Curmudgeons [M]

[Katsumaru]

SPOILER: Click to show

MISSION

☆ Name: This is a stick up Part II
Rank: B
Repeatable: Once per PC
Description: With the recent robberies having had happened and the criminals caught, information has finally reached the village's ears, which will hopefully put an end to the reign of terror over the village's people. Apparently the group of bandits are being lead by a Missing Nin whom left the village of Konoha. While no information can be given on the shinobi, he must be stopped. But it won't be as easy as simply eliminating him. Bringing him out of hiding will prove to be a difficult task as well. Be careful, as he won't be alone.
Obective: Hunt down the leader and capture or eliminate him.
Reward: 100 EXP and 2,500 ryo

[Trigga]

Enter, Kage Bunshin

Little would fall beneath the nose of the Hidden Leaf without being sniffed and in due course rooted out into the open. Akin to a tree being deracinated, or a home being lifted from its foundation by some inexorable storm, the secrets of a notorious criminal syndicate finally surfaced in a rather violent matter. A preemptive incursion, no longer than a week in advance secured vital documentation and enlightening incentives that spoke in direct content to an assembly of this mysterious scandalous organization meeting just directly outside the village—not even three miles north of the Massive gate that secured the village’s security.

However, such information didn’t come without a price, and this reparation for such important illumination came in the physical form of bloodshed and corpses. Three Chūnin along with one Jōnin were found cleaved—bodies completely shredded and showed little to no signs of humanly composition. Entrails of the most revolting sort flooded the crimson-stained floors as well while internal organs and supplies of the scarlet fluid that fueled veins were all found within refrigerated compartments upon the infiltration force’s breach and search. It seemed spies were tortured, and ultimately killed to dismiss the possible call for reinforcements. However they were slipshod, and thus were caught.

As the Hokage, albeit quite new to his position and quite young, Ryūsuke was entitled with leading a small two-cell regiment on an expedition to intercept the vantage point and take all into custody for interrogation and trial. However, leaving his home unattended was ill-advised, and as such taking his place, the symptom of his will would guide his team to the destination in the form of a Kage bunshin. Golden rays of warmth descended from the ambience above, touching the clone’s face allowing his artificial skin to shimmer in the light as Ryūsuke exited the village’s gate with the credentials and mission details in hand. His colleague for this important task was just outside- or so he hoped. It was time to continue on.

Stepping through the structure’s aperture, the Hokage looked around, oculars scooping the area thoroughly for the person of interest. Tōketsu had requested, though unethically, the chance to embark on a more challenging mission, and as such his request wouldn’t be ignored. Stepping over the pasture’s facade, the scarlet-haired Shinobi smiled as the crimson-eyed individual came into sight. “Afternoon, Tōketsu.” He greeted, waving his partner off and soon proceeded walking forward onto the yellow tinged conduit gesturing for the Lava-slinging Shinobi to follow. “We have little time to sit and discuss the mission; as such I’ll explain as we move.” He commented, ending dialect for now until the sound of feet resonating to his foyer signaled and a oral acceptance of his terms were discernible.

[Katsumaru]

[/i] he replied in a low grumble.

The mission was not a simple slaughtering, but a search, a hunt, and a quite complex one at that as the missing shinobi had shown to be rather adept at subtlety. Further, multiple men accompanied him, ensuring that the encounter, inevitably, degrades into a grievous one, surely outnumber the team of two. ”I recall reading that our target was hidden. Do you believe he is confident enough to strike out at a Hokage, or will that merely deter the thug from revealing himself?” The man was a missing shinobi, he had shown the talent to strike fear into the hearts of others, but the Airontoku considered him to be no more than a thug, as a man who abandons his roots is wretched, damned grime.


The Airontoku turned towards the forest, a fine home for scoundrels with the many shadows and caves to hide within. Touketsu had never held fondness for the forests, with their filth and damned insects eager to add discomfort to even the shortest of travels. Further, his navigational skills in the forest had never been great as he spent years in Tsuchi no Kuni, solely travelling the mountains, terrain considerably easier to steer through. Tree after tree, these complications filled him with frustration and a distress quick to ruin the mood. He stepped hastily to follow the Hokage’s clone, left hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. ”And what is your suggestion for dealing with him once we locate him?”[/ul]

[Trigga]

Before the two set off and began their extensive journey in search of a ghost, the Hokage couldn’t help but to find himself intermittently catching the interpretation of the man’s face in his peripherals. A distinct, defining scar ran along a large portion of his face, maiming any claim to a pleasant appearance and dictated the main postulation he most likely attained when interacting with another individual; a roughhouse. People, regardless of where they hailed from, or how they portrayed themselves judged. Either in secrecy, or being as blunt as humanly possible, the conception of critiquing was never nonexistent. Ryūsuke however, despite being the beneficiary to the clan Uchiha found little interest in being a critic.

In his eyes, all were equal to an extent and held their own individual importance. Each was a jewel of the world and deserved both approbation and polishing. Existence brought upon life, which summoned experiences that soon transitioned into convergences and finally settling at one’s true self. The Uchiha knew well enough not to question others on their blemishes or deformities; it simply made them that much more unique in his eyes. As such, their journey was a go, and with little to no hesitation the scarlet-haired Shinobi pressed forward, his kosode licking his torso while his hakuma flustered in a frail breeze. Tōketsu however had a series of questions that would find answering within time.

“That’s the luxury of being a newly instated Hokage. The knowledge of my seated position is nonexistent to the world outside the Hidden Leaf Gates.” This stood true. Having on been inaugurated a week prior to current events, Ryūsuke had done little to front a public declaration of his taking office. Nonetheless, that was the intelligence in his scheme. Staying clandestine until the right time was a beautiful strategic move, and one the Uchiha would ride out until the wheels fell of the machine. Unless this syndicate organizer was one of Konoha’s own, his knowledge of the Hokage would still be past tense—locked on Hyūga Tensa as the Overseer of the Leaf.

The second question came in the form of an query to what they’d do upon facing their target. Still continue in his saunter, oculars of purple directed to the front while his senses harmonized with the surroundings, Ryūsuke mused over his own answer a moment before disturbing it to the public. “Our main concern should be to detain him. Murder is the easiest way to accomplish such a feat, but lacks skill and or sensibility. In addition to gaining information, his life could be valuable to any other Hidden Village he may have tainted. We won’t stay our hands with blood if we don’t have to.” And with that, his tone held a relaxed cadence and rhythm, that seemed far too comfortable and intelligence to come from such a young Leader.

[Katsumaru]

[/i][/color]

In a rather sudden manner, Touketsu launched an inquiry absolutely irrelevant to the mission at hand,”What has launched that desire to become Hokage, why take such a weight onto your shoulders? To some it seems more of a curse than anything, to guide the fates of hundrens of men and women. Their failure, their death, should it come to that, will they be on your mind or will you brush them aside as casualties for a greater cause?” He was uncertain of the man’s persona, whether or not the question would receive an answer, but truly Touketsu desired an answer, as a man's reasoning for wanting power, and even more-so, their reaction to the loss of under them plays the most vital of importance to this genin. The motivations of men interested the Airontoku, but it was not only that, for in his moment of discomfort he wished no silence, but rather to distract the thoughts, shift them to another target than flawed introspection.

[/ul]

[Trigga]

“True. Discretion is a Shinobi’s ally.” And with that, the Hokage allowed the essentials of his fingers to slither behind the back of his head as they navigated through the hindrance of silk scarlet. Reaching onto the knot that held his beloved Hitai-Ate judiciously against his forehead, his hands worked skillfully in efforts to untie the knot. With little effort implicated, the dark navy cloth dropped, allowing the engraved steel to follow suit and soon rested serenely in the palm of his right hand. This small utensil held such denotation, and would easily give one’s derivation away with the slightest glimpse and recognition of the spiraled field and triangular extension from the lower side.

Reaching over his body and tucking the hand band into the confines of his navy blue kosode, Ryūsuke made sure he’d fasten his attire appropriately so the item of meaning wouldn’t fall upon entering a haste action. Tōketsu was one of meticulousness and seemed to know how to cover ground well; this would be incentive for working with the older Shinobi in the near future. However for now, their mission was apparent and the task at hand held priority over contemplation of events that hadn’t come to pass. The search and destroy-esque operation was of the most significance with the possibility of finally put an end to the spree of crime that plagued the lands, and with one leader of the wolve’s killed, its pack would surely scuttle or follow in suit.

However, the next question that exited his partner’s frame was one that came with a perplexed expression of cerebral reflection as the Uchiha searched for an answer. “Why did I become Hokage?” That was the question, yet allowing it to enter into the world once more gave him time to properly formulate an answer. “Well… I wanted to help my village and Shinobi, that’s all I can say.” His statement was concise, though held such a profound meaning that Tōketsu should have been able to intercept easily. “I want a world without violence, and though it’s most likely ignorant to assume such a world could exist, it doesn’t mean I can’t put as much effort into making my dream a reality for those who want the same.”

[Katsumaru]

[/i][/color] A thin smile spread across his lips, lasting but a second before reassuming the stoic, grizzled expression.

”Men like I, soldiers, know nothing but violence. Our entire youth revolved around preparing to fight. Our only duty is to stain our hands with blood so that it is not ours, that of our comrades, which flows onto the soils.”[/i] he uttered, recalling the moments where he swung a blade countless times in preparation, sweat dripping down his brown. ”In your search for peace, your greatest challenge will be giving men like that, men like me, a purpose. Many of us want peace, but when it arrives, we do not know what to do in our lives. The only glory, the only accomplishments that soldiers experience is victory. Peace can only be achieved when you show them that there is more.” Touketsu declared, revealing the existential crisis from which he, and likely man other men suffered. That single belief he stated, it was one of the few things to which he clung, of which he was certain.

Previously Touketsu recognized that it was not his place to determine the fate of someone’s life, but one thought rung strong, a deliberation at which he was disgusted, especially in consideration of the Hokage’s previous statement, his desire for peace, his reluctance to shed blood, and ultimately, Touketsu’s desire to separate himself from the grim tasks of a soldier. He opened his mouth to speak again, but remained silent for some moments in contemplation, considering whether to put forth the suggestion. And he did, his voice growing sharper, yet the speech soft, hinting at the uncertainty of what he was to say, the disappointment with his own proposal, yet, it was necessary to ask to gain a better understanding of Ryusuke. ”The leader must be captured, but what of the followers? They hold no worth in the grander scheme of things and will perhaps resume to their ways even if we capture the leader. Perhaps we must…”[/i] he paused for a moment, his voice growing softer again,“…make an example of them. They have broken the law, and perchance we must spill blood for the peace that you want.”[/i][/ul]

[Trigga]

It was almost antonymous to assume a world that bred machines of war and death could possibly see past the crimson and into the ambit of variety. While Peace was a universal interest and dream-- it was just that, a dream. When you retire to your bed, after completing your rituals for the evening or lack there of, you minds becomes at ease, and eventually transcends into the domain of specious reality. The kind of world you envision becomes truth and your world is supreme. However once your eyes open, and the break of sun shatters all subconscious depth of thought, you return to what you left from-- reality. A semisweet sensation it was; the dreamworld held such precedence when placed into the reflection of one's self. However over time it gradually faded and the dream once dreamt was severed from the mind in whole.

Yet, like everything in the world, there was always that one unit of entities that held on to their dreams and would work infinitely to achieve them. Regardless of the factor concerning impossibility and the strength of body and mind required to pursue their cause, in the end the task would be complete and thus their determination would change the world. Ryūsuke was one of those few conundrum who would strive for what they believed in. A life where his own importance was second to everything else, a higher cognizance was attained, as well as the respect of life itself. Though as Tōketsu spoke, and declared not only his life's goal but those who resembled his style of living, the Hokage could only ponder on the thought for a brief moment. Giving others purposes wasn't a duty for him, and he would make that known.

“Tōketsu.” He exclaimed in a soft murmur, only perceptible to the man who stood directly to his sigh as the hokage turned his head and looked upon the older individual with a glare of honesty. “Before a solider, you're a person. Its our occupation, not your life. While I can help in guiding those into the realm of infinite possibility, I can't give you purpose. Such a task is entirely up to the individual and their willingness to follow their dreams.” He spoke with such a humble, and unpretentious tone it made it difficult to believe someone who held such strength could possess the compassion that the scarlet-haired held. “Now, I have a question for you... You've heard my dream. So tell me yours?” He inquired, averting his visual attention from the man and back to the forefront.

While the Genin spoke in regards to the bandit's assailants, Ryūsuke didn't answer immediately; instead he mused in his own consciousness. (“True... though there are always other alternatives to blatant death.”) He thought with a rather idealistic mentality, which was only heard by himself as the Uchiha continued along he dirt road which would in time lead them to the last known location of the small organization. “I'll answer your question was you answer mine.” And with that, Ryūsuke anticipated some form of response from Tōketsu. Though he considered himself a warrior by birth-- there must have been something he wanted-- or aspired to be that didn't follow the codification of the Shinobi. An ambition was that in which one didn't have or could accomplish presently in reality-- and even the most impassive of people had one.

[Katsumaru]

[/color] Touketsu muttered, the first part of his reply seemingly unrelated. His calloused hands rubbed the lower back, fingers tracing over the seal that had been placed by the government of the Ironhides. A mere dance of the finger is required to activate the seal, and upon completion the wearer of the seal dies instantly. ”The earlier generations of men were enslaved. The women were murdered, and in retort, the men fought off the defenders. We were victorious, but again we were enslaved, my people as a whole. That time as a slave to our own people. We carry a seal, which can be activated, taking our lives immediately.” Still his hands rested over the seal on the back, covered by clothing, a damning imprint upon his back that forever shall shackle him to the bounds of greater men. It mattered not to what heights he rose, for he could never escape those shackles. That, partially, triggered the seething cynicism.

Touketsu fell silent for a moment, for the words spoken by the Hokage held a certain truth to it, one which he could understand, yet one complex to accept.”As you can see, we were never people. The Ironhides were soldiers, merely that. Our every action, our every purpose was to serve the patriarch.” Upon being questioned in regards to his dream, Touketsu grew quiet once again, mind in thought. However wretched the genin may be, a dream lied buried deep in that soul of his, skulking behind his multiple conceptions. ”My dream is not as grandiose as yours. It cannot even be considered a dream, for it holds no grand ideals, no swift change. I must transcend, become a greater man, despite the ropes binding me to perpetual service. I must shape the people of this changing world, help men like I who have grown weary from the changing times. Find absolution in our own imperfection.“

It was not until that moment where Touketsu began to understand what he had truly wanted; not a purpose, but release from that what had followed him for so long. Should he continue to cling to those biased notions of his, the perceptions that had grown grim, he will simply drift, degenerate into a man that this world does not need. He chuckled quietly and unfittingly in a situation as this. "Thank you.” he mumbled, gaze shifted towards the Hokage. That man glowed with a positivity that began to have its effects on Touketsu. But likely, today, that lightened mood would be overshadowed by the cries of battle, whenever the bandit is encountered.

The Airontoku continued to shift warily, his steps gradually growing louder in an attempt to attract the bandit. He knew not how longer it would be until the man would reveal himself, but until then he can only attempt to continue to attract attention from any wary foe amongst these trees.
[/ul]

[Trigga]

(“And you feel my family hasn’t had its own share of adversity?”)

Ryūsuke couldn’t help but look into the first avowal of his partner and sigh solicitously to his own mind. His eyes taking to the forefront while his sense of hearing recorded what the Airontoku uttered and translated his lexis into something more humble and easily altered to fit that of anyone’s life chronicle; though true, and from what the Uchiha had heard from ear to ear himself, the clan that produced the voracious lava were but mere pawns to their own hierarchy. Destined to live as solider and defend the name of a clan that would ultimately turn on their own to gain a higher sense of importance or power. The strength of greed and authority ran close to one another, and wasn’t easily severed with words alone.

Nonetheless, no matter the pain he felt, or the objectivity he held so tightly to due to his clan’s own brutality, it was only reflective of what else transpired. The Hyūga lived by a similar code, and even the seal in which he spoke of held heaviness against the all seeing lifeless eyes of the Konoha natives. Branch family members forced to live under the code of servant and master—and thus the former was what governed their existence. They had no will of their own, and if one was produced, a single dance of the hands would link the end of one’s life. The most brutal of executions were those that came from relatives and those that purportedly cared for you. A slash to the heart cut deeper than any wound o the flesh. A soul shattered couldn’t be mended by a mallet and hot fire; nothing was more solid then one’s spirit and pride.

The Uchiha themselves weren’t the mirror image of perfection and love. Legend spoke of the ill omen placed upon the Hidden Leaf, and the ordained battle between the Will of Fire, and the Uchiha’s own hatred. A clan developed on the basis of hatred and jealousy, the Sharingan was but a tool of death and depression that warranted not the fame or landed gentry that was currently associated with its spiraling oculars. However as the current Hokage had proved numerous times over: it wasn’t from where you hailed that decided your future—but how you portrayed not only yourself, but your morals and beliefs. Accepting the cryptogram of conduct that the first Hokage instituted, the scarlet-haired Uchiha would spread its word proudly.

Finally, an answer ensued, and the man spoke of his dream—or lack thereof. This ushered in another inquiry by the Hokage, and while at first, it would seem haphazard and completely off topic, if Tōketsu saw with clarity, and knew of the village he descended from, this simple notion should have been easy to comprehend. “Are you familiar with the Will of fire?” Ryūsuke questioned with a inquisitive tone and simply awaited an answer. His feet trotting against the ground casually, and with a more audible thump that would differ from that of any stealthy Shinobi, attempting to ensnare in his prey, and eventually become the predator himself.

Meanwhile, not far ahead—roughly forty meters, the base of seven would become aware of the two that approached with time. Their eyes falling towards the general direction of the apecture in the woodlands that would eventually lead them duo to their dominion. Among them, a dark-haired brute, standing a modest 6”6, and hold the frame that resembled a man well into his own weight. The leader of the bandits had caught the scent of the sheep who neared. Battle would ensue soon enough.

[Katsumaru]

[/color] his voice trailed off and grew soft. He turned his head to Ryusuke and nodded sharply before continuing, the voice returning to the mightier, deeper pitch of before. Personification of nationalism it may be, but still Touketsu had questions,"Yes. I have heard mentions of it, but of one thing I am uncertain. I understand the meaning, likely all Konohagakure shinobi may do. But how important is it in their lives? Philosophically it is important, but do they truly adhere to its doctrines?” He had chosen a rather odd term, doctrines, to describe the belief. ”And what in regards to my earlier question, what we do with the bandits comrades?”

Despite the time he had spent in Konohagakure, he was uncertain of the Uchiha and their history. Ryusuke, the Hokage and man with whom he had travelled today was of the unique blood that granted the men eyes of unimaginable power, or so he had heard. Never had he seen the sharingan be put to use. Further, he knew nothing of their history, whether they had been bred for conflict and within terror itself. To expect such would not be improbable, for men as these two, flowing with atypical blood that manifested itself in a dichotomy of exaltation and blight. A blessing in the form of the abilities it granted, but it was exactly in this which the curse laid. The aptitude is a target for hatred, anger, and fear. Never shall men like Ryusuke and he know true peace, of that Touketsu was certain. Their very existence was a taunt to the typical.

And their targets had begun to reveal themselves, eager for the blood of the two men, it would seem. Amongst them stood a mighty man, taller than any Touketsu had seen before, but he felt no terror, no trepidation, rather, this entire situation felt familiar, the moments before battle breaks out. It all felt so natural, despite their numbers surpassing the genin and Hokage by two. Not yet would he burst into many moves; Touketsu would wait for Ryusuke’s command. But he would not be entirely without preparation. His left hand slipped downwards, resting on the leather pouch, not yet opening it to reveal the contents within, for he preferred for the bandits to remain confident in their belief of superiority. In moments their poise will be crushed. Soon it would begin.
[/ul]

[Messatsu!]

x2

+100

[Trigga]

(“A wonderful question… Do we still hold dear to our own dogma?”)

While the Will of Fire was the fuel which powered the Hidden Leaf and fortified the rationale behind its strength and invigorated the melancholy that loomed above like a sickly plague post-war. However again to any aged, antediluvian tradition and teaching, the generations following altered, changed, and eventually formulated a newer set of guidelines and values to fit their own personal schema. Though not nonexistent, the flame which burned brightly was slowly fading and losing its luster. It would take not only a single entity, but an entire society to rekindle its might. The Uchiha would try his best to make this ‘but a dream’ conception reality once more.

As Tōketsu spoke, and inquired about the Will of Fire’s influence in today’s society, all the scarlet-haired Shinobi could do was give an honest answer. “Well, you answered your own question.” He announced, attempting to relocate the dialect previously instated to further elucidate and reinforced his subsequent statement. “You want power… However the strongest Shinobi isn’t one who fights simply for himself, and only feeds on death and power. A truly powerful Shinobi is birthed from a response to a need. One with ambition pushes himself further, and one with love fights relentlessly to protect those who he cherishes. While it’s not explicitly honored (“though it should be…”) Each and every Konohagakure citizen, Shinobi or otherwise embodies the Will of Fire. It’s like air. While we don’t show it appreciation daily, we allow it to strengthen us. “He concluded, smiling up into the heavens, allowing the rays of light to kiss his lightly-tanned face and inhaled gradually. The air was fine and scrumptious—as was the Will of Fire was governing and inspirational.

The next question was one that the Hokage now had an answer for, and while it may not touch the tastes of his lava-spewing brethren of the Leaf, mindsets and views would always conflict. “If we can detain them with as little lethal force, then that’ll be the avenue we’ll pursue. If not---“ He words cut thin as they approached the band of several—one towering man standing amongst the group with a sinful grin; he was their target. “Tōketsu, I’ll cause a diversion… you’ll capitalize.” He spoke with a murmur, only perceptible to the man who stood directly to his side as the syndicate scum stood off into the distance a modest fifteen feet at this point. And with that, and hesitation absent, Ryūsuke would proceed forward, purposely motioning in front of his genin partner for concealment of the supernatural kata.

“Aye--- Could you help us out? We seem to have gotten lost on the roads. You know these Fire country pathways lead into an endless maze, yeah?” He announced with an innocent smile—concealing the intentions of his objective as he approached with a false state of uncertainty, meanwhile one of the grunts approached. An older individual he was—roughly in his thirtys with a scruffy beard to match and an eye patch—dark and solid covering his left ocular. “Well, it’ll cost you.” He said with a chuckle, his brothers of evil laughing gruesomely in the background. The Uchiha smiled.

“I only have so little to give.”

[Katsumaru]

[/i]

One seal after another was formed, a crude imitation of the zodiac, but the movement nonetheless fluid as his fingers danced, as the chakra pumped, tenketsu within the throat and mouth opening. It was not a mere release of chakra, but a combination of two elemental natures, doton and katon to form lava, a mighty substance.

Not until the completion of the hand seals would Touketsu’s motives become more apparent. The lava left his mouth, aimed upwards as to not strike Ryusuke, the three feet between them enough to allow for the substance to fly above his head. It was not a stream that was released, but a thick bulk that adopted the shape of a sheet, no different from a piece of paper, twenty meters long and wide (sixty-five feet), and at a height of eight meters, the morphing occurring as it was in flight. As the bandits stood before them, unless they had chosen to move, they were within the area of the falling lava sheet, its shadow covering them.

The sheet would begin its descent, plummeting towards the grounds under the force of gravity, but one thing in particular was notable, the sides descended hastier than the center, limiting the opportunities for escape. Touketsu’s positioning here was of particular importance, he had adopted a position so close to Ryusuke so that he would not be victim to the descending sheet; as he stood only three feet from Touketsu, from whom the sheet originated, the Hokage would have to move only three feet backwards to avoid the lava. With the limited application of chakra, the lava sheet was far from possessing the ability to cause death, but injury was still a possibility should one connect with it.

Of course Touketsu was aware of his positioning, blocking the path, should the Hokage move the short path backwards to avoid the falling lava sheet. Quickly, immediately after releasing the lava from the mouth, Touketsu stepped back and to the left. As he had already positioned himself in a manner that covered half of the right body by stepping left –moments ago, second before he had performed the technique-, the distance required to clear the path for Ryusuke was quite short. During this movement the left hand placed onto the pouch came into action. Snapping open the covering he reached into the pouch to pull forth a kunai, and released it with an upwards swing of the hand, not taking much time to aim.

The metal projectile was aimed at the eye patch wearing grunt, not to connect, but to serve a distraction to allow Ryusuke to burst into his own action. The man was the closest; hence he would be the target of the kunai. The right hand too was in motion as Touketsu traveled towards the left, even before reaching for the kunai. Once more he made use of the one handed seals. Chakra begun its flow again. As he lacked the ability to move and form seals at extraordinary speed, the second technique he was performing would not yet come to light, it was but a mere preparation underway, its true purpose not yet known.

Touketsu, throughout all this, had a certain advantage. His affinity for lava and flames provided not only the ability to perform the seals with one hand, but also a control over chakra itself that limited the exertion when it came to the control of youton. Further, he possessed a familiarity and resistance to heat, not a mighty one, but still he was guarded from minor flames. The burning blood of the Airontoku provided one last advantage, a hardened skin that could guard from sharpened projectiles such as kunai and senbon.
[/ul]

SPOILER: Click to show

Passives
Hinote (Heat Resilience) [175 EXP]
Rank: D, C

[/u], B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Clan Kekkei Touta / Youton Ninjutsu
Range:Self
Chakra: ---
Special: Each rank allows immunity to flames and fire of jutsu one rank below their own skill rank.
Description: With mastery over the arts and skilled manipulation over their own body temperatures, those of the Airontoku develop an affinity for the heat and grow more physically immune to flames and magma, to the point they soon walk through fire and lava unharmed.
Domain: Airontoku.


Airontoku (Ironhide) [175 EXP]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Clan Kekkei Touta / Youton Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Chakra: ---
Special: Each rank allows immunity to bladed physical attacks of one rank less - i.e. the 'C' ranked version blocks 'D' ranked attacks, etc. Does not guard against blunt or smashing type attacks.
Description: Over time spent with intense magma exposure and control, the skin of the user becomes resilient to weapons to a certain degree. With this prolonged exposure to the heat, their skin becomes rough and rugged, like that of leather, but to a much more durable degree. As such weapon attacks from bladed weapons such as kunai and swords become less effective against the clan member.
Domain: Airontoku.

Techniques Used

Fushokuzai (Corrosion Disolvance Factor) [175 EXP]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Youton Kekkei Touta
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Chakra: Low - Massive
Special: Allows the user the ability to create, control and move Youton (Lava) chakra of their own for multiple purposes. Level of corrosion and intensity of lava is determined by highest rank learned, materials of the same rank will take a full turn of contact with lava to dissolve and materials of lower ranked will be melted instantly.

* D: 10 meters
* C: 20 meters
* B: 30 meters
* A: 40 meters
* S: 50 meters


Description: Youton, the marriage of Earth, Fire and Water, yields a new and truly terrifying substance - lava. Birthed from the user's very chakra control and the simultaneous binding of these two substances, the Corrosion Disolvance Factor exists as the user's corrosion gauge. Essentially, as their control over the kekkei touta grows, so will the strength of the corrosion of lava, as well as the size and area of control. In their most basic state, the Youton user is able to summon a fixed amount of Lava within an designated area, and further the birthing by controlling the substance to their will.
Domain: Youton.

Yōton: Yōkai no Jutsu ( Lava Release: Melting Apparition ) [50 EXP]
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Defensive Yōton Ninjutsu
Range: See Fushokuzai
Chakra: Moderate
Special: Releases a thin sheet of lava above the battlefield, which tries to corrode anything unfortunate enough to have the technique fall on top of them.
Description: After forming hand seals, the user spits a large, thin sheet of lava into the air above the battlefield, the maximum size of which is determined by their Fushokuzai. This technique, if used correctly, prevents those under the sheet of magma from an easy aerial escape. The sheet will then quickly descend, the outer edges quicker than the rest, attempting to trap and then smother anything unfortunate enough to be caught under this attack.
Domain: Yōton

1 Kunai Used

Second Technique in Preparation
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[Trigga]

It was odd how a false smile could easily penetrate the protection one’s mind implemented to stop the process of psychological hacking. Something so frail and holding little to no substance in the world could, with just a simple glance easily cover what even the most qualified professionals of the interrogative arts couldn’t accomplish. A form of thief and more importantly, the crime against sincerity, everything that the Hokage did at the moment wasn’t self-effacing, modest no just. However it would deflect the opinion of death for the time being and while such boisterous actions were against his ethic code, it would find realization on such a day.

Tōketsu surely would have used this opportunity to open his own offensive measure, and while the crimson hues of the clan Uchiha were fit for this situation, this was simply a test of the man’s capabilities. While Ryūsuke’s true power would never surface, at least under such circumstances, his aptitude wasn’t in question, evident by the title which allowed him the facility to act on such a perilous mission. It was the man who stood to his side—the older Airontoku who would profit most from this experience. A Leader ,or executive would always be forced to appraise his subordinates—a general did the same with his soldiers and sub-professed applicants. This was no different. Though the risk of death was nonetheless present.

(“I hope you remember what I told you…”) He mused.

Purple eyes tranquilly resting on the surface of the man who bore the black eye patch, Ryūsuke waited but a moment until hell itself vacationed in the area of interest. An intense flare of heat bounced off his shoulders and rocketed into the skies as his optics scanned the coverlet of summer colors falling into the forefront. The action was sudden and the bulk of the bandits wouldn’t have even seen it coming. The Hokage however wouldn’t forfeit himself for the sake of his friend’s spewing of hellish molten earth. A quick leap in the reverse direction guided him a solid five feet to his rear and effectively out of the Yōton rainfall.

Concomitantly, he looked on, ignoring the actions of the elderly opposition who once expressed dialogue and kept a steady fixation on the man of interest—the leader. (“I see you’re as talented as they said.”) He thought, looking on at the dexterous vanishing act which carried him effectively out of the attacks range and into the forest itself. An evident series of shunpo protecting whatever grasp on life he had. However falling victim, the others—now mutilated beckoned with cries and shrieks of sorrow and regret—the every skin from their bodies peeling from the sears of 3rd and 4th degree burns that Tōketsu produced with the simple execution of fancy hand seals; the potency of the zodiacs wrath.

The man in front of the two now however was faced with a dilemma as the metal projectile swiveled without fail and motioned closer and closer. “Argh!” he shouted, closing his eyes and allowing his palms to buttress his own ignorance as the interior of Is hands shrouded his sealed oculars. A moment had passed. And to his dismay, he was still breathing? Sheepishly dragging his palms down, and dropping his arms to his side, the man looked around—the stench of burned flesh being his only turnout. His friends were left unconscious; living simply on the faint breaths that escaped their lips. Shock and pain forced them to succumb and if medical attention wasn’t swift—death was assured. However what startled him the most was the lack of the red-haired man?

During the upheaval and panic, Ryūsuke allowed his own frame to seemingly escape reality as his own vanishing was only discernible to his partner. With a series of two Shunshin no jutsu, the Hokage made his retreat into the forest in attempts to pursue his target. Meanwhile, Tōketsu was left with a panicking elder—the one he recently intimidated. Would he make quick work of the bandit and follow his leader?

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Shunshin ²