Mizuchi.

[Yox]

[atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=font-family: calibri; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; width: 100px]This is a quest for Lang and is closed for anyone else. Required: Hear the story of the Gariantou from the old man. Appeal to him as someone reliable who could perform the task he requires.

[atrb=vAlign,top] The old man stood alone atop a hill overlooking the magnificent Kirigakure. He was washed up, tired, and seemed to have given up as life as he had known it. But something still kept him motivated. There was a treasure that he sought for; something that could make him whole again. But his age had gotten the better of him. No longer could he simply go out and fulfil his dreams. The stress of heavy exercise was too much for his aged heart. He had to find someone to help him; someone who was willing to lay their life down for the ultimate reward. Where would this person come from? The old man continued to look over the village. Perhaps his answer lay in there. Kirigakure was filled with potential ninja who would be interested in this venture. After all, some of the world's best shinobi swordsmen came from there. Any up and coming hopeful would be perfect. From the mound on the hill, the old man looked below to see a boy with blonde hair. Intrigued as if his prayers had been answered, the old man began to move to intercept this boy. Perhaps the young lad would be his saviour. "You there. You're a ninja from Kirigakure, yes?" He questioned the boy. The old man began to reach down to the depths of his persona, searching for the remains of his ability to persuade another. It had been too long.

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[Lang]

Following his spontaneous venture into Kaminari no Kuni, Rael made the trip back with considerably less haste upon discovering the country's lack of skilled doctors and surgeons. Two extra days were spent in the third-rate clinic, doing what he could for the impoverished civilians unable to afford the more expensive general hospital's medical fees. He had no lost love for the Kumo-nin dwelling in their nearby hidden village, but the average civilian should not suffer because of it. During his brief stint as a doctor, not once did he reveal his identity as a member of Kirigakure's military force, keeping the telltale headband away from view and using non-shinobi techniques when possible. Regardless of the good deeds he did, nothing could be allowed to be traced back to his current village; he only hoped the other Kiri-nin would keep his mouth shut on the matter.

Now, back in the nation to which he had sworn allegiance, Rael felt a subtle exhaustion befall him. It had nothing to do with physical fatigue, but instead existed as a mental burden, weighing down on his mind as he rounded every corner, dogging his every step. As strange as it sounded, the Genin needed some time to unwind, break away from the furious pace he originally set for himself. Would it be seen as a sign of weakness?

The scuffling sound of footsteps from somewhere above him broke Rael out of his reverie, and he looked up to see an aged man easing his way down the hill they were situated upon overlooking the village, making towards him in a direct path. A quick scan of his sides revealed no one else to be in near vicinity, and so he assumed the gentleman had some business with him. That, or he needed help with directions. Instead of forcing the adult to trek all the way over to where he stood, Rael approached him at a brisk walking pace, the two meeting in the middle. The opening line inquiring his status as a Kiri nin was a bit surprising, but he took it in stride, bowing at the waist in respect to a senior.

"I am. How may I help you, venerable elder?"

---

^{All gear and equipment in profile on person}

[Yox]

The old man looked down upon the boy as he bowed. Good, he had respect. It was something hard to find these days. The old man appreciated it. After gesturing for the boy to rise from his bow, the old man would then go on to speak.

"My name is Revāj. It's a miracle that you came to find me here... I was looking for someone exactly like you to help me with something," the old man continued whilst stepping away from the boy. The old man assumed the boy would help him out. With that, he also expected the boy to follow him back up to the top of the hill. At the top of the hill sat the lonely cabin of Revāj.

Finally he had found someone to lend their services to him. It had been too long since he had gone out to hunt for the sword of his dreams. But recently he had received word of a new lead; something that had got him closer and closer to finding the thing he desired most in his old life.

As if it were handed to him on a platter, a boy had come to answer his prayers. The gods were truly on his side this day. After reaching the top of the hill, he took a seat by a single campfire that burned just outside his wooden cabin. Opposite to his spot, there was a single rock where the boy could sit.

"What is your name child? And tell me... have you ever heard the tale of the legendary blade: the Gariantou?" Not only was there a fire before the pair of them, but also a fire had turned to light up the old man's eyes. After searching for the same thing for so long, it seemed evident now that his dreams would come true.

This boy was the catalyst.

[Lang]

Maintaining his polite demeanor, Rael was puzzled as to why this elderly gentleman could be seeking him out. His only defining trait these days was a talent for medical ninjutsu, and while he would be more than happy to provide any help he could with treating someone, the Genin also suspected that was not the reason this 'Revāj' character wanted him for. Especially since he needed to confirm the boy's status as a shinobi of Kiri, much less an iryou-nin specifically. Nonetheless, he nodded in assent to the man's silent beckon for him to follow, and they made their way back up to the top of the hill.

If Revāj indeed lived here, he did so under very spartan conditions. Granted, he had not seen the cabin's interior, but the Genin believed it would make little sense to splurge on commodities of luxury in this setting. The campfire was already burning away as they arrived, suggesting his unforeseen host either had it running before coming down to greet him, or there was at least one other individual missing from the scene. No one else was in sight, but that was not to say they couldn't be busy elsewhere inside the cabin.

As they moved over to the campfire, Rael waited for his older companion to sit down first, a bit perplexed when they left the nearby rock available for him, Revāj seating himself on the ground Revāj. The Genin inclined his head, then carefully seated himself on his knees a bit away next to the elderly gentleman; it would be impossibly rude to accept the substitute chair while his senior lacked one. He listened in rapt attention as the other party spoke, then responded in turn.

"My name is Rael, Revāj-sama, and I'm afraid this is the first time I've heard of such a weapon. Please, enlighten me." Aside from the fabled blades wielded by the renowned Seven Mist Swordsmen, he had never before heard of any other so-called 'relics', despite knowing they must exist. Did this have anything to do with the favor Revāj wanted from him?

[Yox]

"It is my pleasure to meet you Rael." The old man examined the boy as he sat down opposite to him. He could see a beacon of hope surrounding the lad in an aura of enticement. For the first time in years, Revāj felt alive again. His soul had been reinvigorated by the miracle appearance of the boy. It was a truly a gift.

He was unaware of the story of the Gariantou. It was no matter. Not many have heard its tale. But those who have had no doubt been enticed by it. It was a wonder blade, and finally after these many years Revāj had come one step closer to acquiring it for himself. He felt it necessary to begin explaining the legend of the Gariantou to the young Rael.

"The Gariantou is a sword with hidden powers. It is said to have been created by the underwater god Susanoo himself! This being said, the sword is able to expand/contract at the will of the user as well as turn it's blades into dragons of water. It is truly a magnificent creation of the gods." The old man spoke with such passion.

He ruffled his hands through a piece of parchment in his back pocket. Finding it, he held it out to you to unfold. On the paper was a drawing of the Gariantou with its assumed colour and standard shape. It was three blades extending out of a single hilt. On the back of the parchment were instructions. Revāj began to speak before Rael could read them.

"After so many years of searching... I have finally located the whereabouts of the Gariantou. At my age I can no longer go out and hunt for the relics of the world. Thus, I leave my legacy to the younger generation. Should you accept you will be rewarded greatly for your efforts. I have a lot of ryō that will allow you to live very comfortably," the old man rambled on.

"So what do you say?"

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[Lang]

It was important for him to present an image of sincerity, though to be honest, Rael was becoming a bit confused by his elderly companion's conflicting words. If this Gariantou's powers were actually hidden, how did Revāj even know what they were then. By "dragons of water", he assumed that meant the blades could liquify into a more malleable form, but surely that couldn't be all there was to it. In all honesty, it did not sound much more impressive than the feats the Seven Swords were capable of; was Revāj purposely withholding information from him?

He accepted the worn parchment drawn from the senior's pocket with a quiet "thank you", gingerly unfolding it to see what the hype was all about. The triple blades reminded him of an oversized sai, or even a trident hacked down until it was roughly in the shape of a sword. The 'steel' of the blade was a dark blue, and he wondered if this was even a real weapon, and not just a prop used for stage performances. A comment like that would likely be less than appreciated, and so he kept quiet on it.

Flipping the parchment over to see if there was anything else to be added, Revāj started speaking before he could read the first line, and so he focused on the old man instead. The line about leaving his legacy to the next generation was understandable, but the promised reward was...odd. He figured Revāj would simply wish that a ninja from Kirigakure eventually wielded this special weapon, but apparently that was not the case. Did the man want it for himself? Also, he claimed to be very wealthy, offering a substantial amount of ryō for his troubles, but did he actually have any of that money? His living conditions did not exactly reflect the image of someone living in luxury.

"I am...honored, Revāj-sama, that you think so highly of me, to be capable of accomplishing such a task. But, before I can give you an answer, I must ask this. Why me? Certainly there must be others far more qualified to take on this endeavor," he inquired with understandable curiosity. Also, why a Kiri nin specifically? Obviously the venture would be dangerous or difficult enough to warrant a skilled shinobi undertaking it, so why a young Genin, especially one that looked like he hadn't even gone through puberty. Rael had a budding suspicion that he was not the first to be sent on this task, and Revāj was now grasping at straws.

[Yox]

Old man Revāj watched the face of the boy intently. He could tell that the boy was confused on some of the topics that he had raised. It didn't matter. As long as the kid got the general idea and could go off on a journey for the sword, nothing else mattered to Revāj. He just wanted his precious Gariantou for himself at the end of the day.

"You see boy, I discovered the most valuable information in the hunt for the Gariantou just a day ago. I have friends that fish out in the Land of Water. They spoke words of something that they had come across on their travels. Something out of the ordinary. When I was younger, my own father told me the same story that my friends had told me..."

"There just has to be a link here!" The old man jumped up from his seat and walked around the fire, staring into it as he continued to speak. "I chose you because you stood out to me. I stand here on this hill watching people move in and out of the village on the regular. You were different. I could tell that you were worthy enough to go on my quest."

He was of course lying to the boy. Rael had been one of many that Revāj had explained this story to throughout the morning. Many of the other ninja had not stayed to accept the quest though, opting it too dangerous for them to commit to. He hoped Rael would accept though. He wanted the Gariantou back in his hands.

"The mission will mean that you will have to go out in the seas just west from here. My fishermen friends will take you out there to what they found. It was a cavern lined with pearls and crystals. I'm sure that it is the palace of Susanoo! No doubt the sword resides within. I'll cut a deal with you," the old man trailed off.

"If you can find the sword, you can keep it. Just bring it back to me so I can see it for once before I die." Revāj moved around to the boy and grasped onto his hands, staring into his eyes. "You'll be fulfilling a dying mans wish. Please find this sword for me, Rael." The man was subtly lying. He of course wanted the sword for just himself.

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[Lang]

Resisting the inclination to frown as Revāj began rambling again, the young iryou-nin weighed his options carefully, evaluating the pros and cons of assisting the old man with his predicament. For all he knew, "something out of the ordinary" by the standards of fishermen could very well be a larger-than-average flounder they snagged in one of the fishing nets by accident. Rael did not believe for a minute that he was the only one to be given the previous spiel; someone needed both eyes and half their brain checked. However, if there was even a grain of truth to what the man was saying...

"Thank you for your generous offer, elder Revāj, but that will not be necessary. If this "Gariantou" is really there as you say, I will find it and bring it back for you."

As the old man further explained himself, Rael's face adopted a thoughtful expression. From what he recalled of the geography around Mizu no Kuni, there were five miniature islands situated to the west currently under the Water Daimyo's rule; any further risked encroaching on Kumo territory. He could only imagine what they would think about a fishing vessel from the water country steering around on their turf. His last trip there ended without stirring up trouble with the locals; he would like to keep it that way.

If any of the the "pearls and crystals" were left salvageable in the aforementioned cavern, not all ransacked by Revāj's fishermen friends, it might bring in a tidy profit that could be used to fund the improvements Rael had in mind for Kiri's third-rate hospitals. After seeing the desolate state of those in Kumo, the young medic had no desire to see the same poverty befall his own village. If this prized 'Garian Blade' was there as well, that was just a bonus; he should like to see this legendary weapon for himself.

[Yox]

"Oh bless you young one! I knew I could count on you the moment I set my eyes upon you. You just have that feel, you know?" Revāj was over the moon that you accepted his offer. He paced around the fireplace with a certain spruce in his step, going over the details on the back of the parchment he gave you.

"Follow the road west from here to find the docks. My fishermen friends will be there. Look for a man named Yugai. Tell him that I sent you and he will know exactly what for. He and his men are ready to go. All we need now is for you to make it there. Watch out though, the road west through the mist is dangerous." The old man spoke of possible threats.

The roads were always plagued with highwaymen and untamed creatures of the forest. Accompanied by the mist, it was the perfect shroud for sudden attacks. The boy would have to be on his best guard. Though as a ninja of Kirigakure, Rael should be well-prepared enough for any unexpected dangers.

---

As the boy walked down the misty path leading through the forest, he would hear a sudden cry within the trees on his left-side. It would either force him to do two things: check the area or run for his life back up the path toward Revāj's cabin. The time for tales was over. The boy would now be put to the test.

Caution.

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[Lang]

The warning about traveling through the mist was unnecessary, but Rael thanked the old man for his apparent concern nonetheless. There was no reason for him to fear it; he was a veteran of the infamous 'Kirigakure no Jutsu' and silent killing before choosing to pursue the path of saving lives, rather than taking them. Highwaymen and wild beasts were nothing more than inconveniences to him, and unless he had ample reason to waste time on them, they would be avoided with little trouble. Palming a kunai and hiding it within the sleeve of his right arm, the Genin bid farewell to Revāj and set out on his impulsive journey.

---

Setting the pace at a light jog, he was barely into the forested region and out of visual range from Revāj's hilltop cabin when a sudden cry reached his ears. Normally, logic dictated that he continue on his mission and ignore the human-sounding noise in favor of completing his given task. However, he was not on an official assignment issued by the Mizukage, and thus had no reason to follow such protocol. Even if it got him killed, the iryou-nin would do what he was trained for.

Forming a hand seal for one of the most basic techniques he knew, Rael called up a clone of himself, before sending the Bunshin ahead on the forest floor a dozen meters up front, while he followed behind in the cover of the treetops. It didn't matter if the clone was intangible and unable to interact with the surroundings; its purpose as a distraction for any would-be threats was more than enough.

---

^{Bunshin no Jutsu // 'E' Rank // x1 Massive, x2 High - (x1 Low)}

[Yox]

The clone headed through the forest unaware of what was ahead of him. The boy was smart to play this card. Anything could have been in there. The smallest of rabbits or the most dangerous S-ranked missing ninja. The boy had proved his readiness for the mission by committing his life to the cause of the Gariantou. But did this prove his worthiness?

A hiding highwayman sat in the bushes to the left to where the clone had entered the forest. As an unexperienced mercenary, he was unaware of the type of tricks that shinobi were capable of. Jumping out of the bushes with a dagger in his hand, he leaped directly into the clone. "Die you idiot!" He swung. Poof.

The clone dissipated as he had swung and still was in mid-air. He turned his head slightly to see the real body following closely behind the clone as if it was a distraction. A sense of shock moved over his face as his feet touched the ground. He was completely open. Whether he died or not was up to the judgement of the Kirigakure boy. The mercenary could not move. He prayed for his life as he silently realised that it could be cut abruptly short right then.

But little did Rael know, what he did here would affect events to come.

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[Lang]

SPOILER: Click to show

My character was actually following from the forest canopy, but it works anyways.

There was always a chance that Rael was walking straight into a trap. Was he, a Kirigakure shinobi that prided himself on being cautious, about to fall for one of the oldest tricks in the book? Sometimes he cursed the sense of obligation he developed after joining the medical squad. There were days when it didn't pay to be a caring individual. Fortunately, he was not going into this headfirst.

A good call on his part, as things turned out. Rael was not overly disappointed to find the cry had been a ruse, as the sight of his Bunshin being 'ambushed' brought out a quiet sigh of exasperation from the prepubescent child; far too early into the mission for him to be dealing with this crud. An explosive-tagged kunai would have finished the job quick and easy, but that would just be creating unnecessary mess. Besides, from the would-be brigand's amateurish tactics, it was likely he was not well-versed in this particular line of work.

The kunai previously hidden in his sleeve slipped out, and Rael brandished it expertly, twirling it between his fingers as he cut out complicated patterns in the air. Too showy for any practical use in combat, but that wasn't the point. Just a little bit of fancy display, showing he was infinitely more skilled with the blade than this vagabond, and enough to intimidate the mercenary into thinking twice about trying to attack him. Then abruptly, the bit of steel slid back into his sleeve, and Rael approached the second party at a casual pace, before stopping just out of knife range.

"Instead of accosting penniless travelers, interested in making some real money?"

[Yox]

The frightened lad stared at Rael whilst he displayed his finger skills with the kunai. Why hadn't he been killed yet? The boy shifted his body to face the incoming Rael straight on. He knew now that it was sure to be over for him. Yet again, his assumptions would be wrong.

His eyes opened wide upon hearing Rael speak. A proposition? He contemplated his current life with what Rael foreshadowed. Perhaps something more was out there waiting for him. Right now he was the lamest excuse for a rogue, aimlessly walking around these misty paths and attempting to rob helpless old fishermen. He was ashamed of what he did. But he wanted money.

He recalled a story within his mind before responding to the boy. It had been a scenario just like this, earlier this same day. An old man had come down from his cottage and wandered guilelessly into the forest. The boy remained hidden and, at the last minute, attempted to mug the man. He had been unsuccessful, but his life was spared. He was assigned another task; to wait down in this same spot for a younger lad to mimic the same trail that the old man had just come down. When the price was mentioned, the boy agreed willingly.

Unknown to Rael was the fact that he had dodged a bullet. The old man had hoped to come down to this exact spot later to find the dead body of the mugger. He would then attempt to frame the helpless Kirigakure ninja, taking the prize of the Gariantou for himself. Rael's humanity had saved him - this time.

The boy slid the dagger back into his waist sheath with his right hand. He made it well aware to Rael that he would not attack. "What do you have in mind?" He walked closer to Rael. If Rael would move down the trail toward the docks, the boy would walk by his side and listen to him speak. That was if they moved from this spot in the woods.

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[Lang]

Rael was glad the older male had enough sense to see reason, otherwise things might have turned out unpleasant for him. Allowing the second party to approach him without showing signs of getting defensive, he resumed his earlier trek down the trail leading towards the docks, motioning for the thwarted brigand to follow as they walked along the beaten path. By now, they should have realized he was prepared to take a diplomatic approach, arranging it so that the two could come to an agreement that was mutually beneficial, with the rewards being very high if things went right.

"I'm looking for a few good men to provide helping hands with a matter of great importance. Once it's done, everyone that contributed will be handsomely rewarded, no matter their part. Instead of throwing your life away for so little, like you nearly did just now," his tone remained amicable, suggesting he bore the older teen no ill-will, "why not make the turnout something actually worth it? You only live once; make it a life as grand and exciting as you can."

After hearing the older boy give his answer, and replying or commenting with a suitable response, they would continue on in silence for a bit. In all honesty, Rael would not not be surprised at all if his new traveling companion was still highly suspicious of his intentions. Actually, he would be foolish not to be under normal circumstances. The fact the white-haired child spared his life and sought to conduct business with someone the likes of him would be all that kept him from immediately trying something funny on the young boy.

However, Rael was not an iryou-nin for nothing; healing a wounded patient was not the sole skill in his resume. Establish a closer relationship with everyone, even if they were not necessarily allies. "What's your story, friend? Things have obviously been tough on you. I can't imagine anyone actually wanting to live that way by their own choice."

[Yox]

A moment ago, the unknown boy had attempted to kill Rael. Now the pair were walking together, side by side down a path whilst exchanging conversation. It was funny how scenarios could just switch within an instant.

The boy, Han, listened to Rael expand on what he had previously brought up about earning some real money. Han wondered what the boy spoke of. He had never been on an adventure before. What was ahead of him if he decided to follow through with joining Rael? Han watched Rael as he spoke. Although the blonde boy was younger than him, he had an invigorating appeal to him. Han had been inspired to change his ways. No longer would he lurk through the forests of the Land of Water. He would do something more interesting with his life; such as going on an adventure!

Friend. It had been awhile since he had been called that by anyone. Were the two of them really friends? Maybe Rael was being sneakingly trying to crack through Han's circle of trust in order to suddenly backstab him when he let his guard down. He remained focused as he answered the question. "Uhh... well my name is Han. I was born in a village just north from here. I'm just your typical poor kid trying to make some money. Since I'm basically a man now, my dad told me I need to go out into the world and make my own money. Of course I still live at home though." The boy was sixteen.

"What about you? Aren't you a little young and small to be roaming about out here. I can't believe you tricked me before. What did you do to make that clone of yourself? I've never sene it before. Then again, I haven't met too many ninja before either," the boy concluded.

As the pair of them would eventually reach the docks, ahead of them was a large sailing ship with various sailers crouched down in a circle. On closer inspection they were gambling with each other, throwing coins of ryō to whoever won the round and yelling at each other if one of them had lost. As the pair of boys moved closer, proper speech could be picked up. "Hey Yugai! What the hell was that!? You moved the dice!"

They had found their captain.

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