Predators (Q/P)

[drift]

The country of Mizu no Kuni is the smallest of the great five shinobi villages. It has prospered and been feared due to the strength of it's Shinobi and the ruthlessness in which it has operated. But hard places breed hard people, and hard people are hard to control. Many Kirigakure ninja believe themselves greater than the village or care too much for their personal ambitions. And so it comes down to the Oinin to make sure no former Kirigakure nin ever threatens the village or worse betray it and it's secrets.

You have received a summons from the Oinin, they tell you to meet them in this letter if you wish to join their prestigious ranks. They inform you of the great danger that will most certainly befall you. The meeting spot is outside of the village a few miles east. It is dusk though the thick mists prevailing the area make it little different from night, the air is chill and damp as always and as you reach your destination their is a distinct lack of noise, no birds, no insects, just silence and the eternal presence of the mists.

A Kunai lands before your feet and a voice calls out, cold and uncompromising. "You have chosen to come, there is still time to return to the village if you are uncertain?" The voice goes silent for a moment and vaguely through the mists you see you are surrounded by a squad of four Shinobi, their forms only just discernible. "Only true Predators can become Oinin." The voice speaks with conviction, he knows the life. Are you ready to join him?

[The Dude]

It was time for a change and time for Ekitai to strike off on his path and begin his very own legacy and journey. He had long served the royal family of Kirigakure no Sato and the village itself as a humble servant but ambition had driven him to seek out the Oinin of the area. They were a neutral faction independent from the villages and perhaps the best place to start developing a name for himself as a shinobi. More than any of that though, hard working oinin could make a fortune for their skills and abilities based on who they brought in rather than a set weekly amount.

Ekitai was skeptical he had successfully contacted the oinin at all about his request to join their ranks but after very little waiting he received a letter. The message was wrought with forewarning of the danger Ekitai had sought out and what would become of him should he continue but Ekitai knew the job description long ago. After reading the letter Ekitai burned the the paper carefully before setting off into the chill night to traverse the land a few miles to the east where the Oinin are said to be awaiting him.

As he drew closer something in the air could be felt, the tension was strained so taught Ekitai grew anxious for the tension to finally snap. No sound in the middle of the night, no animals and even the wind seemed strangely mute tonight though it could be felt gently as it gently caressed across Ekitai's skin. Just when things could not get any more ominous a kunai struck the ground before Ekitai bringing him to a halt before a voice called to him questioning his resolve. It fell silent again and Ekitai turned his head about from left to right right looking about to see four shadowy silhouettes moving in and out of vision through the fog silently.

- "Only true Predators can become Oinin" -

Ekitai resisted the urge to grin, not because it was fun but because of his own anxiety to start a new chapter in his life. "Is that so? I think you'll find I'm more than qualified as a predator gentleman," he silently withdrew his main gauches as he kept his eyes on the four figures carefully. "but if you need further proof you have but to ask me for it and I'll give you gentlemen all the proof you need.."

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[drift]

Your reply is met with silence. Around you the figures remain still, the mists swirl around freely and moments go past without a word or move. Finally the silence is broken. "Brave words young shinobi. But i have heard such statements of bravery before. Many die in their aspiration to become Oinin and many do not spend long in our field before leaving this world." The cold voice goes silent once more, it seems as if it is all around you before it fades. Then harsh laughter shatters the silence. "A well spoken brave fool. I like him, he'll be amusing to watch die i'm sure."

More laughter this time by more than one voice, or so you think. The mist seems to become a little thinner yet you still can make out no more than shapes in the mist. Ahead of you however a new shape is visible, standing still on a tree branch. Another new voice calls out, female, it's source unknown. "Silence Yoji you idiot, this could be a future comrade we should be hoping he is as tough as he makes out" An inaudible muttered retort comes back before once again silence falls over all. Then a loud sigh can be heard.

"Very well. We shall test your skills and bravery, if you are unworthy we shall simply have to find another." A moment would pass and the mists would thin out until the area was only lightly covered. Visible around you now were four Oinin. One atop a tree branch, one either side of you and one surprisingly behind you. The figure in the tree would call out again. "Last chance to go home?"

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[The Dude]

- "Last chance to go home?" -

Ekitai smiled at them all turning about to see them all as he withdrew a cigarette placing it to his lips and lighting the end slowly taking careful puffs to breath the ember into full life at the end. As he finished he expelled a mass cloud into the air and spoke elegantly through his own cloud, "Test me or kill me, but do not waste our time anymore with talks of quitting. I've made up my mind and for what it's worth I am grateful to have such... concerned future comrades, but I assure you that anything short of testing me from now on will be a considerable waste our time. This test is all that keeps me from joining you good fellows about the business of hunting down nuke shinobi for money, ergo this test is all that keeps me from making money. I'm sure fine shinobi such as yourselves understand the lust for money, after all why else would we go into this business?"

Ekitai smiled bringing the cigarette back to his lips, most shinobi who went oinin knew the perks and money alone were well worth the dangers but now as he thought about it smoking is cigarette some shinobi didn't always go for the money. Quite the opposite, some of them specifically from kirigakure became oinin simply to hunt and kill other ninja. They got a pleasure from the hunt like it was a sport and sometimes even the way in which they killed their enemies. All exciting and wonderful things but Ekitai was in this for the cash, hunting was a necessary part of the world but for him it was just a means of earning money and making a living. Of course becoming one of the most bad ass hunter ninja that ever lived would be a reward in itself, learning to kill his targets silently and precisely without alarming them.

"If you're ready to test me," Ekitai began as his words floated out in the smoke, "then what task would you ask of me to do?" Now that he had made his point and their short introduction were over, he hoped to get this moving along just as he had said. Time was of the essence, and perhaps the more time he wasted now the less time he would have on his test. Time on a profession test was not something Ekitai planned on wasting this day.

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[drift]

"The pay is sweet if your good enough, but i'm in it for the hunt baby" laughed Yoji in a gruff manner, his four years in service had seen him come swiftly to the top ranks of the Oinin. Unlike most overbearing and arrogant people Yoji had the skill to back his mouth, and boy he had a big mouth. The large blade on his back was what had brought him fame, he was skilled in the swift and silent dismemberment of his enemies. A stare from what was becoming clear to be the leader of the squad would silence Yoji, the Oinin straightening to a more disciplined attention. Turning his gaze back to you the leader would speak. "I am Shinju, that loud mouth is Yoji, Senichi is our medic and the quiet one behind you is Kokatara. Our objective tonight will be to capture the Hozuki brothers known as the Hydra Twins".

A brief pause was given in order to let the information be taken in it, would not be repeated. "The two are from Takigakure, they are suiton masters, they have evaded capture for five years and their here plotting something bad no doubt. Now theirs a very nice bounty on these two, the price has gone up after the last sixteen Oinin they killed. Their tough alone, together their unbeatable, at least with small numbers anyway. Split them up and kill them. If we're still alive i'll buy us a round after we collect our money." A cheer from Yoji was the only reply. "Let's move out"

The Oinin would launch themselves up into the trees, heading further east into the forest. There was now no going back, the Hozuki twins were waiting. You would continue travelling through the misty forest the only sounds surrounding animal life, a light rain would begin to fall night was well in place. The full moon illuminates the land well despite the mists. "We're in the right area, keep an eye out for anything, and look for somewhere they might take shelter." As you travel you glimpse a piece of blue cloth on the ground, half concealed in a small bush. You could continue onward or halt and examine the cloth.

[The Dude]

And as simple as that the hunt was on, like many hunts this started out slow as Ekitai bound up into the trees after his apparent team but maintained his own distance all the same from them. He trusted them but they were again a band of men who killed for money, never could be suspicious enough around people with that sort of reputation. The only thing for it as a matter of fact was to keep his head down and travel swiftly and silently keeping his mind off the idea that they could turn on him. As they traveled he considered what they were trying to do, killing a Hozuki was a hard enough challenge in it's own right, but now he had to take out a pair of them? Ekitai knew all too well the abilities of the Hozuki and knew it would prove a hard task to kill them himself considering he had no lightning or ice releases as he was himself a Hozuki.

Still he smiled to himself, combat between Hozuki was a rare thing but it was indeed a splendid battle to behold. Elemental embodiments clashing their raw powers against each other to shift more of the environment than each other. Indeed the thought of battle was heartwarming but Ekitai knew better than to try and enjoy himself on this assignment, underestimating a fellow Hozuki could only end badly. Best to do this quickly and cleverly and hope that one of his team mates had the releases they needed to kill Hozuki.

Animals rustling through the bushes below, the soft patter of rain on clothes and leaves, and the misty silhouettes of five shinobi. The air was perfect for the hunt and Ekitai could feel it within him on this modest night. Their leader spoke gently relaying the information that they were in the right area and warning everyone to keep their eyes open. Ekitai obeyed diligently surveying the area in the light of the moon for any signs of disturbed dirt or bent branches when he nearly passed a glimpse of blue in the night. Backtracking Ekitai knelt gently to inspect the strange cloth for clues as to what it belonged to before he would decide whether to dismiss it as garbage or if it was in fact something that merited a search.

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[drift]

You decide to inspect the cloth. As you do Shinju lands silently in front of you, the senior Oinin's eyes look down to your en-devours. "Stop." his voice is cold, a command not a suggestion. A swift slice from Yoji's blade allows closer insight into the small bush. The blue cloth is bigger than it appeared, a faded sky blue. A small length of wire ties it down to an explosive tag nestled with senbon. A trap cunningly placed to deter those who comb the woods too thoroughly. "The cloth is from a Kirigakure robe, we lost squad four a few days ago, this trap was made by the twins." Shinju became silent of a moment, none of the others spoke instead their heads turned this way and that eyes alert for any hidden danger.

"Oinin must be wary, traps are one of a Nukenins many ways of avoiding conflict and causing us problems, this one would have been very unpleasant. Always be wary, let's move out" With that Shinju would leap back into the dark cover of the treetops and once more the squad headed off out. With a little lesson in caution and of shinobi traps the squad would now look out more carefully for such dangers, though not all traps would be as easy to spot.

After nearly an hour of travel the squad and yourself would emerge upon a clearing, the trees give way to sparse grass and a rocky outcrop holds a deep pool of perfectly blue water. Small animals roam around and the area seems quite at peace, only one thing ruins the picturesque scene. Bodies litter the area. Not just any bodies either, those donning the masks and cloaks of Oinin. Three lie upon the ground variously placed their forms broken or bleeding. One body lies limp half in the pool of water. "I think we found squad four" said Yoji exhaling a deep breath.

"Yoji maintain a perimeter, Kokatara help him use your sensor ability. Senichi and the new guy check the bodies, and be careful those devious bothers might have booby trapped them too." The squad set out to their tasks immediately, Kokatara became still beneath his mask his eyes closed and he held a single seal as he began to search the area for other beings. Yoji flickered around at an impressive speed his eyes scanning every detail as he moved. Senichi had already moved with caution to the first body, it was not booby trapped and she turned it over hands glowing green against the chest. Shinju simply stood with arms folded as if awaiting something. He would no doubt be scrutinizing all members of the squad including the newest, you.

[The Dude]

Shinju saved Ekitai from what could have been a hazardous incident as well as a rather embarrassing beginning to the test. Ekitai frowned slightly at how gravely serious just following the trail any missing ninja would leave when they knew they were being hunted. He nodded at shinju understandingly and taking the lesson to heart to be cautious at all times in such dangerous work.

They soon moved out once again Ekitai's eyes now open and alert even as he moved now for the slightest disturbance or thing out of place in the forest. After what felt like nearly an hour they came upon a clearing where the grass gave way to what appeared to be a pool of water. The field before the pool however, was strewn with masked bodies as Yoji voiced what must have been on everyone's eyes. Despite the savage scene before them Ekitai could only see one thing that his eyes locked on suspiciously as soon as they had come in, the pool of water.

Ekitai and Senichi were assigned to search the bodies, but as Ekitai strode past Shinju he muttered under his breath, "Keep your eyes on the pool sir, if we are tracking other Hozuki it would be an ample hiding spot..." He then proceeded to the task alert and cautious making use of his main gauches to cautiously and carefully search and probe the bodies as he searched tediously thoroughly for any traps having remembered the incident in the past. Even as he set about his work though, he found himself still glancing often towards the water suspiciously.

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[drift]

None of the bodies littered around were booby trapped, worse still warmth still clung to them. One was alive, but barely his body having lost some large quantity of blood only a strong spirit kept him going. Senichi began to work on him immediately both her palms laid upon his chest and glowing green with the flow of her chakra. After what seemed an age she would remove her hands and pronounce he was safe from immediate death. She would then begin bandaging his wounds carefully before giving him a few herbs to ease his pain and promote his body to begin restoration.

From the pool of water where one body had slumped over you would see the water is strangely darker in a certain area and a strange feeling spreads forth from it. At the bottom of the pool a rough shape can be seen, a gourd. You can just make out H.T carved large into the side of it. Kokatara would speak. " There is a single chakra force out there about a mile away, it could be one of the wins but they're always together." A silence fell as the group became thoughtful. "What if squad four took one of the bastards down?" It seemed puzzling, there was no Hozuki body around, but if not then where was the of Hozuki at.

[The Dude]

H.T. The letters meant something as Ekitai paused briefly to consider their meaning before recalling the title of the Hozuki as the Hydra Twins. It was fortunate Ekitai was with the oinin this evening it seemed as his experience as a Hozuki himself may prove more useful than he previously thought. Ekitai rose to his feet keeping a wary eye on the water for any surprise attacks as he prepared to flush the bastard out.

A long series of hand seals were quickly formed in only a second of time, the product of extreme suiton discipline. "Come out come out, wherever you are..." What happened next was a drastic feat of ninjutsu as all real water in the pool exploded skywards as ten massive dragons took their watery form flying skyward above the company. With the usable water in the pool drained Ekitai hoped to have revealed the where abouts of the missing Hozuki.

"I know you're down there, your tricks won't work on me!" Ekitai began ranting, "Come and face your end and know that I Ekitai of Kirigakure, a true ninja and a true Hozuki, have come to end your disgrace." Brave words to provoke the Hozuki. Ekitai sincerely hoped one of the members of his team had raiton otherwise this could become a splashing contest and the only comforting thing about that... was that Ekitai had all the water. The dragons serpentined through the air above waiting to strike.

SPOILER: Click to show

Efficient Sealing II
Chakra Reduction II (plus another for being Hozuki so a total of three reductions)

Suiryuudan no Jutsu (Water Dragon Projectile Technique)
Rank: B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B [1000]
Type: Offensive / Suiton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: High
Special: Due to the nature of the attack, the dragon can strike available aerial targets as well, as long as they are within their 'Suiton Ryuuken' range. Dragon head is roughly 1/5th the size of the user's 'SR' range, and can move at the same speed. If the dragon’s head is severed from its body, the lost appendage reverts to its natural water state and the remaining severed stub attached to the water source can re-grow once more. Only focusing a strong attack 'A' ranked or higher on the head will defeat it for sure. Up to one dragon can be made per use, plus one more each time retrained. However, after every third retraining, chakra consumption will go up by one.
Description: Suiryuudan no Jutsu is one of Suiton’s strongest ninjutsu, mainly because of its impact force and its ability to attack enemies in the air and on the ground. The ninja does a long string of hand seals which then causes a column of water in the form of a dragon to rise from the water and then strike at their target. Upon striking its target and ensnaring it in its aquatic maw, the dragon explodes with great force, flooding all nearby and providing an ample amount of water for more Suiton techs, should any enemies remain standing…
Domain: Suiton. Suiton Ryuuken 'B'.

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[drift]

Your all but subtle actions bring forth the contents of the pool leaving it nearly devoid of water. The large gourd fell with a thump upon the floor along with a torrent of water which flooded the area. A few shuriken and a large katana like blade stood impaled into the ground. There was even torn strips of clothing. But no Hozuki. "Stand down" Shinju uttered to his group who had reacted ready to unleash a devastating array of their battle prowess if any Hozuki had emerged. Striding forth he study the odd bits of material that lay strewn about the now watery ground. Leaning down he picked up a scrap of clothing and his eyes closes as he allowed a small smile. "Squad four got one of the bastards it seems, that chakra signature must belong to the other. Time to hunt."

And once more the group would depart, Seichi had seen to the wounded Kiri Oinin who was the sole survivor. They had left him nestled safely among the bushes well hidden. There was now a timer, this needed to be wrapped up quickly and all members pushed their bodies hard as they struggled to keep up with Shinju who was now out a good many meters ahead. Kokatara kept track of the chakra signature they had begun hunting, as they closed in he was given a more vivid feel of the holders power. Though one of the brothers was indeed dead it had taken a whole squad to execute the deed. It would be on the minds of all that the remaining Hozuki would be deadly. Luckily they would have numbers on their side, and a secret weapon.

"Just beyond those trees" Kokatara said breaking the spell of silence which had fallen. Past the trees lay bare rocky ground and the roaring sound of a waterfall. A river rushed past it's current strong and savage, the source of the fall. Standing at the edge of the waterfall blood spattered and breathing hard stood the Hozuki, no more than twenty five meters away. A mist rose up from his breath as he turned to face the Oinin. He was young no more than nineteen yet his eyes were cold and seemed to reveal an age beyond his years. A savage smile spread across the Nukenins lips. "So, you found me. Good." and then in the blink of an eye he attacked. From his mouth was shot a stream of jelly, now the true test would begin.

SPOILER: Click to show

Funshutsuzerii Spewing Jelly
Rank: C x5
Type: Supplementary Ninjutsu
Range: 10 Meters
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Mid
Special: Each time re-trained the jutsu is able to travel 5 extra meters and its width increases by 5 meters. Can be used once per thread, plus another when retrained
Description: Furthering their control of their special jelly, the Hozuki is able to spew a wide arcing stream of said jelly from their mouth. Because of the Hozuki's physical makeup, hand-seals are not required in order to utilize this ability. The jelly spewed will be emitted like a arcing jet that engulfs a 5 meter width when first learned. Its properties directly reflect Gisan-Hisan.
Domain: Hozuki, Gisan-Hisan; Kirigakure Exclusive.

Gisan-Hisan (Acid War)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Offensive / Clan Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: D-C: Low per turn, B-A: Mid per turn, S: High per turn
Special: Degree and damage of poison acid depends on highest rank known. Until s-rank is learned, only one portion of the body (i.e an army, or a leg, or the torso) can be turned acidic at any given time. Corrosiveness depends on rank:

D ~ Skin
C ~ Earth & Elements
B ~ Wood
A ~ Rock
S ~ Steel

Description: Once the Hozuki begin to understand their blood limit and how to control it, they learn to combine their ninjutsu powers in order to give their 'jelly' special properties. In this case, after performing the required hand seals, the Hozuki's very essence transforms into an acidic poison, corrosive on contact and highly invasive. This technique isn't hidden very well, however; the users body (whatever portion is being altered into the acidic formula) turns a very dark, almost pitch-black color.
Domain: Hozuki. Must know 'Hydration' for rank being learned.

[The Dude]

So the team had managed to kill one of the Hozuki after all, perhaps they too would manage to complete the pair and claim their reward. Too Ekitai, killing one of the hozuki alone was an impressive feat and he looked down at the sole survivor of the team with admiration in his eyes and a smile on his lips. Once the team safely tucked him away in the brush they set out once again with earnest to find the last Hozuki and end his life before their ally's expired. A race against the clock and Ekitai followed light and swift alongside the team. The last Hozuki would be the more dangerous and his familiarity with the Hozuki might help keep members of the team alive...

Kokatara stopped and indicated that just beyond the trees they had found their prey. They approached with caution before he was seen ragged and worn from battle covered in blood and and breathing heavily. Mist rose from his breath as his he looked back at the team, as his eyes met Ekitai's there was a an exchange of cold steely blue eyes mature beyond their years. He smiled muttered something and then spewed forth a massive stream of black jelly. Ekitai knew exactly what it was though he had never himself taken the time to learn it himself. "Don't let the acid touch you!" Acid war, a hozuki's offensive technique to melt away nearly all defenses before him. But Ekitai was prepared, in a flash he formed his own hand seals running to the front of the team as the acid spread out threatening to cover them all. His chest swelled and his mouth opened wide blasting a massive jettison of his own water from his mouth that erected in a massive rectangular wall that shielded the team from direct contact with the jelly.

Acid sprayed past the edges of the wall and what acid did collide with the wall would become deluded in the powerful waters of the wall. "Hit him with lightning or ice if you want to take him down, I'll try and put him on the defensive." Ekitai formed just another slew of hand seals completing the chain in two seconds time before the wall of water suddenly twisted together rising even high in a large tornado of water rushing towards the last Hozuki brother. Water may not be able to truly harm the Hozuki, but with enough force Ekitai might be able to batter him and keep him in his liquid form and vulnerable to be battered apart to keep him from doing any damage.

SPOILER: Click to show

Suijinheki (Water Encampment Wall)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S [625]
Type: Defensive / Suiton Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Handseals: Yes
Chakra: Very Low - Very High [per use!]
Special: Water barrier blocks a single attack of equal or lower rank before needing to be recast. Water stream range is equal to their 'Suiton Ryuuken' range, meaning the user can delay when the shield is actually produced. Finally, the wall is 1/5th the size of the user's 'Suiton Ryuuken' distance. It can take the form of a perfect wall, circle, rectangle, or any other geometric shape that fits its size appropriately.
Description: Suijinheki is one of the most impressive Suiton jutsu, and one of the few actually able to defend the user indefinitely from danger. The user will first do a string of hand seals, length varying by rank, and then control nearby water in order to come to their aid in the form of many streams leading from their source to the user's danger area. These streams move at high speeds, and after five meters or so from the user, begin to form themselves into a size equal and greater to that of the incoming attack, allowing it to act as a water barrier.
Domain: Suiton. Suiton Ryuuken.

Mizu no Tatsumaki (Tornado of Water)
Rank: S [300]
Type: Offensive / Defensive / Suiton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: Massive [initial + upkeep]
Special: Tornado can be controlled to remain anywhere within their 'Suiton Ryuuken' range, and is in itself half the size of the total dominion range at the top, and 1/5th of it at the bottom. Water twister can move at impressive speeds (Suiton Ryuuken speed). User is defended from single ‘S' ranked attacks and lower, and can even absorb enemy Suiton attacks to keep their shield on longer. Vortex can last as long as the user is willing to keep it going. The user cannot perform any other jutsu while controlling the tornado. Requires a single handseal and eye contact to be held at all times when moving the tornado. Extra retraining added more defense and offense to the tornado; however, after each one, chakra consumption will go up by one.
Description: Mizu no Tatsumaki is a Ninjutsu technique that utilizes a nearby water source to create a rapidly moving spinning water vortex around the caster. The large tornado begins spinning wildly around the user, able to move where the caster wishes while acting both as a barrier and attack mechanism. The power of the vortex is enough to knock an opponent unconscious, break bones and cause internal damage, should they be sucked in!
Domain: Suiton. Suiton Ryuuken 'S'.

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