Mountain Bear!

[Mamushi]

Trees, mist, blue skies and moist earth - Mizu no Kuni, no matter the locale, looked exactly the same continent-wide. Still, the monotony had never grown old to me, and even now, as I trekked along a mountain road, I found myself relaxed and content as if I was home -

Isn't there a genin with me?

I turned back to see Tenji or Tenja - whatever his name was, watching me walk... is he looking at my -

"Are you looking at my ass?" I wasn't upset - I was flattered, actually, but I couldn't have the little shit ogling me like a piece of meat.

"Keep looking and I'll gouge out your eyes." I spoke nonchalantly, as if discussing the weather, and I meant what I said - or at least, I sounded as if I meant what I said. He wouldn't know until I actually gouged out his eyes...

The road sloped upward, spiraling around the mountain to its apex. A few trees dotted the road-side, and dislodged rocks and boulders littered the pathway. Aside from this low-lying mountain range, the only other mountains in Mizu were to the west and far south, so I was confident I was in the right place - this was the only inhabited mountain area in the entire country.

[/blockquote]

[l]

Each step the Nara took struck the earthen floor with the laziness of one thousand souls as his steps guided as seemingly rudderless path, utterly drawn in thought. "Man, I've had my share of women but noth-" As quickly as his thoughts came to mental view, they faded at the brief sense of his superiors voice.

"Are you looking at my ass?"

His gaze showed no real sense of surprise or shock for that matter, jeez, could someone really be so lazy that they fail to be 'surprised' when caught in the act?

"Keep looking and I'll gouge out your eyes."

First glance would have suggested an arrogant ignoring of the woman, as no reply came to bear in the seconds to pass. But the man himself was merely drawn in thought, he 'observed' the woman with a keen gaze, a small flutter of interest spiking through the man's spine. His crimson, half-closed, lazy gaze lifted itself upward whilst taking hits off his cigarettes, and in that instant he spoke. "Hey Hey Hey, no need to get so riled up. But as long as you're in front of me my eyes won't have a choice since every thing else around here is boring."

Not one word that seeped from his lungs bore falsities, they were all true, and due to him not wanting to have his eyes gouged out, he sped up his path of travel, juxtaposing himself with his superior. Taking a hit of his cigarette once more its twitching motion gave hint to his impending speech. Tenju Nara. Nice to meet ya."

[Mamushi]

The genin showed a healthy desire to continue using his eyes, because he hurried to stand beside me so as not to be tempted to stare at my ass. With a cigarette balanced between his lips, he gave me his name.

Nara. Shadow Warriors. Possess a unique Chakra affinity that allows them to manipulate shadows. They can render a shinobi completely immobile. Dangerous, crafty - never give them time to think.

"Kaguya Ijitome, and I can't quite say the same." I gazed at him from the corner of my eyes, paranoid at first because he was too close, but gradually I simply became curious. For the longest time it had been only my father and I in the forest... this was the first time I had ever had the chance to inspect a boy with my own two eyes.

This one was utterly unimpressive, save for his hair - it was dark and wild like frayed raven feathers, but tied back in a loose ponytail like my own. He was short and not very muscular - he had the stature of a civilian instead of a shinobi, but then I supposed I was judging him to harshly.

Not everyone was raised to be a killing machine.

"Why did you decide to become a shinobi, Nara-san?"

[l]

"Feisty woman, heh, not only that she's stronger than me, boy sometimes I think I might be too lazy."

His thoughts coursed on in silence as the moments seemed to make an eternity of silence, the husks of perished earth him around him slowly faded away to the winds as a gleaming dust, a breeze of dust that slapped against his face. A small rock particle flew into his eye of right, he closed it instantly as his head slightly jerked to the side before he rubbed it with his forearm. "Jeez, mother nature is so troublesome." He was aware of the womans eyes as she observed him with a analytical gaze, however, he gave no mind to it for Nara's were always one to put the feelings of women, and women period before themselves.

With heedful ears the boy listened, evaluating Ijitome's voice as they seeped into his ears with creamy textures. His crimson, uchiha-like irises contrived themselves to the concativity of his eyes, glancing over the girl's facial features. His eye faintly twitched at seeing her face, Tenju thought that she was cute, but with seriousness since before he only observed her backside. His took several hits of his cigarette before he'd remove it from his mouth with two fingers.

"Honestly...I'm not totally sure. I grew up being told I was really smart and so my parents made me use my brain for something good. Also...civilian life is just so boring."

His tone bore a smooth tongue of calm, one that screamed with benignity, yet, lacked much motivation, however, that changed as his eyes refused to stop jumping, racing, and crawling along any and all surfaces that stood in his eyes wake.

Bear tracks...looks like our furry friend is near."

[Sayomi]

Upon your discovery you'd smell and perhaps find the carcass that laid west of the tracks by a few feet, obscured by the undergrowth. It's putrid, stagnant aura perforated the once fresh forest air that smell of pin cones. If you followed the decaying carcass of the poor animal you'd run into a small watering hole some meters away, however if you decided to chnace upon the slightly worn, aged tracks you'd come to a halt in your search for the massive bear that decreed itself king of these parts.

Were you perceptive enough to follow the correct path?

[Mamushi]

Typical of his blood... brilliant but unmotivated. "That isn't an adequate reason - it's terrible actually. Your parents won't be able to save you from the 'hypothetical' homicidal maniac standing next to you; that 'boring' civilian life would look wonderful to a young, dying shinobi." I didn't put much emotion in my voice, tossing the words aside to focus instead on the bear tracks in the dirt road... and the horrendous stench coming from the ditch bordering the forest. As I studied the tracks, I reached out and snatched him up by his neck.

"Stop ogling me." I released him just as suddenly as I had grabbed him, my demeanor never having changed.

"There's a carcass nearby... not very fresh, judging by the smell, and bears are known scavengers." I spoke softly, as if to myself, simply thinking aloud. "Hm, you see those?" I pointed to the worn tracks in the dirt. "Follow them. If you find something, yell."

I didn't walk away until he'd turned the corner in the road. I didn't want to have to gouge out his eyes.

[/blockquote]

[l]

"Stop ogling me."

His lazy, near emotionless expression momentarily shifted as the girl grabbed him by his neck as his last cigarette plummeted into the earthen floor. He watched it fall with shocked expression, to him it fell with slow, exaggerated motion as if it'd been a scene out of a dramatic movie. She'd let him go just as quickly if not faster, and in that instant his jaw dropped as low as it could as if he'd seen a ghost. However, his moment of rare expression was short lived as a spark of motivation flared within his being.

"There's a carcass nearby... not very fresh, judging by the smell, and bears are known scavengers. Hm, you see those?" I pointed to the worn tracks in the dirt. "Follow them. If you find something, yell."

He had given a simple, yet, annoyed-filled nod in response to her words, raging within the confines of his mind as her words came to an end. His lungs released a deviling sigh as he continued in the opposite direction with a lazy and seemingly aimless stroll. "Yea, yea I get it, I'm going." He pocketed his hands once he had begun to walk slovenly, yet, before he'd fade away from plain view he spoke once more while maintaining his stroll. "Ya know, its not my fault i'm....ogling you. You just don't see mean kunoichi like you these days...oh by the way...you owe me a cigarette, heh." His words finally met their imminent occlusion as his form was simply swallowed in the distant horizon.

Walking just as lazily as before with senses wide open, his crimson eyes surveyed the surrounding area, taking in the lay of the land along with everything that existed within its domain."These tracks are old, however, they are getting somewhat older. Tch just judging from the tracks this bear should be down this road, they are getting fresher with each print.

[Sayomi]

As you left the side of your partner and dared to wander alone into the depths of the mountain, you'd find yourself engrossed within the softly playing melodies that perforated the air about you. Continuing upon your path you'd run into a dimly lit cave, its concaves carrying unknown secrets. Would you venture in or call back for you partner.

However as for the woman, she was prey as well, for not only the wild bear laid claim to these parts, a thick hide was obscured behind a veil of lush green, pointed ears an a soft rumble could be heard a few meters away from the carcass. If the woman didn't look sharp she'd be in for a surprise, a surprise strike!

Finding live prey much more satisfying, the two stalking wild cats kicked off the ground, leaping forward their muscles rippled through their hind legs under their coat as they lunged for her neck on each respective side. Razor sharp claws would seek to puncture her side an drag her body to the earthen floor.

SPOILER: Click to show

Just making it fun

[Mamushi]

What an idiot.

I left the trail and trekked into the undergrowth to get a close view of the carcass.

Grrrr....

I paused for just a second, kneeling to inspect the carcass further - particularly, the cause of death. The growling only excited me - it sounded like a large creature, and obviously carnivorous, considering the volume of growl rumbling low in its throat...

Poor animals.

I was attacked on both sides by wild cats; they lunged for my throat, ignorant of what I was. I smiled, and fifteen bone staves burst from my torso, ripping into the cats mid flight, killing them almost instantly. I retracted the bones after I was sure they were dead, and, finished with my investigation, followed after Tenju.

I'd come back to collect the pelts and roast the meat.

[l]

"A.....cave? sigh...this must be where the bear took refuge. Looks like I might have go in here. Troublesome

Hands still pocketed, the Nara's seemingly aimless stroll came to meet its abrupt occlusion as he had been greeted by a opulent cave. A dark one at that. Despite his blank and aloof visage, his eyes scanned the physical lay of the land, the size of the cave, the trees and flora that surrounded it, it all came to him. Crimson eyes peered if into the cave as he stood outside of it with the suns liquid beams beating down upon the back of his neck.

"Its too dark in that cave so shadow possession will be pretty useless, even with a flash bomb."

A reflexive hand uplifted to the Nara's hair as he scratched his scalp, a mere habit Tenju does when he is attempting to concoct a plan. Hmm...Perhaps a flash bomb would come in handy. If the bear is in fact in this cave there is a high probability that it will be blinded but then...yes. this could work."

He sunk to the earth, placing his hands together with precipitous speeds, his eyes hid behind closed lids as chakra flared toward his head. From behind closed eyes he saw an entirely different world, one rich of bright and dim lights that outlined the worlds, relishing within its beauty. The chakra essence of the bear could be seen with ease, oh it had been in there alright. But he dared not to want to alarm the bear any further by yelling for his superior, his presence alone had more than likely been enough disturbance.

He moved a hand of right down to one of his many packs as he palmed a shuriken with a flashy addition. He hurled it deep into the cave until it had faltered roughly 20 meters into the cave. The flash came, it illuminated the darkness of the cave, giving him limited vision of the caves secrets. If the flash had landed before the bear it would most likely blind it, however, if it landed behind the bear it would have given Tenju (and Ijitome if she arrived) a clear view of the bear itself.

He noticed the 'n' shaped cave entrance, and in an instant slowly proceeded to his path of right, charging chakra to his feet as he had begun to place himself at the apex of the caves 'n'. Looking down at the ground from above, his palms clapped together once more, forming handseals as a perfect duplicate manifested upon the earthen floor with a perfect stand.

The flash would last for some time; the animated Nara sprinted, taking off full speed into the cave attempting to find the bear with determined eyes. If the bear had managed to evade the animated nara and its watery explosion (if struck) it would be captured by a shadow possession technique if it had came out into the shadow casting daylight.

A motivated Nara was now at hand.

SPOILER: Click to show

1 shuriken used.

1 flash bomb used.

Kage Mane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique)
Rank: D, C,
Type: Supplementary / Secret Technique
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Special: Once the Nara's shadow extension reaches 50 meters, each 'S' ranked retraining adds 1 extra opponent hold and 10 more meters to their max shadow extension. When capturing multiple opponents, their total distance from the user must be equal or less to their highest rank achieved within this jutsu; ie., with ‘C’ ranked ‘Kage Mane’, up to 4 opponents can be captured, as long as their distances from the Nara combined do not exceed 40 meters. User may not capture opponents with twice as many jutsu as themselves due to their overwhelming chakra strength. That said, any sudden presence of incredible energy, such as the Gates, will break hold of the ‘Kage Mane’ instantly. Cool down time is one post at all times, meaning the Nara must wait a single turn before utilizing their Kage Mane again if they exceed their holding limit.
D – 10 meters; 1 opponent max plus 1 turn of hold.
C – 20 meters; 2 opponents max plus 2 turns of hold.
B – 30 meters; 3 opponents max plus 3 turns of hold.
A – 40 meters; 4 opponents max plus 4 turns of hold.
S – 50 meters; 5 opponents max plus 5 turns of hold.

Description: Kage Mane no Jutsu is the first ninjutsu technique developed by the Nara clan, and the root of all its power. Its original purpose was as a skill to help delay any pursuers, though throughout time, their paralyzing skills became a weapon all in its own. After forming the needed hand seals, the clan member is able to manipulate their shadow along any surface. By using other nearby shadows they can further extend the reach of their shadow, however they are limited to the surface area of the original cast shadow. Once the clan members shadow reaches the target shadow, it will attach itself. While attached the target will be frozen, only able to replicate in mirror form the actions of the clan member. If the clan member is low on chakra, the Kage Mane will falter and the shadow will return to its normal form.
Domain: Nara.

Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Techqniue)
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary / Suiton Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: Clone speed matches that of the user. Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. Explosion range covers 5 meters. For every 4 clones simultaneously detonated over an opponent, the effects of 'Water Prison' can be achieved without needing physical contact. Same 'Prison' effects apply.
Description: With this technique, the Suiton user is able to call upon aid from a perfect copy of themselves. Comprised purely of water, this clone retains the user movement speed and can share linked mental judgement. Best of all, physical strikes fixed on a point within their body will force it to break up into a puddle and join the mass below, able to avoid danger and regenerate anywhere the water exists. Finally, when defeated, the clone explodes into a blob of water that aims to take over the nearest opponent available. If found, the water envelops the victim whole, drowning them in the user's cursed water and setting up more attacks of the same nature.
Domain: Suiton.

Kagura Shingan (Kagura Mind's Eye)
Rank: D, C
Type: Supplementary / Sensory Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Special: When first learned, the Sensor can extend their Mind's Eye up to 10 meters in any direction. Each new rank extends the range by 10 more meters, for a maximum of 50 meters. Upon learing the 'S' ranked version, the user will no longer have to close their eyes nor form handseals to activate.
Description: Kagura Shingan is an advanced Sensory Ninjutsu technique used by all sensors, and serves as the root to the entire sensory tree. After a series of handseals, the sensor closes their eyes and uses their inate ability to detect chakra in order to determine the location of their opponent by the faintest of chakra trails, as well as discerning the size of an approaching unseen force, and even their chakra capacity.
Domain: Sensors

[Mamushi]

I sprinted up the winding pathway, slowing only when I neared the cave. Dirt clouds permeated the air in my wake. A bright flash illuminated from within the depths of the cave, the light's brilliance lessened by my distance. However, that brief flash was enough - I was able to see Tenju clearly at the edge of the cave, and further within...

"Good work Tenju." I said, voice sounding from his directly to his left, my appearance sudden.

Already, as if self-cognizant, my chakra rushed through my body, bones upon bones hardening and growing and rearranging - boy was that bear in for a surprise...

[Sayomi]

With the girl easily defeating the so called hunters her male partner had tossed a flash bang into the recesses of the cave, the once opulent concaves were now ignited with an shimmering, bright ivory light.

A deafening roar would bolster off the caves walls, reverberating for what seemed like eternity as the light revealed a giant bear charging recklessly forward-behind that large bear was two cubs curled up from the brightness that emanated before them. Focused solely on what was important, the mother bear lunged forth relying purely on both instinct, and smell.

Her paws would swipe forward as she went to guard the entrance, the water clone would be slashed apart an it'd continue charging getting out of the way of the watery explosion that sought to drown it. She stood at the edge of the cave towering over the intruders-a simple mother protecting what was hers, what would you do?

[Mamushi]

SPOILER: Click to show

Teshi Sendan (Ten Finger Drilling Bullets)
Rank: C
Type: Offensive / Clan Tajutsu
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Special: Bullets can destroy barriers ‘B’ rank and lower. Starting traveling distance is 10 meters, plus 10 more for every rank of Shikotsumyako the user attains, for a maximum of 50 meters. Bullets fly at twice the speed of a kunai.
Description: The muscles in the Kaguya’s fingertips begin to contract, pushing the bone in the fingertip out through the surface of the skin. At the users will, the bones will fire off as drilling bullets. These bones are powerful tools, capable of penetrating almost any defense.
Domain: Kaguya. Must know 'C' ranked Calcium Compressio

I heard the bear charging before I saw it, its every step a massive rumble. I raised my arms level till they were level with my shoulders, fingers straight and rigid, half of them adorned hanging paper tied to the digits..

"Die." My words were accented by all ten of my fingers firing from the hand themselves, slicing through the darkness into the bears massive girth. It was impossible to miss such a target, and the hundreds of pounds barreling forward insured that the bear would be unable to avoid the lightning quick attack.

[l]

A stifled yawn emanated from his mouth in utter boredom, there was nothing to do now the mission was over. But, one would ask how could he have known it was surely over, simple. There simply are some entities within this existence that can be seen as beings who've registered on the scale of power, and thanks to his sixth sense, Ijitome easily registered on said scale. Tenju obtained some taijutsu knowledge but not to the degree where he could take on a bear single handedly and emerge as the victor. With chakra charged feet he remained upon the earthy surface above the cave, waiting for his superior to finish the job.

Though Tenju was against mindless killing, this was different. Though he felt piteous of the being, it had to pay with its life for the damage it had caused, truth be told as long as the blood wasn't on his hands he could lay his head down at night....guilt free.

[Sayomi]

A shrilling cry escaped from the bears mighty maw as the round projectiles pierced her impressive girth. Paper hung from the insertion as the bear swayed back, but she did not falter. With the remaining energy she had she jumped forward, muscles rippling beneath her coat as the bear attempted to tackled the girl to the ground. The cubs behind her cried, and whimpered; their cries worthy of the finest hymns to God. Her last effort would be either expunged by you or spared for her life hung idly upon the thread of life. Would the kunoichi activate the paper bombs?