Into The Wild[Izumi]

[Hopalong]

SPOILER: Click to show

name; Into The Wild
rank; b
description; It’s pretty common knowledge that we dominate a good portion of the surrounding area. As one of the great villages it’s our duty to control and expand, there’s definitely something stopping us though, the Wild Zones. Extreme eco zones filled with dangerous beasts and bloodthirsty maraurders. We can’t even think about converting it to Kumo land yet though as we still haven’t mapped it. That’s what your job’s gonna be. Get into the Wild Zones, create a detailed map and bring it back here. Try to make it back in one piece if you can.
reward; 100 experience, 2,500 ryo
minimum shinobi; one
mission status; interminable

It was about 30 minutes of walking before Ass and his new partner reached the destination their location detailed. Jeez that walk should have been worth this mission's pay itself... He complained in his thoughts. Despite the remark he held his tongue. At least the mission ranked higher than anything he'd previously done, so more ryo would yield in this job. Besides, he also receives his monthly salary once he returns.

Being his first B-Rank mission, he came fully prepared. He dressed in his flak jacket, with regular attire beneath him. All of his goodies were dispersed throughout his packs at his waist. Along with that he had a 3 ft. gladius sheathed, strapped to his back, and a dagger that was 8 in. strapped to his hip.

Plus he had someone to do this with. Another Kumo nin, a chunnin named Izumi. Ass met him on the off chance of him walking on the other chunnin's path. He was happy to at least be able to fight foes with someone equal to his power.

The more they walked, the closer they approached the "Wild Zones." It stood aloof effortlessly, looking like civilization had never touched the land. Trees stretched high into the sky, the top of them impossible to spot from ground level. Multiple branches extended from these trees at almost every level. On top of this wild grass dominated the entire Wild Zone, as no path had been carved in this untouched land. The grass easily reached either shinobi's waist, leaving anything that can hide beneath this grass an enigma.

Then there was the exotic sounds that you'd never hear anywhere near the village. Birds chirped throughout the whole forest, never ceasing on their escapade for copulation. Occasionally one could hear the growl of a predator, asserting their authority in this land. Even more interesting, was the sound of blades, and bloodshed.

At this moment, Ass recalled the mission detailing the presence of marauders in this area. Of course land never touched by shinobi would be the perfect hideout for vagabonds, and the perfect challenge for a shinobi just trying to get a damn 2500 ryo.

As he walked closer, the aroma of countless species of plants filled Ass's nose. These smells rounded off the place. It was true nature.

Ass stopped walking, a safe 20 meters away from the free-for-all land. He checked to make sure Izumi was still by his side, ready for the worst. At this point, they needed a plan of action. "Well then, do you have a preferred method of approaching this? I can at least mow through the grass with my gladius so we can see ahead of us a little." He awaited Izumi's response, for they needed to be in sync to conquer this mysterious land.

[luneth]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][STYLE=margin: 10px 22px 10px 22px; text-align: justify;font-family: tahoma;font-size: 13px;]Forlorn, unsympathetic, and unforgiving - these were words accurately describing the ambiance surrounding Kaminari no Kuni, which, in collaboration with the vicious environment itself, existed capable of providing any traveler with a dreadfully haunting experience. Unquestionably, the country’s past had seen thousands of innocent civilians killed, their individual intentions being no more sinister than a kittens, their goal nothing more than to traverse the violent land. Listening conscientiously, he could almost hear the wailing cries of those that had, walking his exact path, plummeted resistibly to their death. It was a mournful idea; one that had frequented his thoughts often throughout his years navigating across the terrain. Nonetheless, as callous as it was, the gloomy setting provided the perfect protection for Kumo and its inhabitants, effectually marking their territory, as the village’s own shinobi were the only hominal beings capable of trekking athwart the land free from nature’s judgement. His love for the country would be attributable to this alone, Izumi seeing a ferocious beauty in it that he knew most couldn't. The pensive Hyūga would reflect on this amid walking beside his Chūnin equivalent, the duo on their way toward the lightning country's “wild zones” – expansive, undomesticated regions filled with outlaws, hellish beasts, and possibly, missing or otherwise criminal ninja. While they would have contrarily stayed clear of the area, their current B-ranked mission had made it obligatory that they not only approach the land, but additionally enter and map its entire circumference. The implications were robust, as the risks they faced were conceivably lethal, and otherwise extremely dangerous. However, by virtue of experience, his position within Kumogakure's hierarchy, and confidence in his own skill, the resolute ninja would feel no fear. Entering the wilderness, his entire disposition would consist of nothing apart from an inexpressive and collected calm. Feeling for the chokuto sheathed at his waste, Izumi would be seen wearing a set of raiments long forgotten by the majority of the shinobi world, this type of garb belonging to a council of all-powerful beings pre-dating, even, the conception of hidden villages. They were the mahōkuwasu; his incessant research within the Hidden Cloud's substantial library teaching him of their venerable order. Fond of the idea, he had adopted several of their beliefs for himself, as well as the unique robes1.1 1.2 they wore. Personally, he himself donned an all-black version, the attire consisting primarily of a long-sleeve undertunic, overtunic, outer robe, and close-fitting pants, with Izumi replacing the boots for slender, foot contouring, matching black tabi's2, and, this time, leaving the belt-hitai-ate altogether. His remaining tools would be concealed throughout his person, and as such, he'd leave them alone, instead unsheathing the straight, forty-inch sword as they converged upon the missions starting point. Edging closer, the aloof kumo-nin would listen to his comrade's question; he did, in fact, the plan first consisting of the two growing a bit more familiar with eachother's abilities, both inside and outside of combat. Jeopardizing his life in battle alongside a shinobi he knew nothing about, in a combat-sense, would have been foolish. "i do. but before we proceed, let us take the time to assess each-other's skill-set... i'll go first; i am proficient in both close and long-range combat, mainly utilizing jūken, a method of attack unique to my clan, and the lightning element... also, my eyes.. the byakugan.. with them, i can perceive everything, anywere within our vicinity.." "now, your turn." [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][/style]

[Hopalong]

The two waited outside the "Wild Zone," converging on their plan of attack. Just waiting outside of the forest the horrible humidity given off by the area started to beat against Ass. Sweat began to bead down his face. It was good to be fully clothed when heading out on a mission, but this would push his nerves quick.

Rather than charge headfirst into the forest, Izumi wanted to sit back and gather info. Mostly, each others attributes. Thinking about it, Ass found it to be a good plan as well. After all, he brought a partner along to help, not burden him.

Possibly the most important trait Izumi had was his being a Hyuga. From his knowledge he understood he'd not only a well rounded fighter, but capable of sensing anything in the vicinity. Such sensory even surpassed methods Ass used with Shinjuu Zanshu. Along with that he also used the raiton release, also useful.

The questioned turned to him rather abrubtly. Without hesitation, Ass responded, "Well I am specialized in Doton. Especially in terms of stealth, I can sink into the ground in a matter of seconds. Along with that I can take another thing down with me in an instant, even while I'm down there. Oh, and I also have some good close to mid range skills using fuuton." His description was brief, and he left out a few details, however he released to Izumi his main strategy. Besides, hiding a trick up his sleeve never hurt.

Ass shifted his attention back to the forest after speaking. The area felt ominous. The roars of alpha males within the forest grew. No doubt Izumi and his presence were already well known to some in the jungle. Ass swore he could spot a silhouette through the trees. Luckily it wasn't their job to excavate this place, only map it. Even that could prove a challenge though.

Ass asked Izumi, "So now that's out in the open, how should we approach this? We might actually be safer going in through the trees..."

[luneth]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][STYLE=margin: 10px 22px 10px 22px; text-align: justify;font-family: tahoma;font-size: 13px;]A complying response had arrived only seconds following his request; he would take a mental note of the Chūnin's words, sure they'd be helpful should the two eventually engage in co-operative battle. The orange-haired shinobi sounded to be adept in Ninjutsu, with his abilities in the offensive Fūton nature, and as well the capacity to travel underneath the ground, which would prove itself extremely useful should he need to evade something, or even to better navigate through certain parts of the dense overgrowth ahead. Considering his partner's talents, he too felt that it would be a good idea to initiate the mission by simply proceeding forward. With his eyes, they wouldn't get lost, or even struggle to map the area; the only foreseeable problem they faced were the things, or people, inhabiting the wild territory. While his Kekkai Genkai could forewarn the duo of their presence, and even prevent ambushes and surprise attacks, it didn't carry the ability to actually eradicate them. Consequently, it would be their job; trained in the art of killing throughout their entire lives, he doubted any one thing could pose much of a threat, though packs of the vicious beings beyond could possibly cause a dilemma, and at the very least, extra hassle. He would nod to Assad with these things in mind, reaching his left, non-gloved hand back to pull off and rummage through his knapsack, this time pulling out a white, horned mask3. It would be placed over his visage with the purpose of concealing his Kekkai Genkai from their soon to be opponents, these same white eyes additionally activating subsequent to the intimidating mask's successful adornment. "let's start, then. a few seconds, and i will have the entire population hidden within accounted for.. after that, we can begin mapping the area, presuming we're not ambushed from the beginning…" Entering, his eyes would begin vehemently scanning the area, locating masked ninja, gangs of fiery bandits, and grotesque animals, the likes of which he'd never seen before, or knew existed. He would report the information back to his counterpart just as he himself saw it, the entire task taking a little over a minute. The forest would be split into three separate sections of territory, each as dangerous as the last. First would be the southern area, the single largest region, and one which they had entered from; it was filled with creatures of all kind, monsters, even. While there weren't any within the first thirty meters of entry, proceeding forth, they would inevitably meet with a few. The northeast would be inhabited by a single group of ninja, the lot eating within their camp, seemingly unaware of Izumi and Assad's presence; they were each fearsome looking, as if their entire lives had been spent attempting to survive in the harsh environment. Lastly, there would be the northwestern region, filled with a legion of bandits, each separated into groups of four, five, and six, all separated throughout the area. There would even be a base, a small, underground cavern filled with weapons, one large room, and another he guessed was being used as a sleeping quarters. Everything would be relayed back to his partner, Izumi afterward venturing further into the land, closely monitoring their vicinity. SPOILER: Click to show [activated]byakugan. [in use]chokuto. [ooc] — we'll begin in the southern area, and then northwestern; we'll do the random encounter for the northeastern region. also, i know that, technically, we could have izumi just stand outside the jungle and map everything out with his kg, but that would sort of ruin the mission. let's have fun with this; i'll still use his byakugan to map the areas, but we'll do it one section at a time, with a few fights here and there. [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][/style]

[Hopalong]

Shortly after Ass described his skills, Izumi covered his face with an odd garnment. Was it supposed to give off some form of intimidation? Ass knew better than to be fooled by it, but perhaps a stupid forest animal could be tricked by such a gimmick.

"One sec," Ass called out quickly. Since Izumi decided to prepare for their entry, Ass would change quick. Fed up with the thick layers of clothes, he unzipped the flak jacket, then removed his sweater. Made out of thick cloth, the sweater would only be a death trap for such a humid environment. He still had a gray tank top on beneath.
He threw the sweater to the ground, remembering it was on this side of the jungle to claim it again later. Immediately the air refreshed his body, lined with sweat. He ran a hand through his spiky orange hair, also doused with sweat. He wiped his hand off with disgust on his pant leg.

Putting his flak jacket back on, Ass nodded. "Let's start then." Izumi stated, with Ass responding, "Let's go."

The two chunnin entered the forest simultaneously. As he guessed, the air felt sticky, his entire body feeling awful in this dankness. The grass brushed against his exposed feet, feeling up against his legs and hands with every step.

Despite these small details, what would be most obvious was the dead silence that occurred with their first step into the thick grass. Now it made sense to the kekkai. Those roars that surged when they approached were warning signals. Now they stepped into their territory, challenging their status. Fucking animals and their alpha male shit... Ass swore in his mind.

"It's a little too silent..." He muttered to Izumi. However it appeared the hyuga was already scaling the area using his special skills. Ass noted everything that Izumi detailed. It appeared the animals were lurking entirely in the region the two stood in currently, which supported Ass's alpha male theory. The rest of the forest would be nothing but bandits and rogues afterwards, so it seemed.

"Alright then, get ready. We'll probably have a challenger approaching us soon..." Ass warned Izumi. Anticipating some large predator, the orange haired teen drew his Gladius in preparation. He wasn't worried about whatever would approach. Considering two-thirds of this forest were already dominated by vagabonds, the animals couldn't be that strong if those humans could assert themselves a home on their territory.

[luneth]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][STYLE=margin: 10px 22px 10px 22px; text-align: justify;font-family: tahoma;font-size: 13px;]The two would proceed with both a steady caution and vigilance, the unperturbed Hyūga himself monitoring their vicinity, keeping an eye out in particular for uncommon or immense chakra signatures. The Cloud ninja's pale-bladed chokuto would remain drawn, trailing the under-growth, carving its way through the jungle terrain in course with Izumi's own graceful movements. He would utilize several senses – sight, smell, hearing – in his surveillance of the area. They would remain on foot for several minutes time, traveling deep within the wilderness' confines, their hike occupied by nothing beyond hasted progression and silent observation. Happening across a five-meter clearing, Izumi would halt, signaling for his partner to act likewise. "alright, we'll stop here. keep an eye out for anything nearby; i'm going to extend my vision outward." Map and writing utensil in hand, he'd begin his delineation of the forest's southern region. Though rarely displaying it, the youth was a fairly adept artist, his time prior to Kumogakure owing to this, and would duly sketch the local atlas in great detail – depicting every niche pathway, recess, and alcove within the complex environment. He'd only be allowed the chance to jot a third of the area down, his vision catching the distant, swift movement of three large creatures. "here they come; 12 o'clock." It was all that needed to be said. Honestly, he'd expected a fight sooner, currently eager to see how well the oncoming, arcane beasts faired in battle. Confident in his skill, he would take to the front of Assad, allowing him the opportunity to long-range the group with his elemental Ninjutsu, though as well offering the chance for him to join Izumi in fighting the trio from close-range, with his gladius. They would converge on the shinobi group in no time; three lion-like creatures, dissimilar in that they each possessed a set of ram horns, additionally exuding a type of ferocity uncommon in any ordinary creature. It was evident in their growls, and eyes; they wanted, even yearned, to ravage the remains of the Chūnin duo. They would begin by circling the group, a calm before the storm, attempting to circumvent Izumi's flank to surround them; he wouldn't let it happen. One swift movement, less than a second in time would see the Hyūga's blade meet with the beast. It would react much quicker than the shinobi would have thought possible, utilizing its long fang to guard the blade's strike, subsequently jutting it's head forward, pushing Izumi back four meters, to his previous position. It was a game to them. No doubt, they'd done this thousands of times prior, assuming Assad and Izumi to be nothing more than a mere meal. Seconds would pass without movement, the pale-blond ninja at a standstill, waiting for the trio of lions to make their next move, or for his partner in Assad to voice or signal anything of his own. SPOILER: Click to show [activated]byakugan. [in use]chokuto. [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][/style]

[Hopalong]

Izumi progressed deeper into the forest. Soon they touched dirt upon a clear opening in the forest, which by no means looked natural. This only proved some men have reached this land already. Stopping close to the center of this opening, he looked it over. It could easily serve as a camping ground. For now though, it would be a battlefield.

Ass waited, watching everything around him, while Izumi sketched the grounds. They never agreed, however it seemed Izumi would handle the sketching. Whatever, one less task for the greedy chunnin.

Ass heard the rustling through the high grass, yet Izumi would beat him to the call, warning aloud, "Here they come; 12 o'clock." Instinctively Ass turned to where Izumi stated they were approaching. Dropping his Gladius instantly, he began to weave seals as they closed their distance. Noting their appearance, a small confusion arose over Ass.

What in the photoshopped hell where these things?

Half lion, half ram creatures presented themselves. Their image was fantasy like, nonetheless intimidating. They still had claws and fangs. The snarled and bared their teeth menacingly, making Ass's heart beat fast by their presence alone. Shortly after entering, the lion-rams dispersed themselves around the two chunnin. Though by the time they could position themselves, Ass's jutsu would have been in full effect. Anticipating multiple foes, he would be well prepared.

The earth began to mold, churn and rise. In quick time the earth would sculpt itself into the shape of a human body- a replica Ass. With three created, each one would be created in front of the location of a lion, one clone for each lion. The only difference in this formation would be applied to the same lion-ram that Izumi would approach. The only difference is that this clone would be positioned at an angle, allowing room for Izumi to effectively attack and giving the lion-ram extra trouble.

Utilizing both human like hands their creator gave the golems, they would assault the lions in head to head combat. [Each clone acting simultaneously] One hand reached out and grabbed for anything- some skin, their mane, a snout- something they could use to hold onto them. At the same time the other hand clenched into a fist and swung out for a nice hook. Being made of hardened earth, a successful punch would produce harmful damage to the creatures.

Hiding safely in the center, Ass took a huff as he launched out these commands. He hasn't fought in a while, and accumulating this much chakra in one burst would be something for him to adjust to as he fought. His blood rushed through his veins, sweat no beading down his neck out of worry and slight fatigue, not heat.

But he wouldn't back out after one jutsu. After finishing the Iwa Bunshin, he would begin another set of seals, prepping his next attack.

SPOILER: Click to show

• Iwa Bunshin (Rock Clone Technique)
  Rank: C
  Type: Supplementary.
  Range: See special!
  Handseals: 3.
  Chakra: Mid.
  Special: Up to one clone can be made at a time, plus one more each time retrained. Being elementally based, this clone is capable of using any c-rank and lower Doton techniques the users knows. Can be relearned up to 4 times for a maximum of 5 clones created.
  Description: Doton • Iwa Bunshin no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu that utilizes rock to create a Bunshin clone. Unlike a normal Bunshin, the Iwa Bunshin has the ability to interact more with the environment due to it having physical substance. This allows the clone to carry out limited attacks on its target, especially with its rocky earthen frame, adding power to its attacks.
  Domain: Doton. Doton Ryouuken 'C'.
  
• 1 Prep
  

[luneth]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][STYLE=margin: 10px 22px 10px 22px; text-align: justify;font-family: tahoma;font-size: 13px;]Positioned within Assad's vicinity, the doton chakra swelling in his being and sequentially from the earth itself would signify a chance to act. Golems forming, one dashing stride would place the Hyūga in his former location, just ahead of the right-most creature. A swift, thrusting motion would see his chokuto dart forth, aimed for the right side of its neck. Simultaneously, the golem, less than a meter from Izumi, would have attempted to both grab and strike the beast; seemingly unsure on how to defend itself from the two opposite attacks, it would simply obey instincts, blocking the masked ninja's razor sharp blade in the same manner it had before. The predator's head engaged in parrying Izumi's ploy, the earthen being would find success in his attack, its rock-solid fist colliding with the side of the hybrid animal's stomach. A whelp and subsequent growl would be produced in agony as the animal's ribcage would be splintered and shattered by the golem's unyielding force. It'd turn immediately, showing its abnormal speed as the being's head would jut forward in aim for the doton clone's chest. The narrow window of opportunity would have been distinguished immediately. It was evident that the animal's dim mind had been clouded in rage, most likely oblivious to the Hyūga altogether, as it would be focused instead on exacting revenge. Izumi held the instrument capable of ending the monster's life; his judgment would be final. Consequently, it wouldn't be given the chance to connect with the golem; its head turning, the hawk's sword would have been lodged from its right horn, consecutively positioned just above its throat. He would slash down from its mortal location, severing the head from the brute creature in one fell movement. Simultaneous to this, the two golem opposite Izumi and his assailant would be met by full, unremitting resistance. The beasts would have countered fiercely; allowing their manes to be grabbed, bringing themselves closer to the clones. They would act first, opposed to taking the subsequent punches, and in a split-second would have rammed their horns upward, into the chin of the earthen beings, utilizing their speed and muscle to power through their individual foes. Should it work, their force would be enough to relinquish the clones. The two intimidating creatures would afterward rush forward, both gunning directly for Assad; Izumi would hasten that way in an attempt to intercept the beasts, though, should he not make it in time, hoped the ninjutsu specialist had something planned. SPOILER: Click to show [activated]byakugan. [in use]chokuto. [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width, 450px][/style]

[vegapunk]

38 EXP @ Hop

40 EXP @ Izumi