Lesser Known Duty (quest)

[Kildred]

Shoving past the stray branches and leaves, Usio trudged through the brush and moved through the forest at a slow pace. He couldn't afford to bypass any herbs just because he was in a hurry. No, this was something that demanded attention to detail. Some of the plants he was looking for grew to large heights, but other, more desirable ones were as big as his finger. Size, shape, and color were all important to identify which plants in the forest were usable, and which were just your average run-of-the-mill fauna. He hoped to find more than one on this excursion, if only to have something to donate to the facility when he got back. The main purpose of this hunt, however, was to get material for experimentation.

He shuffled the equipment on his person around, finding a more comfortable position. He wasn't foolish enough to come without a weapon. Wildlife was always a threat, and he needed to be ready in case he accidentally encroached on something's territory. Not to mention bandits and enemy ninja, though the possibility was low. In any case, he had his weapons and tools with him, should the worst occur. Standing on top of a large root, he blocked the sun out of his eyes and surveyed the area. This was an open area of the forest, and he would likely have more luck where the canopy could nearly block all light. Brushing aside some twigs, Usio continued further into the dense woods.

A few minutes of careful movement brought him to an area that was more calming than any place he had ever been. The avian cries were soothing, and he felt more at peace than he had in months. It wasn't that he didn't like people, it was that he didn't like their attitude. You had the well off, who acted like they needed to be given the world on a silver platter, and those who were poor, who complained and moaned instead of actually doing anything. He hadn't met anyone who was in the middle ground yet. Maybe Ujiyasu. Plucking an herb from the ground (for spicing food, not actually related to his job), Usio leapt up and grabbed hold of a branch. Pulling himself up to a sitting position, he scanned the area for anything resembling the herbs native to his country.

(Active searching)

[Yox]

Welcome to the forests of the Grass Country. The land was luscious, filled with vast grassland and dense tree lines. Wildlife was rich throughout the area, providing harmonising sounds to accompany anyone that was coming through this beautiful piece of land. It was tranquil, and it was clean. It was also the perfect spot for the many herb enthusiasts out there. They would come here and survey the land, only sometimes finding what they were looking for.

It was important for the herbalist to at least have some sort of idea what they were looking for. Otherwise they could find basically anything. At least if they had some idea, they could narrow the search down a little. It was also a good idea for any explorer to keep their eyes open at all times throughout the forest. Behind shadowy trees was the best place for highwaymen to conceal themselves. If one was not careful, they could be robbed at any given moment!

For the moment though, our young herbalist was safe. Free from all harm as he leaped atop the branch of a nearby tree. His position from up high would not benefit him though. Searching for herbs required the individual to get down on the ground and look intently! Unless he had a set of binoculars up there, he would need to come down sooner or later to begin his hunt. Once he had his mind on the specific herb, the hunt would begin.

Continue.

[/justify]

[Kildred]

Usio sighed as he leaned against the tree. He couldn't quite spot anything from up here, which was quickly diminishing his hopes of finding multiple herbs on one trip. Reaching into his pack, he pulled out a notebook and poured over the information inside. Marn seemed to be the most plentiful, so he'd focus on getting a few of those. The main point of this trip was to secure herbs for his personal experimentation. If he managed to get a good number of them, then he would spend a few hours trying to get something for the stocks of the research facility. He didn't like staying there much, mostly because of the times he would bump into Akemi. He didn't know what her problem was, but he seemed to be at the center of it.

Pocketing the notebook, he dropped down to the ground and took a quick glance around. Marn was a grey plant, which wasn't an actual contrast to the vibrant green of the forest, but an easier color to spot when actively searching for it. On the plus side, it was taller than most other plants. The standard vegetation wouldn't impede much in the way of searching. Keeping an eye out for any potential threats, Usio moved towards the various shrubs and bushes in the area, looking for particularly low-hanging branches that might conceal any Marn herbs. Shrubbery wouldn't really hide anything, but if the plant had grown towards limited sunlight, it might have an unusual shape.

(Active Searching, Marn Herb)

[Yox]

Marn was the perfect choice for beginners. It was a very common herb found across various lands. The plant itself offers a variety of benefits on both an offensive and defensive level. Defensively it can be used to increase the speed of personal healing on the body. On the other hand, it could also be used to disrupt the heal speed of a foe. Such a useful plant and the best thing about it was: it could be found almost everywhere!

However our hunter today would be unsuccessful this time around. It seemed as if he wasn't looking hard enough. The marn was a fairly sized plant, however it's grey colour often made it difficult to find amongst the shrubbery. The shadows of the trees could easily cloud the vision of the young herbalist. It was important that he simply didn't just give up here. The forest was completely scattered with herbs of the sort. All it took was patience and an enthusiastic attitude!

OOC: Dice roll was unsuccessful. You needed a number inclusive of 1-8 out of 10. You were randomly rolled a 9. Better luck this time!

[/justify]

[Kildred]

(What the hell, 9)

Usio swatted down a few insects that buzzed around his head. It seemed that there wasn't any Marn around in this location. It wasn't anything to be too worried about, however. The forest was an immensely large place, and he likely just needed to venture further to find some viable signs of the herb he needed. Pushing forward through the bush, he continued his trek while making sure to disturb as little of the wildlife as possible. The last thing he needed was to attract the attention of some animal that would be set on making him a meal. Worse yet, if he managed to stumble upon a nest or something, he'd have to deal with an irate mother.

After a good bit of time walking and failed searches, he came across a clearing with several flowers and such sprouting up from the tall grass. The grass itself was disconcerting, considering what could be hiding within, but the sheer amount of flora suggested this was an incredibly viable spot for finding Marn. It seemed that every few feet was another possible herb. The grass was too tall to make anything out for certain, however. With careful steps, Usio brushed aside the tall blades and studied all the nearby flowers, hoping maybe this time would prove a more fruitful search.

(Active searching, Marn herb)

[Yox]

The boy was right to head into the long grass. It was the perfect area to find various plants that had seemingly been hidden away. The boy would have to be careful though. The long grass was a dangerous place consisting of both living and non-living threats. The stems of the long grass were lined with very small, yet sharp, razors that ran along to the tips. Any sudden movements and unorthodox jerks within the tall grass, he would be granted an uncomfortable experience.

This is where the living threats came into the picture. The long grass was home to various species of the insect and reptile nature. Sure you had your average grasshoppers here and there, but there were also horse-flies that polluted the area. These flies were march larger in size than your average household pest, and with that they also pack a mighty bite to them. Although not life threatening, the sting itself was bloody pestering.

Then of course if he wasn't already having the worst of times, there was also the factor that a stray step along the wrong piece of ground could end up with him trotting on a snake. But all these threats would have been worth it in the end. His eagerness to scour all aspects of the land had granted him the prize of what he was looking for. Within the thickness of the tall grass sat a single marn plant, placed strategically in the middle of the field. How bothersome.

OOC: Yeah it was really amusing rolling for you the last time and watching you get the 9. This time, however, you were successful with a roll of 5! Good job ;}

[/justify]

[Kildred]

The entirety of the grassy field was annoying, to say the least. More than once, he almost stepped on a snake, and the flies that kept biting him were more than enough to get him to cuss involuntarily. Still, Usio kept up his search, and breathed a sigh of relief when he finally came across the plant he was looking for. Snatching some leaves and placing them within his pack, he moved to leave the field. While it may have been likely that there was at least one more within the field, over-gathering was not something he wanted to contribute to. Leaving the field and those damnable flies behind, he moved past the opening in the forest and move within the trees once more.

This section of the forest seemed less traversed than the others. There were far less signs of actual travel, and many of the plants near the ground remained untouched by human feet. Stepping lithely, Usio kept up his search. An open field was far easier to search than an enclosed space, and it was much darker here. He wanted at least two more samples of Marn before he headed home, but the grey plant was going to blend in rather well with this particular backdrop. Placing a hand on the trunk of a nearby tree, he glanced around for any signs of the herb. He tried to keep in mind the ideal growing conditions. Perhaps a spot where the light broke through the canopy?

(Active Searching, Marn Herb)

[Yox]

Good... the boy had started to open his eyes. The trick to finding herbs within a forest sea of plants was to have a keen eye. Attention to detail was important during these situations, often being the sole factor in separating success from failure. He had been lucky to trust his instincts and search the long grass, however would his fortune be sustained? It really was just determined on how Mother Nature was feeling on this day.

As he peered around the trunk of the tree, the boy would be greeted with a spotlight of holiness. Down from the heavens, the sun produced a ray of life through the overheard canopy. This ray shot directly to the ground of the forest, highlighting a single marn tree within a vast array of shrubs and other foliage. On closer inspection the boy would realise that these shrubs were lined with sharp thorns, no doubt accompanied by a mixture of natural toxins.

How would the boy deal with this? The shrubs were too high to simply jump over, and he certainly could not walk straight through them unless he wanted to be slashed by the thorns. The forest tested the ability of every individual. It was Mother Nature's training course. It was also important for the boy to watch the ground intently. The ground was muddy and slippery. If he wasn't careful with his movement, he could perhaps slip directly into the bush of thorns.

[/justify]

[Kildred]

Usio sighed as he managed to spot the herb upon a tree. Said tree was surrounded by tall, thorny shrubs that impeded his progress, and he couldn't help but wonder if nature did this on purpose. Growing one herb in a relatively easy spot, only to have the next one as treacherous as could be? Staring at the herb, which shone in the light, he couldn't help but think of a phrase often used in this situations. Heaven? Or Hell? Climbing up the tree he was currently standing near, it didn't even occur to him to approach on foot. The shrubbery was daunting enough from back here. He didn't want to see it up close. On one of the higher branches, he scouted out what he hoped would be a viable path.

Since the shrubs were too high for any kind of jumping, he instead opted to go for the high route. Hopefully, the branches that made up the canopy would be thick and sturdy enough to support his weight. While there were several that fit the bill, they didn't quite interlock with the branches to the tree he actually wanted to be near. Well, high ground was better than low ground. Jumping up and balancing on the branch, he moved forward and carefully gauged the branches sturdiness the further out he got. It was a given that if he went too far, it would snap under his feet. Once he went as far as he dared, Usio mentally checked the distance and channeled chakra to his legs, leaping forward in an attempt to reach the tree safely.

(Active Hunting, Marn Herb)

SPOILER: Click to show

Two low charges to jump six meters

[Yox]

The boy was taking the initiative. It seemed a simple obstacle would not stray the boy off his goal. It was good that he had this eagerness within him, he must've been a true herb enthusiast. He was also right to assume that the tree would be able to hold his weight. The branch would sustain his movement across it, and allow him to travel along the tree line above the ground below. The oomph he put behind his jump would also allow him to grasp onto the opposing tree.

At last the boy was at a certain angle to which he could access the marn plant below. However, from closer inspection, it wouldn't be as easy. The shrubs were quite dense, and even though the grey plant stuck out like a sore thumb, it was still heavily enshrouded with the shrubbery. Would he take the plunge into the middle of it in an attempt to acquire this herb? Once down there, he would also have a bit of an issue getting back out.

There was also the fact of the body-numbing poison that dripped off the thorns on these shrubs. It was important for him to pay as much attention as possible. One wrong step, one accidental fall, and he could be struck by these thorns. Once struck, he would be unable to move and would remain helpless within the forest alone. There was even the chance that he would never be found again! So many things could go wrong, but then again was it worth it?

Plan your moves.

[/justify]

[Kildred]

Usio gazed down longingly at the herb. The shrubs hadn't looked threatening before, but up close, he could see several barbs that he swore he saw in a book about poisons once. Dropping in there was not going to be pleasant. Bringing his pack around to his stomach, he sifted through the various items and tried to come up with a plan. This was a lot more work than he anticipated gathering would be. Grabbing two things he thought would be handy, he looked down and tried to guess the distance. It shouldn't be too high, so everything should work out fine. Still, this was far more chakra use than he wanted to give a single herb. Friggin' forest.

Closing the pack and setting it to his hip once more, he flew through some handseals and watched his kunai float up beside him. As it dropped down, he moved to have it cut through the stem of the herb. It did just that, but shot off into the forest. "Oh, son of a-!" Sighing, Usio moved to his next plan. Grabbing the ninja wire, he hung it down from the branch and waited until it was as near straight as it could be. Pouring his chakra into the wire, it became rigid. He maneuvared the wire towards the downed herb and pierced it through the stamen. Once finished, he relinquished just a bit of his chakra and quickly reinforced it. The end should have had enough time to slacken and then become taut once again, turning the wire into a fishing hook of sorts. Pulling it up, he hoped he hadn't done anything to butcher the parts he needed.

SPOILER: Click to show

Soushuuha (Manipulate Advancing Blades)
Rank: Cx3
Type: Supplementary / Offensive.
Range: 0 – 10 meters.
Handseals: Yes.
Chakra: Low.
Special: When first learned, the user can control up to 5 projectiles/secondary weapons and send them flying up to 10 meters. However, each time re-trained, their control number goes up by 5. For every 20 projectiles the user can control, consumption goes up one rank.
Description: Soushuuha is a ninjutsu technique used in order to give aerial projectiles a slight edge in combat. After the needed handseals, this technique allows the user to hover multiple projectiles, like kunai, in the air while they approach a target. They can then unleash a torrent of projectiles much faster than if each was thrown individually.
Domain: Universal Ninjutsu.

Ayatsuito no Jutsu (String Reeling Technique)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Low - Very High
Special: Adds chakra strength to the ninja wire equal to the highest rank learned. Makes the strings unbreakable by techniques lower than the rank learned.
Description: Ayatsuito no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilizing wire. This string can be used in rappeling, or as a method to tie down and restrict the movement of an opponent. The Uchiha clan also utilizes the wire in their Sharingan Soufuusha Sannotachi technique. The wire allows the clan member to pin down an opponent, and then unleash a torrent of fire upon them. This is just one of many ways, however, that the string can be made useful - as long as the user is in control of their string, they shall be sending special chakra that reinforces it, making it almost unbreakable.
Domain: Universal Ninjutsu.

Total chakra use so far = 1 High

[Yox]

Success! The boys commitment to the search and his ability to cope with the environment had granted him with his prize. The single marn plant slid up with his wire, and would soon be in his grasp after he reeled it in. He had acquired two marn plants thus far throughout his scour of the land. How many more would he want before the day had closed out? It was ideal that he didn't remain in the forest when the sun went down, it became a dangerous place.

Nevertheless, if the boy wished to continue his search for more herbs amongst the plant-life in the forest, then he would eventually find what he was looking for. The good thing about the marn plant was that it was so common that it could be found almost everywhere across the forest floor. There were many plants still remaining out there in the wilderness, waiting to be found by herb enthusiasts like our boy in this scenario.

Continue.

[Kildred]

Placing the intact plant within his pouch, Usio leaned back against the trunk of the tree and rested for a few seconds. Gathering plants was supposed to be some kind of boring, monotonous task. Yet here he was, burning chakra up to obtain just one herb! Sighing, he looked up into the sky through the branches and leaves. There was still some daylight left, and rather than spend it searching for a more desirable herb, he figured he'd try to grab one last Marn and call it a day. Besides, the ones that were more plentiful were better for a fresh herbalist to experiment with anyway. All the book knowledge in the world couldn't compare with hands-on experience.

Typing the wire in a taught knot around his last remaining kunai, he swung it in an arc and latched it around a tree. Tightening it with his jutsu, he swung free of the dangerous bushes and landed on the solid earth again, slipping a bit before regaining his balance. Slackening the rope, he retrieved both items and lamented his one lost kunai. That was going to be another expenditure unless he could find it amongst the forest floor, and what were the odds of that? Placing the items pack into their respective pockets, he moved to resume his search for another Marn herb. Walking at a steady pace, he left the area and soon came across what seemed to be a drab, uninteresting part of the forest. Uninteresting didn't mean useless, however. Shifting his eyes back and forth, he looked for signs of the tall, grey plant.

(Active searching, Marn herb)

SPOILER: Click to show

Ayatsuito no Jutsu (String Reeling Technique)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Ninjutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No.
Chakra: Low - Very High
Special: Adds chakra strength to the ninja wire equal to the highest rank learned. Makes the strings unbreakable by techniques lower than the rank learned.
Description: Ayatsuito no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique utilizing wire. This string can be used in rappeling, or as a method to tie down and restrict the movement of an opponent. The Uchiha clan also utilizes the wire in their Sharingan Soufuusha Sannotachi technique. The wire allows the clan member to pin down an opponent, and then unleash a torrent of fire upon them. This is just one of many ways, however, that the string can be made useful - as long as the user is in control of their string, they shall be sending special chakra that reinforces it, making it almost unbreakable.
Domain: Universal Ninjutsu.

Total chakra use so far = 1 High, 1 low

[Yox]

The sun was beginning to set and with that came the darkness of night. Creatures of the forest came out of this time, many of them hunting for their prey. It would be best that the boy finished his search quickly. Sure, he had one more plant to find. But if he couldn't do it in time, perhaps he would come across one of these forest creatures. They of course did not take intruders to their habitat likely. He was best to keep careful with where he stood.

The new area of the forest was different from the last he had been in. From what he would have experienced before, this new area would be a lot more appealing. The muddy and sloppy ground of the previous area was replaced by luscious forest floors of grass. Little flowers were placed in groups around the place, emitting a pink colour and a very lively atmosphere. Within the middle of the forest area stood the single marn plant. Though it did not stand alone.

Circling the plant around its base were smaller plants with an open top. The plants slowly expanded and contracted as if they were alive. From a closer glance, they were emitting a powder of some sorts with each puff. No doubt if the boy was to come in range of the plant in an attempt to grasp it and yank it out, these spores would effect him. But who knew what these spores truly did? They could do nothing for all he knew.

Yet it was important that he did not underestimate the forest. The scenery was beautiful. But with beauty, came deception. It was important for every herbalist to remain in control of the environment around them. It couldn't be trusted. There were many stories of herbalists entering the forest never to return again. You had to be ready for anything out here. Whether that had been for a mountain lion or a mere plant emitting spores, you just had to be prepared.

[/justify]

[Kildred]

Usio glanced above him, a scarlet hue coming over the sky. He only had maybe an hour left before it'd be too dangerous to stick around. This new area he had come across was far more inviting, which put him on edge. While everything was pretty and nice, it begged the question of what else might be nearby. Near the center of this area was a third Marn plant, though much like it's predecessor, it was in a precarious situation. Surrounded on all sides by some flowers that seemed to emit a fine powder, he had to ask himself why an herb that was so easy to find was so hard to obtain. Standing a ways away, he checked over his inventory and ran through some more seals.

A rock clone emerged from the ground next to him, walking over and pressing past the flowers. Made up of stone with no biological functions, it would likely be unaffected by any substance the flowers were giving off. The clone moved to carefully extract the plant from the ground and bring it back towards Usio. As it did so, he was fitting his breath mask over his head. The clone may be unaffected, but those spores could still be all over the thing. He didn't want to take any chances. Clicking the clasp behind his head, he waited for the clone to put down the herb and dissipate. Wrapping the cloth of his ninja rope around his hand, he picked up the herb and moved to put it within his satchel. Hopefully, nothing would be hindering him from whatever those flowers were giving off.

(Active hunting, Marn herb)

SPOILER: Click to show

Iwa Bunshin (Rock Clone Technique)
Rank: Cx5
Type: Supplementary / Doton Ninjutsu
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'.

Chakra used so far - 1 High, 1 Mid, 1 Low