The Awakening II

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"a robbery!? Or something worse..."

Though Tsuchi was the first stop on the Uchiha's perilous route, the ultimate endgame to his newest acquired odyssey would be for a chance to come face to face with the head Kumaso Uchiha. Though he had no reliable information the Earth country houses anyone from the sect, much less any Uchiha in general, it was worth taking the time to explore for any new hidden mysteries. After all, it wasn't too long ago clansmen had been spotted in these lands, and although their status had since become unknown, the possibility was enough to motivate Enfuego to continue his exploration despite his lack of results.

The uneventful search was most likely attributed to past woes. His last visit to Tsuchi took place six years ago, and was shrouded in darkness and sadness. He had lost certain people very dear to himself, and in a sense, had himself died off along with the others, spiritually. However, while the suffering forced a certain side of him to succumb, a new entity came forth from within the fire itself, one that would aspire to control the very flames that became his namesake.

His demeanor during the patrol was, for the moment, of non-violence. Still in scouting mode, he would do his best to avoid needless confrontation, and when presented with a chance to interact with any officials of a certain area, region, or nation, he would certain not resort to hostility unless his life was placed on the line. Instead, if he could use their resources to assist his search and even widen its scope, then some sort of friendliness might even be required. Such was this up and coming case. While he did not know it at the time, he would be provided with an opportunity to present his loyalty to the leaders of the Earth Country and its hidden settlements.

During his patrol of the countryside, he would encounter a classic scene - one poor soul, younger and weaker than his assailants, surrounded by several shrouded figures, being questioned in a remote and quiet area of Tsuchi. The nature of the interrogation? It was hard to pick up at first, the distance between himself and the ambush roughly fifty meters. Unless he was a master of the sound release - which he was most certainly not - picking this conversation would prove to be difficult. Still, he had other options. Being a well versed user of the earth element himself, the Uchiha would come up with a swift alternative. A few handseals later, new friends joined him in battle, two earthen clones slowly rising from his left and right, children of Gaia below.

Their current position had them at higher ground as well, with the interrogation taking place in a small canyon below. Being above and the edge, he had a great view of the battlefield before him. The group focused at the bottom of the canton, an area some thrity meters wide. Both directions of the canyon were generic and barren, with some trees present, but the scene mostly of dirt and dry earth.

Should he interfere? It might not be a good idea, but then again, did he not just see the victim wearing a headband…? This could be an opportunity for manipulated diplomacy.

This might be worth investigating.

[ Two earth clones, one Uchiha ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

"You done fighting now? Smart kid," The nearest assailant was saying, his smirk apparent in his words, even if his concealed face gave no clues. Though they had some trouble cornering the Iwagakure shinobi, once he had been penned in, the game was all but up.
"Like I said, you can show us the gates now, or you can show us them with both your arms broken, it's your call," The young boy, no more than a genin out on routine patrol duty to accustom him to the responsibility, was visibly shaken. He had been separated from his chuunin captain, and almost immediately set upon by these unknowns, forcing him to flee in the opposite direction, putting even more space between himself and aid.

Still he had fought, and he would continue to fight. This was what shinobi had to do, wasn't it? Giving up his village's location was tantamount to betrayal, and he would not be so weak! He formed two rapid handseals before his attackers could react, and proceeded to stomp his feet furiously, triggering a minor earthquake in the immediate area. While two of his foes fell, the other leaped towards him, and he had to throw himself backwards to avoid being caught, cancelling his jutsu and giving the men a chance to recover.

The Iwagakure ninja turned tail and ran, stumbling in the dust, and only making it a few meters away before he felt the thud of iron in his back, and a pain that thundered throughout his body. He stumbled a second time, but could not get to his feet again, and once again pain assaulted him, his shoulder blazing in protest.

Get up, a voice cried, desperate and insistent.

Don't die here!

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"The time for action is now!"

Their separation was no more than twenty five meters now, the distance traveled by both the master and his clone extensive due to their hurry; after all, if they took too long, something terrible might happen unnecessarily.  Applying a small but steady amount of chakra at their feet, enough to allow them a quiet descent vertically down the face of the canyon wall, they employed a brisk yet stealthy pace. Meanwhile, the victim below ran for his life, and as the fear became louder and clearer for the Uchiha to hear, Enfuego finally understood the nature of this violent encounter - it seemed these men were after the location of Tsuchi's hidden village.

Though such demands within the overly violent world of shinobi were not unnatural to come across or see others aspire for, it always bothered Enfuego on a personal level the unnecessary evil side of man, the side that resorts to petty violence and hate instead of being deciding to be great. Why would they need to torture and kill others for the location, when a thorough search could reveal the same, if not more? Although he was young, he was somewhat just and not without a conscious. If you had power, use it at the right time - not any time.

And the bonus to all this? This was his chance to reach Iwagakure, which could potentially help his search tremendously. As such, it was time to take this encounter seriously. See what happens when one aspires to be great? Although he was still fighting...

Regardless. While F - his self appointed codename - continued to travel down the canyon wall undetected, the clone would cover itself in the hardened carapace Earth Spear provided, essentially rendering it a walking tank. A second later, it would take a great leap from the canyon's side, abandoning it's vertical position in order to land hard in between the downed shinobi and his stalkers. Though it's descent should be easily spotted, the fact the enemy was so focused on the fleeing youth should assist in making it's crash landing of an arrival even more surprising. And if it succeeded, the clone would land facing the unknown assailants, knees bent slightly to adjust for the hard landing as his coating keeps him safe, all while shattering the earth around him. It was ready to kill.

If the clone was successful in landing, F would descend as well, abandoning stealth in order to land before behind the group. His medic trained chakra would help soften the landing, although not much could be said for the shattered grounds around him. His intent was to be between fifteen to twenty meters away from the group, facing their backs; the clone was meant to be at least five meters, claiming their attention. Let the battle for justice begin.

[ F and his clone versus unknown mofos ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

Just as he was about to close the gap, finally catching the Iwagakure shinobi, now clearly incapacitated with a heavy shuriken and a number of kunai embedded in his back, an earthen construct landed cleanly between him and his prey, the earth shaking at its touchdown, and knocking him clean off his feet.
"What the hell? Kid's got backup guys!" He shouted, as he formed rapid handseals from his disadvantageous position, before blowing a huge gust of wind at the clone, aiming to send it flying and clear his path once more to his quarry.

"There!" A woman's voice, one of the two black cloaked assailants to the rear, called out, whirling around as the earth behind her betrayed the unknown man's appearance.
"Sky, take care of that thing, we've got this guy," The third man called over his shoulder, as he too had turned to face the man.
"Why don't you just walk away? This isn't any of your business," He said, glaring eyes all that were visible behind the black wraps that all three assailants wore.

The woman, meanwhile had finished a set of handseals while her companion spoke, and raising a hand to her mouth, she blew a barrage of bubbles in his direction.
"Red, now!" She called, and he was ready, hurling a handful of shuriken amongst the bubbles, aiming both to strike the man and to pop any of the bubbles they encountered, accelerating the effectiveness of her jutsu.

Behind them, following his attempt to blow away the clone, Sky had gotten to his feet, his back to his two allies, ready to fight. Whoever this man was, he wasn't getting in the way of their big break - the Iwagakure gate location would net them a fortune!

SPOILER: Click to show

{jutsu}SKY -


Daitoppa (Great Breakthrough)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Offensive
Handseals: 3
Chakra Consumption: Mid

Daitoppa is a Ninjutsu technique which utilizes the Wind Element. After performing the necessary handseals, the user blows a single strong current of wind from their mouth, shaped like a cone. This technique carries an enormous amount of force and is capable of leveling anything it hits.



WOMAN -


Blinding Bubbles Technique
Rank: D
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 4
Chakra Consumption: Low

Utilizing the Water Element, the user will blow half a dozen bubbles after performing the necessary handseals. These bubbles will rush toward an opponent, and when popped, release puff of red powder that momentarily blinds the opponent (for one full post).

Note: Water is not necessary beforehand to perform this technique.



RED


x5 shuriken

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"TERMINATE!"

The earthen carapace afforded by Earth Spear was abandoned by the clone, the enhanced earthen armor leaving its body the moment it had touched down safely. Now, as his target stumbled back and flipped through a series of handseals no more than five meters away, the clone would create a single shape, taking less time than his enemy to produce his own brand of justice. As a result, the Fuuton attack would escape the enemy's mouth as the clone sunk into the ground, utilizing the Double-Suicide Decapitation Technique to stay clear of trouble. On its way down, the clone would shout a simple omen to the one it was attempting to defend behind him - "GET DOWN!"

The clone's voice would soon muffle and diaper however, but he was far from done - once underground, a few more handseals would allow him to reposition himself directly under the enemy's position, where it hoped the lack of balance was still a problem his enemy was facing. His intent would be to emerge from below, grabbing on tightly to both of his ankles before yanking him down into the earth violently, leaving him trapped and vulnerable. If for some reason the clone was unable to grab on the first time, it would continue to swim under the earth, looking for another opening to come forth and repeat the same strategy.

Simultaneous to all of this, the real Uchiha would produce a similar response of his own. He faced two targets, one male, one female, both roughly the same distance away - fifteen meters. They attempted to put the Jounin down with a barrage of attacks, but not before taking the time to speak out with ill intent towards the youth - granting him more than enough time to react. His intentions through swift action were to leave himself relocated and ready for one final attack while his enemies are barely finished executing their current barrage of attacks.

Simply put, he was not there to inquire or converse. At this point, codename F had already engaged his target, and upon quick inspection, was quickly approved to terminate. There was no time to waste. With a single seal he descended into the earth near-instantly, becoming one with the Gaia below - three seals later, he swam through, and thus he now ruled it. The fifteen meter gap would become much less as he continued his underground movement, though he'd stop at roughly ten meters, still underground, and prepare his final technique.

It was for one more ally to join the field. The location of his birth? Above ground, in between the unknown targets and the attack they just landed, estimated at nothing more than five meters way from the duo. The way the rock clone came forth was performed intentionally by the Uchiha; since he had dipped below moments ago to avoid their projectiles and bubbles, the clone's emergence could very well fool the enemy into thinking that was the real one.

SPOILER: Click to show

{"Clone's Jutsu"}Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique)
Rank: D
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 1
Chakra Consumption: Low to cast, Low to sustain

Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique which utilizes the Earth Element. After performing a single handseal, the user conceals themself beneath the ground. Here they can lie in wait, capable of feeling the vibrations of those who walk above them. When the user chooses, they can emerge suddenly from the ground, grabbing the opponent and pulling them down into the pit where they once were buried. The opponent is buried up to their neck, robbing them of the ability to move.

Note: Concealment is near-instantaneous. User cannot move while underground, except to perform the second part of this technique. To remain underground without suffocating, the user will need to continually expend chakra.


Dochuu Eigyo (Underground Fish Projection)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 3
Chakra Consumption: Mid to cast, Mid to sustain

Dochuu Eigyo is a Ninjutsu technique which utilizes the Earth Element. After performing a set of handseals, the user conceals themself beneath the earth, much like in Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu. However, now they are capable of moving through the earth like a fish moves through water, allowing them to stage surprise attacks or escape from a potentially deadly onslaught.

Note: To learn this technique the user must know Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu. Concealment is near-instantaneous. The user cannot perform seals beneath the ground and thus cannot use jutsu, but can wield weapons. To remain underground without suffocating, the user will need to continually expend chakra.

SPOILER: Click to show

{"F's Jutsu}Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu (Double Suicide Decapitation Technique)
Rank: D
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 1
Chakra Consumption: Low to cast, Low to sustain

Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique which utilizes the Earth Element. After performing a single handseal, the user conceals themself beneath the ground. Here they can lie in wait, capable of feeling the vibrations of those who walk above them. When the user chooses, they can emerge suddenly from the ground, grabbing the opponent and pulling them down into the pit where they once were buried. The opponent is buried up to their neck, robbing them of the ability to move.

Note: Concealment is near-instantaneous. User cannot move while underground, except to perform the second part of this technique. To remain underground without suffocating, the user will need to continually expend chakra.


Dochuu Eigyo (Underground Fish Projection)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 3
Chakra Consumption: Mid to cast, Mid to sustain

Dochuu Eigyo is a Ninjutsu technique which utilizes the Earth Element. After performing a set of handseals, the user conceals themself beneath the earth, much like in Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu. However, now they are capable of moving through the earth like a fish moves through water, allowing them to stage surprise attacks or escape from a potentially deadly onslaught.

Note: To learn this technique the user must know Shinjuu Zanshu no Jutsu. Concealment is near-instantaneous. The user cannot perform seals beneath the ground and thus cannot use jutsu, but can wield weapons. To remain underground without suffocating, the user will need to continually expend chakra.


Iwa Bunshin no Jutsu (Rock Clone Technique)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 3
Chakra Consumption: Mid (per clone)

Iwa Bunshin no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique which utilizes the Earth Element. After performing a set of handseals, the user creates a perfect clone of themself made of stone. Unlike a normal Bunshin, the Iwa Bunshin has the ability to interact more with the environment due to it having physical substance. This allows the clone to carry out limited attacks on its target. The range of the clone is limited however, it cannot travel very far from the original body. If the Iwa Bunshin is injured, the clone will usually revert back into its natural rock state.

Note: This clone has High x2 cap of chakra. These clones are limited to Earth-based jutsu and elementary chakra channeling. This includes simple abilities like water walking and tree climbing but not more advances channeling techniques such as Hien.

[ F vs. 3 ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

His wind jutsu had missed, and the clone had vanished. Sky was puzzled, but saw his path open to secure the Iwagakure shinobi. Without hesitating, he dashed for his prey, but found himself dragged downwards, a strong grip around his ankles halting his momentum and knocking him over. Looking down, he saw his legs buried in the earth, and immediately began forming handseals, before cancelling them in a panic. He couldn't blow himself out of there with a jutsu, he'd blow his legs off!
"Marina, Red, help!" Sky cried, while hacking at the earth around his feet with a kunai, in an attempt to get free.

The other two were concerned, however, as their target had vanished, avoiding their attack entirely. They had seen him slip down into the earth, and neither was eager to move, or present themselves as a target for a subterranean attack. However, their target soon reappeared, directly before them and much closer than before!
"There!" Came the girl's cry, but her companion was already in action, forming handseals before bellowing out a spray of fire, aiming to roast their opponent.
"Yeah, that's it!" Marina cheered, while following her ally's lead, and preparing some handseals of her own, waiting to see whether Red's attack had worked or not.

She looked back to check on the boy who had called for help, but seeing his legs submerged in the dirt, was able to do nothing for him.
"Stop messing around, and keep your eyes open!"

SPOILER: Click to show

{jutsu}RED-

Goukakyuu no Jutsu (Great Fireball Technique)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Offensive
Handseals: 6
Chakra Consumption: Mid

Goukakyuu no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilizing the Fire Element. After performing the necessary handseals, the user draws chakra from their mouth into their chest and then immediately exhales it. They then blow a stream of fire which erupts into a large sphere of flames. To better manage the flames, the user can bring their hand to their mouth to control it.


MARINA -

handseals prepared

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"MAY THIS HOMICIDE BE SILENT..."

This was the clone's intent from the very beginning, and with the legs of the unknown assailant secured, all that was left to do was yank the rest of the body down and into the ground in one swift motion. The clone would bring itself up and out from the ground only when the burial was complete, and upon arriving at this point in the counter-attack, the Uchiha's doppelganger would literally "FINISH HIM!" with its earthen hands clamped around his head, neck and jaw. Most likely crushing his throat in the process, one final quick jerk would twist and crack his neck.

The well executed murder was the clone's sole purpose for its existence, and even though its chakra waned and was nearly depleted, it would not leave his world until his target did so first. Anything performed after that was a pure bonus. Once the homicide was complete, it would turn its attention to the remaining two assailants, one male, one female. Although she had spotted the clone earlier, it was not entire sure if her entire attention was his; regardless, she became his new target.. No more than a few meters away, it was time to plan one final assault - his rush to attack her began.

As all of this took place, the other clone that was birthed near the two unknown assailants would be welcomed with a stream of fire. The short distance would make dodging near-impossible, but then again, this clone's existence was merely for distraction purposes. Well aware of its role, the clone would quickly slant right and forward, hopefully drawing the attack and the attention of the pair, but more specifically that of the male. As they already seemed so eager with the discovery of the Uchiha's location - her loud and excited expression was a dead give-away - this should not be hard to achieve. If the flames were avoided, then the clone would close the gap between them and attempt a physical attack on the closest of the two, the male.

Now, to reach an eloquent conclusion to this violent clash. All of these distractions favored the real Uchiha and presented an easy opening for a final attack. Only then would the medic be able to attempt to heal the injured Iwa shinobi, and in the process, hopefully gain enough of his confidence and trust  to be presented with a chance for an audience with Iwagakure's leadership.

While one assailant was buried and hopefully killed off already, the other two focused their attacks and energy into the clone. Preparing to go on the offensive, ^"Enfuego" slithered through the earth to a position away from their field of vision, still some ten meters away, and no where near the aftermath of last round's attack.

His advanced directed westward from his former position, away from where the second clone directed itself, and was now quite close to one of the canyon walls. His emergence was stealthy and required only a small portion of his body to come forth for his attack to begin. Now, one last element was needed to ensure maximum success - Sharingan!

As his eyes glowed with crimson to make his aim true, his left wrist, armed with a senbon launcher, would shoot out two needles aimed at each of the target's check and neck regions. Between the weapon's distance capabilities and his infallible eyes, it appeared success was in his favor. As a bonus, the Uchiha was keen on always keeping his needles wrapped with a special surprise. The senbon would hail and travel clear of the flame path due to his previous relocation, and would result in severely hindered movement for his victims should they land true.

On the extreme off chance he missed, he'd disappear once more underground, still under the effects of the previously cast Dochuu Eigyo [Underground Fish Projection].

SPOILER: Click to show

{F's JUTSU}Partially Activated Sharingan: One Tomoe
Rank: C
Range: -
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: -
Chakra Consumption: Low [per turn]

This is the first variation of a partially developed Sharingan eye. The clan member’s pupil will turn red and develop one of the wheel swirls. The perception of one’s surroundings is slightly enhanced, though the one tomoe Sharingan yields minimal to no real benefit.

Note: This variation of the Sharingan is capable of piercing C-rank Genjutsu and below, and is capable of predicting rudimentary Taijutsu (C-rank and below), and comprehending movements that are of C rank Speed or less.

[ Three Earth clones, one Uchiha ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

Desperately trying to unearth his legs with a kunai, Sky continued to scrabble in the dirt, his companions ignoring his urgent need for aid. And then - it was simply too late. His kunai embedded itself into something solid, but he had no time to question what, as he found himself pulled roughly into the earth.
"Guys, no, please, help!" Incoherent and hysterical, Sky could only let out one last scream before his neck was broken, and he fell permanently silent.

At her comrade's desperate cries, Marina spun around, the jutsu she'd prepared to unleash on the other target now launched at the clone which charged towards her. She blew a cloud of bubbles in the clone's path, and its momentum would likely carry it straight through them, which would result in a number of powerful explosions tearing apart its earthen body. The other one, which had emerged before the two, had attempted to move, but Red's jutsu had followed it, as he continued to breath fire upon it. Reasonably confident that they had dealt with both clones, the two assailants were preparing to aid their comrade - unaware of his demise, when their own came rushing to meet them.

Though they had fought their ground, dealing with those opponents had left them open to a covert strike, and senbon in the neck would leave them either dead, dying or paralysed. The three fell silent, and only the low groans of the Iwagakure shinobi could be heard, as he lay still in the dust, unable to get up.

SPOILER: Click to show

{jutsu}MARINA -

Homatsu no Jutsu (Bubbles Technique)
Rank : C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Offensive
Handseals: 5
Chakra Consumption: Mid per 12

Homatsu no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilizing the Water Element. After performing the necessary handseals, the user will blow a dozen bubbles (which are no larger than their palm). These bubbles can move to surround their target. Even the slightest amount of physical contact with an object is required to make these bubbles burst, resulting in a small but powerful explosion (1 meter diameter) when they do. Likewise, the user can make them detonate on command with a snap of their fingers.

Note: Water is not necessary beforehand to perform this technique.


RED -

Goukakyuu no Jutsu (Great Fireball Technique)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Offensive
Handseals: 6
Chakra Consumption: Mid

Goukakyuu no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilizing the Fire Element. After performing the necessary handseals, the user draws chakra from their mouth into their chest and then immediately exhales it. They then blow a stream of fire which erupts into a large sphere of flames. To better manage the flames, the user can bring their hand to their mouth to control it.

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"LET ME HELP YOU..."

Five separate murders took place within a small span of time, and although some of the lives lost belonged to dopplegangers of the eventual standing winner of this violent foray, the three main unknown assailants ^"Enfuego" had target had all expired. Although the man and woman were successful in dispatching F's bunshin, in the process, the Uchiha had succeeded in injecting each assailant with a pair of deadly senbon. Although their contact alone was not enough to be fatal and instead aimed to restrict movement, the present wrapped around their body was made to add a new level of stealth and lethality - they were each laced in Explosive Notes [-x4].

A clean set of seals would set them off in swift succession, their locations on the victim's bodies dealing deadly consequences - their necks and chest were essentially blown open. It was a gruesome sight but an unfortunate familiar one to the mercenary,, and in the process, their bodies soon were rendered devoid of life and movement, instead falling slowly and limply until they met the earth with an unsettling thud. Form then on, no more movement could be seen from either; they had expired. Acknowledging this, F would slowly rise up from earth, looking around and about to ensure no other assailants remained hidden away among the canyon. Now, for the next step in his plan.

The downed Iwa shinobi had not moved for some time, and while he was eager to bring him back to life, precautions must always be met. A seal later, a single Kage Bunshin would soon appear midst a wispy white cloud, its image identical to its creator. In a near-instance, it knew its purpose for existence - it was to do whatever it took to bring that shinobi back to life. Having all knowledge of the Iryou arts as the master, healing would be an easy task for the shadow clone. In the mean time, Enfuego remained vigilant, scanning all horizons for possible enemy encounters.

For the moment, fiery red returned to a dormant raven, the chakra in his eyes taking a momentary rest. Coincidentally, the image of his enemy's recent passing continued to play back in his subconscious. It was like an endless replay, their deaths wanting to trigger some sort of deep, buried urge within him. He knew it. He'd felt it once before. It was a primal emotion, one that was fueled only with those of select blood. The last time he felt this, he lost everyone that had given him an opportunity to matter in this world, and was consequentially birthed into a new identity - the Phoenix, a savior through flames. The contemplation eerily continued to tug on his subconscious, and were he to entertain it any longer, he'd soon float on to another plane.

But for now, he fought it off bravely - after all, he must stay vigilant! The preservation of the Iwa-nin's life was all that mattered at the moment. Though the clone was silent in its approach, it was merely observing, and would make no sudden approaches until it felt ready.

"...are you hurt? I can help."

[ F, a KB, and a downed Iwa-nin ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

As the unknown shinobi did whatever it was he needed to do, the Iwagakure shinobi was still unable to get up. He had laid there throughout the fight, the large shuriken piercing his back almost enough to stick out of his chest, while the numerous smaller kunai were embedded almost as deeply. He had survived while his assailants were murdered - somehow - but his energy was running out, and all he could manage was a croaked;

"Wh-what do you think?"

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"Now this is gonna sting a bit"

The downed shinobi's reaction would prompt a small chuckle from the shadow clone, and without anymore time being wasted, the treatment would begin. Given his body had been stabbed so much, removing everything at once without the proper care could trigger shock, pushing the youth to a dangerous and fatal point of no return. Rather than risking this, the Uchiha's plan would be to steadily remove the imbedded blades one by one, and in between each careful extraction, apply a sufficient amount of Shousen no Jutsu healing chakra in order to bring him back to life.

If necessary, the shadow clone's very own internal energies would be donated on a miniscule level, just enough to make sure the patient remained conscious. A Chakra Ijou would be performed soon after the first few kunai were removed, and towards the end, when the worst of the wounds was discovered - an embedded windmill shuriken with a tip creating a through-and-through wound; this would be no easy feat, and time was certainly not a  factor. More healing was needed, stat.

Midst all this, ^"Enfuego" remained captivated by the parallels this situation held with the night he was separated form his clan, here in Tsuchi, six years ago. Not one to believe on consequences, the Uchiha would continue to brush away any negative notions, keeping his patrol active. Still, even when he tried his hardest to ignore it, he simply could not hold it back any longer. It was the rest of his memory regarding that faithful night six years ago.

It seemed repression would no longer work to keep the truth at bay.

[ The healing continues ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

He was... gonna live? The stranger's appearance had been a huge stroke of luck, but his knowing medical ninjutsu? If anything could make a guy believe in the gods, it was something like this. Still, downed in the dirt as he had been for the battle, he had only been able to guess what was occurring through the cries of his assailants and the sounds of attacks.
"So... You killed them all?" He muttered, his words interspersed with a groan as a kunai was removed from his back. Who was this guy? He wasn't wearing an Iwagakure headband, at least not that the boy could see from his position. Did the kindness of strangers truly extend this far?

"I-I'm Hitto, a shinobi of Iwagakure. They were after the - ahh, careful - village location... Shit, if only I was stronger," He spoke through gritted teeth, doing his best to ignore the pain. Perhaps he should've been more wary of this man, his objectives and allegiance were unknown, but when a guy saves your life? You feel like you can trust him, just a bit. He coughed, raising his head and attempting a smile, though the blood that stained his lips rather ruined the effect.

"I dunno who you are, but, thanks man,"

[☆ F ☆]

☆

DEMONS OF PAST & PRESENT

The memory was finally triggered.

---

Though he did not know it at the time, the first stage of awakening his long-hidden Sharingan finally wass triggered as he came to the realization his camp had been attacked and subsequently destroyed, with most of its members - including his own 'mother' and 'father' - being slaughtered mercilessly left and right. The breaking point came when the boy came upon the dying, burnt body of his 'mother'; now, as he suffered the greatest in his short life, uncontrollable power and rage coursed through his veins, finding himself at his strongest, yet most out of control. Insane with rage and anguish, his chakra roared immensely though sloppily. constantly maximized and overloaded in the face of extreme emotion.

Despite his young age, as a well-trained medic, he possessed the ability to harness great, explosive strength within a single strike. Having mastered this skill, the Uchiha could produce this effect anytime he wished, even when his concentration was not at its finest, an affliction that would render most battle-medics unable to perform. As a result, he was moving with new precision and constant extreme power, ready to destroy anything that came before his path. His newfound accuracy and insight, though still unknown to him as to why he suddenly possessed it, would ensure he moved about the burning campgrounds unscathed. Some enemies would spot the raging youth rush passed, his eyes burning a bright, crimson rage, though when they'd attempt a sloppy strike on him due to underestimating him as a result of his age and appearance, the Uchiha would simply dodge and crush them back, his chakra-infused fist pulverizing skulls effortlessly as if the Uchiha was smashing mere eggs.

The effect produced was much the same, brains scrambled like eggs and skulls cracked like shells. And after only a few of those, he'd soon find himself covered in human remains, his innocence lost much like the faces of those he'd struck with his charging enhanced strikes - shattered, with no chance for recovery. The final act in the death of his childhood and soul came when, midst his crazed, chakra riddled rage, he encountered his 'father', barely alive and breathing, doing his best to sluggishly fend off assailants from all directions. Though he was a skilled man, his enemy possessed an unfair advantage in numbers; unfortunately, he was but one man. Eventually, he would naturally get tired, and much like hyenas hunting, his enemy would slowly bring him down, wounding him until his body could no longer aid him in his defense. It was at this moment that the boy entered the scene.

It was surreal. Though most of the campsite was smoke and fire, this clearing was devoid of it all, and the screams of pain and suffering from the camp were suddenly drowned out by the insane laughter the group of assailants were enjoying. It was a sudden, hysterical laughter, the element of a crazed soul, dispersed across many scores of bodies. They were all enjoying one thing and one thing only - watching, and even participating in, the organized murder of his 'father', as well as the whole camp. It was sickening. The boy, dead inside and wishing nothing less than the same for the rest of his entity, screamed like a wild beast, and for a moment they silenced, but once they turned and saw the source - a red-eyed devil, and a spawn of those they'd just killed - their laughter intensified; it seemed dessert was served.

---

Though the memory remained, it would momentarily end as he continued yet another circular patrol was completed around his shadow clone. The Uchiha had lost track of how many times he'd done so at this point due to his memory assault, but given the time elapsed, he was confident his clone should halve almost been done.

---

The clone would peak at his master in the distance before returning his gaze to the weakened yet stable Iwa shinobi. Most of the blades had been removed from his body, and when the biggest threat was finally unlodged from his chest, the largest amount of healing chakra used thus far was finally employed; it was, after all, the clone's sole mission that the patient survived. The doppelganger had remained silent thus far despite the Iwa-nin's comments in order to make sure his concentration did not waver, but after a while, he did not wish to be rude either; he was, after all, seeking to establish trust here for the sake of his master. The clone's voice came out quiet and low initially, resonating with some form of unknown lurking power as his phrases grew in length. Most of the phrases were strung together though artfully paused; it was mild acting, yes, but it was the quickest way to his objective.

"I detest senseless violence…kill only when necessary. Plus, as a doctor, the very concept goes against my creed!"

"Though if you consider my choice of actions to express my dissatisfaction, you could argue that I am a hypocrite, unfaithful to my own word and creed..."

"...hmph."

"Ahhh, it doesn't matter. All that is important is that you're safe. Healed. Though not completely…"

"...my abilities can only bring you back to life so much in these deplorable working conditions. It was a miracle you survived this far…you have a strong will, Hitto!"

"Now…where could I take you so that I can fully heal you? I'm worried about your condition…"

[ memories haunt him ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[daisy]

What a strange guy. Hitto couldn't really think too badly of the man, as he had just saved him, but it didn't stop him being a tad weird. His words didn't particularly make sense either; as he spoke of hating violence, and of killing only when necessary. Hadn't he just murdered three complete strangers to save another stranger? The Iwagakure shinobi was glad he had, of course, but... Though perhaps the man saw this contradiction himself, as he seemed to acknowledge it, even if Hitto couldn't quite make head nor tails of his words.

He didn't exactly have the energy to think on it either, as pain spasmed throughout his body.
"Y-yeah, thanks man..." After a shaky first attempt, he managed to rise to his knees, but his body wouldn't co-operate in allowing him to get much further.
"Iwagakure. It's probably against protocol, but I'm a dying Genin, they'll forgive me," He attempted a laugh, but it quickly turned into a hacking cough.
"'Sides, the Kage's softer than the council. Still might kill you for knowing the location, but what can you do, eh?" Another attempt at humour turned sour as the boy grimaced.

The situation was clear, however. He couldn't make it back to the village alone.
"Sorry man, you're gonna have to let me lean on you," The stranger had done a lot for him already, what more was such a request?

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"IT'S TIME TO GO."

In the face of a dying patient, a medic feels at their most vulnerable. As trained healers, the concept of having the potential for healing and recovering can get blurred, with the medic's past successes either creating or reinforcing the notion that there was nothing they could not cure or heal. Therefore, when the opposite appeared to happen before a trained medic's very eyes, an onset of panic has been known set in.

And for a moment the doppelganger would experience just that, apprehension and concern taking over sudddenly. However, at the mention of Iwagakure, all forms of irrational concern left it; if they could get the patient to the village in time, then the village's medical team could easily ensure the patient's survival. After quietly listening to a few words stuttered in between blood hackings by the Iwa-nin, the Uchiha's shadow copy would 'cough' up its own opinion on the matter of potential danger.

"Your concern is appreciated, but my own outweighs it. After all, your safety is my top priority. Besides, I can handle myself..."

Perhaps he was pushing the agenda of solely being there to heal the Iwa-nin a bit much, but considering he would once again cough up blood and even request the clone's help in standing up, he doubted he'd be in any position to make too critical of a judgement. He did not seem like one to bite the hand that fed him, so before helping him, even more healing chakra would be applied to the Stone shinobi's battered self.

Word of the Kage and the shinobi's short but telling description was quickly remembered, his interest peeking at the mention of the Iwa-nin's leader and their possible disposition. It seemed this visit would prove even more fruitful than originally envisioned. Best to not waste any more time and instead get to Iwa. Once satisfied he'd healed the genin enough to last the rest of the trip, the shadow clone would lower himself, squatting flightily so that his patient could grab hold of his shoulder. From here on, he'd do his best to support the injured Iwa-nin while heading back to the village.

"Let us go, Hitto."

He'd give his injured patient a moment to gather himself before they began to head out.

[ F's KB & Hitto ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME