The Fool [P]

[Katsumaru]

Jiyuu stood before the Castle, steel grey eyes staring into the distance. The Hokage was at a complete and utter loss, his will crushed and spirit subdued. The Hungerer’s cult scurried through the streets of Konohagakure, their damnable desires revealed through the skinned, mutilated corpses rotting in the alleys. A group of rebels, too, had risen, burning with the passionate aspiration to remove Jiyuu from his seat of power. While the two threats were formidable, they scarcely compared to the new terror that had stricken – festering, oozing tumors that plagued the village. The citizen raged with bloodlust and a sheer hatred that darkened the already gloomy state of Konohagakure.

In dismal times, it is the duty of a Hokage to act, for it is he who exemplifies the will of the shinobi. When men have lost hope and minds grown weary, it was Jiyuu’s duty to stand sturdily, facing the nigh omnipresent danger without fear. But the Shikgiami was a fool. He did not act. He was not sturdy. Nay, he simply stood in idle, truly unfit in the position of leadership. The man was raised a simple soldier, a pawn to follow orders, follow commands without will, without question. How could he be expected to lead?

Truthfully, that was no more than a petty excuse. Jiyuu’s leadership failed not because he was merely a soldier – that pretext was no different from a child lying to his mother. The man simply did not want to lead. Yet, in his arrogance, he refused to relinquish the seat of the Hokage. Through his conceit, the Shikigami damned Konohagakure. How could the village ever recover from the acidic rain dripping forth from Jiyuu’s indifference?

One of the tumors grew not far from the gates of the castle, only twenty meters directly ahead. The Shikigami simply stared upon it, shrugging before averting his gaze, steel grey eyes staring at rising smoke in the distance. Jiyuu shrugged yet again – the smoke likely arose from a burning building, set ablaze by ravaging citizen. The Hokage simply stood, not making the slightest effort to tame the chaos besieging Konohagakure.

Yes. Jiyuu was truly a fool.

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[adero]

Chaos, fear, anguish.

It these three words that perfectly described the current state of the village. It these three words that had come to be unacceptable.

Just how long had this village been allowed to rot? The question simply went beyond Mana's mind as he'd proceed from the gates. His eyes glancing at the scenery about him, he'd stare with a disdain he hadn't ever known before. The people were in chaos. They partook in some sick sadistic rituals and were left free to go rampant. Bodies polluted the city streets and were undoubtedly seeping into the water systems yet nothing was done. The dead were left to rot - left without honor of a burial.

On top of that, rebel efforts had grown more daring as of late. Their attacks were becoming more blatant and grew in severity as time passed, yet again - nothing was done.

And now?

A new more grotesque problem had arisen. These tumors which now plague the city have sprouted yet remain untrimmed, unchecked and untamed. Hell, he'd spot one along the way to the castle while traversing from the gate. Things were in a sad state when even the castle's front door were left unattended. It was infuriating to say the least.

There was nothing he could do though. The scale of such an infestation had grown so large that even the uncoordinated efforts of good Samaritans was no longer sufficient. Fists clenched, he'd storm towards the castle at an even faster pace, halting only upon spotting the man he sought.

He'd stop much sooner than expected however as his eyes would fall upon the Hokage casually standing outside. Turning to approach the man, he'd stare angrily while addressing him. There were no honorifics to be had, only words between men. His tongue lashed out as he spoke.

"Why the hell are you lounging about?
Go do something useful."

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[Katsumaru]

Jiyuu simply shrugged at hearing Manami’s words, paying them no heed. A massive mob approached from the westward street, heading for the Castle, carrying pitchforks and torches – the latter of the objects seemed quite out of place, almost humorously so, considering that it was day, unless of course the mob planned to burn the Hokage, dooming him with an ironic death. Within moments, the crowd of furious citizen stood near the gates of the Castle.

The men and women were in a truly horrid state, many malnourished and others wounded, cuts from blades and bruises from saps. Others were in the process of rotting, their skin and flesh gradually decaying. The mob shouted out, spitting words of anger.

”You piece of sniveling shit, Jiyuu!”
”Your mother would be happy strangling you!”
”What do you do for us? Nothing!”

Those and many more insults rang out, intermingled with the occasional threat. In that moment, Jiyuu truly revealed what a sniveling piece of shit he had become, as one of the mob members so accurately described. The Shikigami’s hands moved in a flash as six sheets of paper fluttered forth from his body. The pieces of parchment landed in a line before the mob, seething with chakra. Jiyuu spoke in a deep, menacing tone. ”Step closer, and the paper will explode.” Turning on his heel, the Shikigami faced the gate.

”We aren’t scared of you!” A member of the mob yelled, stepping forward. The man took several steps forward, and an explosion rung out, slaying not only the man, but two figures nearby – a black haired, strong jawed man and a young girl, likely no older than eight. It was rather unfortunate that she joined the mob. Their limbs and guts soared through the air before splattering on the ground.

The mob stood immobilized, filled with rage, but they dared not step forward, else the same fate shall befall them. They knew to which depths Jiyuu descended, and they feared to push him further. ”If you must speak to me, we will do it in the court yard.” With slow steps, the Hokage trotted towards the court yard, shoulders slouched and chin held low. Jiyuu felt an intense guilt at the lives he had ended, but he simply knew of no other way to deal with the spreading chaos.

SPOILER: Click to show

Proximity Explosion [300 EXP][Learned Six Times]
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Secret Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See Special
Handseals: Yes
Chakra: Mid
Special: The size and distance of the technique depends on the user’s highest “Hatoronshi no Kami” rank. range of the explosion depends on the highest rank of Crafting Paper Explosive Addition. Only one piece of paper can be used for the proximity explosion, with one additional sheet for each time retrained, to a maximum of ten.
Description:
The user performs several series of hand seals and releases a sheet of paper at a location of choice. This paper has been imbued with the explosive property of the Shikigami, and rather than relying on assault, the technique had been designed for trickery. The paper can be placed anywhere, the ground, trees, or even a weapon. Once an enemy comes within two meters of the paper, the explosion is triggered automatically, using the proximity as a trigger.
Domain:Shikigami, Hatoronoshi no Kami; C

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[adero]

KA-BOOM!

A loud explosion would form, dissipating just as quickly as the crowd's objections had. Stunned with disbelief, Mana would take very little action. A hand would reach for his side however, grabbing onto a breath mask and placing it upon his face almost instinctively. Surely this plague could be spread. It would be wise to avoid contamination.

"... WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?"

A burst of outrage would sound as he'd finally adjust to the mini massacre before his own two eyes. Of all the things that could of been done - why this? His fists trembled with anger as he'd attempt to refrain from acting rashly. His efforts would be in vain however.

Grabbing upon the collar of Jiyuu, he'd forcefully push him back against the wall, preventing his escape from the crowd. Eyes interlocked, his own azure blue orbs would stare resentfully with demand.

"You've gone too far!
Why would you relieve them of their last moments?
These people are infected - they're going to die anyway. Was that really necessary?"

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[Katsumaru]

Jiyuu made no effort to resist, easily slammed against the wall rather mightily, back of the head clashing against the wall. His steel grey eyes met Manami’s azure gaze. In proximity, the Chuunin could clearly see the heavy bags of exhaustion beneath Jiyuu’s eyes, wrinkles, and graying hairs.

”And what shall I do instead? Let them maul me? I took no joy in what you saw, but they met their death through folly. I have warned him, but still he stepped forth. Many of our citizen are beyond saving. The Rot infects them, and death is certain. I have left them their last moments. It was that man who defied me. It was his own choice”

New members joined the mob, the numbers growing at a frightening pace. The crowd had grown to over a hundred members in the blink of an eye, numerous citizens now armed with improvised weapons, from broken bottles to stakes. It was then that events took a frightening turn, the festering nature of the rot fully revealed. Tumors from the men and women spread rapidly through the mob, one individual after another infected more quickly than the mind could grasp the macabre turn of events. The mob’s rage now focused not only on the Hokage, but was also aimed at their fellow comrades as the citizen lashed out at one another, one strike after another thrown. This Rot was truly terrifying.

The commotion caught the attention of the ANBU, four of them running forth from the courtyard, faces clad in masks. Jiyuu, with a mighty tone, yelled out. ”We do as we planned. They are beyond rescue” Spit flying forth from his mouth as he roared in fury, still against the wall.

The four members of the ANBU erupted into a series of hand seals, fingers dancing fluidly and rapidly. They all finished in synchrony, taking deep breaths as they ran towards the crowd, some members of the mob taking note of them, charging towards the ANBU. Their resistance was futile, for each member of the ANBU, through a hole in their mask, released cones of black ash towards the mob. With a click of their teeth, the ash exploded, tearing into the flesh of the scores of hapless citizen.

Peering at Manami, Jiyuu spoke, tone low, voice almost crackling. ”Do you see now why I do what I do? It is for the safety of the village” Jiyuu glanced past Manami, towards the few burning survivors of the mob. ”Now we have more important matters to discuss.” Jiyuu said, pushing past the Chuunin as he quickly changed the subject, paying no more heed to the burning citizen. With rapid steps, the Hokage continued towards the courtyard.

SPOILER: Click to show

Enkou Shinka (Essence of the Sacred Flames)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Katon Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Handseals: No
Chakra: Mid
Special: Allows the user the ability to create, control and move Katon (Fire) chakra of their own for multiple purposes. Range of flame control and speed at which one can produce them depends on the highest rank known.
• D: 10 meters / 2 meters per second
• C: 20 meters / 4 mps
• B: 30 meters / 6 mps
• A: 40 meters / 8 mps
• S: 50 meters / 10 mps

Description: Katon, the birth of the flame itself. With but a mere thought, masters of the flame learn to birth their fire over large expanses. Intense training opens the door for other techniques, but they all rely on one simple core - the user's ability to birth a flame from a distance.
Domain: Katon.

Haisekishou (Burning Ash Accumulation)
Rank: B
Type: Offensive / Katon Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: High
Special: Distance that ash can travel and size of the ash cloud depends on the user's highest 'Enkou Shinka' rank, halved. Ash is expelled through the mouth in the form of a stream. Cone measures 90 degrees at opening. Explosion resembles napalm. Each time retrained, extra 'B' ranked burning damage is stacked; however, after every third retraining, chakra consumption will go up by one.
Description: After forming the needed handseals, the user will expel an ash cloud from his mouth, tinted a dark stoic gray. This large cloud will quickly begin to envelope the area in which a foe stands and when the user clicks their teeth, the cloud will ignite in an violent, fiery napalm-like explosion.
Domain: Katon. Enkou Shinka 'B'.

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[adero]

Mana's grip would loosen as his eyes would widen with horror at the sight before. It was a nightmare turned reality. As if triggered by some sort of stress, the tumors began to multiply among the crowd. Their minds became tainted as friend turned to foe and brothers of Fire began to fight amongst one another. What had their village done to have fallen so far?

Unable to act, he'd simply watch the carnage, wrought both by the crowd and by the ANBU. Shouts of agony arose as he'd stare blankly at the mess before him. Had it been this bad all a long? If so, he would be the first among many to admit err. Mana was more than blinded from the truth and remained ignorant of the current situation. It had progressed far more than initially understood.

"Do you see now why I do what I do? It is for the safety of the village...
Now we have more important matters to discuss.”

Still somewhat dumb founded by the most recent turn of events, he'd nod precautiously and simply follow.

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[Katsumaru]

The stench of burned flesh rose into the air, intermingling with the wretched odor of the charmed, timorous growths. With a wrinkled nose, the Hokage proceeded through the courtyard. It was filled with a variety of training equipment, from dummies to archery targets, with disorganized equipment sprawled over the grounds. Even the Hokage’s castle became neglected, as revealed with that fact along with the grime and blood that covered the grounds from an assault on the castle several weeks ago.

”As you can see, Konohagakure is in a rather wretched state. The problems, you must by now be aware of them. Hence, we require leadership for the genin, a task to which I cannot see myself. I am fully aware that you cannot stand me, but quite frankly, I do not give a damn, and that, truthfully, matters little. We require capable shinobi nonetheless. But first-“

Jiyuu walked through the courtyard further, coming to a halt before a cage. Within this cage was a black haired, flat faced man covered in the festering tumors, huddled in the corner, arms wrapped around his knees. The man wept quietly, eyes red with tears. ”Before I make you my offer, I must see whether you are willing to do what a man must do. Slay this man. That is an order. The disease will take him soon, and I must test your willingness to follow commands.”

The man looked up, eyes widened in fear. ”Oh please, by the gods, no!”

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[adero]

Upon entering the castle Mana would notice its state of negligence. Had things gone so poorly that even the village's center had rotted to the core? His attention however would be taken by Jiyuu's words as the man spoke.

"Hence, we require leadership for the genin, a task to which I cannot see myself. I am fully aware that you cannot stand me, but quite frankly, I do not give a damn..."

Heh. At least the man was realistic. Their conversation would have been rather short had he insisted they were best of friends.

Wait what?

A skeptical look would cross over the lad's face upon comprehending the previous words. Was this man simply going to shirk even more duties upon someone else? (More so upon Mana?) He'd remain silent however and allow him to finish speaking.

It was then that they were brought before a caged man. Clearly a victim of the plague, the figure before Mana would writher about miserably in a pool of his own festering. It was a sickening sight to say the least.

"Before I make you my offer, I must see whether you are willing to do what a man must do. Slay this man."

His face would withdraw slightly in disgust at the order. Was there really any point in snipping this man's life shorter than it had already been drawn? Any hesitance would vanish however as his eyes fell upon the bulging tumors a second time. He had witnessed the power of these... things.

It was best to slay the seperent lest it hatch from its egg.

Hand seals formed, he'd extend a palm slowly towards the man, his eyes staring intently without regret.

"Be still and accept a clean death."

Two lasers would jet forth as he spoke, one piercing through the man's skull, another at his heart.

The deed was done.

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[Katsumaru]

A frown passed across Jiyuu’s face as the man was slain. The deed was wretched, but a certain amount of ruthlessness was needed in these dark times – and more importantly, it showed that this man followed orders, one of the few traits the Shikigami valued. With a grim nod, Jiyuu turned on his heel and proceeded through the courtyard, walking towards the castle’s door. He simply let the dead man lie on the grounds, a true sign of disrespect, so wretched because the infected victim’s life had already ended before its time.

”Excellent. His daughter will miss him, but the task had to be done. Well then, my offer is as follows. You will complete a vital task for me, an examination of sort. Should you successfully complete it, you will become a Jounin. Follow me.”

Some moments passed before Jiyuu reached the oaken door of the Castle, pushing it open to lead within. The inside of the castle was illuminated by dim torches, casting their gleam into the filthy rock – the structure within as neglected as the outside. Dust had gathered and books and papers covered the grounds. With slow steps, the Shikigami walked down a hall to the right, leading to a small, circular room, table standing at the center. Upon the table, maps and plans laid, various building and schematics drawn upon them. Jiyuu pulled forth one containing images of a conical structure, unintelligible scribbles written beside.

”The Hungerer’s Cult has expanded even further, now skulking through Hi no Kuni. ANBU has reported that they have created a new locale – a new hideout, after their base beneath Konohagakure has been abandoned. Should you agree to the task, I will brief you – there are some rather unsettling facts you must know before you set out.”

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[adero]

A sign of disapproval would cross over Mana's face as Jiyuu would beckon him to follow. The villager that had just been sentenced to his death was granted no burial rites. His corpse was simply left to rot. The lad wouldn't verbally object however since things began to slowly piece together in his mind.

It wouldn't make sense to bury an infected. Threat of contamination among the living was far greater than any respect owed to the dead at this point. If anyone was to bury him, Mana would most certaintly be the last to volunteer.

It was with this realization that he too had slowly shifted sides during this crisis.

"Should you successfully complete it, you will become a Jounin. Follow me.”

His ears perked curiously upon hearing the notion of Jounin. Though not a primary motive for the time being, he'd nod and solemly follow the man.

Upon entering the castle he'd pass a thorough gaze at his surroundings. A chill would creep down his spine. Lights dimmed, dust settled and halls left unattended, it was as if entering the castle's domains equated similarly to something along the lines of entering a haunted house.

The pair would stop at table with various blue prints and unintelligble scrawlings. It was then that Jiyuu would speak once more.

"The Hungerer’s Cult has expanded even further, now skulking through Hi no Kuni. ANBU has reported that they have created a new locale – a new hideout, after their base beneath Konohagakure has been abandoned.Should you agree to the task, I will brief you – there are some rather unsettling facts you must know before you set out.”

He'd stare blankly at Jiyuu as he spoke. The Hunger's cult? It was the first that he had ever heard of such things.

"The Hungerer's Cult? Are they responsible for this madness?...

Now was not the time however for such questions. Curiosity withheld, he'd refrain from asking more. A few more words would pass though, making his intentions clear.

"We all do what we must, no?"

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[Katsumaru]

The briefing began, and it was rather lengthy…

At first, Jiyuu described the nature of the Hungerer’s cult. Telling of their recent doings, which involved the slaughter and skinning of Konohagakure citizen in their dark rituals, attempting to awaken their leader, Khatgh Z’thalan Enzgu, a man who, through some means, achieved some form of immortality. A swordsman fought the mysterious figure, to no avail aside from gathering more information. It would seem that Khatgh’s body was wrought together from black wire, which he could call forth to create mocking imitations of humanoids.

Next, the Hokage spoke of the dark curse that had befallen Konohagakure at the cults behest, different from the tumors, for which they were not responsible, or so the Shikigami presumed. Jiyuu told of the bizarre light that shone from many buildings within the village, which caused hallucinations to those standing nearby. Presumably, through the use of genjutsu, but Jiyuu was uncertain, for little investigation was put into this matter, as he admitted with a shrug.

Jiyuu briefed the chuunin on the tasks of the mission. He was to infiltrate that conical structure while posing as a member of the Hungerer’s cult, for they were too well guarded for an outright attack, and even should a strong enough force be gathered, they will simply escape before all were slaughtered. With this infiltration, Jiyuu said, Manami was ordered to gather information on the Cult’s plans, and upon succeeding with that, the master of storms had to assassinate the leader of that little sect, a man of which Jiyuu did not know, so uncovering his identity, too, was part of Manami’s mission.

Lastly, Jiyuu reached the unsettling facts regarding the mission. The ANBU scouts reported that members of the cult were only allowed to enter upon bringing a helpless victim, presumably used for sacrifice. Jiyuu noted that any victim would do, be it a traveler or a bandit, but regardless – the first part of the mission was to find a victim to bring to the cult for their dark dealings. Whom? The choice was entirely up to the chuunin. Unfortunately, the ANBU were befallen by the wretched hallucinations during their scouting missions, and presumably, Manami will encounter the same.

But the greatest horror was what, perhaps, he would have to see upon entering their base.

”Now then…do you understand your mission?” Jiyuu asked.

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[adero]

Despite the long winded briefing, Mana couldn't really say that he was bored. After all, the lad had suddenly found all his questions being answered. There was no more secrecy, no more hiding among the shadows and no more hushing of events - only the truth set plainly before him in its full gruesome glory.

It was only after several very long hours that Jiyuu would finally wrap things up. The man had a penchant for rambling on without any sign of brevity (or sympathy for that matter).

An exhausted sigh would sound from the raspberry headed youth as Jiyuu spoke his closing words.

"Now then…do you understand your mission?”

A hand would press upon his face as he'd clear any mental weariness from it. Eyes covered by what appeared to be a face palm, he'd inhale once slowly, then exhale. His shoulders lowered slightly as if now somewhat more relaxed.

Returning his gaze to meet that of Jiyuu's, he'd nod to indicate comprehension and quickly recap his orders.

"Find a sacrifice, find the plans, find the leader, ID the leader, kill the leader... and get the hell out.

...That's it right?"

[/size]

[Katsumaru]

”Correct.” Jiyuu said, his steel grey eyes shifting to Manami. There was the slightest worry in the Shikigami’s gaze, but the cause was entirely unknown. Did he, for some bizarre reasons, care for the safety of the boy? Or was he simply concerned that a potential Jounin would meet his end without truly caring for Manami’s life? The reason could be many, but before more could be determined from the Hokage’s glance, he turned on his heel and headed for the exit.

[Exit]

SPOILER: Click to show

Continued here

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[adero]

Jiyuu's gaze was... oddly disconcerting to say the least. Unable to discern it meaning, he'd simply pay no further heed and take his own leave.

-exit

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[KEITH]

+59 EXP - Katsu
+45 EXP - Adero