Cerulean ghosts [Closed]

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CHIDORI QUEST

PART ONE. CERULEAN GHOSTS.

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Chidori, or 'One Thousand Birds', channels a large amount of lightning chakra to the user's hand, to the point the amount of chakra is so great that it becomes visible. The high concentration of electricity produces a sound reminiscent of many birds chirping, hence the name. Once the technique is completed, the user charges forward and thrusts the Chidori into the target, producing heavy amounts of damage that is usually fatal. This technique is classified as an assassination technique because of the speed at which it is performed, despite the loud noise it produces.

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To say the least it was a beautiful night. With no rain falling from the sky and the sky itself dark and free from the blemishes that many people call stars, it was a night to behold in it’s glory before a change of weather destroyed it all. In the background, as per usual in the land of Kaminari no kuni, there was a storm, although luckily for the inhabitants of this area in particular, the lightning was thrown down to elsewhere in the land, although the flashes across the sky were clear for everyone to see. But the setting for this current place? A small village, one of barely over a hundred people, and even with that, the majority of them were from the same family. Lovers set out elsewhere to find people to marry in fear that should they marry a local, they would find out later that they’re related. It was a strange tradition, but with people going back and forth all the time, it was a very lively place, and truly, a nice community to be in.

However- as far as rituals go, there wasn’t all that much that stood out about this land, except for the fact that over the last few years some kind of organization began to form, although even after all this time the numbers were still quite small, a dozen or so of them out tonight on their walks about the town. Ladies; Dressed in the lightest colour of blue possible and ranging from the young age of 13 to the oldest at 73 paraded through the town at night in their robes trimmed with black, bearing lanterns of strange, ghostly blue lights. Many a time children had been told that they were merely casting enchantments to protect the town from ill health, but no-one really understood what they were up to and instead covered up for whatever things the sisters were doing by making up folklore- One could easily come to this place unknowing of any kind of urban myth, and leave with a bucketful of them to tell family and friends. Of course after all this time the ladies and their actions had become normal, and to say the least, a few of them were even well-liked people in society.

Truly, there was nothing strange about this town.
Nothing at all-

-That was in clear sight..

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[☆ F ☆]

The sky flashed a bright blue before receding into a darkness far worse than any depth could produce, yet this interplay was a bit more repetitive than initially expected, the signs of a terrible storm ravaging the skies above. However, it seemed I, as well as the rest of these oddities scuttling below my feet, would be saved the trouble of handling such a storm. I mean, it was Kaminari, right? To not see a storm would be an oddity in itself...and speaking of strangeties, what of the humane ones in blue? Twin crimson took note of the bobbing blue spheres moving across the town, the color radiating enough to render everything else around it irrelevant.

Seems like a good hideaway...

...but what's with those lights?

Young and old moved left and right, and although the amounts were by no means staggering, the energy surrounding the town tonight was unmistakeably lively. Even with my strengthened constitution, I could feel an uncontrollable pull towards the town's center, my spirit wishing to run free and wild with the rest. But just when I thought I'd slip off, the beast with in roared, shuddering my whole and waking me from the stupor I had fallen into. I had been reminded now, that I, the elite, had my reasons for being here; awakened and alert, I stood on the rooftop of a random building within the village. I had trekked up here unnoticed in the darkness, giving me a comfortable and anonymous vantage point.

Ohhh...ohhh..!!!

Chicks!!!

That's right, and just my luck! The lights were none other than lanterns donned by beauties as majestic and exotic as the flame they carried. I eyed them closely, one by one letting my Sharigan reveal whether these lights were anything special, or pure special effects. The same went for the females. Chakra, chakra, where art though!? I grinned, enjoying my small vacation detour between Kumo and my next objective, a small village whose name I kept forgetting. Sure, I had been gone for a while know, but I wondered how long would it take before the village noticed I left a dummy...? Heh.

Even the most loyal of hounds needs his space!

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[Apple]

CHIDORI QUEST

PART ONE. CERULEAN GHOSTS.

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I eyed them closely, one by one letting my Sharigan reveal whether these lights were anything special, or pure special effects. The same went for the females.

You’d gaze at these women as they’d pass by the place, taking in both their appearance and the idea that they could perhaps be possessing the gift of chakra. Strangely enough upon looking at them your eyes would detect that not one.. not two.. not three; but all of these women were imbued with chakra within their very veins- It was a strange sight really to see such women linked together by a gift, but upon looking at lanterns, there wasn’t anything that spectacular about them, but the blue glow- Surely it meant something? Perhaps to you it looked like some kind of festival was on, unless you had been here before- In which case, this wouldn’t be the first time surely that you had seen these women, however, why they were doing this? It was unknown to many of the people, a secret only known by the women themselves, and although they paraded themselves around the village like strange goddesses, they surely weren’t too keen on sharing information with anyone. Really; It was more like a cult than anything, which wasn’t that strange really, seeing as people so far away from hidden villages needed some form of entertainment.

Time would tick by quite slowly as you’d watch these ladies move about the small village with their lanterns up high, attracting moths among other insects, although they didn’t seem to care all that much. As the sky rocketed with thunder above them, their intentions seemed only to walk around with these strange paper lanters; Although you stood and watched, people who lived in the village simply walked past them, even walking in front of a few of them, showing exactly how used some of the people were to them, cutting across the path that they were making. However this path would soon be cut short as, although in different groups, as the nearby bell tower chimed signalling the time; Nine ‘o clock at night, they would one by one drop to their knees, their lanterns staying in their left hand whilst their right would bend somewhat, as if in prayer but with one hand activated instead. This strange silence, the shuffling of feet having ceased, all that would be heard would be whispering beneath the lips of the women, all ranging from different skin tones, hair colour and eye colour- If anything, the only thing that linked them was the ability to mould chakra.

”Ein arglwyddes mewn glas ceisia dy orau i ein achub rhag casineb ein duw ac estuna dy law atom ni i geisio dal dy olau.”

Chanting would occur from the near silent voices of the women, as this would continue for about five minutes, as due to the near-silent tone, you could only pick up a sentence from the words that they were saying from the woman that was closest to you, a female of short, black hair that was slightly curled, her eyes closed- Her chakra signal wasn’t much more different from the others, she wasn’t all that powerful, but obviously had some kind of strange presence about her. Soon raising from the spot the women would then depart from the area as if nothing had happened, moving away in separate groups- Despite the age gap between a lot of the members, they walked around as if they had known each other for years, surely showing the closeness that these people had to each other- But their purpose? Unknown to you as of now, and surely, it was your duty to find out.

And just in luck for you; The black haired woman from before would move in her position and part from the rest of the group as she would assumingly walk back home to wherever she lived in the village, her lantern now lowered somewhat, and the flame distinguished as she held it now loosely in her hands, although she kept the robes on- One thing that you could have noticed was that a few of the members wore headpieces, surely showing that it was an organization that had ranks. Maybe there was something not so innocent behind this all, but, walking back alone on her own, she disappeared in to the darkness of the shadows in the village, passing through a short alley and soon resurfacing on the other side where her figure was bathed in the fake light of a streetlamp once more. But was it worth all that much effort, really? After all; A lot of villages had weird traditions.
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[☆ F ☆]

You’d gaze at these women as they’d pass by the place, taking in both their appearance and the idea that they could perhaps be possessing the gift of chakra.

The gift of chakra…? Though I was not completely surprised at what I was witnessing, it’d be a mistake to assume my demeanor was not without a slight tinge of titivation. I was, after all, only human – or was I!? It seemed that which I, the lax and free hound of Thunder, sought had been delivered at my very feet, carried by an impeccable near-instance that had me supremely convinced my predictive powers were actually those which could mold the future. And as foolish as it sounded – both aloud and in my mind – it was moments like these that would serve as firm testament towards my self-proclamation. To what, you say…?

Why to the throne, of course…
…hell – to the world!

I smiled a devil’s smile.

And just in luck for you; The black haired woman from before would move in her position and part from the rest of the group

It was no luck, at least not for one forging his own destiny. And like a skilled and confident artist I sculpt it well, sliding off and away from the relaxing perch I had established and onto lower ground – common ground. Briefly I saw as they did, and while I had done well to come down from the rooftops in the shadows, I walked amongst them as they did as well. It was…odd? I was unsure as to this feeling’s namesake, though I was confident the act work. Cloaked under inexpensive threads, I walked a steady pace along the peasants that enjoyed this odd night, letting the hood I carried overshadow my scarlet revelations. For now, I had made no notion of following the girl, keeping her at least twenty meters away at all times.

she disappeared in to the darkness of the shadows in the village, passing through a short alley and soon resurfacing on the other side where her figure was bathed in the fake light of a streetlamp

Would our paths get lonely? If it did, she might know. But did it matter…? I was over the pretending. Let the truth come out.

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CHIDORI QUEST

PART ONE. CERULEAN GHOSTS.[/right]

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loaked under inexpensive threads, I walked a steady pace along the peasants that enjoyed this odd night, letting the hood I carried overshadow my scarlet revelations.

Mixing with the people of the village, thankfully enough for yourself you’d fit in quite well. It was- In all truths, a rich place due to the nature of business that constantly took place here, but it didn’t mean that all of it was as well-off. You were currently situated in a small part of Tanzaku Gai- The outskirts. Where money and power dominated people’s lives within the centre of the town, folklore and fear ruled whatever people lived on these lands- Much different to the ideals of the nobles. However, despite the slightly rugged appearance of the people who roamed about, they seemed nonetheless like decent people, just trying to work on to feed a surely overpopulated family. But- The people were no matter to you at the moment, as the real show that was on at the moment seemed to be within the strange chanting of the women in blue- Or at least it was on, however you had seemed to catch the show a bit late and they’d begun to part up and split.

The woman, however, unaware of the sheer thought that she could be followed, would walk along the streets, the bottom of her dress trailing a little bit below her feet and dirtying itself on the floor, the sheer size of it perhaps insinuating that she’d had the garment passed down from an older sibling or perhaps from another member of her family, or, to contrast with this, that she had given the wrong measurements upon getting it made for her. But nonetheless; Should you take a look at the clothing even more, you’d notice that they were obviously hand-crafted. Not that they looked cheap, but you couldn’t get anything like this in any clothing shop out there. Silky chiffon fabric flowing in the wind softly as she’d walk, with little, tiny silver beads adorning any rough edges that it had, it was a shame really to see it trailing on the ground- Surely you’d need to gather that up before—

..BAM!

Momentarily face planting the ground after having accidentally stood on her dress, the black haired girl would slowly rise herself from the ground, her hands scraped slightly from having taken the brunt of the fall, although that didn’t mean that her head didn’t hit against the earth as well. However- Perhaps attempting to cover it up to make sure that no-one saw her do this, she’d get up as fast as she could, although due to the hit to the head she was dealt with a pulsing headache, and her movements were slowed at least a little bit. Murmuring a few curses to herself she’d then after steadying herself, raise her right hand and place it on her left temple, as if trying to soothe herself- It wasn’t working all that well, but at least it made her feel better. Her dress now stained even more with dirt and grime (Moreso on the bottom of the dress, although a few splashes of street water had managed to find itself a place on her torso) she’d sigh at the sight, before whispering; ”.She’s going to kill me for this..” to herself, barely above hearing level. Shaking her head, she’d prepare to plod on.

..But what would you do?

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[☆ F ☆]

..BAM!

Oh dear...Though my movements were automatic given the situation unfolding before me, I could not help but feel for the girl before, whose face had currently planted firmly onto the ground before her. I suppressed the urge to point in laugh, though within my mind's eye, my humor had risen to high levels. Still, I had to remind myself that it was I that had chosen to creep; that meant it would then be my duty to carry it on through to end. So, as I had claimed my behavior to be automatic, my body would now enter the realm of invisibility. Enter Kakuremino – the Magic Cloak which was designed to keep me naked to the eye of another beholder.

That was close...

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Though twenty meters in the dark of night was a bit much in terms of being able to discern every little detail regarding her attire – even for my fabled Sharingan, the all seeing eye! – it was enough for someone to spot another where they in their eye-line. Such is what I was trying to avoid, and with my plan, I'd do so easily. You see, not only did my cloak serve as a good cover for my armor and my identity, it also aided me in performing a basic yet essential technique all shinobi are required to know upon entering the academy. As such, if the kneeling girl ever decided to turn around during her recovery, all she'd see is the darkness that enveloped us whole across this deserted street.

She has chakra and she seems affluent...

...but at the same time, she seems so...

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Lost? I was unsure what word to place upon her odd behavior, but at this point it didn't matter. As she recovered I continued to creep, cutting down the twenty meter separation by a few, but not ever breaking the “ten meter comfort zone” – as I liked to call it. The moment she continued her trek, my hands would go free and my chakra would rest. But crimson? That always burned...
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SPOILER: Click to show

Kakuremino no Jutsu (Magic Cloak of Invisibility Technique)
Rank: E
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Very Low
Special: No other technique may be used while creeping. Invisible to the naked eye, but doujutsu and extra-sensorial skill will easily "see through" this technique. 
Description: Kakuremino no Jutsu is a very basic Ninjutsu technique. The ninja uses a camouflage cloth to cloak themselves in the background.
Domain: Academy Ninjutsu

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CHIDORI QUEST

PART ONE. CERULEAN GHOSTS.[/right]

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As such, if the kneeling girl ever decided to turn around during her recovery, all she'd see is the darkness that enveloped us whole across this deserted street.

Instinctively after rising to her feet the female turned and looked around her- Only to make sure as to whether or not anyone had noticed her embarrassing fall. Soon after figuring that no-one was high on her tail to make a mockery of her, she’d then part from the area where she’d landed nearly face-first on to, and continue walking along. Whether or not you’d follow her was your own decision, but due to her bold outfit choice, it wouldn’t be hard now to keep track of her as she practically glided along the floor, her blue clothing illuminated slightly as her figure bathed beneath the light of the moon, whilst the black of her hair moulded in with the darkness that surrounded the town. Perhaps viewable darkness wasn’t all that troubled the area at the moment- There was, truly, something shady lurking beneath the streets of this part of Tanzaku Gai- But only those who dared search would find it.

However- Your vision would soon be seeing double- Or at least, a female wearing the same garb as the black-haired woman coming in to view from a street down, and she’d turn- Facing the direction both you and the other girl were walking in- A confrontation between the two of them seemed to be unavoidable, and luckily for you, you’d be able to surely listen in if your ears were keen enough to pick up on whatever they had to say. But- This conversation wouldn’t begin until the two were close- A total of three meters away from each other, in fact. Should you have kept your distance of twenty, you’d hadn’t travelled that far in order to get to this point but luckily for you, the second woman hadn’t seen your sneaky disguise be set in place- At the moment you were hidden by everyone thanks to such a basic technique.

”M-Mrs Tanzunen! I didn’t expect to see you here- Haven’t you got additional mass to take care of?”

”……”

Perhaps it was the awkward silence that the definitively older woman was currently radiating, or maybe it was the fact that the black haired girl- Being so much younger, at least eighteen years old by appearance, was speaking to her in such a strange, almost intimidated manner. Just what was there to be scared about an old woman who was barely over the height of 4’9”? Her appearance being that of your stereotypical grandmother, it would be a keen point to notice that her eyesight hadn’t derailed over the course of years and that her face bore signs of age; But no glasses. Looking almost conceitedly at the girl before her, she’d soon part her lips to speak. ”..I’ve been called for other reasons, elsewhere. Be quick with you, child- The curfew is almost set- Little girls like you have no justification to be roaming these streets.” pause. ”Yes- Yes- I’m sorry, Miss- I won’t- You won’t see me out at this hour again, I’m sorry-” a quick bow would be seen from the youngest to the woman- From the strange chanting you’d seen, surely you’d have guessed that it was some strange community- religion, or maybe cult-

And it was a truth that it seemed as if there were different classes- The eldest, traditionally, ruling whilst the youngest were made to learn from them only.

And then- continuing on her path the black haired girl would then rush off, perhaps with a quicker pace than she had originally been walking on. Of course she was aware that this surely set her up to fall against- Literally, but she had to get home. She’d been roaming for a while now and with the strict curfew, she couldn’t afford to be out after it. As she’d walk off, you’d be sure to notice the grey-haired woman look on at her as the youngest made her way, a smug look on her face as she murmured the words; ”It’s only expected, with a mother like hers.” before also parting from the area she was in, walking towards you- Although right now you were undetected by her and whatever ability that she had. Would you move quickly in order to get out of the way and chase the girl!? Or bump in to this strange woman and lose trace of the black haired siren who’s inexplicable manner called out to you through the darkness of the streets?
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[☆ F ☆]

I held back a smile as I observed the girl search her surroundings for someone – ANYONE – that had been privy to her clumsiness. And while her search was merely an innocent response to a basic human instinct, embarrassment, had I not been more aware, my presence would've been given away. Yet nothing, for I had blended in well with the darkness around me. Keeping my twenty meter distance, I would slowly creep, a keen ears to the exchange between the young girl with the special robe and the much, much older lady.

Tan...zu-nen...?

Their exchange was brief and concise, yet in that short amount of time, I had been privy to a lot of what these odd women operated on. Strange beliefs, some would say, but to them, it was holy law. For now, it seemed some sort of hierarchy existed in the group by the way the young girl referred to the older one; whether it was through age or merit remained unknown, though I was sure time would do a good job of revealing it all. My creep continued until the ladies ceased their conversation; upon their last words and subsequent breakaway, I was forced to make a decision.

Think fast!

Which one should I follow...?

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Deliberating on the situation without action would mean I'd be caught if I did not opt for a relocation. As such, I wouldn't think long. Though the young one had called to me, it seemed she did so in a way that would lead me to yet another mysterious blue flame – this older one, I inferred. A smooth creep out of the way from the older lady left me deeper in the shadows, at least ten meters away to the side, my eyes observant on the old woman's visage. Currently, she walked from one side to another, moving on to an undisclosed location....

Soon, it'd be time to creep once more.
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CHIDORI QUEST

PART ONE. CERULEAN GHOSTS.[/right]

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As a decision was made you’d soon find that should you have turned your head if but for a second you’d have noticed that the younger girl from merely moments ago was gone, having disappeared back in to the inky darkness that surrounded the edges of these somewhat curdled streets. Cats rummaged about in the plentiful garbage cans in the alleyways next to you, and as the night sky blanketed the place, it would be clear to say that this one colourful village had now, upon nightfall, turned in to a slightly more sinister place. The dimmed, once soothing lights that the women had carried were now dimmed, the streets being bare of any light bar from the odd streetlamp which glowed weakly against the impending darkness. Perhaps it was just the atmosphere of the place- But it always seemed as if there was someone behind you- Watching you from the corner of your eye. It may have been because of your slightly heightened adrenaline from stalking someone in such a way- But it would be a lie to say that locals didn’t get that feeling either. It was strange- But the air had been as such for decades now.

And now- With the streets bare of any life bar from the odd stray pet, birds nesting in the trees, the elderly woman who you had seemed to take a shine to, and of course yourself, it was easy to say that there was little sound to be made. Shuffling feet on her part, the bottom of her dress risen from the ground to assure that she didn’t fray the delicate edges of it. As a slow, calm breeze passed through the sleepy city the fabric of her garment would shift somewhat, the light, chiffon-like fabric picked up by the cold, night air. However- Her modesty would remain intact as the fabric merely blew gently in the direction the wind was blowing, and nothing more. It looked.. mesmerizing, even. Gentle, short silver curls would accompany this, but, as her feet shuffled across the floor, there was little that you could have done to foresee what came next to your ears, as you- The one who previously had all eyes on her, would now find yourself with her own eyes on you.

Perhaps it was sheer luck that she’d noticed you creeping along or perhaps it had been because of the fact that she heard an extra pair of feet shuffling behind her. However unlucky to you that this Tanzunen woman was not all that she perhaps had seemed. From her previous encounter with the young girl that you had now lost in the shadows she seemed to give off the idea that she was an arrogant woman who knew where she was. And- At a distance of at least 15 meters away by now. Of course- She hadn’t stopped long after she’d ended her conversation with the girl, and despite the fact that you were keenly hidden beneath the dark falls of the buildings to either side of the street, her eyes pierced through this, paralyzing your breath for perhaps but a moment as she stared on to the darkness. Being followed was a feeling that was average to this town- But it was simply the atmosphere after all.. or was it?

Perhaps the woman wasn’t exactly as talented as she’d given off the appearance as, as she’d look in your direction, almost confused by what she was seeing. Your disguise working brilliantly against the black of the street she’d try to perfect her vision which had by now tarnished slightly from its former glory, as she’d then call out; ”If anyone is there then I pray for you that you reveal yourself in civil manner with respectable intent for your stalking. I am not a patient woman and I cannot be dealing with this immaturity,

Reveal yourself, or make haste with you!”

And then- She’d wait. Wait for you- Wait for whoever she believed to be following her to step out and reveal themselves, or get the fuck out because she wasn’t too fond of being followed. Robbery wasn’t a problem for her as she was young enough to take care of herself but what she didn’t appreciate was the rudeness of others and the lack of respect towards her. Narrowing her eyes down, she’d keep them plastered on the darkness, her arms hung somewhat loosely near her chest, her sleeves covering much of her hands and the entirety of her arms in what ceremonial garb that she wore. Of course- The idea that she had been followed was simply an inkling- She’d been in such situations before in the past and not responded to the footsteps that walked behind her, and in others- She had responded- Only to get the same, eerie silence follow her and hang about like an unwelcome mist. However perhaps what had been a figment of her imagination in the past was now very real in your own, red-eyed form. Her presence should not be underestimated.

[/b][/color] 15 meters away.[/ul]
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[☆ F ☆]

as you- The one who previously had all eyes on her, would now find yourself with her own eyes on you.

It seemed I had been caught...or had I? The crimson that had remained alive throughout my trek across darkness would now serve its master well, preparing to transmit the very will that burned within me. It was not ill nor cross, making the illusion nearly undetectable; I merely wished to add weight to my words. A trickster she was indeed, especially considering how well and able she was at tracking my hidden self; had she friends nearby...? It mattered not; I, truly, meant no harm. For now, at least...

"Apologies, madame..."

"...I assure you no harm lingers here."

A pause was taken while I readjusted myself slightly, no longer needing to hide too deep within the folds of my stealth threading. Through I remained cloaked, enough of my face would be revealed so that my lips would be discernable. The rest of me was washed in pure darkness, though hiding was no longer within my intentions. Only fifteen meters separated us now; this was about civility, as well as intrigue. If she was wise enough to spot my presence in the darkness, the nature behind my eyes would most likely be no different. My first words aimed to transmit peace; now, for a friendly request.

"I am a mere curious journeyman. I seek knowledge, and I seek it respectfully."

"And so it seems that what I've sought, though unsure still as to what exactly is its nature, has nonetheless journeyed me here, to you..."

"...I simply beg for some form of understanding."

Bollocks. But for now, I was but a guest to this dreamworld. Conqueror, Kind, God; whatever title it is I were to soon proclaim did not matter, for a wise being was one that knew their place. These were not people to be taken by force. What then, would loosen their tongues...? What then, would free their minds?

What then, would bring me the song of a thousand birds??

SPOILER: Click to show

Shisu (Hypnosis)
Rank: A
Type: Doujutsu / Supplementary / Special Bloodline Technique
Range: Eyesight
Chakra: Very High Mid
Special: Sleep, suggestion, paralysis, and memory recall last up to 1 turn, plus 1 more each time this jutsu is retrained. However, after every two retrainings, chakra consumption will go up by one. Cannot force a user to do something completely against their will, like taking their own life or that of a dear comrade, unless they have previous intent to do so.
Description: Upon unlocking the last of the normal secrets behind the Sharingan eye, the Uchiha begins to take full control of their blood powers. They are now able to essentially hypnotize anything or anyone that comes in eye contact with the Sharingan, inducing a unique brand of hypnosis that involves suggesting actions and thoughts to the opponent through genjutsu cast by simple eye contact. The hypnotic ability coupled with the other aspects of the Sharingan, can make the user appear as if they can "see the future". Finally, this level of hypnosis is capable of putting an opponent to sleep, inducing paralysis, and even replaying certain, specific memories to someone.
Domain: Uchiha. Must unlock 3rd Tomoe Sharingan.

[Messatsu!]

Your eyes, memorizing, had not allowed the woman to look away, her vision was drawn to your own, fixated upon the spinning wheels of crimson that laid wedged within your head. Initially she tried to give a riposte to your plea, yet, she hesitated, she stuttered, almost as if the very breath that made words possible left her very being. In seconds it seemed she found the proper words which led to her response, eyes still focused hard upon your eyes.

"Apologies accepted, however, forgiving you, well, that's an entirely different thing. So you say you're trying to Understand why fate has drawn you to me? I honestly can't ans-"

Her speech, interrupted by the deactivation of her body, almost as if it was on command. She merely collapsed before your eyes, unconscious and oblivious to all things reality. Here fiery chakra signature dampened, rapidly growing timid as her seemingly lifeless body succumbed to the laws of gravity and plummeted into the earth. It would have been confusing as her body showed no trace of chakra related oddities, nor physical aside from having fallen unconscious. Life still laid within her, however, it was scarce. Were you to find out what answers she laid out for you, save her was of primary concern.

---

"Well, Uchiha Faust, you naughty little boy, it seems we've allowed your antics to go unanswered for long enough."

From the sheets of darkness that surrounded you, seven voices all symmetrically spoke at a single moment, but they graced your ears in a way where they seemed to be surrounding you, even from above.

"Do not be frightened Faust, we've been watching you, both you and your little apprentice. You've taught him well. But today, all eyes are on you!"

[☆ F ☆]

Apologies accepted, however, forgiving you, well, that's an entirely different thing

She spoke more, but I had already begun an automatic, conscious reaction to that which I had labeled as an opportunity for duress. Cloaked and within the shrouds of darkness, the internal movement my hands created would most certainly go undetected, as nothing they did would produce physical evidence of their existence. My chakra would ring a familiar tone only my conscious mind could recognize and assimilate, but when it was detected, the right edge of my lips rose ever so softly; not a twitch, but a slow ascension…

“…!?”

Trickery? But when!? My eyes had not detected a foreign chakra presence enter the realm of our conversation at any time, and no movement other than the elderly woman’s undoing took place; anything else, I would’ve certainly seen. What then!? If her words earlier had been cause for concern to instinctually create a possible countermeasure, her body’s loss of existence would be the final push. While still holding the last seal beneath my robes, my head, still donning twin crimson, jerked quickly from left to right. Had she been killed…? No matter; I must defend.

Or was she even real…?

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Five copies of my original, handsome self would come into existence all around me, covering me on all angles like an untraced pentagon across the cold, bare earth. Each clone, comprised of my lightning essence, would mark a point in my defensive stance, and while they were indeed copies, they had done well to replicate my demeanor. Cold, stoic, unnerved; each of them stood there, ready to die for me, a few feet away, eyes on the unknown at all times. I was proud; in fact, so much so that the sudden appearance of voices would not detract from my emotional burst. After all, without the presence of perception altering chakra waves, it was clear this was no Genjutsu.

Ototon…?

It mattered not; my business was with the women, the one these “others” clearly removed. If they truly had business with me, they’d speak. Until then, let them bask in the discomfort of my silence. After all, my chakra had never given up, going to work immediately after the birth of my clones. The voices…they were at least ten meters away.

So then, let them come.
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[Messatsu!]

"My my, someones a bit hasty, you should relax Faust-boy, we mean you no harm. . ."

". . .At least not yet."

Symmetrically, all seven voice continued to call out to you, still pelting your ears word after word from all possible direction, making seem as though they've penetrated the defensive wall of duplicates. Nowhere was safe. Seven separate, yet, simultaneous burst of laughter snapped into the air as the these seven beings observed you in from angles that seemed physically impossible. It would have been hard to tell whether or not what you had been experiencing was reality, or a mere psychedelic trip, whatever you came to accept it as hadn't truly mattered, what mattered were the five men who suddenly appeared before your eyes without any physical indication whatsoever. A bending of time and space, or a burst of speed that not even a matured sharingan could trace?

All five, they stood shoulder to should, barely inches apart, covered in robes of white and faces covered by black mask that blended in with the licks of pervasive darkness that blanketed the area. These juxtaposed men stood in a horizontal assembly line 14 meters from you, 1 meter in front of the unconscious woman who you so contentedly wished to speak with.

"I'll bet on my life that thousands of questions are going through your mind whether you acknowledge it or not. You want to know who we are, who this woman is, why you've come here, why we're here. So so many question, but so little time. How are we to solve this as quickly as possible. Suggestions will be heavily appreciated."

[☆ F ☆]

The voices came from everywhere at once, the number seven reminding me of the potential power behind these men. Since no chakra could be spotted, thsi was not an illusion; had these entities, then, merely appeared...? Impossible; or was it not. Afterall, I had fallen to the tricks of the faux old lady. What was to say this was no different? It was hard to tell, but for now, I had to keep my cool. My clones, much like my chakra, would remain as they were, countermeasures to a possible assault.

"...why are we playing around, if time is of the essence?"

"You know why I am here."

Lightning began to concentrate at my claws, a simple yet furious manifestation of my Raiton chakra hinting further at my intentions. The words I just uttered would ring true in the presence of the thunderous appearance, and although my claws would not chirp, they would shine a bright, deep blue, hoping to serve as the beacon of my intentions.

You know...

Don't you!?

Eagerly I awaited a response.

[Messatsu!]

The group of five all laughed like drunk madmen as they made sense from the words that fell from Faust's parted lips. He was a confident man, and truthfully he had every right to be considering the power and respect his name alone carries throughout the lands. They all took notice to the formation of doppelgangers that surrounded his physical self, creating a wall of skill very few shinobi could ever have hoped to match. Unfortunately these men that stood between Faust and his goal were no ordinary shinobi, nay, they were much more.

"Oh why of course we know why you're here, just like all the others right? Blindly thirsting for power without cause. Y'know there's a saying, "power without perception is spiritually useless and therefore have no true value." So, Uchiha faust, wheres your perception?!"

Speaking in sync once more, all five men stepped forward bit by bit, going over the woman and slowly reducing the distance between yourself and their synchronized strides. Should you have looked deeper into their spiritual selves, you'd see a timid source of chakra within each of them blossom beyond comprehension, perhaps the celestial gates?. Making such a deduction should have proven quite difficult considerin' their skin remained hidden from plain view all thanks to black mask's and stark white robes. They walked with a sense of tranquility, short, calm paces, yet, their chakra said otherwise.

What could you have possibly made of this situation?