates as a result in doing nothing more than draw a shuriken. After taking one last calming breathe, he moves just a little bit more, sets his kunai aside, and begins forming a rapid series of handseals.
"Enough." The apparent leader of the group would hear moments before feeling the bite of a shuriken in his side. Regardless of whether or not he turns in time to see, the illusion would leave the impression of the ANBU member being responsible. The blade had certianly been real enough, seeing how Zankuro had timed the release of his own with the trick. Afterwards, the Sarutobi is on the move again.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with FALSE-BETRAYAL with a roll of: 36
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with SHARP with a roll of: 30
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 33
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi roll(s) Fire Dodge from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Nozomi roll(s) Lava Armor from 20 to 55 and get(s) a 32. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Zankuro roll(s) Genjutsu Kai from 20 to 45 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Zankuro roll(s) Lava Armor from 20 to 55 and get(s) a 31. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Zankuro roll(s) Heat Sense from 20 to 50 and get(s) a 20. - Rolled by: Hanami
RPCOMBAT: Hanami defends against with a WIND-SENSE…54
The Grunt growled in frustration as Nozomi stopped his shurikens. Then she was going on the offensive, and the guy couldn't get out of the way of the sound blades as they struck him, their sharp cords cutting. It didn't make him back down though, as he sneered and flashed his hands through the signs exhaling fire chakra before it scattered into the sky in the form of fireballs that come raining down upon Nozomi. As they near the ground though the balls would explode scattering fire over the area which might make it a bit harder to avoid.
Ankai turns his head in Nozomi's direction as the ground beneath him boils up in molten lava to try and cover him but it's not quick enough and he feels the bite of Nozomi's song in his back and side. His eyes blaze, and not just with an eerie glow of chakra but it doesn't deter him. At this point he feels the effects of another on his mind but is able to disrupt the genjutsu attempt, sighting the kunai coming for him which sticks into the molten armor, melting away. The next kunai follows suit before the lava shield burbles back down again. But as he whips his head around to try and get a fix on Zankuro's location he can't seem to do so. Instead he looks to Itsuko, "Itsuko, there seems to be another out there. End it, I can't be distracted the jutsu is nearly complete!"
Itsuko gives a nod, her voice low, "Certainly Ankai, it'll be done." She looks about, and Zankuro would notice her staring right at him before she takes off in a blur, coming right up to him with a one-two punch. Of course these punches pack a little more too them in the form of wind chakra around her fists providing and extra oomph if she connects. Zankuro would get a glimpse of her face, just a bit in the shadows and what isn't hidden beneath the half mask, though all he'd be able to tell is that it's a girl. Big surprise.
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi roll(s) Flaming Artillery from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 42. - Rolled by: Hanami
COMBAT: That attack does not exist.
COMBAT: Hanami attacks Zankuro with WIND-PHYSICAL with a roll of: 41
COMBAT: Hanami attacks Zankuro with WIND-PHYSICAL with a roll of: 40
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a RHYTHMIC-RIPPLE…45
Interestingly enough, Nozomi doesn't really move much. Instead her music continues to play and the air around her starts pulsing as the sound of her music starts to intensify. The fire balls appear to follow the shift in their fuel as the chakra fueling them is diverted by Nozomi's defense, leaving a large circle around her that is effectively untouched.
Noting that the masked ninja has started to move, and the selected opponent, Nozomi decides to mix things up a bit. For now, at least as far as anyone else can determine, her main target appears to be Ankai as waves of sound come crashing down on him, threatening to vibrate his body and seriously distract him. She also slips something else into the mix, targetting all her opponents, but this ability is far more… subtle.
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with MINOR-MUSIC-CHORD with a roll of: 32
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with SUBTLE-LULLABY with a roll of: 44
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 2 with SUBTLE-LULLABY with a roll of: 41
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks Hanami with SUBTLE-LULLABY with a roll of: 47
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
COMBAT: Zankuro defends against WIND-PHYSICAL(41) attack from Hanami with a INTUITIVE-ACTION…60
COMBAT: Zankuro wins the roll.
COMBAT: Zankuro defends against WIND-PHYSICAL(40) attack from Hanami with a IRON-SCROLL-TECHNIQUE…47
COMBAT: Zankuro wins the roll.
Zankuro narrowed his eyes moreso to keep the sudden flare of light from fireballs from destroying what little night vision he had left. The widen a second later as a blur formed materalizes in front of him. Moreso by instinct than thought, he sidesteps the first while popping free a small scroll from his vest, then turning aside the second punch with a hastily summoned buckler.
"Sorry milady, but your keeping my dance partner waiting." Zankuro says nonchalantly as the buckler exploded into a puff of smoke. The same smoke serves to mask a grab for a smoke bomb. One he doesn't hesitate to use for even a second. He hoped more than anything the brief bit of cover would give him enough time to get past the so called ANBU member, and get a clear look at Ankai. Once more, he sought to assault the man's mind, though this time without restraint. An overwhelming compulsion to kneel would sweep over his target while Zankuro looked out, seemingly strangely half-asleep.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks Hanami with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 30
RP: Zankuro reverts to his normal state.
RP: Zankuro transforms into AKUMU-NO-JUTSU.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks target 1 with SUBMISSION-AURA with a roll of: 45
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks you with SUBTLE-LULLABY and rolls a 47. Action?
COMBAT: Hanami defends against SUBTLE-LULLABY(47) attack from Nozomi with a WIND-DOME…47
COMBAT: Hanami wins the roll.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks you with STEALTH-II and rolls a 30. Action?
COMBAT: Hanami defends against STEALTH-II(30) attack from Zankuro with a WIND-SENSE…33
COMBAT: Hanami wins the roll.
COMBAT: There are no more attacks for you to defend against.
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Nozomi roll(s) Lava Armor from 20 to 55 and get(s) a 44. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Nozomi roll(s) Lava Armor from 20 to 55 and get(s) a 35. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi roll(s) Fire Clone from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Zankuro roll(s) Genjutsu Kai from 20 to 45 and get(s) a 36. - Rolled by: Hanami
Itsuko hid a half smirk behind her half mask as the boy she was facing dodged and deflected her wind punches. Couldn't help a bit of her upset at missing, then again no real surprise on her part and she really wasn't trying to take him out. So she backs off as Zankuro unleashes the smoke bomb, chuckling to herself as she watches his movements easily through her wind sense, even with the smoke making it irritating and the jutsu Ankai has going to break open another font of chakra like before blazing in her senses already. But she can't be too lax, gotta keep up appearances. At that time she starts to feel more than hear a vibration setting into her; Nozomi, of course. So she whips through the signs and spreads her arms expanding a small dome of wind around her blocking out the sound and pushing back the smoke in the process. Handy new jutsu, that. She then turns to Zankuro and attacks again, then time though when she gets close she drops down and sweeps out her leg. Zankuro would notice though her foot doesn't even connect with him yet a strong but brief burst of wind emits from it intent on knocking him down. She follows that up with a wind enhanced elbow strike.
The Grunt on the other hand isn't faring as well. Getting more and more simmered off as Nozomi stops his fire barrage he's too late to react to her subtle attack, missing the cues he finds his body vibrating, causing him pain. He looks to the girl, figuring it has to be her and either way he just wants to take her out for good. So he makes the signs and focuses, exhaling a large fireball and roars straight for her!
Ankai meanwhile is getting closer and closer to completing the jutsu. Gouts of burning chakra spit out with more rapidity. As it happens he is able to pick up on Nozomi's first attack, raising another armor of lava to block the noise. But her more subtle attack pierces his defenses setting his teeth to rattle and his body to quiver in pain. It's causing him to fumble a bit with the jutsu and as such he can't mount a good enough defense when Zankuro attacks his mind. He finds himself, unwillingly, dropping to his knees, hands at his side. The jutsu's progress seems to halt for the moment.
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi roll(s) Great Fireball Technique from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 16. - Rolled by: Hanami
COMBAT: Hanami attacks Zankuro with SWEEPING-GUST with a roll of: 39
COMBAT: Hanami attacks Zankuro with WIND-PHYSICAL with a roll of: 31
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a FADE…32
Nozomi's form appears to fade away as Grunt tries his attack, only to appear behind the balding man. She's still playing that infernal music, but her attention is mainly focused on Ankai. This time six sound swords speed toward the man, followed by another six. She doesn't appear to be much focused on Grunt, other than to avoid his attacks.
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with SIX-STRING-SWORDS with a roll of: 43
COMBAT: Nozomi attacks target 1 with THREE-STRING-SWORD with a roll of: 35
Nozomi's form appears to fade away as Grunt tries his attack, only to appear behind the balding man. She's still playing that infernal music, but her attention is mainly focused on Ankai. This time six sound swords speed toward the man, followed by another three. She doesn't appear to be much focused on Grunt, other than to avoid his attacks.
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a INTUITIVE-EXPLOIT…44
COMBAT: Zankuro defends against SWEEPING-GUST(39) attack from Hanami with a INTUITIVE-EXPLOIT…66
COMBAT: Zankuro wins the roll.
COMBAT: Zankuro counters against a WIND-PHYSICAL(31) attack from Hanami with a DECISIVE-ACTION…42
COMBAT: Zankuro has successfully countered the attack.
Even with his focus so keenly on the head honcho, Zankuro's guard was not so lax as to forget about his original opponent. Spying her movement from the corner of his eyes, Zankuro only hesitates long enough for the sweep to begin before springing over her head. A glimpse of far to much ruffling dust and grass from a mere 'kick' confirms what instinct warned against. But soon enough, his focus shifts again to ducking beneath the elbow strike, and driving his own into her side, using her own momentum against her.
"Someone's awfully insistent." He said nonchalantly, though his expression doesn't quite match it. His eyes were narrowed ever so slightly in suspicion. Forming a quick hand seal, Itsuko would see wire spring up from the ground and try to immobilize her. A distraction, if nothing else from the great orb of fire Zankuro spouts.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks Hanami with BINDING-ILLUSION with a roll of: 42
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks Hanami with COMET with a roll of: 28
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks you with DECISIVE-ACTION and rolls a 42. Action?
COMBAT: Hanami counters against a DECISIVE-ACTION(42) attack from Zankuro with a GALE-PULSE…26
COMBAT: Hanami loses the roll and sustains 516 damage.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks you with BINDING-ILLUSION and rolls a 42. Action?
COMBAT: Hanami defends against BINDING-ILLUSION(42) attack from Zankuro with a GENJUTSU-PERCEPTION…25
COMBAT: You lose your stamina for 1 attacks.
COMBAT: Hanami loses the roll and sustains 0 damage.
COMBAT: Zankuro attacks you with COMET and rolls a 28. Action?
COMBAT: Hanami defends against COMET(28) attack from Zankuro with a TENSE…10
COMBAT: Hanami loses the roll and sustains 590 damage.
COMBAT: There are no more attacks for you to defend against.
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Nozomi roll(s) Lava Armor from 20 to 55 and get(s) a 33. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Nozomi roll(s) Lava Armor from 20 to 55 and get(s) a 38. - Rolled by: Hanami
Itsuko sighs a bit, guess some things never change, useless. Though she really shouldn't be so upset over it, need to remind herself. Of course, being more successful would be nice as she tries to focus a blast of wind to deter the elbow but isn't successful, grunting as the blow rocks into her gut, sear that hurt. Follow that up by seeing wire binding her, keeping her in place and unable to move when Zankuro's charged comet crashes into her. She groans, thinking these two have things well in hand, best if she takes herself off maybe.
The Grunt meanwhile is furious, more so by Nozomi's blatant ignoring of him now. So he reacts appropriately, thinking he'll make sure they can't ignore him! And so he exhales a couple compact balls of flame that explode when they hit spraying napalm-like flames around the area.
Ankai had to take Nozomi's punishment, brought down by Zankuro's genjutsu he hisses in pain as the sound blades slice into his back and side. He coughs, breath hagard. "It cannot…cannot end like this!" He lurches to his feet as the Grunt's explosions shatter the night around them more so than their battle yet before. He focuses chakra in his hand and slams it into the ground, causing it to crack and rupture spewing lava up around the two shinobi.
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi & Zankuro roll(s) Explosion from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 40. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi & Zankuro roll(s) Explosion from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 38. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Grunt vs Nozomi & Zankuro roll(s) Explosion from 15 to 45 and get(s) a 31. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Nozomi roll(s) Grand Fissure from 20 to 50 and get(s) a 45. - Rolled by: Hanami
[NPC System]: Ankai vs Zankuro roll(s) Grand Fissure from 20 to 50 and get(s) a 44. - Rolled by: Hanami
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-WAVE…33
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-WAVE…27
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a SOUND-WAVE…43
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi defends against with a DODGE…24
COMBAT: Nozomi focuses 2566 stamina to turn it into 3000 usable chakra!
RPCOMBAT: Nozomi took 538 damage.
Well, Nozomi's over-zealousness takes a heavy price. As Grunt unleashes his explosions, she tries valiantly to push them away with sound, but starts feeling very dizzy from the chakra expenditure. As she tries to focus more chakra, however, the big bad's attacks happen, and she's caught without enough chakra to divert the lava! All she can do is jump high and hope that she can get clear of enough of it to survive…
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a INTUITIVE-DODGE…43
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a INTUITIVE-ACTION…52
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a INTUITIVE-DODGE…50
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a SEGMENTED-IRON-DOME…56
RPCOMBAT: Zankuro defends against with a SEGMENTED-IRON-DOME…56
With his only clue to Itsuko's condition being a groan of pain after all was said and done, Zankuro began breathing a little easier. "One down. Two-…" His head whips up, the sound of explosions growing increasingly closer catching his ears over the Nozomi's music. Again and again Zankuro leaped about to evade the explosive masses, his pattern seemingly random at first, but the truth was far from it.
Anticipating where the leader's anger would lead him, Zankuro eventually maneuvered close enough for one final spring to carry him near Nozomi. "Heads up!" He calls out. Her only warning before both are surrounded by an segmented iron ball. While this does spare them from the lava, there was… a bit of a snafu. Zankuro didn't take into account the lava spewing up pushing the ball in mid-air. Just a smidgen! But more than enough to send them tumble weeding a short ways.
Dazed, Zankuro still had a mind to seal up the dome as soon as it stopped moving. Sadly, soon after he is on his knees, trying to keep his dinner down. "Remind… again… *hurk*… to never do that."
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Ankai laughed deeply as he watched the two shinobi struggle under the assault from him the the Grunt. The ground was fractured and burned, trees were on fire all over the place and swatches of slowly cooling lava laced the ground. He sighed, then turned back to get the jutsu going again. Leaving things to his subordinates once more, though Itsuko didn't exactly jump to continue the fight. And probably for the best, as two kunai suddenly appeared buried in Ankai's back, leaving him stumbling and sputtering blood. At the same time there was a flash by Grunt who found himself electrocuted by lightning and an unknown young woman standing over him with her fist against his chest as he lay sprawled on the ground. Another woman stepped out of the trees near Itsuko, likely the one who threw the kunai, and gazed at Itsuko, "Stand down now, or suffer like your companions." Her voice was stern, cold. And Itsuko felt it was time to leave, couldn't blow cover just yet. Though heading back as a failure wasn't going to go over well… So she unleashed a couple quick wind vortices to spiral around her, not aiming at anyone but the debris they threw up provided ample distraction for her to bolt, fleet as the wind.
Both women were wearing headbands with the symbol for Kumo on it identifying them as Kumo-nin. The one who spoke, a blond, went to see to Ankai who was still alive. She made sure he was unconscious though, and began binding him. The other woman, short with dark hair, went over to Nozomi and Zankuro, "Yamayuki Nozomi, and Sarutobi Zankuro I presume? I apologize, we were slower getting here than we liked. My name is Naoka and that's my partner Tsuba. We were sent from Kumo as soon as they were able to free us up, not too long after you guys left I would imagine. Guess we got here right in time, though looks like you two had a time of it, but seemed to fair pretty well I imagine. Nice job. We got that guy, the leader, captive. The other one…well he didn't survive my attack but oh well. Sadly the young woman with them got away but I doubt it matters much, she wont be coming back for revenge with being so outnumbered, and she clearly was injured. Do you feel up to giving us a brief explanation of what went on? And well…there's that seal work over there…" To which she looks and the jutsu seemed to be breaking down. Burning chakra had done it's own damage to the area which was still kind of burning slowly, but the seals were breaking apart and the bubbling circle was subsiding, fading away.
COMBAT: Hanami finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Nozomi's turn.
Nozomi looks over to Zankuro as she finishes channeling chakra and says, "Thank you. I used too much too fast there," As the dome fades and she prepares for futher action she murmers, "Keep the bald one off of me, I'll take Mr. Lava…" Just then things happen and the fight is over! Even though one got away, she looks at the two newcomers and sighs in relief. "Thank you, it was getting pretty hairy there," she says as she starts to perform first aid on herself. That said, she launches into an explanation of their mission, describing the abilities of each pretty well. "All in all, the main problem would have been the lava thrower over there, though the bald one was marginally competent." Yeah, she can say that as she patches herself up, but truth be told, the comparison between the leader and the bald one was pretty apt.
COMBAT: Nozomi heals Nozomi for 254 with FIRST AID.
COMBAT: Nozomi finishes her turn.
COMBAT: It is now Zankuro's turn.
Zankuro doesn't hear a thing. Or maybe he does, but just didn't care? Either way, he offered not even the slightest gesture to Nozomi, to intent then on keeping everything down. Zankuro had looked up long enough to see Ankai get attacked by someone.. or thing. Then, it was right back to nearly throwing up. By the time he has his stomach in proper order, the battle is over with some strange new arrivals.
"Presumed correctly." He said, shifting about until he sat on his bottom. Content from then on to leave the explinations to Nozomi, Zankuro quietly scanned their surroundings, his lips quickly forming a grim line at the sight. If the Tsuba and Naoka had not been there…
"If… its alright with you three. I'll head back down to the village and let them know the danger has passed." Without waiting for an answer, Zankuro begins his trek back with those dryly spoken words being left behind.
COMBAT: Zankuro finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Hanami's turn.
Naoya, and shortly after Tsuba, listen to Nozomi's explanation of events. Eventually Naoya gives a nod, "Well done you two, you did well assessing the situation then dealing with it." Tsuba looks over as Zankuro announces his plans, "Oh yes, good idea…well." As Zankuro takes off leaving the three women behind. After that it's a simple matter of transporting the prisoner, dealing with the Grunt's body, and heading back to town. The town would be pretty unsettled, having watched the flashes of light and fire wondering what was going on, then the fires but they've mainly burned down and what was left the village took care of. The shinobi were free to return to the village as soon as they wanted, but the mayor did offer his home to let them rest first if they wished.
