Mr. Postman (Quest)

[Yox]

Today was the day. He was finally going to contribute more to the village and show to the Tsuchikage that he stood out from the other Genin. He would become a valuable asset: a Courier Ninja. Risking his life to deliver important messages and goods from the Tsuchikage or Daimyo themselves to officials like the Kage's and Daimyo's of the other nations. His significance and work would be noted highly, especially when it was time for rewards to be offered. He could picture himself showered in thousands of Ryo acquired through the dangerous task of being a Courier Ninja.

He marched with his head held high toward the sign-up area in a smaller district just outside the village gates. "I'm here and I'm ready to become a Courier Ninja! I know the risks that this profession will have on my life but I am ready to deliver important village relics to people across the land," he proclaimed to a rather feeble old man behind a wooden counter. Not many people seemed to be here today for the sign-ups. Good. More relics and recognition for him then. Little did he actually know though that he would probably be given the more minuscule tasks. He was only a Genin. As if any Kage would trust him to carry a valuable relic across the dangerous borders with lurking highwaymen ready to strike.

He didn't know that though. All he could picture right now was the idea that he would be praised with wealth and women for laying his life down for the village and the Tsuchikage. Oh silly Zaiaku.

[/justify]

[Trigga]

You were fervent, ready to explore the world, carrying the riches of your village through the unknown and dangerous. Youthful and yet so capable, arrogant which could just be mistaken for overzealous confidence, maybe; it mattered not for you were prepared both mentally and physically to take on the world. One step at a time your young legs would move swiftly across the terrain, attacking any missions given to you and guarding any package with your life, as sworn by your oath to the Tsuchikage upon Academy Graduation. Many within your age range were eager for this very job, though you were the only one with enough balls to take a stand and fight for what you wanted.

As you trailed your way outside the village, down the long stretch of dirt that would eventually lead you to the Courier Headquarters, what could have possibly ran through your mind? What was required of you, only the heads of your assignments knew, your eventual superiors if you were good enough to gain the title of such a profession, the backbone of all messaging systems. The day was still young, the sun having only surfaced an hour ago, you soon approached the stand of wood, an elderly man well past his years sitting peacefully on a stool. Behind him, a moderately sized construct, acting as the foundation which all missions were passed along from. You words awoken the man’s consciousness as he sat up, sighing.

“So ya interested in joinin’ the ranks?” He replied, his words worn from age and experience as a series of coughs escaped his lips. Sitting upright, opening a small book that rested before him on the wooden table, he’d proceed to flip through the pages. Turning it to a blank page, filled with nothing more than a series of lines and descriptions next to them, it would appear he was handing you an application. “Take ya time to fill this out properly. Name, age, etc. Make sure it’s done correctly so I we don’t have to repeat the process.” Could it have been this easy? Simply filling out an application then gaining the position? No, it was much more, this was just the first stage.

[Yox]

He was keen to learn the ways of the Courier Ninja. He also had a passion to explore the ninja world. Discover the various other cultures that remained out there, outside of Iwagakure. Travel to the misty plains of Kirigakure, the ravaged desserts of Sunagakure, the luscious forests of Konohagakure, and the mountainous top of Kumogakure. It all appealed to him. He imagined all the possible people he would meet along the way. The various clans belonging to their respective lands, and the infamous Kekkei Genkai of the ninja world. Things that he had only once heard about in stories would soon come to life. He would become an explorer, an emissary, a Courier Ninja!

He eagerly slid the paper across the wooden counter closer to his side whilst gripping ahold of an ink pen that lay in the same vicinity. Filling out the various details: name, age, goals, skills, "why do you want to become a Courier Ninja", Zaiaku clicked the lid back onto the pen and pushed the piece of paper back across to the old man. "I think everything is in order. Is that it now? Do I get my satchel of letters and off I go to explore the world?" Zaiaku questioned as the man continued to hold his hand to his mouth and slightly cough into it. Enthusiastic was one word to describe the feelings that he felt within him as he awaited the old man's response, naïve was another.

[/justify]

[Trigga]

This was the most tedious part of the process; the application was required, though truly no one really surveyed over its parchment. There wasn’t much you could put down that others didn’t know and not the most sought-after job in any Shinoib Village across the world, the one that applied obviously lacked the experience; this was however, the perfect job to gain such a trade and explore the world. Any experience shaped a person and when you were allowed to openly explore, though within boundary of your assignment, you opened numerous doors. The question now became which door would you seek entrance into first?

Taking the cleanly stitched book from you, and turning it to where his eyes could skim over its surface, he’d begin his evaluation, stage one. “Hmmm, hermmm,” soft sighs escaping his lips as the elder man continued to glide over each line, his sight of focus steadily moving from right to left, reading over every detail. Unlike others who took this assignment of recruiting new members, he was vintage. Engrossed I nthe times of the old, where everything was expected to be done with peak expertise and skill, he envied the youth who could just shrug off the most important tasks. It was a curse, his dedication to the cause.

“Sooo Zaiaku? You wanna join the ranks of the Courier Shinobi?” a simple and seemingly redundant question, it had substance. Unknowingly, and almost unfair to any applicant, he wasn’t looking for a simple yes. No, his inquiry stemmed deeper into the consciousness of those who approached him. What he wanted was something profound and true, the rationale behind his standing here, and the reason as to why he wanted to take upon such a needed, though uncomplicated job. He didn’t seem old, and from his records which he documented, he wasn’t. Only a few years out of the academy, to be more precise. Was he looking for te thrill of travel, or the knowledge one gained from experiencing new cultures?

[Yox]

Zaiaku watched the old man intently as he drew back the piece of paper and brought it up to his eyes. The 'hmm's' that accompanied the old man's reading made Zaiaku feel a little nervous. He wondered whether he had filled out the piece of paper correctly. Maybe he had done something wrong? He hoped not, he really did want the chance to excel in this profession. Zaiaku really had hoped he could have applied for the position with someone less... old. Someone he could relate to, around his own age. Someone who knew the latest lingo going around. The old guy would be tough, and Zaiaku prayed that he would be fair.

Finally a response was generated after what seemed to be a few minutes of reading the piece of paper that had only taken him a minute to fill out. Zaiaku focused his eyes as he took in the question. Of course he wanted to be a Courier Ninja, that was why he was here today signing up. "Of course! There would be nothing more appreciating than being able to explore the shinobi world as your job, whilst of course delivering important messages on behalf of the Tscuhikage and the Daimyo. It would be an honour to serve Iwagakure as a Courier Ninja, and the experience I would gain from the job would help me in the long-run throughout my life as a ninja."

Zaiaku responded with his chin held high and a stern look across his face. This attempted to ensure to the old man that he was very serious about applying for this position, and would go about performing each task he was given in a professional manner. He really hoped what he said to the old man would have registered and allowed the old man to identify what type of character Zaiaku was. He was dedicated, enthusiastic and had future career prospects. What more could you want from a teenage boy?

[/justify]

[Trigga]

“Ahaha, the young—” His words were low, meant for only himself, though perceptibly age bent his ability to accurately whisper as his words would seep into your ears. Old eyes, weathered in appearance alone were masked behind clear, transparent glasses that rested upon his wrinkled face. Carved from oak, the structure was all but extravagant; they were dull and more importantly, simplistic. His job required not only a keen memory, but also a keen sense of vision, expending funds upon creations that would surely break in a day was unwise, and over the years you gained many things, though nothing more important than experience and wisdom.

Turning the pages back and forth, his eyes persistently rested upon your particular application, while in the process, scanning over others. It would be wise to assume that he was drawing comparison, though you wouldn’t know unless you asked which would be inane as this only took but a moment to conclude. Finally allowing all your words to finish, and your tone to fade across silent audio waves, he would cough a rather feeble cough, clearing his throat as he placed the book under his desk and turned his attentions towards you. A small grin sliding across his face as he did so.

“I like ya, kid. You got spunk, but…” Ah, the seemingly dreadful ‘Ah’ that even put the strongest of men on alert after their employer uttered such a sound. It was obvious by his words that he indeed saw some potential in you, though something was holding him back. It couldn’t be pinpointed at this moment, and surely if you spent too much time on it, you’d fail to realize the importance of his next statement. An application presentation was only paralleled by the interview as well, this very meeting acted as both.

”Do you feel you’re ready for such an important job? Don’t bullshit me.”

[Yox]

It was hard not to admire the old man. His face had grown worn, the colour in his eyes had faded but there was still something that just entranced Zaiaku about him. It was like there was something within; an aura of enticement. He could tell that the old man had been on many journeys and had lived a fulfilling life. Right now all that was required from him before he passed was to teach the young the lessons he'd learnt throughout his life. It was something to really admire. A big book of wisdom stood infront of him in human form.

Zaiaku was intrigued as the man compared his application form with the others that were stacked in a pile on the side of the desk. He wanted to know how he stood against the others. Did he have anything he could personally offer that the others couldn't? He really hoped so. Zaiaku watched intently as the facial expression of the old man changed. It went from rather serious to a large grin. This was obviously a good sign. Had he beaten the rest? Had he shown what it took to become a courier-ninja? It was hard to tell just from a smile. Maybe the old man was just laughing in pity at Zaiaku, maybe this was a mockery of sorts. All these questions ran through his head. He needed answers.

The response was good. Well, right up until the end. There was always a 'but', always a contrast to something that was good. Zaiaku confusingly looked back to the man as he placed emphasis on the word 'ready'. "Of course I'm ready old man! I'm ready for anything you throw at me. Let me prove myself to you. Give me something to do!" He was enthusiastic about becoming a courier-ninja and keen to learn the tricks of the trade, all he needed was a chance. This old man was the gateway to his future. This old man had the power to accept him or deny him. It was funny how this decision right here could change Zaiaku's future and possible fate all together. What would the decision be?

[/justify]

[Trigga]

“That spunk, Kid. That Fire of yours.” It would seem your impetuous comments had struck a nerve in the elder’s body. Though usually followed by an even severer punishment of demonstration of wrath or anger, he simply relaxed back in his chair, his hands buffeted together. Fingers sliding over one another in a rather evaluating matter, he tossed you a clean glare, though it was filled with impassiveness and the true emotional state behind his mask (his face) couldn’t be explained, even by the most enriched physiologists. He had gained strong skin over the years, so your tone, though sincere, was as futile as a fly to a boot.

Sighing, contently, he would wait a total of seven minutes, testing both of your gull and patience. If you stayed, and he was quite sure you would, your young eyes would watch him reach beneath his desk, arms rattling as he searched for the unknown. “So you think ya ready, ey?” He announced, still searching as he gave you ample time give a response. Finally pulling back, allowing his arms to shoot upwards and within his grasp, a rather petite box, laced in a crimson ribbon was now discernable. Placing it on the table, you had time to look over the piece of oak. Carved to perfection, this small box was no larger than the size of the ampule most rings were held in. A crimson ribbon flowing over its vessel, and fastened tightly in a neat notch, it was obvious fine craftsmanship was used to developed such a case.

“Prove it to me. I want you to deliver this back to Iwagakure… resident 2347, you got it? Simple enough right?” Tossing you the box, he/d smile, expecting you to catch it while he skillfully walked around the table, standing off to your right with cool, dulled eyes weathered by time itself.

”Oh yeah. I’ll be trying to stop ya. Your test begins now!”

And with that, his fingers joined in unison to perform a swift dance of seals¹. Your priority was clear, take the box to the address he presented, and before he could stop you. You had no time to waste.

SPOILER: Click to show

1. Prep??

[Yox]

It seemed to be that the old man held back a vicious reaction to just being referred to as, well, old. A grimacing glare revealed an idea that the enthusiasm Yox was bringing to the table had somewhat flared within the old man and encouraged his own soul to surge. It was hard to tell what the old man was thinking though. His stern look was strong but his face remained still without emotion. Zaiaku gained mixed feelings from this and was unclear on what was to happen next. It was often easy to predict those who stood against you by their various bodily expressions. The way they placed their feet on the ground, the way they held their shoulders back and chest high, and of course facial expression. But this was a moment where he could not predict anything. The old man could very easily pop him one in the face and Zaiaku would be completely unaware that it was coming.

They stood there for what seemed to be an eternity, but only seven minutes. Exchanging looks, the old man's gaze didn't sway. From time to time Zaiaku found it awkward as the only sound they heard was the wind rustling the trees and various animals scattering about. He had to look away from side to side. Although old, this man was definitely intimidating. Suddenly the man moved. He leant down and grasped something from beneath the desk. Was it a package he had to deliver? Was it finally time for Zaiaku to prove his worthiness to the old man? He surely hoped so.

It was a small oak box and within it were unknown treasures. Zaiaku took some time to admire the box. He wondered what was in such a delicate piece of artwork. It must've been something rare. The box didn't look as though it was sold at your local marketplace by some haggler in the street. It was a work of art, possibly created by a master craftsman. A delivery! Seemed simple enough. Back to Iwagakure? Easy, they were just outside the gates. The next thing to occur was what surprised Zaiaku the most though. Firstly the old man simply tossed the box to Zaiaku which made him have a minor heart-attack whilst trying to catch it before it crashed to the ground. Once Zaiaku scurried to catch the box, he looked up to see the old man performing a string of hand seals. Crap.

Channelling his chakra, he needed to act quickly. "Shunshin no Jutsu," he shouted whilst clutching the box to himself. Dashing 10 metres away from the old man, he at least now had a head start. "Seeya old man! Hahaha," Zaiaku sang as he began to run away from the sign-up area with the package. The game of cat and mouse was on. He really hoped this old man didn't have it in him to chase him down, unexpected tricks up his sleeve would really be a pain in the ass.

[/justify]

SPOILER: Click to show

Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) ²⁵
Rank: D
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu / High-Speed Movement
Range: 0 - 10 meters
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Low
Special: Shunshin no Jutsu is a high-speed movement in which the user moves in a linear fashion from one point to another. Usually facilitated with some sort of distraction (smoke bomb, explosion, or something of that nature to obscure one's vision), the user of the Shunshin no Jutsu can, in some cases, appear to have simply teleported from one location to another. Shunshin no Jutsu can be used once per thread, plus once more each time it is retrained.
Description: Shunshin no Jutsu is a basic ninjutsu technique used across the shinobi world by all, ranging from the most basic shinobi to the legends of lore. Considered is a high-speed movement technique, it simple combines high mobility with a distraction to give off the appearance of vanishing - to an observer caught in the optical illusion, it appears as if the user has teleported. This allows the user to escape or attack suddenly, should they need to.
Domain: Shunshin - Universal Ninjutsu.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/spoiler]

[Trigga]

Just like a child, the Old man smiled as his hands continued to sift through a series of seals as his age would enhance the experience. The young boy had executed a rather flawless Shunshin, and while not expected, it wasn’t an impossibility considering you were just asked to escape. Keen, dull eyes peering forward as the boy made a retracting effort back to the village, he still had some distance to go before he reached the village. Inauspiciously for him, he would find that his opponent wasn’t some simple man whose age diminished his value. Back in the day when he was truly counted upon, he had gained quite the alias. “Tonzō of the murderous shriek”.

Dropping his hands down too his side as his chest lifted outwards and a deep inhale supervene, he would act. Releasing from the depths of his lungs, a powerful sonic wave erupted from his chest cavity, through his mouth. Rushing at the young lad at a startling 15 meters per second, it would surely reach the lad just before he entered the gate. Having donned quite the resistance to his own power, the adverse side effects wouldn’t have stopped him in his prime, for if you were caught on its hellish path, you’d suffer from vomiting and dizziness, amongst more painful and excruciating side-effects.

During his youth and the wars that had descended upon the Hidden Stone, Tonzō was the ultimate and most useful Courier of his time. Sent on the most dangerous of missions alongside the Jōnin and even at times, the Kage of his era, he was expected to infiltrate and deliver the most important of documentation. His record now reaching perfect scores, his name had become iconic among those wishing to attain his profession and skill-level, knowingly or not, you were indeed in the presence of a legend, and while out of his time and prime, he was still a force to be reckoned with, at least for a Genin like yourself.

SPOILER: Click to show

Effective sealing I
Chakra reduction 1

Ototon Ryouuken (Sound Dominion)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Ototon Ninjutsu
Range: 0 - 50 meters
Handseals: No
Chakra: Mid
Special: Highest rank determines the range the sound waves produced by the user can travel, as well as their speed.
D: 10 meters // 5 meters per second
C: 20 m // 10 mps
B: 30 m // 15 mps
A: 40 m // 20 mps
S: 50 m // 25 mps

Description: The basis behind the majority of Ototon techniques lie in the user's ability to control the very sound waves around them. 'Sound Dominion' is just as its name implies, a fundamental supplementary jutsu of Ototon nature that allows the user to intermingle their chakra with that of nature, harmonizing the two in order to create complete control over all sound around them. Once this link is achieved, the door is opened for greater creations to be made.
Domain: Ototon.

Kiai (Scream!)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Offensive / Ototon Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: Very Low - Very High
Special: Scream range depends on the user's highest 'Sound Dominion' range, and it effects friends and foe alive, including the user. Scream induces heavy vomiting, disorientation, lack of balance, lack of overall bodily homeostasis, and panic. While screaming, user must remain in place. Highest rank known determines how long the effects of the user's scream can last upon its victims; effects cannot stack.

D: 1 second
D: 2 s
C: 3 s
B: 4 s
A: 5 s

Description: A very straight forward and offensive technique, scream allows the user to attack multiple targets at once with a powerful, almost deafening scream. The user will need to draw in a deep breath before performing the technique, which will then expand all around the user for the duration of the technique.
Domain: Ototon. Ototon Ryouuken of equal rank.

[Yox]

He was away! After laughing at the old man as he ran off he continued to watch to see what would happen next. The old man finished the string of hand seals and jammed his hands into the final position before a rather large grin appeared across his mouth. The old man then proceeded to open his mouth very widely and let out an intense pitch of sound from within his vocal box. The sound waves travelled through the air and before Zaiaku knew it, he was suddenly thrown off balance and onto the ground. He fell onto his knees and looked down at his hands as they attempted to hold him up off the ground. Suddenly a sudden surge rushed through his stomach as vomit proceeded to flow out from his mouth. What the hell had happened? Why had he suddenly gotten so traumatised? He glared back to the old man who had finally finished screaming and cursed at him. "Bastard," Zaiaku mumbled.

Dizzily he slammed his left hand into the clay pouch on his left hip and began to let his kekkei genkai take place. The mouth within his left hand began to chew on the clay within the pouch. Luckily this was a fairly easy task to perform that did not require intense concentration unlike trying to form hand seals, so the sound that affected his sense of balance had little effect on his hand being able to chew. I took him a total of 2.5 seconds to chew up the clay moulds within his pouch and then transform it into a C1-type explosion. It was time to show the old man what he could also do. But he was still slightly dazed so it made it hard to concentrate on the position of the old man. Nevertheless, the hand-mouth continued to chew away on the clay and structure it into 8 small birds. These birds were able to travel up to 40 metres and could explode out into a radius of 5 metres. He wasn't going to try to kill the old man, just distract him with his bombs so that he could get away.

Zaiaku jolted his arm out of the pouch once the clay moulds had been prepared. The mouth spat out 8 small birds into his left palm as he swaggered his body around in the direction of the old man. "Take this," Zaiaku yelled to the old man whilst flicking the clay moulds out of his left palm. Luckily the birds could fly on their own and there was no real need to aim them in a certain direction. Once they saw the target, they would fly directly to it. Just as well because in his current state he wasn't able to perceive how far the old man really was away from him and where he was standing. The effects of the sound had made him see double of the old man as he swayed his own head from left to right to try and focus his eyes. Slowly he was regaining his vision though as the jutsu began to wear off. He had already thrown the clay birds that were racing away to the old man.

Suddenly the effects of the sound technique had worn off on Zaiaku. He grasped the box in his right hand and shifted it under his right arm. Staggering to his feet, he watched as the birds flew closer and closer to the man. He leaped back four metres and flicked his left hand into a single hand seal. Moments later he screamed the activation word for the explosions to take place. Once the activation word was used, the clay moulds would do their proper job and explode the crap out of everything around them. It would create a rather large cloud of smoke, especially from 8 bombs going off. He wondered whether the old man would get caught up in the explosion, or just be blocked off by the cloud of smoke. "Katsu!"

— Zaiaku is now 14 metres away from the old man.
— Zaiaku has Chakra Reduction I for Kibaku-Nendo jutsu.

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SPOILER: Click to show

Kouguchi Bakuha (Evil Hand-Mouth Possession) ³²⁵
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Special Bloodline Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Low
Special: Determines the power placed behind the clan member's clay explosions when a hand-mouth is molding clay in preparation for an explosion, as well as the range the bombs can travel away from the user before automatically detonation; explosion range varies by technique. When first learned, bombs can travel up to 10 meters away, plus 10 more with each new rank acquired.
Description: Said to be the clan member's most gross yet most fundamental power, the ability to control one's hand-mouths is the key towards victory or defeat on the battlefield. With the hand-mouth open and ready for clay, the user learns to feed it and near-instantly send their Bakuton chakra into their creation, carried by how well they can control Blast chakra. However, after a second or so, the hand-mouth spits out the user's full representation of explosive power within their clay creation, allowing the Kibaku-Nendo to proceed further with other clan techniques. As for detonation? Through the simple formation of 'Katsu' - the single seal that symbolizes standard explosive note blasts everywhere.
Domain: Kibaku-Nendo.

Kibaku Iritsuku (Clay Infusion Point) ³²⁵
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Special Bloodline Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Chakra: --
Special: Determines the speed at which the Kibaku-Nendo creates their explosive clay. When attempting to mold a creation of clay ranked higher than the user's highest rank in this technique, a creation time penalty is incurred in the form of a single turn for every rank the creation is above the user's highest 'Clay Infusion Point'.

[/b]
'S' - 1/4th of a turn[/ul]Description: Though it is crucial the clan member awakens their hand-mouth in order to even have a shot at mastering the Kibaku-Nendo clan techniques, with time and practice, they can get faster and faster at making their explosions, regardless of the clay's size, shape, or rank of explosion. In the end, once the mouth grows comfortable chewing on a certain piece of ranked clay, it will surely create the next one in less time!
Domain: Kibaku-Nendo. Kouguchi Bakuha.

Kibaku-Nendo • C1 "Shī Wan" (Exploding Clay • C1) ³²⁵
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Offensive / Special Bloodline Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Mid
Special: Creates small bombs for short-range and/or quick combat. Explosive power and distance that creations can travel is determined by the user's highest 'Kouguchi Bakuha' rank; creation time is determined by the user's highest 'Kibaku Iritsuku' rank. When first learned, up to 2 small bombs could be created from a single clay use; each rank above 'D' adds 2 more bombs created per clay use each time. C1 explosions cover a 5 meter radius. Requires 1 standard clay blob.
Description: Simple but deadly, this effective combat technique allows the clan member to use their clay to fashion creatures and animals capable of bearing their unique Bakuton chakra. After withdrawing a bit of clay from their pouch, the clan member will use either hand-mouth in the palms of their hands in order to consume the it, in the process infusing it with Blast chakra. The result are these small animated clay-dolls that often resemble animals and insects of nature. Best of all? Depending upon which variation is created, they will retain the abilities of the creatures they where modelled after - i.e. those resembling birds can still fly, those resembling fish can still swim, those resembling insects can still crawl on surfaces, etc.
Domain: Kibaku-Nendo. Kouguchi Bakuha. Kibaku Iritsuku.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/font][/justify][/spoiler]

[Trigga]

Tonzō had smiled just for show; the moment his first jutsu had been completed, and taken effect upon your bearings, his hands sifted through another variety ¹. As you stumbled, feel to the ground and retched whatever substances settled into your stomach, he would use that brief moment of vulnerability to execute his plans. Emerging directly in front of him, soundless to the masses and without an elemental composition to call to, a perfect double emerged. However, given your current state of unhealthiness, surely such an action would have gone disregarded.

Sinking into the earth immediately ², following the clone’s beckoning, the true Proctor had rested inside Tsuchi no kuni itself, using its clone as a decoy. By time you had convalesced, gathered you might and chakra and turned to face your opponent, Tonzō would have already been gone, his mirror image standing in a defensive position, baiting you into an action; which you obliged. As your rather unique set of hands dexterously crafted pieces of art unfathomable to the common man, the earth became the sanctuary as the infiltration himself quickly made his way through the solid mass and towards your position; though he didn’t attack? Preparations were at hand ³.

Expressing false fright, the clone had cried out as the sounds of explosions in numbers sounded. In the midst of the commotion and smoke, he was discretely canceled by your attack and regardless of you waited to see the results of your attack or continued on with your mission, nothingness rested in its wake. You had a task at hand, and it was inane at this point to simply stand around admiring your own artwork; you did want this job, correct?

SPOILER: Click to show

1. Oto Bunshin no Jutsu (Sound Clone Technique)
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary / Ototon Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes
Chakra: Mid
Special: Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. Being "elementally" based, the clone use any "C" ranked or lower Ototon techniques the user knows. Can be relearned up to 4 times for a maximum of 5 clones created.
Description: With this technique, the Ototon user is able to call upon aid from a perfect copy of themselves. Comprised purely of elementally recomposed sound chakra, this clone retains the user's movement speed and strength. Best of all, due to its flowing essence, the clone is capable of using a hefty amount of the original user's sound-based techniques either for defensive means or offensive.
Domain: Ototon. Ototon Ryouuken 'C'.

---

Doton Masteries: Chakra reduction I, Effective Sealing II

Doton Ryouuken (Earth Dominion)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Doton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No
Chakra: Mid
Special: Establishes the area of earth a user can control for their earthen techniques, including the ability to sense what comes in contact with it. Because Doton is a solid essence with physical mass, its creations deal more with strength and endurance of the earth; as such, each earthen creation from the user will have have a natural, built-in defense against any attacks equally ranked or lower. Highest rank known also establishes the size of Doton creations they can produce, as well as the amount of time it takes for the user to detect any form of contact with their Doton creations, as well as natural earth. Keep in mind detection occurs only when foreign contact occurs WHILE the user is also in direction contact with the earth, natural or self-made.
D: 10 meter range / Full Turn detection delay
C: 20 meters / 3/4 th's of a turn
B: 30 ms / Half of a turn
A: 40 ms / 1/4 th's of a turn
S: 50 ms / Near-Instant!

Description: The basis behind the majority of Doton techniques lie in the user's ability to control the very earth around them. 'Earth Dominion' is just as its name implies, a fundamental supplementary jutsu of Doton nature that allows the user to intermingle their chakra with that of nature, harmonizing the two in order to create complete control over the earth around them. Once this link is achieved, the door is opened for greater creations to be made.
Domain: Doton.

2. Moguragakure no Jutsu (Mole Hiding Technique)
Rank: B B B B B
Type: Supplementary / Doton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: Mid
Special: Range of movement depends on the user’s level of Earth Dominion. All doton jutsu used whilst underground cost one rank less than normal due to the overwhelming earth source. User can remain underground for a single turn before needing to resurface; each time retrained, the user main remain underground for one extra turn.
Description: An upgrade to Dochuu Eigyo, this underground variation grants the user movement AND the ability to attack with jutsu whilst underground. After a few short seals, the user merely sinks below, and can remain there for a small amount of time, allowing them an extremely strategic position, as well as the ability to laid explosives along the ground for the opponent to ‘enjoy’.
Domain: Doton. Earth Dominion 'B'. Must know 'Underground Fish'.

3. Prep___?

[Yox]

As the explosions carried out across the field of play, Zaiaku could hear the cries of the old man echo through the air. He grinned widely, wondering whether or not he had actually hit the old man. If he had, he would return at the end of his mission to apologise for the injuries he had inflicted. Maybe Zaiaku had over-estimated the old man? Maybe he wasn't so capable anymore and couldn't handle the liveliness of a young, fit Genin. Either way, he still had a job to do. Shaking his head to snap his mind into direction, Zaiaku quickly jolted from the spot he stood upon. He wouldn't wait for the smoke of the explosion to clear. It was more important for him to get this over with quickly. He didn't want anymore unexpected road blocks.

Dashing from his spot he held the box within both of his hands as he rushed off toward the village gates. Zaiaku wondered whether the old man would be able to catch up to him. Other things that crossed his mind was whether or not there would be anymore surprises across his journey to hand this box in. Did the old man have any form of connections within the village? Were more people going to randomly jump out and scream high-pitched songs into his ears to throw him off balance? He didn't know. All he knew was that he had to get this box to the destination safely. What the hell was even inside the box? Maybe he would find out on arrival to the rendezvous point.

OOC: Sorry for not posting in a while, I've been in exam mode. It's starting to clear up now. Also I didn't have much to input here because well... you're underground d:

[/justify]

[Trigga]

Tucked away within Mother Earth herself, Tonzō followed in close pursuit behind the young lad as his last seal was complete. He was quite the crafty young fellow and possessed a rarity even among the elite of the Hidden Stone; a Kekkei Genkai of renowned power. Nonetheless, regardless of his bloodline’s talents or his own personal strength, he wasn’t a match for the much older, much wiser individual. And finally, releasing his chakra into the earth, still running, and holding said seal, his chakra manipulation would influence the young man in a new fashion. Hopefully he wasn’t scared of projectiles.

Emerging from the ground just behind the running Genin, roughly five meters, a spike-esque tip would resonate quietly. Within a second, it would shot from the earth itself at high speeds, attempting to nail the young lad in the back, sending him flying forward, in which the now stationary Courier would execute upon effectively. There was a slight chance of knowing its presence as it whistled through the air, nonetheless, he had absolutely no time to dwell on its sound and would need to act with both swiftness and effectiveness. Tonzō wasn’t a man to be toyed with, and he valued this job above all others; you would have to earn the right to be in such a profession, while still keeping the main goal in mind.

SPOILER: Click to show

All previous masteries applied

Doton - Suiraitei no Jutsu (Earth Torpedo Technique)
Rank: B
Type: Offensive / Doton Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: High
Special: Range of torpedos depends on the user's highest 'Earth Dominion' rank. As long as the last seal of the jutsu is held and the user stands still, they can control the torpedo to go anywhere they wish, as long as its within the 'ED' range. Up to 1 torpedo can be made, plus 1 more each time retrained. Torpedo travel at kunai speed underground, and will automatically detonate at the end of the round it was summoned if not used by then. Torpedo explosion range is 5 meters, spreading chakra, energy, and earth shards everywhere.
Description: Using their earth release, the user creates one or more torpedoes filled with chakra. Forming handseals, little rocks filled with chakra will be shot through the ground, seeking a target. They are able to control these rocks as they travel through the earth, and can force them to explode on demand via a small surge of chakra.
Domain: Doton. Earth Dominion 'B'.

[Yox]

He searched ahead of him. He was so close to the gates. Each time he stepped across the ground though, he could feel something uneasy within. It was as if something was below. Something that was moving fast and toward his direction. Each time he planted his foot on the ground, the rumble grew thicker and thicker by the second. Suddenly he heard a louder crumbling sound from behind him. Turning his gaze from the gates ahead, Zaiaku shifted his head around to what was behind him. It was the old man, sprung in the air with a seal held in place. A moment later Zaiaku realised that a rather large brown missile was flying toward his body. He quickly dropped the wooden package in his travel bag before preparing for the incoming missile. It looked to be honing in on him. Could it be that it was controlled by the old man? Dammit, this old guy was pretty tough. If he couldn't dodge it, he had to try something else.

Shifting his left hand into his clay pouch quickly, Zaiaku's mouth-hand began to devour a blob of clay within. In a matter of 2.5 seconds, the hand-mouth produced 8 small clay birds. There was no time to waste. Either way, both of them would be in the range of the explosion. Zaiaku quickly flung one clay model toward the incoming earth torpedo. He knew what would happen next. The explosion would ripple through the air and send bits of earth shrapnel in all directions. Zaiaku moved his arms to cover his face just as the bird made contact with the torpedo. It was time for some fireworks baby. As the explosion occurred, Zaiaku was flung back through the air as shards of earth grazed the edges of his upper arms around his shoulder and some around his legs. It seemed he had not been hit in any vital areas, however did sustain some minor wounds across his body. He cursed as the bits of earth grazed him, looking up at the smoke in front of him. Now that he had been flung back from the blast, he wondered what had happened to the old man. He held the remaining 7 birds in his left hand as he awaited for what would happen next. He couldn't underestimate the old guy anymore. Bastard.

[/justify]

SPOILER: Click to show

Mastery still applies.

Kibaku Iritsuku (Clay Infusion Point) 325
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Passive / Special Bloodline Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Chakra: --
Special: Determines the speed at which the Kibaku-Nendo creates their explosive clay. When attempting to mold a creation of clay ranked higher than the user's highest rank in this technique, a creation time penalty is incurred in the form of a single turn for every rank the creation is above the user's highest 'Clay Infusion Point'.
'D' - 3 turns
'C' - 2 turns
'B' - 1 turn
'A' - Half of a turn
'S' - 1/4th of a turn
Description: Though it is crucial the clan member awakens their hand-mouth in order to even have a shot at mastering the Kibaku-Nendo clan techniques, with time and practice, they can get faster and faster at making their explosions, regardless of the clay's size, shape, or rank of explosion. In the end, once the mouth grows comfortable chewing on a certain piece of ranked clay, it will surely create the next one in less time!
Domain: Kibaku-Nendo. Kouguchi Bakuha.

Kibaku-Nendo • C1 "Shī Wan" (Exploding Clay • C1) 325
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Offensive / Special Bloodline Technique / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Mid
Special: Creates small bombs for short-range and/or quick combat. Explosive power and distance that creations can travel is determined by the user's highest 'Kouguchi Bakuha' rank; creation time is determined by the user's highest 'Kibaku Iritsuku' rank. When first learned, up to 2 small bombs could be created from a single clay use; each rank above 'D' adds 2 more bombs created per clay use each time. C1 explosions cover a 5 meter radius. Requires 1 standard clay blob.
Description: Simple but deadly, this effective combat technique allows the clan member to use their clay to fashion creatures and animals capable of bearing their unique Bakuton chakra. After withdrawing a bit of clay from their pouch, the clan member will use either hand-mouth in the palms of their hands in order to consume the it, in the process infusing it with Blast chakra. The result are these small animated clay-dolls that often resemble animals and insects of nature. Best of all? Depending upon which variation is created, they will retain the abilities of the creatures they where modelled after - i.e. those resembling birds can still fly, those resembling fish can still swim, those resembling insects can still crawl on surfaces, etc.
Domain: Kibaku-Nendo. Kouguchi Bakuha. Kibaku Iritsuku.

[/justify][/spoiler]