Starring:
Naru, Ryuunosuke, Taiki, Ryo
Date: September 3, 2012
Summary:
The first responders arrive at the Kuromizu Cave System, where the ring of Heromu had be determined to be located. While the group makes head way through the cave, they are intercepted by a enemy shinobi by the name of Heromu. Taiki and Ryuunosuke square off while Naru and Ryo go ahead, though once reinforcements begin to arrive, Ryo comes back to settle his score with Taikeru before the cave becomes engulfed in a massive explosion
Poster's note: Profanity filtered in obvious places.
"The Lost Uchiha - Wolves against the Storm"
Kuromizu Cave System - The Land of Earth
A large group of Konoha shinobi was organized for special mission involving the Ring of Heromu, with intelligence from Anbu they weren't able to just track down the location of the Ring, but also the main headquarters of the organization they were tracking down, while it may have been unknown to Hitoshi and Taiki, this was one of the missions Ryo and Naru had constantly been disappearing over and it seemed like today would be the ending climax… They stood before a massive valley fissure within the land of stone, carefully making her way down by applying her feet against the rock sides pointing off in their destination. "The entrance should be just up ahead… I expect we will have some pretty strong resistance so we all need to be careful.." Naru had warned, it was about miday… This wasn't at all a hit and sneak mission… Bust in and destroy the ring, and take out anyone else that might be there… if possible. "Another detachment should be along the way…"
Taiki looks over at the other three that he is with. He trusts each of them equally, even if he was vested in one more than others. But that would not come into play here. He was, first and foremost, a shinobi, and his mission would be with Ryo and Hitoshi. He nods slowly as he considers this and says, "So we're the first wave, our responsibility is to make a hole for the second detachment. Are we accepting prisoners?" Taiki asks Naru as he considers the scene before them. Shinobu and Nozomi are both there, each to a side and a little behind Taiki in an arrow point formation.
Ryo followed along down the rock, using his feet to adhere himself to it. "I doubt you want to accept these types as prisoners." The orders were fine by Ryo. He had no issues trying to destroy the ring. His Sharingan activate as he looks towards the entrance. For now he was just waiting for the signal. His hand remains firm on the hilt of his Shin Gunto blade.
Taiki looks over at the other three that he is with. He trusts each of them equally, even if he was vested in one more than others. But that would not come into play here. He was, first and foremost, a shinobi, and his mission would be with Ryo and Hitoshi. He nods slowly as he considers this and says, "So we're the first wave, our responsibility is to make a hole for the second detachment. Are we accepting prisoners?" Taiki asks Naru as he considers the scene before them. Shinobu and Nozomi are both there, each to a side and a little behind Taiki in an arrow point formation.
Ryo followed along down the rock, using his feet to adhere himself to it. "I doubt you want to accept these types as prisoners." The orders were fine by Ryo. He had no issues trying to destroy the ring. His Sharingan activate as he looks towards the entrance. For now he was just waiting for the signal. His hand remains firm on the hilt of his Shin Gunto blade.'
"If possible…But I doubt they will go willingly… We need to really really be able to get a hold over them, they always seem to have something up their sleeve though, they are better off dead than alive," Naru had agreed, mostly with how Ryo had thought things. Naru slipped down the side of the Valley and swiftly began to anchor herself near the base, her eyes flared with the sharingan, Taiki and Ryo could see and smell that the place was laced with tags to keep intruders out, and to a certain degree, it was almost laid out as if they were being invited inside. " Interesting…" Naru whispered quietly as she waved the group to come join her, "Once we enter…there won't be any coming back… Not until this mission is completed…"
Taiki nods slowly to Ryo as he makes his comments, then listening to Naru. Okay, no prisoners. He nods to both of his ninken who seem to tighten up the formation a little. When they approach the seals, he takes a good look at them and mumbles, "I really need to finish my lessons with my seal sensei…" He shrugs this off as Naru speaks, then nods. "It's about what I thought. Do or die." If today is his day to die, he'll take as many of these people as he can when he goes.
This was not news to Ryo. He had seen these guys before. He had just hoped to run into the actual people this time. That way when he killed one of them they might stay dead. "One of these days we'll get them." He then looks at the tags lining the entrance. "Think we should announce ourselves? I mean they probably know we are here…"
Ryuu was an impromptu addition to this mission. He'd been playing catchup up until he saw Naru and the group head over the down the side of the Valley. Having not yet mastered tree walking Ryuu has to get his monkey on. He finally catches up to the group sliding down the valley side. He stumbles a little however. "Jeez these valleys are steep." Ryuu looks up to the rest of the group and waves quietly. He just read the atmosphere. He can see that they're about to get started so he arms himself with his trench knives. "Right then. I'll be tagging along. Senju Ryuunosuke at your service. No need to worry I'm more capable than I look.
'"Hmm reinforcements have come quick… Hopefully we will get a bit more…" Naru stated as she looked over Ryuu with a welcoming expression, and finalyl peering back int othe dark cave. Nothing came to her other than the seals, but if they moved around carefully they would be able to get in without notice but then again… They might forget about them on the way out… " Alright… Lets do this…" Naru spoke softly and then nodded her head to Ryo, finally with a few hand seals suddenly she exclaims. "Katon! Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Taking in a heaving breath she exploded the massive fire orb forward, burning straight through the hole and literally lightning up the rest of the tags, shattering and blowing up the hole until the size of had increased to a massive cave indention… With that she smirked lightly and moved forward. "Lets go!"'
Ryo had similar fears as Taiki. He knew how Naru liked her fellow Senju. Usually with large metal objects protruding from organs that they were not suppose to be protruding from. That or set on fire and left to cook until crispy. Like Taiki, he is set at ease when she seems to accept this one. For now life is good. Even if they were about to enter a booby trapped cave looking for people who turned others into zombies and liked to use some wierd jutsu.
For a brief moment, Ryo considered adding to Naru's fire style, but then she pulls out the big Jutsu and sends off a massive fireball. It was not the jutsu that got him, but that she did not wait for him. "Show off.." he mutters before following Taiki into the cave. At least with Taiki around they had another sense to back up or confirm that which the eyes saw.
Ryuu smiles back at Naru and nods to her. Despite their run-ins in the past, today they're comrades and Ryuu would have her back. Of course the same goes for Taiki, who Atsuro talked about quite a bit, and Ryo. Ryuu blinks as Naru made one heck of an entrance. This was good, Ryuu wasn't a fan of the subtle route. He grins and gathers chakra before following the others in with his grip tight on his trench knives. "Right behind yah." he says rushing in. Ryo's comment makes Ryuu chuckle "You'll get your chance I'm sure. Ryuu expected enemies to be upon them soon. Something like a massive flaming hole doesn't go unnoticed or unchecked for too long. "Let's go wild."
It was a little exciting, and a little gut wrenching… The battle they were facing was a bunch of unknowns, and the keep step would be holding the group at bay until reinforcements could come to secure the situation…Right now it was the 4 of them was first responders for the battles to come… They were literally running through an intricate cave system, all of it seemed to only lead one way until they found themselves settled in a massive clearing within the cave. The sound of running water, chairs and tables made of stone, and even fire torches lit up the bulk of the room. It appeared to be a massive common area for the group, and while there were a few entrances into other rooms, the obvious next step was a wide staircase leading into a larger entrance. " They seem to be…pretty comfortable…" naru spoke softly… If the others were paying more attention they could see various traps set throughout the room, almost as if they were set right in the middle of a booby trap…
Taiki looks at the chairs and table and smirks. "Reminds me of my sanctuary," Taiki says quietly, almost to himself. He takes a close look around, even though sight isn't is forte, and shakes his head. "Man, these people are almost as bad as the Recluse. What is it with maniacal madmen and seal traps? I mean, can't they come up with something /a little/ more inventive?" He then glances to the two Uchiha, since they know these people much better than he does, and asks, "So… we're supposed to wade through this nightmare and get ourselves killed by a bunch of seals?" He's curious as to what they think, and almost equally curious as to what the newcomer makes of all of this. At the same time Shinobu starts sniffing the floor, trying to pick up any real scent without setting traps off.
Ryo raised an eyebrow at Ryuu's do-good attitude. Despite the boy's monk-like appearance and attitude, positivity was uncalled for. None the less, Ryo returns his attention to the mission at hand without so much as a response. Once they enter the room with the furniture that complimented all the traps, Ryo turned his attention on Taiki. "Though it may seem like you do, you really do NOT want them to figure out a new type of trap. They have a manual to follow and thats why we usually win according to the tales." He then looks towards Naru. "Lead on?"
Ryuu blinks oddly at Taiki and shakes his head. "No way…hehe" he chuckles softly as he thinks to himself that Taiki almost sounds like Atsuro at this point. That was a horrifying thought for the young Senju. Ryuu then looks to Ryo "I think he was being sarcastic. This is a little cliche." Ryuu states rubbing his head. Everything was too obvious, and this coming from a guy who tends to dive in and think later. Ryuu could spot clear traps and could see the inviting exit or perhaps entrance, via the wide staircase. "Anyone else get the feeling this is all too…obvious?" Ryuu asked. "Either way we're gonna have to move forward. We're bound to run into a few traps." he looks to wide staircase as he says so. "But it's your call Naru-san." he shrugs turning to her. He's kind of got an inclination to what she'll say "You're not afraid of a few booby traps are yah?"
"All of that is incorrect!" A voice finally echoes throughout the room, down from the massive stairwell the man with crimson hair and bright eagle like eyes, he smirked while holstering his massive broad sword along the base of his shoulder. " You think these traps mean anything? Oh no… I'm going to personally tear the limbs of you little punks, especially you!" Taikeru pointed a single gloved digit towards Ryo, the balled kid that he never seemed to put out of his misery. " I'm definitely going to finally carve those little eyes out of your body… I can't believe you Konoha shinobi have the nerve to invade our base like this… You think we were just going to leave you here with a bunch of traps? Oh no…This time, Maybe we can send the lot of you back… Back as our little pawns…" He smirked at the idea, slamming his blade into the stone before him, electricity crackling in his wake, his black cloak bellowing. " You can leave now, or become pawns,"
The sudden arrival of Taikeru had caused Naru to snarl just a little bit, it cut her comments short as to what their next move would be. "Damn it… Him again?" Naru cursed quietly under her breath, she exchanged a quick glance to Ryo, he knew fully well what this was going to mean. It was going to be a difficult fight, especially if they found themselves expended before they even managed to get any further within the cave system. "Becareful guys…This guy is well quaint ed with lightning release…" Naru spoke softly, her hands resting along the butt of her katana, biting her lip in the process… Did they come all this way to be stopped now… They needed to move quickly… " We aren't going to allow you to stay in our way!"
Taiki chuckles at Ryuunosuke's comment about sarcasm, only to remind himself to work on making his sarcastic remarks a bit more biting, especially if they flew over Ryo's head. He nods once in agreement with the Senju's assessment of Taiki's banter before turning his attention to the newcomer.
As this man appears both ninken growl threateningly, each assuming their most used stance. Taiki himself still stands and listens for a moment as the typical banter is exchanged. The lighting coming from the man's blade catches his attention, though. Added to this is Naru's caution, which causes the chuunin to grin widely and dangerously. "A fellow Raiton user, huh? With a sword to extend the reach I take it? So old man," Taiki says with a smirk, "Just how good are you with Raiton? Maybe I can learn something while dismantling you piece by piece."
Ryo groans… "You again…" Then there is the head shake. Finally Ryo looks between the others. "I call dibs on his blade. Whatever you do, do not destroy that. I feel it is my obligation to care for the weapon." He then turns his focus back to Taikeru. "I promise your blade will be in good hands after I send you onto the next life. I do not care if I have to kill you six more times."
"AHA!" Ryuu remarks looking to Taiki and Ryo "And you were worried about the traps. At least we don't have to deal with those things. They're pesky." Ryuu nods. He looks to Taikeru now watching the guy flaunt that sword of his. Ryuu grins at Taiki's retort towards Taikeru "Oh nice." Ryuu states "Raiton user or not he's going down." From the sound of it, it seems Ryo and Naru know this guy. "I'm not going to be any body's pawn. Ya got that? Like the lady said, we can't allow you to stay in our way. You can leave now or become a punching bag." Ryuu enters his fighting stance then blinks a few times before exiting it and turning towards Ryo. "Oh by the way who is this guy?" The way Naru was acting it was if this guy was pretty dangerous. Ryuu figured that much but being inexperienced with Taikeru he couldn't get a idea for how dangerous this guy could be.
They were all pretty cocky, which meant that it will be their undoing, he smirked slightly, listening at each of them spout a bunch of smoke, causing hhim to pick up his blade, pointing it at the group of them while smirking. " How about we settle this here and now then… I'd rather have you dead than becoming our pawns," The older man spoke, and finally he began to move through a pair of very lazy hand seals. " Lets hope you all know how to move…. Raiton! Raikouhira!" He sends a barrage of bolts scorching and forking throughout the room, iilumating the walls with a flash of light as he attempted blast them with his volley of attack, coming right out the edge of his blade. Not once leaving from his location in the staircase.
Taiki is down on all fours in his modified four legged stance even before the man completes his speech. Thus when the lightning arcs, somewhat predictably, he and his ninken easily dart out, fanning out and leaping in and around the bolts with comparative ease. "Oh come on! Is that the best you've got? I out and out told you I was a Raiton user myself old man! And I'm an Inuzuka! We're used to moving around. Do you honestly think that something that inane is going to even come close? Man… you don't know my clan at all. Heh…" He continues to taunt the man in hopes to anger him enough, just enough, for an opening.
"And having me as a pawn is worse than useless, I'm the black sheep of the family! And here's why! Raiton: Lightning Needles!" With this and a series of handsigns Taiki lauches his own stream of endless bolts of lightning right back. In the meantime, both Shinobu and Nozomi launch forward, twisting into tsugas and attacking him from the sides before careening off to the opposite positions they were in before. "You forget that even our taijutsu is mid-range, you ancient bag of bones!"
As the lightning surges around Ryuu looks on to Ryo still waiting for an answer. When he feels the lighting approach he channels wind chakra through his arms and neutralizes the lighting fanning out his arms. He grins with a 'come at me bro' expression on his face. Wind has the elemental advantage against Lighting so Ryuu liked his odds right now. He looks to Taikeru and shakes his head "Forget it. I can find out who he is after I pound him." With that Ryuu enters his fighting stance once more with his trench knives in hand. Taiki's quick assault was perfect. If Taikeru didn't tank the attacks he'd have to dodge the. With Nozomi's and Shinobu's simultaneous tsugas Taikeru would have one opening whether he tanked or dodged. It would appear as though Ryuunosuke disappeared during Taiki's and his partner's attacks. After Nozomi and Shinobi came out of their spins Ryuu would be descending upon Taikeru. From above he spin slashing with his trench knives at Taikeru. He infused the knives with wind chakra just in case Taikeru tried to defend with Lightning in some way. He finished with a kick, aimed for the temple that came right after the slashes subsided. Just like the slashes Ryuu infused wind chakra into his leg.
Taikeru did show finesse with his techniques, despit the onslaught of attacks he moved with the swell of his blade, blocking the attacks with his empowered lightning blade, swiping away at the needles and taking the blunt force of the other attacks, only one managed to catch into the man's flesh, a wind current tear slicing against the side of his arm, with the first blood drawn it was apparent that Taikeru was indeed human, and perhaps there was a chance at being able to defeat him. He smirked at Taiki, following up his strike with a swift stab right into Taiki's arm if able while whirling that same blade twice to cut at Ryuu, a simple swing followed by another. " Try again brats… I won't make this easy for you…" The man replied, his crimson hair flowing with each movement.
With the battle begun Ryo had prompted for Naru to move along forward, after all getting the ring was necessary, and the longer they lingered the more chance they had at removing the ring and perhaps even exiting out of the cave unnoticed. "Can…can you handle this…Ta-kun? Ryuu-san?" Naru called out to the both of them, her hand remained on her blade since none of the attacks were coming for her, she was now about half way…Able to move up and disappear up the staircase into the next room…Ryo was to supply some escort and then revert back to the fight…
Once again Taiki manages to get out of the way of the old man's attack, though this time by a lesser amount than normal. Taiki nods and gives a thumb's up sign toward Naru, though he does take his eyes off his opponent for a moment. Instead he laughs at the old man. "Brat? That's the best you can come up with? Please… I know men older than you that have called me a hundred times worse, and they were older than dirt! What's you're excuse?"
At the same time Taiki had been making gestures with his hands toward the ninken, using their own secret code. "Whatever. That was just a warmup…" Now that Ryuunosuke had moved into close combat, the time came for Taiki to do the same. He did so with glee as he and Nozomi formed a Gatsuga straight for the man while another Shinobu popped into life. That Shinobu ran forward and tried to bite down on the man's ankle, only to discharge lighting as the attack struck.
"If it bleeds." Ryuu remarks watching Taikeru retreat back dodging his kick. The young Senju readies himself the second wave. He and Taiki made a decent team. Correction, he, Taiki, Shinobi and Nozomi made a pretty decent team. When Naru asked if they'd be ok Ryuu smirks and looks towards her "Worrying about me now? Wow we've come a long way." He turns back towards Taikeru and glances to Taiki before giving Naru a thumbs up. "We got this." Ryuu was now fighting not for the sake of the mission but for his comrades. He couldn't allow himself to fall short here. However when Taikeru retaliated this time Ryuu found himself on the receiving edge of the blade. It cut his left side just below the rib cage. Ryuu reels back and his blood stains the ground below.
Ryuu looks to Taikeru and cracks his knuckles "Good I didn't want this to be too easy anyway." Ryuu resumes his stance and his eyes brighten with vim and vigor. With the trust of his teammates backing him Ryuu wouldn't back down. Again he watched Taiki's attacks and coordination with his partners. Nozomi took the lead this time but Ryuu would still follow up. After the Gatsuga Ryuu attack almost matching in timing with Shinobu. As the dog's clone went for the leg Ryuu tried attacking Taikeru from left flank with a furious haymaker. After the swing he attacked with another pressing on Taikeru. His last attack was a slicing hook.
Taikeru was fairing pretty well though suddenly Taiki's technique rips into his flesh, twisting into the side of his arm, pulling up flesh blood and his cloak, however, he fell through with the rest of the attack, pivoting on his foot and allowing his massive blade to spin and slice once again at Taiki's shoulder, this town with a stronger movement, lightning crackling down his blade, the rest of his blade extended outwards, aiming to slice Ryuu with the same blistering attack, attempting to easily cut through the flesh and soon after send crackling electricity right through it. " I don't give a damn what the **** you two think you are… THIS is the end of the line!" He didn't even seem to mind Ryo and Naru aiming for the staircase, if anything he was offering it.
"Be….be safe!" Naru called out to the both of them, though her eyes were more on Taiki than anyone else, she bit her lip, curious as to how this battle might turn out, still facing a bunch of unknown, but with Taiki and Ryuu holding their ground and barely getting hurt, with a knowing expression she turned tail along with Ryo and disappeared into the staircase above… The fight was simple now… Hold off Taikeru until the ring was destroyed or Reinforcements had arrived…
Okay, now that one hit, and hurt a bit. But Taiki just smiles as he comes to a stop. "Switch," he announces as Nozomi falls back. Now is time to show this guy what Taiki is really capable of. "Raiton: Kaminarino Tsume!" As the beastial Taiki lowers his hands back down, wicked looking claws of lightning extend from his fingertips and erupt from his shoes. He loses more shoes that way. Then he goes in again, with a new burst of speed thanks to greater traction, slashing across his opponent's body with both hands simultaneously. He leans back in time for a massive lightning-fueled drill bit to strike at the old man, courtesy of Shinobu's raitsuga.
Taikeru was getting more and more difficult to far with. The young genin found himself once again on the receiving end of Taikeru's blade. It cut deep and wounded deeper. Ryuu falls to one knee and catches his breath. 'Can I handle this?' echoes through his head. 'A strong man isn't necessarily a man who doesn't get knocked down.' He pounds the ground with his fist and rises. He inhales slowly and then exhales. 'However, a strong man always gets back up.' Softly his eyes close then the snap open fiercely. "FOR YOU!" Ryuunosuke retorts. He dashes at Taikeru, his chakra is abundant and potent. With swift strikes he attacks Taikeru each strike infused with wind chakra. He threw two straights and finished with a punched aimed at the mid section or stomach. These all came subsequent to Shinobu's raitsuga.
Taikeru was taking in hits left and right…Something was going on and for some reason he wasn't able to defend against the attacks. With Taiki's opening drilling bit attack he found himself dropign to a knee, blood exposed from his wounds especially after the windy onslaught after Ryuu's hit. For a moment it seems like the man had lost his nerve, especially with the many cuts and burns lacerated amongst his body, he holds his sword steady before a massive gust of electricity begins to seep out from his form. " YOU IDIOTS, YOU THINK YOU CAN HANDLE ME?!" Taikeru roars, the buzzing surge of power licking away at his wounds while he turns his attention upon the both of them again, with a tightly clenched blade his body seems to move in a single instance, raising his blade high he clevaes it downwards right ontop of Taiki, attempting to slice him in to while offering a double swipe of his blade, hopefully to penetrate through the both of their flesh…Taikeru was no longer playing around.
Taiki grimaces as he miscalculates and takes yet further damage. Nozomi slides further to the back, realizing this is getting dangerous and starts sizing the guy up, or at least that's what it looks like. Taiki himself snarls and says, "Do not make the same mistake the Recluse do by underestimating me, teme." With that declaration he and shinobu jump back slightly, with Shinobu landing on top of Taiki. A longer series of hand seals later and a great deal of smoke covers both. The smoke disapates quickly, leaving two nearly identical Taikis there, one on top of another. In fact, at first glance, they look completely identical. But they are definitely a combination of man and beast now, nearing about half and half. Both snarl, and not another word is said as both leap up, twisting into another two of those lightning twister things, obviously a pre-cursor to something that will eventually be even more powerful, once they get it right.
Two quick slashes came in an instant and struck Ryuu putting him in a critical condition. Blood pooled underneath Ryuunosuke. Ryuu was aware of this but didn't give in. He could see that Taikeru was getting serious but Ryuu didn't falter. He staggered back twice, vision got a bit blurry at that point but he shook it off. A slight glance is given to Taiki before Ryuu grins "Time to wrap this up." Ryuu runs at Taikeru and surged wind chakra through his trench knives. He puts his all into this last stretch. Despite his wounds Ryuu movements were strong and fluid. Like a current of winding winds he slashes at Taikeru crossing grooves along his torso and digging deep with each slice.
Taikeru became faster and stronger, while finally making some powerful connecting hits, the sudden surge of electricty flowing throughout his body allowed him to move quickier, easily slipping away from each attack fluidly. A smirk embroiled along the man's lips, as he held his blade tightly, the Konoha shinobi before him weren't in the best condition…But then again Taikeru was becoming exhausted, much of his energy already wasted from the fighting. " I suppose "I" will need to end this now won't I? No more games Kids…" Taikeru spoke, brandishing the crackling energy of his blade… This battle was yet to be concluded…
Taiki grimaces as he miscalculates and takes yet further damage. Nozomi slides further to the back, realizing this is getting dangerous and starts sizing the guy up, or at least that's what it looks like. Taiki himself snarls and says, "Do not make the same mistake the Recluse do by underestimating me, teme." With that declaration he and shinobu jump back slightly, with Shinobu landing on top of Taiki. A longer series of hand seals later and a great deal of smoke covers both. The smoke disapates quickly, leaving two nearly identical Taikis there, one on top of another. In fact, at first glance, they look completely identical. But they are definitely a combination of man and beast now, nearing about half and half. Both snarl, and not another word is said as both leap up, twisting into another two of those lightning twister things, obviously a pre-cursor to something that will eventually be even more powerful, once they get it right.
Taiki grimaces as he miscalculates and takes yet further damage. Nozomi slides further to the back, realizing this is getting dangerous and starts sizing the guy up, or at least that's what it looks like. Taiki himself snarls and says, "Do not make the same mistake the Recluse do by underestimating me, teme." With that declaration he and shinobu jump back slightly, with Shinobu landing on top of Taiki. A longer series of hand seals later and a great deal of smoke covers both. The smoke disapates quickly, leaving two nearly identical Taikis there, one on top of another. In fact, at first glance, they look completely identical. But they are definitely a combination of man and beast now, nearing about half and half. Both snarl, and not another word is said as both leap up, twisting into another two of those lightning twister things, obviously a pre-cursor to something that will eventually be even more powerful, once they get it right.
Two quick slashes came in an instant and struck Ryuu putting him in a critical condition. Blood pooled underneath Ryuunosuke. Ryuu was aware of this but didn't give in. He could see that Taikeru was getting serious but Ryuu didn't falter. He staggered back twice, vision got a bit blurry at that point but he shook it off. A slight glance is given to Taiki before Ryuu grins "Time to wrap this up." Ryuu runs at Taikeru and surged wind chakra through his trench knives. He puts his all into this last stretch. Despite his wounds Ryuu movements were strong and fluid. Like a current of winding winds he slashes at Taikeru crossing grooves along his torso and digging deep with each slice.
Taikeru became faster and stronger, while finally making some powerful connecting hits, the sudden surge of electricty flowing throughout his body allowed him to move quickier, easily slipping away from each attack fluidly. A smirk embroiled along the man's lips, as he held his blade tightly, the Konoha shinobi before him weren't in the best condition…But then again Taikeru was becoming exhausted, much of his energy already wasted from the fighting. " I suppose "I" will need to end this now won't I? No more games Kids…" Taikeru spoke, brandishing the crackling energy of his blade… This battle was yet to be concluded…
Taiki sees his fighting partner take some significant wounds. Dammit, he would not have him die on his watch! "Senju'san, stay down. That is an order! Nozomi, guard Senju-san." The red dog gets in front of the downed genin and adopts the four legged stance: dog version, and growls. Taikeru would get to Ryuunosuke over her dead body!
In the meantime, a moderately damaged and slightly tired Taiki forms a ram sign and concentrates. To beet this guy he needed his A game. "I'll admit your good," Taiki says in a low-pitched, menacing growl, "But I promised somebody I wouldn't die here, and I fully intend to keep my promise. Besides, no one will keep me down, that is my nindo." He starts focusing his reserves to bring up his chakra level a bit, which seems to revitalize him a little. "So bring it old man!"
'Where the **** is Ryo?' Taiki thinks to himself. He's fully willing to back up his words, but facing this guy alone, or as alone as any Inuzuka can get, is something Taiki is looking forward to. Still, his job as a chuunin is to protect and lead, and he will do so!
"
"Firestyle: Endan!" The sound of Ryo's voice is heard, but he is not seen. All of a sudden a blast of oil shoots outwards towards Taikeru followed by a blast of fire. Then Ryo next to Taikeru making a slash of his blade. "Did you think I forgot about you? I told you that sword will be mine!" he yells. His eyes then move over towards Ryuu. Though he would not show it there was some guilt felt by the Uchiha. Had he been here for the entire fight, the Senju may not had paid the price.
"Taiki, how are you holding up? Your two ninken okay?" Instead of look at each, Ryo felt it better to get the verbal report. "I'll fight him. You just back me up. We will get through this. I promise." The boy then takes a step back and twirls his Shin Gunto blade. His three tomoe Sharingan glaring at Taikeru.
Taikeru was much different than before, which was going to make it difficult for him to be easily defeated. Chakra raced and racked all across his body, flowing down the edge of his blade as well, though Ryo's sudden arrival had perplexed the cloaked shinobi, and eventually he feels the full brunt force of the flame bullet smashing against him. Interesting enough he recoils, spinning his blade and slamming it it into Ryo's hilt, the electricity flowing to fork against him soon after. " You two really think you have what it takes hmm?" Taikeru asked them both with a smirk, it was getting to the point ot make things more interesting. With that in mind he tosses out a flash tag in their direction, strong enough to blind them temporarily to launch his attack… With one hand seal the ground floor began to rupture in a mass of explosions… The tags and traps finally becoming unsealed, or at least some of them.
"I'm fine," echoes the rough voice of both "Taikis." The moved around a little to prevent recognition on who was who, as well as positioning themselves. This moving around probably got them in perfect position to avoid the explosions that follow. And due to their being primarily four legged at this point, the lack of a smooth surface just doesn't seem to bother them quite as much.
As the two Taikis dance around the series of explosions, Noxomi grabs Ryuunosuke by the collar and does the same. It's a bit harder for her, but she still manages to do it. These three work well as a team, so it would seem. "Nozomi's guarding the Senju, we have your back," they both say again, their speech matching up perfectly. Yep, no doubt about it, Taiki had to get serious on this. In the meantime they both leap, one forming a regular tsuga, which explodes as electricity when it strikes at the jounin, while the other extends his lightning claws, both meaning to strike and yet keep at medium range. Another Taiki once again appears out of no-where, looking just as feral as before.
Ryo felt the electricity and the burning flesh. "That really hurt." Unfortunately if Taikeru was that quick, no blade attacks were going to work. Realizing this, Ryo simply places the Shin Gunto back into the sheath. "Fine. You really want to see me rely on my Ninjutsu…" The hand start to go once more. This time a good amount of oil shoots out towards Taikeru. Then as the two Inuzuka pass him with their attacks, Ryo starts up another group of hand signs. Yes, he is going from the Endan to the Goukakyuu.
Once back from the fire he looks towards the two Taikis. "Try to keep a distance from him. The more we can make him move between us, the more tired he will become. While his ninjutsu and kenjutsu are stronger than ours, we still have the number advantage." Now Ryo was starting to strategize. "Also, you got any tricks up your sleeve that might leave me an opening?" he asks.
Ryo's trick was actually working. Though the man managed to counter Taiki's attack and slide his body away from the other, the electricity crackling around his body began to disspitate into nothingness… And Ryo could see that his chakra had completely faded into nothing… Taikeru was only running on will power at this point. Dashing forward towards them while rolling around the massive fireball to stand right before the both of them unscaved… However the rooom was a mess now, and Ryo's missed fireball had slammed into the wall, causing even more devastated from the traps burrowed within the walls… The cave system itself seemed to shake and stutter briefly…but Taikeru wasn't paying any mind to it…For now he was just focusing his chakra. Churning a bit more energy for hopefully a final finish… "
It would seem the revitalization did help, but at the same time one of the Taikis takes some significant damage as instead of simply dodging Taikeru decides to take an oportunistic triple swipe at the solid form attacking him. Both Inuzuka growl deeply as they come to a stop, once again forming a ram seal. They're getting tired, and they're thinking. "Again not bad old man, but why is it you can only hit me when I misstep? So far you've been giving me love taps, little more." That phrase is broken up in twin-speak between the two Taikis in an attempt to egg the man on. They'd moon him save it wasn't safe enough. Taiki's choice of tactics is obvious, get the man focussed on him, allowing Ryo a chance to sneak an attack in while the man is distracted.
Ryo spotted the flicker of chakra in Taikeru. The two Taiki's seem to be regathering their selves. There was no way that Ryo was going to allow Taikeru to have that time to recooperate. He presses the attack once more. The cave system was starting to go and Ryo recognized it. The boy moved so that Taikeru was between him and a post. Now shooting oil towards him in hopes that if he dodged, it would set the post on fire, he curled one hand around his lips and ignited it using the Great Fireball Technique.
Once the flames stopped shooting from his lips, he looked towards Taiki. "Get Ryuu to safety." His finger points up briefly for Taiki and his ninken to see. Ryo had protected Taiki on previous missions and had a vow to help him achieve his goal. There was no way he planned to let the boy die here. A smile forms on his face after he tries to give the Chuunin an order.
The battle was seeming to become sour, while Taikeru dodged the techniques he wasn't able to let off anymore attacks unfortunately, and he found himself coming under fire, the greater fireball smacked him against the lining of the cave while the bullet smoltered the area around them, more seals began to explode, the cave appeared to be collapsing upon itself as the massive explosions trickled and began to catch upon one another… " This place is a ticking time bomb!" Taikeru explained to the both of them, his voice crackling with a hint of laughter despite running out of energy himself… Taikeru was still alive though, and the explosions continued to run through the area…
This time Taiki can't dodge all of the blasts, even with his most effective dodging style. As the cave starts to crumble under the explosions, a seriously wounded Taiki stands… looking worse for wear. "Then we'll have do do what every Inuzuka worthy of the name can do, DIG!" The twin Taikis both leap, and transform into twin tornadoes of death. The duo starts to destroy falling debris while being almost everywhere, tearing into walks, ceiling, floor, and Taikeru alike. Especially Taikeru, as he is targetted twice at odd times and angles. As the senju said, let's get wild!
Ryo attempts to dodge the falling debris but it does not matter, he is hit by it just like Taiki is. The boy focuses his chakra. "Your life ends here! Even if I die as well! Come on, lets end this!" he yells as he builds his chakra. He saw Taiki attack the man, but now he was making his way towards him. "Get out of here Taiki! Get Ryuu to safety!" he yells.
Taikeru began to move deeper within the cave, despite the entrance caving in and the rapid expansion of seals turning the underground cave into a mine field…Everything was coming out of wack yet Taikeru persisted into going deeper… However with Ryo coming closer to him, attempting to get in the way, electricity began to crackle along the mans blade, his eyes narrowing down on the Uchiha before him. "This is it… Out of the way!" in a split second his body zoomed forward, electricity crackling through his blade as he attempted to literally cleave him in half while pushing through to move forward… His momentum never ceased and if there was no other distractions he would push on…
At first Taiki is inclined to back up Ryo, but Taikeru and Ryo outdistanced him early. "Don't die Ryo!" Taiki calls out as he eyes the weakened chamber. Carefully considering it, he decides now would be a good time to make sure they would be able to escape this death trap. Thus he looks at his ninken and says, "Time to make a hole!" With this Shinobu and Taiki form one more gatsuga… blowing a hole to the outside as they dig away.
The eyes of Ryo widen as he spots the blade come towards him. He attempted to dodge it but takes the hit. The wound is deep, but it is not enough to take him out. He quickly places his hands together and performs a great fireball. As soon as it starts to fade he moves his hands back together to repeat the jutsu. This guy could not have much more. He had gone toe to toe with a Genin and a Chuunin with two Ninken. Then add in another Genin. This guy was nearing his end. He had to be. "Die already!"
Ryo's relentless behavior was destructive, despite being sliced it was apparent that Ryo wasn't going to give up, if anything he was risking his life going further within the cave. The cave continued to fall apart, and the ensuing fire balls didn't help the situation. Tags went off yet again, and the elusive Taikeru slipped further away, chucking a single tag at Ryo to burn through his eyes. "Maybe another day kid…" Taikeru grunted as he moved along…Taiki was successful i ngrinding his way towards the entrance…But from the rest that was insie…It was going to be very difficult getting them out with the whole cave becoming a well placed bomb…
Taiki hates to do this, and he knows that Ryo is going to hate him for this, but Taiki quickly analyzes the situation and reaches a command decision. "/Genin/ Uchiha Ryo, I /order/ you to cease hostilities and evacuate." It was evident from the lack of further odor from Taikeru that Ryo's attacks were not hitting, and while it was a brave and good thing to die completing the mission, Ryo's death would not complete the mission. "You are to help me get your fellow Genin out of here!" He looks at an injured Nozomi and helps get Ryuunosuke on her back before sending them away. He waits until the last possible minute to see if Ryo hears and obeys the direct order.
The rocks fell down on Ryo. Though those around could probably not see it, he had used the fire clone jutsu. The boy was elsewhere. He appeared off to the side building his chakra. "If I walk away here, I am letting Naru down. If I continue on, I die." He shakes his head. 'Sorry Taiki. Life is just not fair.' The boy then glances towards his opponent. Why could he not kill him? Had he really become this weak in comparison to the guy he beat formerly?
"Your resolve is pretty nice kid, but I'm not going after that little girl friend of yours…I'm going to get the **** out of here, Alive." The man spoke, quite plainly with a sudden spin of his blade he chucks it at Ryo, glistening with electricity. "Beat it kid!" And with that the rocks began to smash down into the ground, covering over the area…and obscuring Taikeru from view… His presence was gone…Buried under the rocks, or finding another way out… The whole cave was coming down.
Ryo is too far away for Taiki to actually physically pull him out, and he can't be sure if the genin heard Taiki or not. He thought he heard something like "Naru" from him, but he couldn't be sure. "Ryo! Get out now!" With this he and Shinobu leap for the hole they created, bounding for freedom and hoping that Ryo would follow. Once the pair land outside he squats down to the ground, ignoring the pain of his wounds as he waits to see if Ryo is coming. He feels the tremors in the ground, and will keep watch for as long as need be to determine Ryo's fate.
The man had suffered more punishment than anyone Ryo had ever seen in his life and was still standing. "From this point out, stay away from me. If you choose to make a next time, one us dies for good." The boy then turned and grimaced. His wounds hurt like ****. He was still dumb founded how the man was standing. The boy moved towards the light to find his exit. It took a bit, but now focused on the falling rocks by themselves, he was able to navigate them clearly. It looked like he'd have just enough chakra to get out of this place.
