raindrops and rainbows~

[Jun]

One month prior to corvus corvidae !

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Enter.[/color]

"Looks like we're gonna be here for a while. You look like a music lover. Care to hear a song?"

His music wasn't very good, or at least I thought so. There were three of us resting under the natural haven of the ancient tree that day. For the first time in months the land of Iwa had been blessed with rain. It came suddenly, but stayed much longer than anticipated, soaking the usually dry, cliff riddled region. In an unexpected twist of events, I found myself atop a grand hill, overlooking a vast expanse of empty plains. Out in the distance a rainbow stretched itself across the heavens, becoming the only positive aspect of what turned out to be a raging thunderstorm.

He strummed along, the stranger's tune being the only thing audible besides a constant downpour of rain and the occasional shout of thunder. To be totally honest I hated his voice, however they had occupied the hiding spot first, so putting up with the singing became a must. But at least I wasn't wet, and I was sure the musician felt the same way. The third member of our small party introduced himself as an umbrella toting merchant specializing in "the unusual". As he sat cross-legged before me, showing off an uninspiring assortment of "rare" shells and such arranged on a white sheet the song continued, with my face displaying not much besides disinterest. Yet, as we waited out the storm the song finally ended, instead replaced by conversation.

"Jeez, the rain sure is coming down hard today. Does it pour here often?" I shook my head, clearly the instrument carrier wasn't from around these parts. He was hippy-like in appearance, with crimson rosary beads dangling from a scrawny neck. "Oh, well that's a shame. I was going to say that the rain is quite refreshing around here."

"That's fantastic." I replied half-heartedly. I had, had enough of the small talk. At the first break of rain I was determined to get the hell out of there.

"Right? Almost like a wave of Onimusha Seal chakra washing over you. Of course I'm no ninja. Haha." He was too casual, though that last bit did manage to catch my interest. I perked my head up, glancing at performer with a new-found perspective. "Wait, what was that you said?" I inquired, as anything pertaining to Ninjutsu was sure to pull me in. "Haven't heard of it, eh? Well that makes sense, you are a woman after all. Well, we've got plenty of time to bond, so I might as well entertain you for a little longer," He placed the instrument of strings at his side and cleared his throat as if he was about to tell the greatest story ever. I scoffed, not particularly fond of the sexist remark.

"According to the old myths, it's a forbidden seal that stores massive amounts of Chakra and releases it at the will of the user. I hear the actual marking consists of a black swirl or something but-"

"Oh, you're actually listening to that moocher and his old folk tales? He's just rambling, there's really no such thing."

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The goods dealer cut him off, insisting that the Kinjutsu was but a mere hoax. However, as a shinobi I knew better than that. "Sure, you're probably right but it's still a good story. I haven't heard anything recent about the Seal besides it originating somewhere around Kusa No Kuni." The singer responded, eyeing the rainbow sleepily. And just as suddenly the rain subsided, a dominating sun leaving the pathway open for travel. I stood up, not wanting to waste the open opportunity for escape.

"I guess I'll be going. Thank you for the info. I wish you both a safe travel."

I bowed, ignoring the puzzled looks of the tree dwellers. And with that I was gone, each step down the road leading me that much closer to Kusa No Kuni. Behind me, I heard the concerned voice of the merchant and momentarily glanced back to see him waving at me. "Hey! Are you sure you wanna leave now? The rain is supposed to be on and off all day! I'd hate for you to get caught in it, Miss." Then I thought, continue on or spend another few hours with those two comedians?

Aha, I'd take my chances. Whatever they were.



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[Jun]

The usual beige splendor of Iwagakure soon became replaced by the vast, open fields of Kusa No Kuni. I was treading in uncharted territory alone, not to mention without use of a map. As such, I wasn't surprised when I began to lose myself within the emerald landscape. Well, at least the weather was nice. Still, my resolve remained steadfast on gaining passage to the ritual of the Onimusha no Taiyoushin

[/b]. Forbidden? Yes. But that alone wouldn't deter me from becoming a class "A" shinobi. The grass here was soft, the skies crystal clear. There were no dirt paths around, only lively dragonflies intent on finding a mate.

My dainty frame kept moving forward. The pace I held was a hasty one, though not enough to have me winded. My body was in prime condition for this type of physical hustle, so I traversed though the buzzing prairies faster than the average Joe. Even still, I began to suspect that I had not the slightest clue of where I was going, but I wouldn't let my mind think that. I only hoped that I would soon stumble upon civilization, or another being ~ either could suffice. And if push came to shove, at least I wasn't as stubborn as most males were.

I wasn't above asking for directions.

Move to Kusa No Kuni please !

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[chiatsuki]

Moved.