Kabutowari.

[Yox]

I had heard stories passing through the wind by village folk in Konohagakure. There was an ancient relic out there that had been lost for centuries. Apparently it had disappeared from the face of the earth for some time... until now. The hammer and axe. Though separated they were mere basic weapons that any average person could harness. But when they were used together, the result became unstoppable.

It was known as the Kabutowari, or the Helmet-Splitter. Regarded as a blade that could penetrate any defence, when placed in the right hands it could become the ultimate weapon of destruction. I had to get my hands on such a weapon. My skills in Genjutsu would only take me to a certain level. I had to surpass it with something else. And this weapon... this was my ticket to greatness.

However I wasn't quite sure where to look first. There had been a lot of chatter within a tavern located outside the village gates. That's where I started my search. I was seated at a table on my own in the corner of the room. It would indeed look rather strange for such a young boy to be sitting here on his own. If trouble did come my way, I would be ready for it. I was a ninja after all.

So here I was. Alone in a booth, quietly twiddling my thumbs and listening to the words of those around me. Hopefully they would deem me as innocent, not hesitating to saying something because obviously such a young boy was no threat to their endeavours at all. A barmaid suddenly popped out of nowhere, arching herself over my shoulder. She asked me why I was here on my own and whether or not she could get me anything. "A glass of milk, please," I responded with a cute smile.

{New quest thread for the Kabutowari. Third time lucky!}

[Yoshie - Chan]

" Coming right up! "

The barmaid, disappeared, once again into the depths of the booth. A small little key-chain hung from her side in the shape of a hammer. This would be a suspicious memento too bad it was too small for your eyes to see when she disappeared.

Yet, you will be interrupted in your peaceful situation by a boy, taller, but more effeminate then you. " Is this seat taken? " His smile would seem like the very sun shine within the sky.

He motioned for the seat directly next to you, but before you could give a direct answer he sits down and stares directly at you. " So, what brings you around Hi No Kuni? Hm, you must be looking for some fun around here. . . . Ya? "

The look on his face shows a devious smile which is shallow in nature. The way he fawns over you could be used to your advantage if you need information. Yet be aware that there are other options around your situation.

Old men, playing chess near by extremely focused on there game clicking back and forth. singular leaf jounin walking around with his team of genin.

And finally the lady who comes back with your order of milk in a nice porcelain glass. Choose who you decided to confer with carefully since all options lead to a new journey.

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[Yox]

The barmaid seemed to be a nice girl. She didn't seem to want to pursue her unanswered question. It was better off that way. The more secretive I remained, the better. Her presence was soon replaced with another however. A boy, older than me, though seemed to be rather girlish. It was strange. I had never met someone like this before. The way he talked to me and how he smiled at me. I hoped the boy wouldn't get the wrong idea from me.

"You can sit down if you like," I responded with a warm tone in my voice. As the boy sat down, he didn't hesitate in striking conversation with me. What did this kid want? I was here to track down the legendary Kabutowari, not to exchange some simple chit-chat with a random traveller. I had to remain in-character and make sure that my intentions were still suppressed. "Oh, well I'm a ninja from Konohagakure. I'm on a routine scout of the land and decided to pop in here for a drink. It's quite hot out there today and I don't want to suddenly collapse!"

I studied the boy's face after I responded to him. He knew something more. There had to be a reason why he had suddenly joined me at my table. One did not simply strike conversation with someone unless they wanted something. I could have been wrong. Maybe the guy wanted a friend to talk to. But, I could sense there was something more.

The barmaid finally returned with my glass of milk. Bringing it up to my lips, I slowly sipped some of the liquid down before placing the glass back onto the table. I decided it was best to talk in response with the boy at my front. There were a few others around here, and they could be approached at a later time. It was time to find out what this boy really wanted with me. He had a certain surreptitious look to him; something that intrigued me. "Do you know of the legendary Kabutowari? I keep hearing the name but I don't know what everyone's talking about!"

Of course I did have some minor information of the weapon. But I was keen to find out if this boy could be of some help to me. If he had no idea, I'd just make my way over to someone else in the tavern. Patiently, I sat there waiting for his response and occasionally picked my glass of milk up to sip from it.

[Yoshie - Chan]

A smile came across his face as you would respond to him with a likely story. " If your a leaf ninja why do I smell such a mountainous smell on you. . . Hehe, just playing with you. Just a little bit of fun. "

A feeling of want swelled within the boy, but the want wasn't sexual in anyway. You made a choice which seems to be semi-correct but also the toughest of all choices.

" Relax! my name is Char. . . and I have chosen you to become my good friend!! will you accept my small offer? " The feeling of secrecy would overwhelm you now by his surprising declaration within the small booth. Char's clothing would seem strange to you if you noticed them.

A giant poncho covering most of his body with a unzipped front revealing his bare chest. His chest would have black bar like stitches all over as if he has been in millions of battles or belying an even more sinister secret.

If your eyes would linger on them for too long he would respond simply. " Ahh! I ze you like my zeong!!!! it is something which I had to travel far to a land trapped behind allot of ze water!!! But after I completed ze trial I gained the zeong and le gyan!!! "

His conviction within each word would drip also with a boastful pride. A wide small would come over his face if you continued to stare.

" You look like a beautiful boy who would like a real challenge!!!! If you show me your ultimate friendship, I may give you something you'll find completely Smashing!!!! Hoho!!! "

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[Yox]

A mountainous smell? What the hell was the boy going on about? At first he came across at least a little normal. As more time passed however, I felt more and more uneasy about this fellow. He was super strange, that was for sure. The kid had knowledge that I needed to extract however. He was still of some use to my cause, and that was why I was still seated where I was.

"Hello Char. My name is Kohaku. I suppose another friend couldn't hurt..." I said awkwardly to the boy. The truth was that I did not have many friends. I never found the point in opening up all of your emotions to another person. In this world you could only trust yourself. People were two-faced and could use your private information against you after a simple argument. It was better off that I stayed on my own and had as little communication with others as possible. In this case there was an exception. I needed to find this weapon.

I inspected his chest once he opened his vest. What the hell was this guy? He had the face of a prepubescent boy but the wounds of a war veteran. The real question was why the kid had just shown me this. What was he trying to say by revealing his battle scars? It was all too confusing to interpret for now. I had to find out more.

Before I had the chance to ask, the boy began to speak again. This time it was as if he was talking in another language at some stages, as if there was some hinderance on his tongue. He hadn't ate anything so it was rather strange that he had turned from an understandable language to gibberish.

I grabbed my cup of milk and finished it off quickly. Slamming it back on the table, I expressed a feel of enthusiasm. In reality I was intrigued as to what these scars were and where this boy was from. I had never seen such a trait in Konohagakure. Perhaps these secrets could be returned to Lord Au. If I were to bring back the Kabutowari and a foreign ninja's hijutsu, I would be highly regarded and praised. "I'll be your friend, Char." After I spoke, I wondered what would happen next.

{This is set before I left Konoha for Kumo! That's why I'm referring to Konoha throughout it :3 Sorry for any confusion}

[Yoshie - Chan]

{ I know, just was showing a foreshadowing and if possible a reason for you to leave towards there. }

"Good. Sorry about the ze parts. I just go back into my old accent when I become excited! Well, if you wish to have some fun we must depart immediately."A delighted, an almost giddy and girlish giggle came after speaking towards you.

Within the next few moments he stood up, motioning, towards the direction of the central trail. Being a Konohagakure ninja you know where the trail leads, directly to the leaf gates.

Everything would seem to become quieter to you if you chose to watch him closely. The right hand, he pointed with had a ring of stitching right around the arm and fingers. The oddity of it all was as if he was Frankenstein - ian in nature.

As you follow closely to Char's side he would place his fingers upon your shoulder, squeezing, ever so gently before speaking once again. "Sooo, what does a little ninja like you have in the way of a family?"

His prodding came with a delightful smile again. His question was genuine in nature, and seemed to have a tone of caring. The boy himself seemed to be sixteen years of age, he seemed to stare at his scars, before speaking with you, which stirred him into asking you that.

What secrets of the past bubbled to the surface when he saw you and why does he want to delve deeper into you. But realize now he will not stop with this one question if you choose to answer.

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[Yox]

His girlish cackle only added to his creepiness. On the inside I decided that there was no point worrying about it. Every person across the shinobi world was different. Perhaps where this boy was from; this sort of attitude was normal. I stopped letting it get to me. A moment later when my mind switched back into reality, the boy had gotten up and had gestured toward the door. After we both left the tavern, we were headed back to Konohagakure. Why?

I turned to study the boy as he walked side by side. He occasionally moved his arms around, moving his sleeve up and revealing more stitching across his arms as well. Not only were the scars on their chest, but they seemed to be on other places on his body. Perhaps his entire body was covered in this style. I slowly thought whether or not these stitchings had been prepared by the boy himself, not inflicted by another.

"I was taken away from my family when I was young. Instead of being raised as a normal kid I was raised within an orphanage. Eventually I was gifted with the art of ninjutsu, thus decided to enter the ninja academy to change my life for the better. I didn't want to waste my time in that orphanage anymore," I lied to the boy as we paced. I was sworn not to reveal secrets of the ROOT to outsiders. As far as the boy new, I had no such connection to the black ops organisation.

I decided to put the spotlight back onto the boy. I was intrigued to find out more about him, but wasn't sure how to go about it. After a few moments of pause, I decided to just be up front about my questions. "So... Char. Where are you from? I know a fair few people out here and I've never seen you before. Also... what happened to your arms and chest?" It would be interesting as to what the boy would say. Ahead of us in the distance I could see the walls of Konohagakure. I wondered what the guards would think of Char and whether or not they'd let him in. For now though, I was focused on getting an answer for my questions.

[Yoshie - Chan]

The question you asked, stopped Char in his tracks. A look of pure contemplation was placed upon his facial features. It was like he knew something about you, and that he was mulling over what you said. " I'm actually from ze leaf village. Yet I had to move to a place known as Takigakure. There I was made into a ninja but alas I wished to come back for ze ramen."

A small smile, pursed his lips when he said ramen to you. It was like he loved the taste so much a sweet memory passed him by. "Nevermind. Let us continue the other way." His mind shifted completely as if wanting nothing to do with konohagakure. As if he was testing your friendship with a healthy bit of questions. The sharp turn he made was angled towards the direction of Mizu no Kuni.

" Lets head towards the adventure I was explaining earlier. I just realized eating ramen will make me want to stay in ze leaf village." It was mysterious the way he said leaf village as if suddenly becoming agitated at the thought. Just be careful how far you push the issue with your new friend or a new answer you weren't expecting might happen. And good isn't always the outcome.

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[Yox]

Takigakure? How did the boy end out there? It was not one of the biggest tourist destinations throughout the shinobi world. To be fair I did not know much about the place and it's ninja. It was a lesser village of a lesser land. Mighty villages such as the gruesome Kirigakure took precedence over such smaller matters. Well, in the ROOT anyway.

Just as we were about to make our way to the village gates, the boy decided to change direction. A bowl of ramen would prevent him from leaving the village? Sometimes I loved the self-control that I had which was taught to be through my upbringing in the ROOT. It made unimportant things fade out of my life so that I could focus on what was truly rewarding to me. Then again, I had the inability to appreciate more personal values to individuals. Coming to think of it, there was nothing out there that was truly 'my favourite.' People always spoke of having favourite books, food, and colours. I suppose I'd never know what that was like.

I shot a confused glance across to Char as we changed directions. We were headed away from the gates yet again, and also not back to the tavern from whence we came. Where the hell were we off too this time? I also noticed that he didn't want to explain to me the various stitches across his body. It made me rather confused. One moment he was showing off, the next minute he was telling me to "never mind". I decided to let him have this one. I'd stop with the questions... for now.

Brushing it off like it never happened, I decided to change the topic onto where we were headed. "Where are you taking me now? We sure are going on one heck of a journey. Do you even know what you're looking for?" This teenager could have been leading me to my death for all I knew. I had to put my faith in him for now though. If at the end I would be granted with the legendary Kabutowari, I would indeed be satisfied with the outcome. For now... I was a mere newfound 'friend' to this boy. Where would our journey take us next?

[Yoshie - Chan]

Sadness - could also be seen within the eye's of Char. Unbeknownst to you, his vision, was set upon someone from his past, now stationed as a guard at Konoha's gates. Luckily, you decided to just go with him instead of asking questions. This would be a conversation lost, but a point of trust given to you by Char.

While walking along with you to the new destination Char managed to hum a cute little tune, a tune that would be all too familiar to your ears. It was the tune set at the festivals of old within konohagakure.

The soothing sound was different as if his voice became much more delicate within the winds. The sound, lightened, the mood as you would travel down the trail towards a small ferry which was ten meters in length.

A small but beautiful vessel which mirrored the night sky with its complex applications of purple,violet,matte powder blue. The docks extended outwards, still twenty meters from both of your positions.

This seemed like the perfect occasion for Char to be his usual uber excited, and unusually happy self. A small bit of blond hair hung down over his dark onyx eyes, covering most of his upper face and back with it.

" Soooo, what was it that I wanted to tell you. . . hmmmm "

A small bit of frustration played out upon his face. A feeling of helplessness fell over him almost like what he wanted to say was so important the world would end if he didn't say it. And then it hit him like a gigantic rock with a nuclear engine barreling towards earth to make a nuclear winter.

" Oh ya! the adventure we are going on seems a little weird since we both just became friends. I mean I just met you and now I'm dragging you on a dangerous and deadly adventure to a weapon you probably can't even hold. I mean hell I can barely hold those things, like I would ever use them in conjunction!!!"

The long winded speech, would of course make sense to you because of the whole being thrust into a mysterious situation. But the way he put emphasis on holding whatever weapon he was leading you towards in conjunction might be the answer to your problems.

He tilted, his head letting his one eye, not covered in his smooth straight strawberry blond hair look directly at you. His look changed into one of analysis, as if wanting to consume you with his eyes.

Be careful. . . .

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[Yox]

I could hear the tune he gently whistled as we continued to walk. I wasn't much of a music fan, but this melody was somewhat familiar to me. I tried not to think about it really. It was just distracting and even slightly annoying. I hoped that Char would not continue singing songs for the entirety of this journey. Ahead of us the path declined toward a dock in which a single ferry was based there. Where was Char taking me now? A moment later, he began speaking again.

It seemed that he had finally got his mind focused on what he wanted from me. For too long had he been straying about, walking me aimlessly around Hi no Kuni whilst dropping a few riddles here and there. He spoke of the adventure being both dangerous and deadly. What was this guy really hiding? What did he know? The thing that caught me out the most was the weapon he spoke of. It sounded much like the Kabutowari that I had heard of. It was made clear when Char spoke of the blade in a set rather than a single item. This had to be what I was looking for.

After he finished speaking I watched him carefully as he stared back in response. Char looked as if he was telling the truth, and for once being serious about something. The task ahead of them would be dangerous. But what were Char's motives behind this? Why did he really 'want a friend' to help him out? If we did find the Kabutowari, what would stop Char from taking it from my grasp. Perhaps the two of us would fight in the near future for the prize.

"I know the risk Char, but I'm willing to take it. Together we will find the treasure at the end of our adventure. And along the way, we will become the best of friends," I said in a joyful tone to the blonde haired teenager. Smoke piped from the chimney of the ferry, suggesting it was about to depart. I could hear a whistle sound from the docks as well. It was time for us to get moving if we wanted make it. I gestured my hand out toward the docks before us, suggesting it was time for us to move. The Kabutowari was out there waiting for us. We had to be the first ones to find it before it became lost again.

[Yoshie - Chan]

The scene would be relatively calm, cool, and with a few bursts of wind still nice. Both of you travel directly onto the pier, and board the boat. A imbalance in weight would be apparent if watched for closely. But it would seem you were already dead set on getting that weapon that your only logical choice would be to get on the boat.

By now you should realize a nauseous feeling, circulating, all around the ship as soon as you board. The world will seem to shift and sway with the smell based genjutsu like gas taking over your systems.

The attack was planned from the beginning, but, the odd surprise is you would see Char already on the floor knocked out by the gas. There is no way to Kai (Release ) yourself with this gaseous chemical everywhere.

The slumbering world you will go into will be different then the real world in every single way. The journey will become brand new, from now on, you won't know what will come your way next.


_______________________________

Welcome to. . . -- Platinum World.

You would awake, within a nice and lush landscape. Trees higher then you have ever seen in Hi no Kuni. They also blocked out any sort of light, or what would be in it's place here. The small patch of land you would be on, has a distance of thirty meters in all directions. The height of the strangely colored trees, was immeasurable.

Within your vicinity is two different creatures, giants (twenty five meters in size) watching your every movement.

" What do you think it is? "

A mysterious voice which seemed to come from above your current position. It sounded soft, kind, and caring with a womanly essence.

" I have no idea. . . but it seems to be a . . . boy? "

The other could be easily identifiable as an teenage male with a strong, robust, and prideful persona. These creatures are what awaits you when you wake up.

Choose what you say wisely !!

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[Yox]

We were finally about to set sail on a journey that was still unknown to me. I had not the slightest clue where we were going. All that would guide me was this strange scarred blonde boy. I turned to him as we went onto the ship. Something strange met my eyes however. Char was out cold on the floor. What the hell had happened to him? I turned around to see if I could question anyone around me. As my head turned, I felt nauseous for no apparent reason. I opened my hands and glanced down to my palms. A moment later; darkness.

...

I finally came through. My head was throbbing slightly, possibly from the fall I had experienced on the boat as well as the strange substance I had breathed in. I sat up and looked around, trying to find my bearings as to where I currently was. A luscious field with trees that climbed into the heavens. I had never been here before. I looked up at the sun's position in the sky. It was roughly where it had been when Char and I had walked down to the docks. I must not have been out for long. Perhaps a new day was upon me?

I heard the muttering of voices behind me. I turned my head slightly to look at the two individual's that stood where my eyes finished. An average looking boy standing alongside a ginormous creature. Things were just getting stranger and stranger by the minute. I stood up from my seated position and lent back the top half of my body. I began to stretch out my back and neck before standing straight again.

I turned my head from side to side. Where the hell was Char? I couldn't see his blonde hair anywhere about the field. The only beings that were in my vicinity were the two that now stood ahead of me. I wondered where they had come from. The forests around us were deep and seemed somewhat endless. Where the hell was I?

"Hi there," I said to the pair of them as I edged closer. I reached about 10 metres away from them before I stopped in my spot. It was good to maintain a distance from those that were unknown. That giant creature was what I was more worried about. I had never seen one of these before, and in the ROOT I was supposed to have been trained for everything. "Where am I right now? My memory is really hazy at the moment and I don't even know how I ended up here. Could you please help me out?" I wondered on their potential response.

[Yoshie - Chan]

SPOILER: Click to show

{ Only two creatures in the vicinity with you. 25m in height approximately 984.25 inches tall. So trust me they can see you no matter where you go. (Vision equal to highest Byakugan) }

The giant rose from her sitting position. Now nothing could have prepared you for what your vision now beheld. For a lack of a better term "she" was an Ogre. A creature with a dark black hue, decorating her some what "beautiful" green pigmentation. "Aww, it seems to be awake. We never did find that helmet (kabuto) he was talking about in his sleep. Don't you think we should find it Gloo'Geg." Concern was within her voice as well when she spoke.

But the red beast, snorted in defiance. " Why! what reason would we have to help the damned thing! Remember what happened last time we helped a small one, Uzak Wot. . . it almost took the sacred Axe Drum!!!! Irow-A-Tubok !!!!" This was misdirected anger, but also a fear of humans in general. It would seem and event within there past keeps them at a distrustful pace from you.

But, what you said was mistaken for a cry for help. Uzak Wot, began to travel towards your immediate area (10m away). She was what some would call a monster, but, the caring within her "eye" was more then enough to give a feeling of sympathy within your emotionless self. "You don't know how you got to this Island!?"

She looked back, towards Gloo'Geg as if having broken some sort of rule. The giants, peered into each others eyes, this was before an angry Gloo'Geg decided to come closer towards you. A look of determination in his eyes, a great fear also welled in them. His gigantic hand, fell to the ground in a open palm position. He was inviting you into his vast grip, but whether you agree or not is ultimately your choice.

Be Careful . . .

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[Yox]

I listened to the two of them converse after I had finished speaking. Paying close attention to their words, the main words that were highlighted with my ears were "helmet" and "axe." They spoke of the relic I was looking for. It seemed that even without Char's assistance, I'd be able to find the blade. I slowly stopped caring about where Char was. I knew eventually we'd have to part ways, though I wasn't aware that it would occur so soon.

The pair of them also had the most heinous names. Gloo'Geg and Uzak Wot. What kind of abomination were these two beings? They were definitely not from the main shinobi world. Suddenly, the two of them came at me. I wondered if they could both perform jutsu as well. It was something that I'd rather not find out first hand. Instead, I opted to act cool when the two of them approached me. I could see it in their eyes. They meant no harm... for now.

The hand dropped to the ground before me. I had already forgotten this giants name, but it made no difference. It seemed as if they were going to take me somewhere. It was the best option I had right now. Yet again I was in unknown territory, something that seemed to always happen to me. These two seemed to be the only chance I had in finding some form of civilisation out here. Perhaps I would find someone... less mythical when we arrived at our destination. I leaped up into the hand and stood around the giants thumb. It was a good place to hold grip, as well as if he suddenly decided to slam his hand shut, I'd be able to make an easy escape.

"So where are you going to take me?" I asked the one that held me in their hand. "My name is Kohaku by the way. It's good to finally meet some more people out here other than myself. I thought I was stranded for good out here." I continued with simple conversation. I was trying to create some form of bond between myself and the two creatures. It was worth a shot anyway. They needed to know that I was on their side and not a threat to them. Though... that 'sacred axe' that was spoken of could perhaps change that ideal.