Soho Sanctuary~

[Jun]

Day six ~ quest continued

Back in the pastures of Kusa No Kuni, I found myself finally being challenged. Three days it had been since I had experienced the sweet taste of success. Then it had been easy. Now I was fatigued, a long day of failure looked me square in the face ~ it was sickening. Out in the distance a sleepy sun began setting over the shadow of Soho Sanctuary. The grass did little bending now, and the air was still warm. Little Himi was my only company, as I had grown fond of her over the past six days. Having her watch me progress was an amusement for the both of us ~ a symbiotic relationship one might call it.

And so it began, two appendages immersed themselves in seals that came too natural to forget. A crimson coated palm made contact with the soil, and I only hoped that good fortune would follow. The previous two contracts took little in terms of chakra, however for this one, I decided to go the extra mile. B rank certainly wasn't above my calling, though I couldn't deny the fact that the entire process had my lungs on edge. It was like a magic trick ~ pulling a bunny out of thin air. There were no top hats involved, yet I still managed to conjure up what turned out to be my biggest catch yet.

This one possessed dull blue fur, which was quite the rarity. That was the first thing I noticed, and after the smoke subsided the reality of facing a hare the size of a horse struck me hard. There was a headband masking its left eye, the Kusagakure grass symbol engraved into the steel plate. And last but not least was the queen battle fan she carried with her. Up until now I hadn't even thought it possible for animal summons to carry weapons. Aha, she sure proved me wrong. Unlike the others this particular rabbit had a distinct glint in her eyes ~ wisdom. Instantly, I knew she wasn't aggressive like her younger brother, nor playful like baby sister.

"My name is Keikomi. Jakkumi has told me much about your skill. You know what must be done, correct?"

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Her voice projected calm and clear. "Of course." I cooed casually, body shifting itself in preparation for the skirmish sure to follow.

"Then lets proceed, shall we?"

[/right]

She drew her war fan, opening it in one fell swoop. Yet Keikomi did not take the initiative, so I did. Handseals passed swiftly and again I allowed pure essence to escape my body. Chakra poured into the air around me, and the conclusion was a murder of twenty crows. Their numbers converged upon the mammal, aiming to maim her flesh. Into the pumpkin orange sky they sailed, ready to follow their creator's orders to the death. It was then that Keikomi took action, and I expected no less from her. She raised her fan, keen eyes remaining on my birds the entire time. Once the weapon dropped, it produced a cyclone of fuuton chakra, more than enough to send my small army flying. Even still it continued in its projected path towards me, and as I jumped safely to the right, sliding across the prairie I'd utter but one phrase. "You're good."

She returned only a smile.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Keikomi
Rank: B
Types: Ninjutsu – Taijutsu – Genjutsu
Release: Fuuton ( Wind )
Description: As an advanced summon, Keikomi is a very large rabbit, large enough for the user to ride upon its back. Her blue-steel colored body is covered in blue marking. Covering her left eye is a Genin Headband that was placed upon his head by a previous user of the Grass Country. Keikomi wears a bracelet that wraps around her arms. The bracelet has many oversized beads and the center (largest beads) presents the kanji-symbol of wind. In battle, she is seen sporting a Gigantic Fan.

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[Jun]

The distance between Keikomi and I was a good seven meters now, which she covered in one impressive leap. Easily she cleared the tips of the shin high stalks, reaching at least twelve feet in height. The rabbit somersaulted in midair, war fan poised high above her ears the entire time. As she completed her flip and braced for impact I made a last minute decision and rolled from underneath her shadow, just barely missing what could have been the killing blow. The folded weapon crashed into the earth, sending dirt and smoke flying up to temporarily blind those nearby. From behind her I unsheathed my katana and readied myself ~ it was time I got serious.

But to my misfortune she was just as fast, turning to meet my sword strike halfway through the swing. Her fan intercepted my blade and they clashed, a loud ringing sound reverberating throughout the countryside. From the bench little Himi cheered for both of us ~ wanting neither of her friends to fall in battle. Due to my opponents sheer size I was pushed back, but still held my ground as sandal clad feet dug themselves into the ground. I was struggling in comparison and Keikomi saw it in my eyes. With confidence she called upon the remainder of her strength and opened her fan, allowing for a tumultuous amount of wind chakra to escape the thin panels. At point blank range I had no choice to retreat, or risk my tiny frame being thrown back into the horizon.

Again I catapulted myself through her legs and through the "backdoor" to safety. I hurdled myself forward and turned to face what had now become the blue bunny's flank. She twisted her body and locked a trained gaze upon me. Keikomi had expected to see fear, but she only introduced herself to a look of boldness. It threw her off, but after smelling something peculiar she looked down and discovered why. A single exploding tag laced kunai rested at her enormous feet and only after she realized that it was there would I choose to detonate it. Alas, I had planted it there moments before my hasty escape from her second wind tunnel.

The explosion was violent, but the tricky rabbit managed to escape with her life just as I did. She hopped away and hit the ground five meters away, gliding across the ground as if standing on ice. Meanwhile the smoke left behind shrouded my next move in secret. Once she committed to looking up, she'd find the silhouette of an additional twenty crows headed in her direction. The Kusa creature placed her weapon of choice before her, paws all set to settle this dispute once and for all. If she was this accomplished, I only wondered what her elder was capable of. But perhaps she was too cocky, for her whisker coated face gave off another light smirk.

"Hmph. Quit stalling for time, girl.

[/right]

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Keikomi
Rank: B
Types: Ninjutsu – Taijutsu – Genjutsu
Release: Fuuton ( Wind )
Description: As an advanced summon, Keikomi is a very large rabbit, large enough for the user to ride upon its back. Her blue-steel colored body is covered in blue marking. Covering her left eye is a Genin Headband that was placed upon his head by a previous user of the Grass Country. Keikomi wears a bracelet that wraps around her arms. The bracelet has many oversized beads and the center (largest beads) presents the kanji-symbol of wind. In battle, she is seen sporting a Gigantic Fan.

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[Jun]

She underestimated my crows, as I had selected to disperse them so that she could not sweep them all at once this time. They first ascended before arcing downward and piercing the breeze from various angles. Any normal sized being would have become overwhelmed, but not Keikomi. She handled this situation with the same cool and collected demeanor as every other attack I had made on her. If anything, I had to admire this warrior's courage. As expected she sent another wave of fuuton skyward, toward my dark minions. The grass swayed heavily under the influence of her fan. She was majestic on the battlefield, never wasting a single movement.

She was ten meters ahead, and that was all that was needed. As she began her assault on the distracting birds and their high pitched cries I would cease to exist ~ or so it seemed. In reality I momentarily transcended space and time, using my own creations to lead me closer without being detected. A shushin in the midst of the flock was what it was basically, but their numbers were perfect for concealment. My stealth move became a success, for while she pushed several of the crows away I blended in with the murder just enough to arrive behind her once more; without her knowing this time. In this moment I'd put a finish to our struggles.

"Don't move."

She sensed the danger and wisely dropped her weapon. With my katana at her back she had nowhere to run. "If I were truly an enemy, you'd already be dead." She raised her arms above her head in compliance and peeked at me from beyond her blue coated shoulder. I was on to her, anticipating any sudden movements from her end. I wouldn't give her the chance to counter ~ this fight was officially over. Little Himi continued to watch from the sidelines, her mouth agape in disbelief. All she needed now was popcorn.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe you do have a shot at Machimi-sama,"

[/right]

She gazed up almost longingly at an increasingly carrot colored sky.

"Maybe."

[/right]

The rabbit finished, perhaps not fully conviced that I was an adept enough Kunochi to handle whomever's name I had been hearing since first taking on the contract. She closed her eyes in contemplation, and I could only wonder what was going on through her head. But I was no psychic, so her thoughts were kept to herself. I glanced over at Himi and she had the look of watching a thriller movie. It was cute, though not cute enough to distract me from big sister. And suddenly Keikomi was gone with the wind, the familiar white mist occupying her former post. I finally allowed my body to ease up, as it seemed I had learned all that was needed from her. "Three down, one to go."

I felt destined as ever.

"Way to go, Anemone-san!"

[/right]

Baby bunny applauded, more animated than I had ever seen her.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Keikomi
Rank: B
Types: Ninjutsu – Taijutsu – Genjutsu
Release: Fuuton ( Wind )
Description: As an advanced summon, Keikomi is a very large rabbit, large enough for the user to ride upon its back. Her blue-steel colored body is covered in blue marking. Covering her left eye is a Genin Headband that was placed upon his head by a previous user of the Grass Country. Keikomi wears a bracelet that wraps around her arms. The bracelet has many oversized beads and the center (largest beads) presents the kanji-symbol of wind. In battle, she is seen sporting a Gigantic Fan.

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[Jun]

Day Seven ~ Finale

Out there on the grasslands of Kusa the feeling of being a loner came frequent. Perhaps that was the reason I liked to keep Himi as company during my training sessions. Her high spirits were enough to cheer up even the most depressed man. With that said, she could get a little under my skin at times. It was day seven ~ the final day out on the great frontier. A full week had passed since I had made the life changing decision to shake hands with the malevolent Lady Usagi over a deal of power. Now it was time to wrap it all up. One last summon to claim them all. And for an A rank, I knew it would be no easy task. With that in mind I put every ounce of my being into forcing my chakras to the surface.

It was conceivable that I over-exerted myself, for a heavy shroud of fatigue overtook my body after laying my thumb bitten hand on the ground. Whether I had used more than enough energy mattered little at this point, as the the fruition of my efforts revealed themselves just the same. This beast was much more grand than the others ~ him being large was an understatement. He was colossal, comparable to a mountain even. His fur was a rusty grey and down the side of his left ear was a scar of considerable size. More daunting was the fact that he carried two cabin sized katanas at his side. Truly a force to be reckoned with.

Foolish enough, I finally realized why he was so feared by the other members of his family. I was but an ant standing before him, though I stood out among the repetition of green stretched out before his aged eyes. The Chief sent a menacing stare down to me, certainly grumpy that he had been called on under non life threatening circumstances.

"Why did you summon me, human?"

[/right]

He yawned, his tower of a body thought nothing of me. "I made a deal with the devil," My explanation was brief but it came from the heart. I had little reason to lie at this point. I had come so far in so little time ~ failure wasn't even on my radar. "And I need your help."

"I'm afraid that answer isn't good enough."

[/right]

He unsheathed a single cleaver and performed an expert vertical cut, mailing the blade straight to where I was currently stationed. For his size he was incredibly fast and as death approached me I raised my arms to shield my sight ~ prepared for the coming calamity. No one but Himi was around to witness the spectacle; the katana sliced deep into the earth like a meteor, tearing apart much of the soil. In its destructive wake, a massive cloud of smoke rose to meet the setting sun. It was as if a hundred tags had been detonated simultaneously, minus the actual explosion. And when the dust settled I was still standing ~ directly next to the sword actually. I was within arms reach of it, deciding to step to the left before the catastrophe hit. All along I calculated the attack as a bluff.

"You...didn't move?"

[/right]

It was curious to see a being as wise as he struggling to comprehend. "We both know that you're way too big for me to defeat. But that doesn't mean I have to fear you." Then I peered over and saw his grip on the hilt loosen. Was he finally coming to his senses?

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Machimi
Rank: A
Types: Taijutsu – Genjutsu – Ninjutsu
Release: N/A
Description: Machimi is a Chief Rabbit of the family. He is a very large Rabbit who easily towers over trees and most buildings. In fact, his size is comparable to a Tailed-Beast. He is white with rusty grey marking across his entire body with bright-blue marking around her eyes, nose, and chest. A slice resides across her left ear; a scar from when he was used in the Old War. Machimi often wears a white sash across his waist to carry two huge Katanas.

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[Jun]

"Now that you're listening," I paused, making eye contact with the senior rabbit. "Why do you only listen to Lady Usagi? I'd guess that you'd follow someone more noble than a bitch running a tea house." Machimi's ears twitched before he erupted in a volcanic laughter. I figured that the giant of a summon could be seen from Soho Sanctuary.

"So she's decided to settle down now?"

[/right]

Only after containing himself would he continue on.

"And yes, that may all be true but Usagi and I go way back, you see. Looks can be deceiving but she's old as dirt and during the great war she was a formidable opponent. I even received this scar fighting alongside her. Those were the good ol' days..."

[/right]

And as his mind began to revert back to when he was constantly on the battlefield my own head continued to swell with questions concerning the duo. It was hard to believe that the pair had been that legendary.

"And after all the bloodshed, I guess it would only be natural for her to want to retire from the ninja life."

[/right]

He had left a deep crater in the dirt by use of his sword; a crater which I now stood at the base of. Himi now raced into the fray and I picked her up, allowing the tiny animal to leap onto my shoulder. She made it her temporary shelter while I progressed in my knowledge of the dark woman and her hazy past. I had been oblivious this whole time and now I could only begin to wonder just how old the mistress really was. To stand at the side of such a fearsome creature must have taken monumental strength. Then it hit me ~ I just had to ask it this once. "Then when she was in her prime...that tattoo on her neck, i-"

"That's none of your business!"

[/right]

Just as suddenly I had enraged him again, this time with no warning whatsoever.

"That much has to remain a secret..."

Yet this strike I took to be lethal so I made an active attempt at avoiding it. His second sword slashed the planet and as dust scattered every which way the shadow of my crows would emerge from the unknown and ascend upward. Afterwards my black birds gathered and materialized, moments later forming my very being. Who I was as an Akegarasu returned, this time on the shoulder of the giant, Himi still in hand. I had reached a substantial height and from this vantage point I could make out the entire scene for miles. It was simply stunning. Directly next to his head I'd raise an arm and point, directing his vision to where Soho Sanctuary lay in wait. "If you're looking for Lady Usagi, she's there in that building."

Machimi re-positioned himself before gazing down and giving me a warning. There was quite the base in his voice.

"Hold on, little one."

[/right]

And with that he made use of his monstrous hind legs and in one leap we'd be at the doorstep of the sanctuary.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Machimi
Rank: A
Types: Taijutsu – Genjutsu – Ninjutsu
Release: N/A
Description: Machimi is a Chief Rabbit of the family. He is a very large Rabbit who easily towers over trees and most buildings. In fact, his size is comparable to a Tailed-Beast. He is white with rusty grey marking across his entire body with bright-blue marking around her eyes, nose, and chest. A slice resides across her left ear; a scar from when he was used in the Old War. Machimi often wears a white sash across his waist to carry two huge Katanas.

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[Jun]

We touched down, only to find that the one we had been seeking was already standing outside of her establishment. Surely she had seen the colossal beast from her office and left to investigate. However our arrival became a disturbance, for it rattled the earth causing anyone land locked to tremble from the sheer force. Stepping forward, Machimi left behind huge footprints but was too focused on his old comrade to notice. Not long after Chie and company made themselves present, shoving their way through the front door and down the small porch. Lady Usagi remained at the edge of the wooden fence separating her land from the rest ~ not a hint of intimidation in her lust filled eyes.

"Oh, WOW Anemone-san!"

Chie led the pack, obviously seeing me on the shoulder of my newly met summon companion. The rest of the ladies trailed behind, giving the expected oooh's and aaahs. And for once, a sober Nagi charged ahead fearlessly, brandishing the trusty "Orochi". He took to the side of the black maiden, obligated to defend a woman at the head of danger.

"Don't worry mi'lady, I'll defend you even if it costs me my life! For I am indeed a Sam-"

"Out of the way you buffoon!"

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She impatiently shoved him off of his feet and face first into the dirt. And after carelessly sweeping her hair back with an expensive hand she'd address the two intruders. Without her saying I knew that this was one of her bad mood days.

"What do you want?"

[/right]

The Chief replied with a question of his own.

"Why did you try to make this girl your slave?"

[/right]

He cut straight to the point, just as I would have done. "You what?! That's horrible!" Chie sounded appalled and rightfully so. Lady Usagi shot a dirty look back and that alone was enough to keep her staff at bay.

"Shut it!"

[/right]

Then she stared back up at her former war buddy.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

[/right]

She was going to remain stubborn for as long as it took.

"Don't play dumb with me Usagi."

[/right]

His tone was not of someone with the desire to play around. Regardless, it became apparent that she wasn't going to budge in the slightest. Machimi raised a paw to shoulder level and I knew instantly what he was getting at. I boarded it like an elevator and in return he lowered it to ground level, where I then stepped off. For the first time in a week I was now standing face to face with Lady Usagi. Still, I couldn't be too mad at the woman; everything I had learned up to this point had been because of her. But there was no getting around it~ the battle would end here. The senior rabbit spoke next.

"Whether you agree with me or not, this girl...she's strong. And I see a part of you inside of her every time our eyes meet."

[/right]

He had caught me off guard. I looked up at Machimi, finding that he too was looking down at me. I felt at ease to have him standing up for me, even if it meant going against an age old friend.

"That's utter nonsense! She's nothing but a spoiled brat!"

[/right]

"It doesn't matter, I completed the contract in a week. I win." The maiden threw a devilish glare directly at me. How dare she!

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Machimi
Rank: A
Types: Taijutsu – Genjutsu – Ninjutsu
Release: N/A
Description: Machimi is a Chief Rabbit of the family. He is a very large Rabbit who easily towers over trees and most buildings. In fact, his size is comparable to a Tailed-Beast. He is white with rusty grey marking across his entire body with bright-blue marking around her eyes, nose, and chest. A slice resides across her left ear; a scar from when he was used in the Old War. Machimi often wears a white sash across his waist to carry two huge Katanas.

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[Jun]

"You will NOT talk to me like that!

[/right]

Lady Usagi was furious now. With sensory I began to notice that her being was crackling with sinister energies. Little did I know that she was only milliseconds away from unleashing the wrath of Kuroi Kaminari, otherwise known as Black Lightning, upon me. Violently she raised a single pointed finger at me, prepared to do what could not be undone. I had provoked a true demon, a former Kunochi who in her own right had gained incredible power at the cost of her clear mind. I only hoped that if given the chance I wouldn't travel down the same road.

The Chief stepped in, becoming the peacemaker in an otherwise touchy situation. With a hefty paw he touched down on the ground separating the two of us from each other, effectively halting Usagi in her feisty tracks. Frankly I was relieved, as I doubted I had the endurance to face her after summoning Machimi anyways. Yet she didn't see eye to eye with the rest of us, shooting a tormented stare up at the rabbit. She hated to have her authority challenged, not by anyone including the giant hare.

"Get out of the way Machimi. This is between the girl and I."

[/right]

As if she were too dignified to speak my name.

"No, you back down Usagi...or you know what I'll have to do."

[/right]

It took a few minutes of intense silence but eventually the mistress calmed down. It wasn't worth a possibly bad outcome. Besides, she was tired of all the fighting; so many lives she had taken in the past just to secure her own. She lowered her arm and stepped back onto her side of the fence. Once King Bunny deemed the situation settled he lifted his paw and equally retreated to the opposite side of the wooden defense. The Lady sighed, drained of any desire to continue on with the debate.

"Fine, the contract is yours, now leave! I don't want to see you around here again."

[/right]

And that was it. "Thank you Machimi-sama. I stated, glancing over my shoulder. He nodded, dissipating into an enormous cloud of smoke after. "And I thank you all as well." I bowed, not only to the ones like Chie who had taken care of me the past week, or Nagi who had kept me infinitely entertained, but also Lady Usagi, for all she had taught me. Tough love was an understatement.

"Yeah, yeah. Just get going already."

[/right]

She shooed me away before leaving to Soho Sanctuary. I turned on a heel and walked a different path, one into an endless meadow with even more endless possibilities.

Exit!

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---

SPOILER: Click to show

Machimi
Rank: A
Types: Taijutsu – Genjutsu – Ninjutsu
Release: N/A
Description: Machimi is a Chief Rabbit of the family. He is a very large Rabbit who easily towers over trees and most buildings. In fact, his size is comparable to a Tailed-Beast. He is white with rusty grey marking across his entire body with bright-blue marking around her eyes, nose, and chest. A slice resides across her left ear; a scar from when he was used in the Old War. Machimi often wears a white sash across his waist to carry two huge Katanas.

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[tigaevo]

+110 Ane

[Estilo]

Additional +110 EXP! for January Bonus.

[Apple]

[/b][/color] recieves an additional +8 EXP for being Kage of the month![/ul]