Starring:
Date: February 16, 2015
Summary:
A team put together by Michiko makes their way to stop Itsuki, a man who has recently been making a name for himself after his latest jailbreak by kidnapping kids.
Poster's note: foul language filtered in obvious places.
"The Usual Suspects - Itsuki’s Fall"
Land of Lightning
There have been many rumors and stories about a man by the name of Itsuki, one of the 37 that have managed to escape from Kumogakure's prison, assisting with various kidnappings in some of the different villages. He was not one of the bigger names from the prison, but he /was/ infamous, and was just starting to make a name for himself, too. He wasn't really secretive when taking away the children, but no one has seen the kids he took, nor does anyone know if they're still with him.
Reports came to Michiko, and she enlisted Rise and Yori to assist her, the girl telling them to meet in the lower eastern part of the mountains where these kidnappings were taking place. "Outside of these reports, we don't know much. Itsuki is said to be a wielder of ninjutsu: earth and water, to be precise. And he's also been heard to attempt, but never succeed, in using wood release. The reports are possibly a bit dated, but I doubt much more than that has changed in terms of abilities. It is, though, possible he was also attempting genjutsu." she says, keeping the team about a half-mile from their target village.
Yori, as always, was ready to go when the word came and met with Michiko and…Rise. Uh oh. The young Saito just isn't quite sure about that one and all her neutrality. Still, he had a job to do and he'd do it. So after the bit of traveling he met with Michiko, listening to what she had to say before nodding with a frown. "Why is he kidnapping children? For ransom money?" It would seem the most logical option, although since no one has seen them since it's hard to say for sure.
Rise vaguely recalled the rumors and stories about Itsuki. At the time she paid them very little heed. Her assignments kept her elsewhere, so why concern herself with such matters? Now that she /was/ finally given the task, the ex-berserker made a point of arriving at the meeting point with all due haste. Unfortunately, she still manages to arrive later than the others, and chided herself quietly during those first few moments following her arrival. Afterwards, Rise regarded Michiko quietly as she delivered the details, and treated Yori with same amount of respect. Seeing as how the Saito had asked what few questions were floating about in the forefront of her mind, Rise adds nothing to the conversation. Yet.
RPCOMBAT: Michiko defends against with a TREMOR-SENSE…53
"We're not too sure," Michiko says truthfully. "This is the first that such kidnappings have occurred, though, so it's something big. At least… Kidnappings to this degree." She frowns a bit. "Anyway… This town's relatively deserted except for his goons. So we need to approach with caution. Itsuki tends to like grand things, so I expect he'll be in one of the larger homes, but not the largest because he is also a cautious man… We're going to try and take him alive so we can question him later. Any one of his henchmen though? Take them out." She focuses some of her chakra for the time being and sends a burst of chakra through the ground to try and see any of the village's movements.
RPCOMBAT: Yori defends against with a PERCEPTION…22
Yori can only nod in response to what Michiko explains and doesn't ask anything further for now. He simply reaches under his sleeves to check his vambraces on each arm to make sure they're secure before preparing to follow.
RPCOMBAT: Rise defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…59
Rise cringes, then clenches her hand at her side around the time Michiko mentioned goons. Henchmen. An undersight on her part that she immediatly tried to rectify by taking a closer look at the village, be it before they moved and during. The raven-haired woman took great care to not become so focused as to misinterpet her orders. "Is Itsuki our main priority, Michiko-san?" Rise asks dryly, shooting the younger girl a curious sideways glance. A needless reemphasis to some, but should bargaining or a more obvious hostage situation come about, the Shirokiri intended to act appropriately.
Within the village, there was a bit of activity they would all notice. Michiko, perhaps, would notice a number of smaller feet shuffling about in the largest building in the town, which was likely where the head of the village would reside. Rise would see a few kids (5-14yrs) being rounded up towards this building, though not directly; they were being lead along with ropes and chains keeping them together. Yori would only notice a few things, namely some activity near the entrance that signifies guards.
"Yes, Rise-san. Our main goal is to capture Itsuki. If we see any of the kidnapped children, we're to rescue them as best we can." She nods a bit, then makes a handseal. "Try not to make too big a ruckus and hunt for Itsuki… Keep our presence masked."
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with UNDERGROUND-FISH-PROJECTION with a roll of: 54
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Perception from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 17. - Rolled by: Michiko
"Guards." Of course there's guards, why wouldn't there be? Yori nods to Michiko before looking back at Rise. Why did he have the feeling he was going to get left behind here with this whole stealth thing. The boy waits to follow one of the more experienced shinobi if possible. Otherwise he would try and sneak his way up to the village on his own.
COMBAT: Yori attacks target 1 with STEALTH with a roll of: 12
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Perception from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 17. - Rolled by: Michiko
Rise furrows her brows and her lips trembled slightly. Though seeming on the verge to say one thing, instead she curtly nods and refocuses back on the village. Her intent was to plot a route into the village without being discoerved, though upon seeing the children being round up, she relayed the information to the others before taking off quickly and quietly on foot. She would remain at least somewhat on hand should Yori need her, knowing Michiko could take care of herself as far as she was aware. However, this did not mean she would immediatly break cover should danger befall the little Saito, or allow for the genin to stick too close to her in turn. One little mistake and they would both be in trouble.
Rise would stick close to whatever shadowed high ground the village can offer, but adapting on the fly wasn't beyond her.
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 29
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Perception from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 28. - Rolled by: Michiko
Hiei's clone had been in the office when Michiko called her team and left. Though he didn't really realize who they were going after until a little later. When he saw the name Itsuki, he realized that they might need a bit of help. So he dismissed himself in a *poof* of smoke.
Meanwhile, a couple miles outside of the village, Hiei was training. He was working on a few new lightning ninjutsu techniques away from civilization when he suddenly gains the knowledge of what his clone finds out. Pausing only long enough to grab his swords lying next to a rock, he is gone. Running on foot and increasing his speed with each step. As the world begins to blur by him, he makes his way towards the village in question. Once he's close enough, he stretches out his senses to find out where Michiko and the others were located.
RPCOMBAT: Hiei defends against with a CHAKRA-SENSITIVITY…40
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 1 with STEALTH with a roll of: 24
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Perception from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 11. - Rolled by: Michiko
Michiko is able to travel via the underground and avoid the guards completely, keeping silent and hidden. Rise also finds luck with traveling along the rooftops, the Shirokiri likely finding that due to the time (a little after noon), there is actually some shade along the rooftops of the village. Yori, however, would not be so lucky. His direct approach alerts the guards at the entrance, and they shout out to some others. "Hey, there's a kid we missed!" they said, not noticing that Yori is a shinobi quiet yet. They make their way over with their weapons in hand, spears to be exact, but they don't appear to be threatening quite yet. "Hey kid, are you lost? We can help you out, if you like," lies one of the guards.
Hiei would likely be able to sense little spikes of chakra around the village, showing that Itsuki had managed to find a relatively good crowd of goons to control. Itsuki himself, though, is nowhere to be found, as the man has as little chakra stored as possible.
Michiko finally gets to the entrance of the building most of the kidnapped kids were being held in. There wasn't much sound coming from it, but occasionally fighting could be heard, and it would feel as if people were fighting against dummies while being trained. She decides to investigate a bit further, ducking into the ground once more to try and enter the building.
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with UNDERGROUND-FISH-PROJECTION with a roll of: 44
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Perception from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 40. - Rolled by: Michiko
Biancait all to bernard. Stealth was apparently not his thing. The boy turns to face the men, ducking his head sheepishly and reaching a hand up to try and cover the forehead protector that is tied around his bicep. "Oh, um, I was just passing by on my way home and was hoping I could maybe get some water or something?" He asks, playing innocent as best as he can for the moment. Sweet innocent Saito.
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Gullible? Chance! from 1 to 100 and get(s) a 3. - Rolled by: Michiko
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 1 with SHARP-III with a roll of: 38
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 2 with SHARP-III with a roll of: 57
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 3 with SHARP-III with a roll of: 38
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 4 with SHARP-III with a roll of: 36
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Instinctive Dodge from 15 to 35 and get(s) a 16. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Instinctive Dodge from 15 to 35 and get(s) a 25. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Instinctive Dodge from 15 to 35 and get(s) a 29. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Instinctive Dodge from 15 to 35 and get(s) a 22. - Rolled by: Michiko
A curse dances on her tongue upon sensing Yori's situation, startling the Shirokiri. She wondered for a moment where it came from, but quickly shook her head, dismissing the line of thought in favor of focusing on her mission. Rise lingered for perhaps an extra minute, considering her options before moving on towards another objective. Yori would survive long enough for her to return to him. And besides that, she had this inkling he would be fine soon enough. Why? Another mystery that would continue to bother her until she finally found something more immediate to deal with. She arrive roughly towards the back of the train and dug out four kunai after reading the number of guards.
Throat. Spine. Ear. Places with weak points she could take advantage of were her targets. Places that would kill her target swiftly with enough force applied, or rob them of the ability to yell should her blades get close enough…
Only if/when successful will she risk exposing herself to the children and try to quiet those that saw her by holding an index finger to her lips.
Hiei appears in a small gust of wind next to Rise in a crouch. He places a hand gently on her side to let her know that he's there without speaking. He then lies down flat on his stomach after she moves away. He knew that five more men were approaching Yori's location. Should the younger nin be able to see him, he'd press a finger to his lips before his hands fly through handseals. He aims the palm of his hand downwards, releasing a pulse wave of lightning chakra towards the two men in front of him. They would feel their strength draining, as well as their limbs won't be able to move from the shock to their nervous systems, giving Yori free reign to dispatch them as he saw fit. He would then lie in wait for the next batch to approach as lightning plays along his skin to prepare his body for melee combat.
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 1 with INSPIRATION-WAVE with a roll of: 47
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 2 with INSPIRATION-WAVE with a roll of: 34
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Instinctive Dodge from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 19. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Instinctive Dodge from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 25. - Rolled by: Michiko
The guards that Rise were stalking did not expect something to come from behind. They are dealt with swiftly, the kunai piercing their throats, spines, and heads so that they're as good as dead. The kids they were leading all look shocked as each guard falls down, but they have enough sense not to scream. Screaming is bad. it shows weakness that the guards would usually punish them for. Rise seemed to be the one to have rescued them, to which they're all grateful.
The ones that were after Yori end up getting paralyzed by that wave of lightning, freezing in their spots as they make their way over to Yori. They would have scolded him for testing their patience, but… In the meantime, the ones that they had called over (5 guards) are jogging over to investigate their friends, their paths thankfully not crossing the kids that were being lead over since /those/ are deeper in the village.
Michiko gets to see from her underground spot that there are about 20, maybe 30 kids there, each one definitely fighting or training. It was an interesting sight, and one that was definitely saddening because they were all young and being forced. They didn't choose this life like shinobi tended to do. She counts three guards within and starts to plan out how she might try to free everyone, but still doesn't yet reveal herself.
Yori did indeed spot the sneaky Hiei staying behind, briefly, but he was too busy trying to look lost and confused. Then he saw the men freeze and reacted immediately, a pair of kunai coming out to slash at throats as he moves past the two, pausing to launch the two kunai at the other guards that are approaching, trying to thin their ranks a bit. Once that's done he gets into a defensive stance and just prepares. Worst comes to worst he'll be a good distraction.
COMBAT: Yori attacks target 1 with SHARP with a roll of: 24
COMBAT: Yori attacks target 1 with SHARP with a roll of: 26
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Block from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Block from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 31. - Rolled by: Michiko
If Rise was a more spiritual person, she would've thanked whatever Kami blessed the children with silence. Instead, she regarded them each closely, and summed it up to common sense and… defiance. Pain shoots through her. A hand drops down to her chest and clenches her jacket over the spot above her heart. "You all… will follow me." Rise says quietly but in a tone that brokered no argument, composure returning as she spoke and straightened out. The pain would pass like everything else, or so she consoled herself with. In the meantime, the Shirokiri leads the kids into one of the appearantly lesser used buildings. Chances were high that they were found there before, but with luck, whatever goons that may remain won't think to search the same place twice. Either way, whichever kid seem the oldest or the most stable is put in charge of the rest before she leaves, promising — if need be — to return soon to hopefully keep the kids from panicking.
Rise rushes most of the way back in hopes of making up for lost time. As she grew closer she tried to return to the side of caution and search for a way in. Preferably some place high,..
RPCOMBAT: Rise defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…38
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 37
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Perception from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 39. - Rolled by: Michiko
When the group of men come, Hiei performs a handseal as another one of him poof into existence. Both Hiei's launch themselves from the roof. The clone begins to flip around, bringing the heel his foot down on one of their heads.
The real Hiei hits the ground in a crouch and then springs into action, extending his arm and attempting to take another one's head off. The clone looks over at Yori and nods before they stand back to back in a fighting stance, lightning sparking over both of their bodies.
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 1 with CLOUD-SKY-BOLT with a roll of: 39
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 1 with LARIAT with a roll of: 42
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Dodge from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 26. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Dodge from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 20. - Rolled by: Michiko
The guards coming for Yori are a bit more prepared and ready when they find kunai getting thrown in their face. The attacks are blocked with ease, and they continue forth to fight Yori. At least, two of them do. The other three find themselves face-to-face against the Raikage! They don't recognize him as the Raikage, though, as they are terrible at keeping up with the 'latest and greatest' news. OW! at the lariat that sends one guy flying backwards a few feet. And down goes the other that gets struck in the head with a well-placed kick. The last one picks himself up and tries to charge at Hiei with his spear while the other dusts himself off and also comes in at a charge. They aren't very bright…
Rise would have no luck finding a spot up high that would allow her access into the building, though. And to make matters worse, she was spotted by a passing guard! This one seems quite a bit stronger than others, even able to use ninjutsu. The guard throws a kunai at the woman to distract her before sending a bolt of lightning at her right afterwards.
Michiko, now, finds herself with an idea. Hopefully those within the building don't freak out too much… With a few handseals, the girl reveals herself to those in the building, emerging from the ground just as earthen hands rise up and grab at the three looking over the kids. The trapped children stop and stare at Michiko and the guards with open mouths, each of them hoping that Michiko is able to successfully trap their kidnappers in the stone coffin that appears behind the victim.
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with DEMON-GRAVES with a roll of: 54
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 2 with DEMON-GRAVES with a roll of: 52
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 3 with DEMON-GRAVES with a roll of: 55
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Intuitive Dodge from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 58. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Intuitive Dodge from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Intuitive Dodge from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 52. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Spear vs Hiei from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 25. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Spear vs Hiei from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 21. - Rolled by: Michiko
RPCOMBAT: Yori defends against with a BASIC-VAMBRACE-BLOCK…28
RPCOMBAT: Yori defends against with a BASIC-VAMBRACE-BLOCK…26
Yori nods his thanks to the Raikage at his help before he notes the men attacking Hiei. Oh pennyz no. He blasts past the ones coming at him before sliding neatly between the legs of the Raikage and his clone, bringing his arms up to deflect the spears and leaving his own attackers staring dumbly at the leader man. Yori straightens quickly and tries to give a punch to each with either arm, using all his strength to try and knock them down or at least back.
COMBAT: Yori attacks target 1 with VAMBRACE-STRIKE with a roll of: 24
COMBAT: Yori attacks target 1 with VAMBRACE-STRIKE with a roll of: 19
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Block vs Yori from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 23. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Block vs Yori from 10 to 30 and get(s) a 18. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Sharp vs Rise from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 39. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Zap vs Rise from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 44. - Rolled by: Michiko
RPCOMBAT: Rise counters with SHARP-III…51
RPCOMBAT: Rise defends against with a SUBTLE-DODGE…65
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Block from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 39. - Rolled by: Michiko
Just as quickly surprise lights up Rise's eyes at the arrival of the guard, it is gone in a flash. Rise rushes forward, focusing not on the kunai or the lightning bolt, but on the man's eyes intently. Her movements remain fluid every step of the way. By the narrowest of margins, Rise evades the bolt of lightning after plucking the kunai from out of the air, then flings the blade right on back at the man's throat to end the fight before it can truly began. Knowing however that the bolt was bound to attract attention to her position, Rise once more takes to the rooftops and tries to circle the building again. A hidden wall, a tunnel of some sort, anything and everything about and around the building is looked over and considered as the Shirokiri searched quietly for a way in until given reason otherwise.
RPCOMBAT: Rise defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…50
COMBAT: Rise attacks target 1 with STEALTH-II with a roll of: 32
As Yori slides between Hiei and his clone's legs, they both spin, drawing their katana's as one, as they block the attacks. Hiei's clone slashes at the air where Yori's head was only moments before, the clone executes a rapid striking combination, attacking the shoulder, the upper thigh and finally a stab towards the gut. Hiei himself kneels as the attack flies by over his head while simultaneously hitting the ground with his fist, activating his fire jutsu. He then turns and kicks off the nearby wall of the building next to them, gaining some altitude as his now flaming fist comes down towards the jaw of their attacker, leaving a trail of fire in it's wake as Hiei strikes. It is a true moment of two Kumo shinobi working together in tandem. Just like true tag team partners.
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Sharp vs Yori from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 39. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guards roll(s) Sharp vs Yori from 20 to 40 and get(s) a 37. - Rolled by: Michiko
RPCOMBAT: Hiei defends against with a WEAPON-BLOCK-II…53
RPCOMBAT: Hiei defends against with a ACROBATIC-DODGE…46
As Yori slides between Hiei and his clone's legs, they both spin, drawing their katana's as one, as they block the attacks. Hiei's clone slashes at the air where Yori's head was only moments before, the clone executes a rapid striking combination, attacking the shoulder, the upper thigh and finally a stab towards the gut. Hiei himself kneels as the attack flies by over his head while simultaneously hitting the ground with his fist, activating his fire jutsu. He then turns and kicks off the nearby wall of the building next to them, gaining some altitude as his now flaming fist comes down towards the jaw of their attacker, leaving a trail of fire in it's wake as Hiei strikes. It is a true moment of two Kumo shinobi working together in tandem. Just like true tag team partners.
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 1 with TRIPLE-SLASH with a roll of: 54
COMBAT: Hiei attacks target 1 with FALCON-PUNCH with a roll of: 33
The guards try to block, but they're a bit slow on the uptake. Yori is successful in knocking down the guards he took for Hiei, and they groan in response. One got hit in the stomach, and the other got hit in his spear arm, making him drop the weapon he held. They glance to each other, then decide it's not worth fighting against such powerful opponents. Time to flee! They dash off towards the entrance, aiming to escape the the village and the ones that are attacking their small base of operations.
Rise would see a window that was actually open (how lucky). After peering inside, she would see that Michiko has managed to trap two of the three guards that are inside, and she's working on ending the third while leaving the two trapped ones be. They weren't a threat to her for now, fortunately. Michiko is trying to attack her opponent with mud, knowing that fire is a bit too flashy for something that needs to be on the relative down-low. He is able to avoid most of her attacks, but one of them hits him hard in the stomach.
Hiei would find his opponents end up getting killed quite easily, as they are no match for the Raikage. And with him suddenly switching places with Yori, they were largely unprepared. That's … a lot for Kumo, and 0 for the kidnappers. The problem is that the Kumo-nin have yet to actually find Itsuki.
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with MUD-BULLET with a roll of: 25
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with MUD-BULLET with a roll of: 42
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with MUD-BULLET with a roll of: 38
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Block from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 43. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Block from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 48. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Block from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 35. - Rolled by: Michiko
Yori looks back over his shoulder to check on the Raikage to see he'd taken care of the other two. Oh, okay, that works. Because they are, you know, awesome like that! The boy offers the man a smile and a slight bow before looking back towards the village, wondering how the others are faring and what more he can possibly do to help. So he stops and takes stock of the situation.
RPCOMBAT: Yori defends against with a PERCEPTION…15
Seeing as how Michiko had things well in hand for the most part, Rise turns her attention to the gathered prisoners. It is then that she realizes that she should've left her last opponent alive for interrogation. With a careless shrug, Rise wiggles her way in through the window, and almost casually moves on towards the prisoners. If either of them saw her along the way, she motioned for them to be silent, though doubted they would heed the warning. The first to fail to do so is the one she approaches first. Otherwise, it would be a matter of whoever seemed closer.
Regardless of who, Rise clamors up until she is at eye level with her chosen man. There is no warning given. No offer of freedom, lesser setence, protection, or a quick death. She simply grabs him by the cranium after lodging herself in well in the coffin, and proceeds to squeeze up to the point it will feel as if the man's skull was close to caving in. He can beg or plea with her if he wanted, but it would not matter. Freedom from pain isn't granted until he chose to speak up about Itsuki for himself, or she at that critical point just calmly asks outright.
RPCOMBAT: Hiei defends against with a CHAKRA-SENSITIVITY…33
RPCOMBAT: Hiei defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…57
Hiei glances around to find Yori and offers him a half smile and a nod. "Nice job. Let's go find the others." He says before leaping up onto the rooftop and sprinting off while attempting to find Michiko and Rise. The Raikage dismisses his clone and then extends his senses as well as actually looking to see where disturbances were. Because that's where he'd more than likely find them.
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with MUD-BULLET with a roll of: 47
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with MUD-BULLET with a roll of: 33
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with MUD-BULLET with a roll of: 31
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Dodge from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 38. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Dodge from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 46. - Rolled by: Michiko
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Dodge from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 39. - Rolled by: Michiko
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with DEMON-GRAVES with a roll of: 50
[NPC System]: Guard roll(s) Dodge from 25 to 50 and get(s) a 28. - Rolled by: Michiko
Hiei and Yori would likely notice a lot more guards, but none of them approach with the Raikage in proximity. They are, compared to their comrades, smart and don't have a death wish. Rise gets to face off against one of the guards who got trapped while the kids who were forced to fight all relax. They weren't trained too much, just the past few days. It was enough to scare them, but they really didn't want to be fighting like this. Michiko deals with her opponent, eventually managing to score another hit against him, which further injures him to the point where she can trap him in a final demonic grave. Rise gets a small nod in greeting, and Michiko moves to question the more stubborn guard.
"Itsuki-dono is in the house three down from this one if you go to the left," tells the one Rise is questioning. Michiko gets the information that he's to the right, though, and should they question the last guy, they would find that he says a house that was three down from the center as they walked down the main road… Which one is telling the truth??
Yori continues on until he gets to Michiko and Rise while Hiei goes to make himself useful elsewhere. When the boy arrives he looks around quickly before jogging to Michiko to see what's going on. He doesn't say anything as he waits for whatever is next, at the ready.
Rise respectfully offers a nod in return to Michiko before refocusing on her guard. "Your candor has been appreciated." Is Rise calm reply before attempting to snap the man's neck. Aside from a brief frown touching her lips should she somehow fail or go interrupted, the woman moves on to the next prisoner. During the short walk to the next one Rise nonchalantly asks, "Are you able to create multiple clones, Michiko-san?" Another a few steps, and a kunai is idle drawn out and set to idle spinning.
The man who was trapped gets his neck snapped, and Michiko also kills the one she was questioning. "No, but Hiei-san can… If he were here now, I think this would go a bit faster.' She sighs a bit, but glances around. "Yori-san, take the kids who are here to a safer place… Rise-san, we'll look for Itsuki. They said three houses down, but never any direction that seemed reliable… Do you want to take the left, right, or go down the middle?" Michiko then asks.
Yori looks to Michiko and offers a bow before he goes to where the kids were put. He smiles gently at them before pointing to his forehead protector, then motions for them to follow quietly. He doesn't know if there are more guards hiding around or not be he doesn't want to take a chance. Regardless he starts to lead them out of the area quickly, keeping an eye around for any trouble.
Rise lofts a brow seeming genuinely surprised by the news. Mere moments later however, the woman simply shakes her head and finishes off the last of the prisoners before devoting her full attention to Michiko. "Hmm… I will go wherever you command me to, Michiko-san." Rise simply states sincerly. Either way, one of them was at least bound to get lucky with either their target or another clue.
Michiko thinks a bit and nods. "Alright… You go down the middle, and I'll go right. If we don't find anything, then he'll be in the left. Remember that we want to capture Itsuki, not kill him." The girl nods lightly, then starts to set off for the house to the right, the Iwata traveling quickly so as to get the mission over with. She doesn't like the idea that there could be a whole plot underneath this.
The kids that Yori was made to protect seem to crowd around him, all twenty of them, and they follow after him as he leads them out. He seems lucky enough thus far, none of the guards around town noticing, or perhaps not caring, that Yori is leading them out. Maybe they think that they're being shipped out or something? Who knows. Hopefully Rise remembers those ten kids she rescued earlier!
Good thing he's above average height otherwise Yori would get buried. The boy goes to retrieve the other kids that Rise had hidden away before he leads them out of the village. "Stick close, let me know if you see anyone coming towards us." The Saito instructs the kids around him before motioning for them to leave, moving with them easily.
Another strange feeling in her chest left Rise staring after Yori with a hand pressed into her chest. She shook her head once more, dismissing the feeling. Unfortunately, her efforts to simply ignore the oddities around are growing less and less effective. She just couldn't shake the fact that she almost forgot about the children…
"I will do my best, Michiko-san." She says, composure returned for the moment. Rise takes off without another word while remaining true to her previous tactics, seeing as how the rooftops have served her well. It is on them where she intended to remain even after reaching her destination, searching for an easy way in as well as any signs of Itsuki.
As Yori walks back towards the entrance, the ten kids that Rise saved earlier peek out of their hiding spot and go to join the group. It almost looks like Yori is hosting a field trip, with all the kids surrounding him. If only everyone /looked/ like they were okay instead of a bit beat up and bruised. For now, there are no guards present, which is good, yet suspicious… Michiko finds that the house she was sent to find is empty, and Rise would discover the same thing. With an annoyed grumble, Michiko heads back to look and see what the house six doors behind her might contain. This time, though, her senses tell her there's actually someone within.
Now they just need need to be singing a camping song and then all would be well with the world. Yori leads them onwards, out of the village and back in the direction they had come from towards Kumo. It's there that he stops them all to wait for the others to come back.
"Nothing."
The best and /only/ word to describe what Rise turns up. The fact alone is enough to make her rub at her forehead until the stress dies down to a more tolerable level. Then, she takes off once more, forcing herself at this point to retain a certain level of caution along the way. Being the closest to the only remaining house, Rise would be the first to arrive. The only thing to give her pause before bursting in through the closest window is a mild sense of…. worry? Whatever it is, it is enough to focus her hearing for a moment on any outcries of terror before the woman makes her move.
[NPC System]: Itsuki roll(s) Demon Grave vs Rise from 30 to 70 and get(s) a 60. - Rolled by: Michiko
Rise would find that the house was empty, but apparently Itsuki was constantly watching out for things. The man feels Rise enter the house via tremor sense, and promptly attempts to capture her with an earthen hand that would shove her into a demonic grave much like what Michiko did earlier to the kidnappers. However, he's nowhere in sight… Curse it all. Michiko is still a bit behind Rise, just two houses away from the Shirokiri right now.
RPCOMBAT: Rise defends against with a THE-PINNACLE…62
RPCOMBAT: Rise defends against with a PERCEPTION-II…33
[NPC System]: Itsuki roll(s) Stealth II vs Rise from 25 to 45 and get(s) a 32. - Rolled by: Michiko
Rise entrance is a noisy one, to say the least. She ignores the grating sound of glass beneath her feet as best as she can while scanning the room, but not mere moments later the woman feels an unnatural shift in the ground. Rise dives head long out of the nearest exit, leaving the earthen hands to catch nothing but dust. Still, the close call leaves her trying to catch her breath for a second before scanning the outdoors for any further sign of Itsuki. It doesn't truly don her that the man could be hiding underground… or perhaps, in the wood? Could he really have unlocked wood manipulation?!
RPCOMBAT: Michiko defends against with a TREMOR-SENSE…49
COMBAT: Michiko attacks target 1 with METAL-BINDING with a roll of: 53
Well, no, not really. He didn't master wood or anything like that (fortunately). In fact, Rise might notice him just up on the stairs. Michiko senses him, too, actually, and she comes into the house through the broken window, already forming handseals so that Itsuki would end up getting caught by a bunch of metallic bindings. "Rise-san, I think that's him," she says, gesturing a bit to the man who was watching them.
[NPC System]: Itsuki roll(s) Dodge from 30 to 60 and get(s) a 45. - Rolled by: Michiko
Rise snaps around the moment a new pair of feet hit the ground. She spins on her heels, snatches up a kunai, and almost tries bearing it into the arrival. Thankfully for both Rise and Michiko, the woman restrains herself in time to keep the weapon well in hand before her focus shifts back to the — "I see…" She after Itsuki goes from leaping to abruptly falling down a short flight of stairs courtesies of Michiko's metal bindings. Wordlessly, Rise takes a closer look at the fallen man, confirms Michiko's words, then quickly gives the man a good old fashion knock out punch to end any further struggling on his part.
"Shall I carry him back, Michiko-san?"
Michiko nods lightly, glad that that was resolved without too much issue. It was mostly due to surprise that Michiko was able to catch Itsuki so quickly. She waits for Rise to grab the unconscious criminal and says, "Alright… Back to the entrance to help Yori-san…" She nods a bit and makes her way to the village gates, stopping when she gets to the Saito. She knows that Rise will be able to handle carrying Itsuki with no difficulty. "Yori-san, do we have all the kids?" she asks curiously. Hiei had managed to take out the entire village while she and Rise were working on taking out the main guy, so it seems that everything worked out. And after a quick headcount, they would realize they have all the kids with them and it was time to return them to their respective towns.
