painting the forest [m]

[Hotaruko!]

SPOILER: Click to show

Among the Forest
Rank: C
Life Cycle: Once per PC!
Description: A man has requested that he be escorted in his artistic endeavors. He plans to venture into Hi no Kuni, within the forest, to find beautiful spots in which to paint, where he will bring his surroundings to life on paper. Since the country can be dangerous, and wild animals may be about, he is willing to pay for the services of the shinobi.
Objectives: Stay with the artist and protect him until he is finished painting.
Rewards: 50 EXP / 1,000 Ryo

I exited the gates of the village, which I hadn't done in a long while. It felt good and energizing to get out of the village for once, especially on a mission! My brown orbs looked around the path, with the gates of Konoha behind me. What was I looking for? The man I was supposed to accompany on his little trip through the country to paint all the wonders of its beauty. A smile rose on my face as I spotted him sitting underneath a tree, his easel, canvas and box of supplies sitting besides him. I skipped over towards him, wondering where my ninja comrade was. I gave the man a smile, he was a man of age but I appreciated the elder. "Mister Takaji?" I asked, just wanting to confirm that it was indeed him. I leaned towards him and smiled eagerly. The old man smiled back and nodded.

"I'm Hotaruko Fuujiwara! I am one of the ninja who'll be accompan-- guarding you while you paint," I announced, standing up straight. My voice booming some, I then let out a giggle. The man continued to smile. I looked around, wondering where my partner in crime was. "Huh..Arashi-chan should be here anytime," I said returning to look at the man again. I frowned a bit but nothing could get my down, not even a fight.. but sometimes I hated waiting.

I pointed to the sky, "We shall wait! Patience is virtue after all," I announced with a giggle as I plopped myself on the ground near one of the roots of the tree Mr. Takaji had been waiting for us underneath. I however, remained on my guard, alert. Anything could be lurking about, even so close to the village. My eyes surveyed the area around me at surrounding trees. I heard a wrestle and sprung up to check it out..

I was a few feet away, however not close enough to hear the painter mumble, "Ninja these days are so energetic.." he said looking over at me as I bounded around a tree, trying to spot out my foe. However to my dismay it was only a squirrel and I let out a squeak.. I was a bit afraid of squirrels..

[A*]

Among the Forest
Rank: C
Life Cycle: Once per PC!
Description: A man has requested that he be escorted in his artistic endeavors. He plans to venture into Hi no Kuni, within the forest, to find beautiful spots in which to paint, where he will bring his surroundings to life on paper. Since the country can be dangerous, and wild animals may be about, he is willing to pay for the services of the shinobi.
Objectives: Stay with the artist and protect him until he is finished painting.
Rewards: 50 EXP / 1,000 Ryo

I...stayed out of sight and out of mind, at least for the moment. I always prefered to sum up a client before I made a proper introduction, perhaps because I wasn't nearly as trusting as my comrades. I'd been tailing Hotaruko whom was so eager. Perhaps she hadn't gotten out of the village in awhile, I myself had just been out previously to help map the village. So the client's name was Takaji, well his last name at least. He seemed like an older gentleman, definitely had that creative aura to him. He smiled towards the energetic genin, whom seemed to lack patience. She introduced herself with her booming voice, then decided to introduce me also. I wasn't sure how she did it or how I tolerated the Fuujiwara's energy. Regardless I felt my "observation" time was up and thus it was time to make my entrance.

She'd point to the sky, proclaiming that they would wait, patience is a virtue after all.
"Patience is a virtue huh, question is...do you have it?" My voice called forth to the surroundings. That'd certainly catch both the kunoichi and the painter's attention. Of course, Hotaruko was...too busy being afraid of a squirrel. Regardless, leaves would flutter around from the tree before gathering in a swirling gust. Atop the branch opposite of where the squirrel was, I'd stand there looking down towards both my comrade and our client. "Arashi Hoshi, I'm the other ninja you've comissioned for your venture." There was no need for me to mince much words, I'd take a glance around the area to ensure that our client's safety was assured. Once the coast was "clear", I'd hop down and look to Mr. Takaji. "So, where would you like to go first sir? We'll depart once the final member for this mission arrives."

The final member of our squad was none other than Uchiha Shishitaros, the Raging Lion I worked with on my previous mission. Normally a friend would say something to their friend, especially one who was considered their "best" friend (well more like, she was my only friend). However I wouldn't allow something so simple as "friendship" get in the way of my professional image as a ninja. I made sure to up hhold the rules after all, as a shinobi my priority was my client...they were enabling my way of life. My other concern was how long the client had been waiting for us, despite Hotaruko's patience or lack thereof, my concern was the client's patience. I didn't see the Uchiha when I was making my way but I wasn't sure when he was deployed for this mission. Hotaruko got the mission just a bit before me after all.

"Hotaruko, don't look out for small fry like squirrels, we need to protect our client from larger threats." I commented finally, acknowledging her presence formally. It was in my typical mannor, no doubt she was used to it. I never skirted issues and I prefered to be on point, rather than early or late. Just as I was this time, lining up with her little introduction. Since the action hadn't started just yet, I decided to do a double check of my inventory. Of course I had everything on my person, including a seal which possesed my primary weapon. Though I made no conscious motion towards the location, that would be unwise.

[Taros]

“Damn Villages trying to kill me.” I was the last to reach the gate and had not a clue where these teammates were supposed to be when I looked at a guard and flashed him the mission thread he pointed me in the direction of these comrades. “Thanks man.” I said giving him a thumb up my signature before I crouched in a sprinting position reading the direction I was given. “Lets make a show of it! Yosh!” The words of a young lion taking off.

This was quite interesting considering my speed was the highest among the two clearly by the way the guard acted he wouldn’t of sent me without a escort or communication device. The man had to of known that I’d be able to catch the group on my own ‘clever senpai.’ Running with my body low I took in the scent of nature, loving and nurturing ah~ how some people could not love our village location was beyond me after all almost everyone back home was cheerful heh that was more than apparent when the voice of a girl echoed against the trees.

I’d stop and jump into a patch of high grass the green Yukata I wore blossomed with greenery to blend perfectly to my countryside even touches of brown to bring out the camouflage. I crept slowly and lowly with that black scarf over my head my mane was perfectly concealed, even my pitch black eyes hide under a lens of green and yellow, a mere gift from my mother and father, around the pools was a odd design green and red lines that sprouted from the corner of my eyes in paint.

If the colder Genin was stalking the bright one you could say that I a young lion was stalking my own prey… Or in another sense testing the others who have joined my pride, yes the bright one actually seemed to be off though she was drop dead cute and the other was a cutie as well this wouldn’t affect me in regards to my plan, laying low so her eyes wouldn’t see me I activated that hidden skill taking hold of the world in a new whole way, not even the baggy black cargo pants nor sleeveless shirt made a sound as I took to the trees ahead letting the colder girl meet with the other speaking of squirrels, I’d take my chance leaping from the tree at the old landing and immediately taking a knee in front of him. “I’m Konoha’s Raging Lion… Shishitaros at your service sir.” Green orbs turned over to the female that I had once worked with before and flashed a smile. “Hello, little miss seems we meet again eh?” I'd say before turning my attention to the bright girl. “And this time I get to work with two beautiful women? My old man’s gonna be so jealous.”

I laughed and turned my attention back to our client and observed him, I wasn’t at all interested in him after all he was on this adventure to dig up some old memories or feelings… Something like that right? Well there was nothing I could do to help, but make sure he didn’t die…(though for him to do something so reckless I didn’t like it.) then again being a craftsmen even I put others in danger. “You’ll follow all our warnings wont you sir? If you cannot agree then I’ll pull from this mission. I don’t have time for a stubborn old man would jump straight into danger for old feelings.” There I was shooting my mouth off again. Though s a professional I knew I’d do anything even give a arm to complete a masterpiece, but if it could be avoided and save the lives of those sent to assist me even I’d let it burn in the fires. Hopefully he shared the same ideas as me.

[Hotaruko!]

SPOILER: Click to show

Kagura Kinzu (Kagura's Supression)
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary / Sensory Ninjutsu
Range: See 'Mind's Eye'
Special: Allows the Sensor to suppress their chakra so that other sensors or even chakra sensing vision cannot spot them.
Description: With this enhancement to Kagura Shingan, the sensor is now able to block out their chakra signal, so that other methods of chakra detection cannot trace them. While they remain nonetheless visible, without a chakra trail the sensor is free to move about stealthily without having fear of getting caught.
Domain: Sensors. Kagura Shingan 'C'

The squirrel chattered at me, fluffing its tail at me. Staring at me with its beady eyes. I began to whine to myself as it stared at me. I..wasn't deathly afraid of squirrels, they just scared me. Yeah that was it. I..I wasn't afraid of them. However, as I slowly stepped backwards I heard a familiar voice echo around me. The squirrel scurried away, taking one last look at me. Gulping, I turned around and then my comrade and friend would show herself. On top of a branch, my eyes wandered towards her. I ushered an overly excited wave towards her, jumping a bit as I did. "A-chan!" I'd call to her, eagerly as she then addressed our client. She then seemed to check her surroundings and then hop down, almost effortlessly from the tree she had been perched upon.

Before moving closer I looked behind my shoulder to make sure that the squirrel was indeed gone. I stood near our client who was leaning against the tree we now stood underneath as Arashi-chan asked him where he would like to go first. The man seemed to think for awhile, a small glimmer of a smile upon his face. "I would like to visit a river not too far from here," he said to us though more so to Arashi since she had asked him the question. However, I didn't much seem to care about where we were going..just that we were going somewhere other than the village. I proceeded to tilt my head towards Arashi-chan as she mentioned that we were to wait for someone else. I hadn't known someone else was coming with us. "Oh! The more the merrier I suppose," I said, then Arashi-chan commented on my actions earlier. "Hai!" I announced, straightening myself up as I then closed my eyes for a moment, concentrating on the task before us. I also wanted to try and enhance my sensor jutsu and try and learn a new jutsu. I proceeded to utilize a few handseals, much like I would do with Kagura Uso however, Kagura Kinzu was a bit different, but still remained the same flow of handseals. After, I would attempt to block out my chakra signal..however, if it was successful or not I wouldn't have known. However, this jutsu would be useful if I wanted to utilize my stealth.

I opened my eyes again as I felt someone whisk past me, my concentration gone. The person lowered himself onto one knee. I supposed, before us stood our third member. I presented to introduce himself to the man and then one by one addressed us. I then blushed as he mentioned that he would get to work with two beautiful woman today. "Ehe.." I giggled, almost bashfully. "Hotaruko Fuujiwara at your service!" I said introducing myself to our newest comrade. I then smiled at him. It would seem that the old man would have his work cut out for him.

The old man stood up straight and looked around, "Well, I suppose everyone is here. I would like to get started before the sunsets," he said to us. He reached for his things and I was the first one to react. "Here, let me help!" I said eagerly willing to help carry some of his things. I picked up the box of his supplies and in my attempt almost dropped a few things from it but somehow managed to keep everything in place. "Off we go!" I said, taking charge. I walked to the path and walked away from the village. "Hey mister, where did you say this river was?" I asked him, looking over my shoulder at him. Everyone seemed to still be standing beneath the tree, "What chu guys waiting for, come on!"

The man was the first to follow me, carrying the rest of his stuff, or if the others proceeded to help as I did. He told us what the river was called and whoever had a map would have to guide us towards it.

[A*]

There was no surprise that Hotaruko had called out to me eagerly, she even called me by her little pet name. While to the ordinary eye I had simply continued to speak with our client, my eyes had acknowledged her when she called out to me, albeit subtley. While I had an "image" to uphold, it wasn't exactly the real me. I guess this is the result of the academy days. Regardless I had to focus on the client and I was rewarded with the information I requested. He wanted to visit a river, there were quite a few of those scattered throughout Hi no Kuni. One of which came in from the ocean side, from Mizu no Kuni's direction.

The one he was refering to was a rather long river that came from up north, moving through the Valley of the End. Though we wouldn't need to go so far thankfully, the river really was that large, with lots of bends along the way. Naturally the overly-chipper genin had no qualms with a third member joining us. We'd thus be a temporary cell, at least for this mission. Surely thanks to war time measures, we'd been teamed up with a wide variety of the village's genin by now. My importantly, I was glad she acknowledged that she shouldn't be worried about the small fry. I'd simply close my eyes, focusing on my ears in order to pick up the sound of the river.

However something else seemed to have invaded my mind's eye instead, the rustling of bushes and the feint tap of bark, we certainly weren't alone but it'd be hard to identify the source. Thus I remained calm, seeking to elevate my own senses further. Upon the swift landing or rather the jump I'd take note that our "third" had arrived, without bothering to open my eyes. He introduced himself with the very alias he gave me prior. He seemed to be really fond of the name, titles were very serious in our world, they grew with someone, akin to a mark of pride. My own blue eyes would reveal themself as he concluded his introduction. His own gaze now met my own as he flashed a smile. I'd nod back, my usual apathetic expression remained, yet as always, my subtle display occured by way of my eyes. It would seem they "smiled" for me, though briefly as he stated how we'd met again.

The more I saw of Shishitaros, the more I figured he was quite the character. Yet as I racked my brain for information, I really didn't recall seeing him in the academy. Then as the years of the war went by, I didn't recall ever crossing paths with him. This was no surprise, Konoha's army was rather large. We'd been practically forcing people through the academy during the war. If they possesed even a bit of skill it was enough, that's how dire things were. Regardless he too was a professional and focused his sights on our client. He was stern in his approach, perhaps the feelings of an artist were being conveyed through their conversation.

The old man didn't mind, though it seemed as if he neglected my comrades warning. Though he had much to do with his time and I concured that we should get moving before the sun set. As always, Hotaruko was all too happy to assist, so I let her play heroine/goodie twoshoes, whilst I focused on the "shinobi" aspect of this mission. I took one last look around so that I could be satisfied before being called out for. She was ready to move and thus I'd follow, albeit taking up the right side. My ears would simply listen out for the direction of the river because I didn't have a world map, something I'd remember to purchase. However my sense of direction was strong, so ultimately I must have ended up leading them to the spot.

It was a little clearing, practically a hidden vista within the forests of Hi no Kuni. The river flowed rapidly through, fish seemed to occassionaly flip out of the water, only to be snatched by flying hawks. Simple wild life and I was grateful larger animals hadn't come by...yet. No doubt the artist would pick a spot to setup, thus I decided to make sure the area was secured by way of a perimeter scan. My senses didn't feel encouraged because logic dictated we should at least have seen some deer, the Nara clan tended to the many herds which migrated around the country, though this seemed like a perfect spot to hit up amongst the migration.

Thus I ended up perched close to the river, scanning it carefully. The depth of this river was quite astonishing, I couldn't see the river bed at all! However before I could bat my eye, I saw large ripples within the river, the flow of water was coming from right to left, yet the ripples were coming from left to right. Before we had the chance to even take another breath, something very large jumped out of the water. It was...a huge...and I do mean huge, aquatic creature. Well, it'd be appropriate to call it a fish but it was quite...different. I don't think I'd seen this type of fish before at all. It was...large, like...four feet wide large. It was aggresively pursuing a small fish which flipped out of the water. Safe to say that said fish was snatched within its jaws.

I'd at least make clear of the river, after being splashed from the the fish crashing down. Sliding back somewhat, I'd proceed to formulate four handseals, my left eye began to glow with the hint of chakra. I had a feeling we'd become fisherman real soon...

[Taros]

In this country many things could happen whether it was good or evil no one knew when something would strike out at you, and when it finally happened to the group… My own appearance I was able to take in their reactions to surprises the old man seemed to shrug off my feelings as if they were none of his concern… A great annoyance that he’d be like that, but the girls the reactions they gave off were very satisfying.

The one that I worked with before she always carried a troubled yet very confident look while the other, though I had just met her seemed always cheerful and smiley, and… She was blushing! That’s what I had was looking for seems this Lion was finally entering his summer off youth!

Though before I could get another moment to speak with either of the ladies their attention went straight back to the old man who spoke of wanting to visit a river ‘great one of the most dangerous places’ I thought to myself. I was a great swimmer and very confident in my fist, but it just seemed nothing ever went well around large bodies of water and though I wanted to object to this memory I had no choice but to follow along, literally dragging my feet… My spirits were still high it was just I was starting to enter that serious mode where I wouldn’t be able to take part in the conversation joyfully.

“ Ah.. Man should have chose a flower field with two women like this, a field of flowers would have shined off as heaven, now you picked some river which though is beautiful can easily become a river of death.” Did he not know the type of world we lived in? What if something was to come from this water and eat him? Heh like there was anything that big in that shallow water right? At least those were the thought I’d have before taking a look at the river… It was way too deep like at traveling swamp.. I couldn’t really explain how these things got here and as a craftsmen I found it very dangerous for there not to be a bridge. “Maybe I should build a bri-” My words begun to flow with my thoughts but then from that water emerged a huge life form that devoured another of its own kind… Though this was some kinda monster. Thinking of the old mans safety I’d move away from the waters along with A-chan who had been watching in amazement as I was though… That was a lot of food.

“Food…” I said again though I doubt the others could hear me that could be dinner for at least a month…. I wanted it for me and the families of my company… Even my teammates, while I toyed with these thoughts that monster leapt again revealing its blue scales to the world, the eyes were large, but like other fish couldn’t take in a lot of their surroundings… Especially the rear..

Now thoughts of myself would have to exit I didn’t want something like that monster to be running free when it could feed many families or it could potentially make problems for the client who wished to come here and pain… though I had my own ulterior motives I simply smiled at the old man and gave him a thumbs up to signify ‘he’s as good as gone.’… I was now in my zone and rushing along the strong waters letting my bare feet press against the water using my chakra though I stayed afloat and my boots you ask? Why just before rushing in I kicked them off by A-chan surely she’d catch my drift.

[Hotaruko!]

SPOILER: Click to show

Kagura Kinzu (Kagura's Supression)
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary / Sensory Ninjutsu
Range: See 'Mind's Eye'
Special: Allows the Sensor to suppress their chakra so that other sensors or even chakra sensing vision cannot spot them.
Description: With this enhancement to Kagura Shingan, the sensor is now able to block out their chakra signal, so that other methods of chakra detection cannot trace them. While they remain nonetheless visible, without a chakra trail the sensor is free to move about stealthily without having fear of getting caught.
Domain: Sensors. Kagura Shingan 'C'

"Hmm, the river seems perfect.." the man was saying as we finally made it to the river that he had mentioned he wanted to go to. Which, of course A-chan lead us towards, being on the right side of the ol' man though she was the guide for this mission. Truthfully, I wasn't at all great at giving directions though I always seemed to find my way out being lost or not actually getting lost. It was kind of hard to explain but I could be lost but not be at the same time. But, we had finally made it to the river after a bit of journey. There was much quietness though sometimes the old man spoke about his painting and that he wanted to paint the entire land before he passed off into the second life. That was his mission. And though he had started it late, it was always a good thing to do what he loved and he seemed to love painting with a passion. He told us that he often painted the landscape though he occasionally did portraits of people and had even done one for a kage, though not our own. I had become very interested in what he did.

As we were walking alone and I carried some of his supply, I'd continue to try and learn one of the Kagura techniques that I had read about. And even though I listened to the man's words I tried not to lose my concentration on the jutsu. It would occasionally drop, but I would be quick to re-use it, trying to mask my precense from anyone nearby. (And I could not be sure if the others knew about my suppression of my chakra or not, but I would hope it was working). I would follow my 'team mates' even with my eyes closed as I tried to learn the next jutsu in the line of sensors. But, I would remain close to them by recognizing their chakra and listening to their footsteps, breath as well as their voices if they spoke. As we reached the river I could hear running water and opened my eyes to drop my jutsu, to see the location of where the man had chosen for his painting. And, it did indeed seem to be perfect..

However, I would jump some startled as a large fish reared out of the water. I stumbled, dropping the old man's supplies. Startled by the fish's sudden appearance... and its large appearance at that. I backed up some, unlike my companions who already seemed to be in position to defend themselves. Right! I had to defend myself as well as protect our 'package'. I gathered myself, standing up strong though the fish was much larger than myself. I would have to be brave to stand up against it. "Haaaii! I got this guys.." I announced, brandishing my Katara. However, first I would step away from the water. "Mister, please step away from the water..same with you guys!" I'd say, noting that Shishitaros had decided to step upon the water that raged around this.. demon.

Before I would utilize any of my attacks I would make sure that everyone was clear from the water, as to not get back fired from my attack. Water and lightning were not a good combination. But, once they were I would utlize one of my Raiton attacks. Focusing chakra to my weapon as well as my other arm. I would then throw them at the beast of a fish, jumping into the air as I did and then landing some feet away from the beast and the river itself. The man had gone to hide behind some trees, some ways away from the river so that as escorts we could do our job and guard him.

My intent was to barbecue this big fry!

[A*]

The biggest threat with this fish, was what it meant to the ecosystem of Hi no Kuni as well as the immediate danger we were in, just by being near the river side. The way it snatched the trout out of thin air, it certainly put me on edge. I immediately performed some handseals but it seemed Konoha's Raging Lion had beat me to the punch. He tossed his boots in my direction, which I caught and jumped back in order to clear out of the potential splash zone. Though it seemed that even he would be paused as the little firefly called out to us. I'd simply turn to look over my left shoulder. She declared that she had this one, which caused me to smirk.

My best friend had a knack for Raiton jutsu, so I already had an idea of what she intended to do. Now that meant I needed to evaluate the potential splash zone. My original jutsu idea wouldn't be needed, instead I'd begin to handspring backwards until I was near the painter. He decided to hide behind some trees, which was a good idea. I'd comb through the astral zodiac before my hands illuminated with a light blue chakra. I'd place both my palms on the tree he was hiding behind. This was my Iron Barrier skill, which could withstand quite a high level of jutsu as well as damage. I figured my comrades could battle the creature, I'd protect our charge.

Hopefully the lion and firefly would do well to remember the splash zone, otherwise I'd have to do some healing afterwards. As for the fish, it submerged after snapping the trout out of the air but no doubt it had caught sight of bigger and better prey. That prey being humans, it'd once more jump out of the water, aiming to splash quite a bit of the river towards where it saw us. It was also attempting to understand it's reach. Unfortunately for him, that came at a big price! Hotaruko had jumped into the air to launch her charged projectiles at the beast, whom was open due to it's splash. It was pierced into and fell back down in a belly flop which caused a huge splash. Hotaruko would need to move out of the way and ensure she didn't get wet, otherwise she might very well end up shocking herself.

I wasn't aware of Shishitaros' abilities, other than his physical prowess which he utilized in his crafting. I assumed he'd be able to haul in the fish if it put up more resistance. At the moment, it was lurking submerged, trying to get the projectiles off its form and generally spazzing. Once it was able to settle from the charge, it'd peer it's head out of the water, aiming to fire a blast of water at both Shishitaros and Hotaruko. It wouldn't be getting me or the painter due to our range. Though if they needed support, I'd be able to advance forward and see what I could do.