Waiting and Watching

[~Mifune~]

Swaying winds rocked the leaves around me. It took me awhile to find a spot comfortable enough for me to read in peace. This tree provided the perfect amount of shade, and its sturdy branches easily supported my weight. The weather today had been surprisingly mild given the past forecasts: Storms, storms, and more storms.Today, it was humid with a light fog swooping over the ground below. It was a typical day in Kirigakure. A deep sigh is muffled by my mask, as I close my book and abandon the thought of finishing it today. It seems like nothing excites me any more, and as things stand now, I'm very much considering abandoning my dream.

"There is no way I can leave behind a truly meaningful legacy with the strength I have now."

I swing my legs across the bark of the my sturdy resting place, and drop to the ground. there was nothing for me here. So I'm faced with two options: find something to fuck up, or do missions. Personally, the thought of going on any boring ass C or D ranked mission was enough to make me gag under my mask, but everyone had to start somewhere. I had been trained by my uncle in how to be a proper ninja, however I was still forced to start at the very bottom and claw my way up.

"My life sucks."

Looks like I'm going for the second option: fucking shit up.

[KEITH]

Like a demon, I made my way through Kirigakure with a fair gait, though one to me may have been one that would easily surpass most others within the village, looking for something or someone to sink my fangs into. I gracefully leaped from building to building through the village, my eyes watched the villagers of Kirigakure doing their casual work, and it was nothing new to see, besides the weather changes. Yellowish-gold orbs would move from the people who I had viewed below me up to the sky above, noticing that there didn’t seem to be a storm coming today, it was a good thing. Upon my travel, I would come across one of the many park areas within the village, taking to the trees and moving silently through them, eager to find someone whose life I could take a bit into.

Not before long, my orbs would sat upon a young man not too far away from where I was, sitting upon a tree, and as I neared him, he would leap down from it. Still, I continued to remain silent, I wanted the element of surprise upon my side, and training within Kirigakure for so long like I have. One had needed such a skill if one where to survive a fight to the death with a shinobi from Kirigakure, especially it’s ruthless Nukenin. Within the many tree’s that had been around the boy, I moved to one that was closest by him, but to his flank.

Chakra gathered within my hands and feet allowed me to silently perform flips down the tree, moving from my hands to feet, until my feet touched the soil that was covered with grass. I leaned back against the tree and crossed my arms, hearing the words of the boy cut through the air. A smirk had curled upon my lips, and I knew that this demon—myself, couldn’t have found a better person to bit.

“I’m sure you just haven’t found the right ingredients to make your life the right way—the way you want it.”

[~Mifune~]

A sudden voice from behind me set off reflexes honed through years of practice. Locks of my smoke-like hair swished in front of my face as I spun on my heels to face there speaker. My hand had raised towards my side searching for my ninjato, but it would be left empty. Shit... I truly didn't think I would be put in a position like this in my own village.

The speaker was a strange sight, much stranger than any ninja I had seen around the village. Jet black hair with pupil-less eyes, yeah... something doesn't seem right with this guy. Physically he towered over me, but more than that, he had a build that suggested he had much experience in battle. His stare mimicked that of a predator looking down on a new toy, and I'll be damned if I would let this guy toy with me.

Somewhere in my head I was regretting only having my wakizashi stashed at my side. If this man did have any sinister intentions, I cant lie and say I would stand much of a chance. My mind raced with many possibilities in only a matter of seconds, but in the end I was faced with only one option; flee. But first, I had to know why he had not already attacked. Before nestling in to read I made sure to secure the surrounding area. So how did he slip by perfectly unnoticed? His words finally processed in my brain for the first time since I heard them. Ingredients to make my life what I want? The hell does that mean? There were too many question that would be left unanswered if I left now. So I relaxed and decided to find out for myself

"What do you know of me?"

[KEITH]

I mused as I seen his quick reactions, it seems that my stealthful entry had been effective after all, though if I had been a real enemy, that would have been bad for the young man. He turned toward me and reached for a weapon, though to his surprise, read based upon his expressions, what he wanted wasn’t with him, so he would have to opt for another. An unprepared shinobi? This guy must’ve not cared much for his life, especially if he had depended upon his weapons and they were not upon his person. I continue to replace against the tree, my arms were folded and my smirk stayed there. I watched the boy, wondering if he would chose to flee, but if he did, he wouldn’t have been able to receive the knowledge I was going to bestow upon him.

It would also make him a coward in my eyes, I hadn’t performed any hostile actions or acted hostile in any way that would justify him drawing his weapon and attacking, or simply fleeing. Especially when one was within their own village, he needed to relax up a bit, I never thought of bringing harm to a fellow Kiri-nin. Especially one who’s potential is unknown and might be of great use to the village in one way or another. These were things that I had taken upon myself to do, Akira, my brother, was too busy with his Kage busy for these kinds of things.

Being his right hand, I would share his duties of the village with himself, and get to know all of the shinobi within the village that I could, so that I was able to utilize them when needed. But, back to the matter at hand, I needed to learn more about this boy whose life is apparently on the wrong path.

“Well, nothing yet of course. But, I can help you live a much more exciting lifestyle if you want. You must still be a Genin, no? You aren’t able to go on any of the higher ranking missions. If you are strong enough and up to the task, I could take you on one.”

I continued to watch him, looking deeply into his eyes, I wanted to pierce through his corporal body and into his spiritual one. I wanted to see what kind of man he would become one day, as long as he had been taken upon the right path. If I took him under my wing, I couldn’t promise that he could become the greatest shinobi ever, or at least the strongest in the village. But I could show him what lay beyond those lower ranking missions he took, if he dared to take a chance.

[~Mifune~]

I'm glad I had my mask on, because my jaw had dropped. How convenient that this man would offer me the chance of a lifetime for no apparent reason. Yeah.. too fucking convenient. His piercing stare only worsened my suspicion. In all fairness I had not known the man for too long, so I could be judging him with an unfair bias, then again, my uncle had taught me to be suspicious of these offers. Well, he had taught me to be suspicious of anyone, friend or foe. It was part of the reason I had survived many of my life's perils.

The stranger's offer floated in my head. I'm sure by now my silence was causing him some sort of enjoyment. Yeah, he seems like that type of guy. Something about him gave him away as a zealot, and a potential danger to those who oppose him. Did a man like this exist in my village? Why had I not seen him until now? I admit, my tendency to avoid others did hinder me socially, but I had always been the type to watch and listen, and yet, this man was never mentioned. that could only mean one thing; he was one of Kirigakure's higher-ups.

"That's a real tempting offer you know? Can you really promise that?"

Taking this man's offer was my only chance to advance in the shinobi world at the moment. I will become a powerful shinobi, and I will do anything to obtain the strength to do so, even if it means keeping suspicious company.

[KEITH]

The yellowish-gold orbs that had once settled upon the young man before had now been sealed away, behind my eye lids as I dived into an even further state of relaxing. I inhaled and exhaled deeply, I could feel the chilly air of Kirigakure touching my face and gently moving across it as a gentle breeze went by. It was something I hardly got to enjoy because of me always being a busy body and getting my hands into some sort of business, whether it had gotten my hands dirty or not. Before I would open my eyes, I thought over the boys words once more, and of course, I knew my answer.

But, did he really think it was going to just be that easy? Of course it wouldn’t. Especially if I am the one who’s pulling the strings.

“Of course I can promise that. But, let’s not jump too far ahead of ourselves. I said if you’re strong enough, remember? How can you show me that you are capable of handling the higher ranking missions? They are reserved for those with a higher rank for a reason.”

My eyes would open back upon him with the ending of my speech, the stare returned. What just was this boy’s talent? Kirigakure shinobi are really talented after all, with the most elite shinobi in the world, of course he could show me something cool that he possesses. Like some sort of a unique skill, and how he could utilize it properly in battle.

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[~Mifune~]

Oh come on! This guy wanted a test of strength? Right here? In the middle of the village? I shuffled uncomfortably for a moment, letting the stranger know I was not content with the idea. I mean, it was one thing to trust an unknown ninja, but it was another to give away precious battle techniques and talents in a meaningless fight like this. However, I was not the one in control hear, he was. As sickening as it may be, I would have to go along with this petty showcase of talent.

Three hand seals¹were forged fluently as I drew my blade and placed a small shiki on its hilt. Now prepared for whatever trials may come ahead, I looked towards the stranger turned opponent, and with a glare matching his own, waved for him to begin his test.

"Whenever your ready."

SPOILER: Click to show

¹ Hiraishin Shiki-Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique Formula)
Rank: SS
Range: -
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 3
Chakra Consumption: High
Hiraishin, the seal which allows its owner the unique ability to literally cross space and time and teleport to it. Able to be placed on anything, from parchment, paper and weapons, to actual people, this legendary teleportation skill is surpassed by none. It''s easy - by creating a destination marker, or 'technique formula', the owner of the shiki can detect its signal from anywhere in the world, so that they may have the option of warping to it.

Note: The Hiraishin seal cannot be removed by 'Gogyou Kaiin' (Five Elements Unseal), or any other 'unsealing' method; the only legitimate way to 'deal' with it is by destroying the very surface it is placed on, or by killing the owner. User can 'feel' the surface which has seal placed on it, including if/when it is moved, and whether any form of contact has been established with it. The time in which the user is notified of any changes is instant. Once placed, the seal will remain visible for all to see. Users can visit a shiki multiple times, until it is either removed by the user or destroyed.

Original Chakra: 1 massive , 2x High

Current Chakra: 1 massive, 1High

[KEITH]

It seems as the boy had wanted to showcase his skills through the method of combat, it was surely the quickest way to handle things. But, unfortunately, I was above putting my hands on Kiri-nin who would still have held the Genin title, so this wouldn’t necessarily be a spar. Though, I felt it was better to not tell him that, he needed to remain upon his guard at all times, like a shinobi should. I watched him formulate a few seals before retrieving his blade from his waist, and I tried to think of what he could do or was going to do.

Hopefully something interesting, he had to live up to all the other talented shinobi expectations, especially my own. Without much more to say, I would smile playfully, before flickering away in a burst of speed. The natural speed difference between me and the young man had to be great. I was a veteran shinobi, who had been putting himself through intense training methods for years to hone my physical body into a masterpiece. I dedicated my body to physical training, and every time my body was put to the test against another’s, it would always come through for me like I hoped.

Almost instantaneously after I flickered away, I reappeared on top of a tree that was [3] meters away and behind the original tree I leaned against. I wondered if the boy would be able to keep up with me and my speed.

“Come and show me what you got, young man!”

I had spoken in a taunting voice, trying to draw the boy to come after me; he would have to if he wanted to prove to me he had the skills for the higher ranking mission. So, the real point of this was to try to infuriate him, to drive him to the point where he is consumed by rage. Depending on how he responds will determine how far away from the moment I actually am.

---

Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique)
Rank: D
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: -
Chakra Consumption: Low
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 - 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. However, while a high-speed movement, if used in broad daylight, one will still be quite visible and as such, easier to be defended against. In order to achieve maximum effect, the user must to combine it with a distraction.

Note: Despite popular belief, this is not an ability that allows an individual to teleport, or even move incomprehensibly fast. It simply combines high mobility with some disruption of visibility to conceal those movements. That in mind, if you can conceal your movement, it is common for this technique to allow very long-distance dashes before enemies may notice you.

CHAKRA CONSUMED: x1 Low
CHAKRA RESERVES: x5 Massives, x3 Highs, x2 Mids, x1 Low

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[~Mifune~]

My eyes remained locked on my new opponent, but in an instant he was gone. I blinked rapidly and quickly searched my surroundings in an attempt to locate him once again. His words echoed from a tree behind his original location. It was a short distance covered, but his spontaneous disappearance had caused me to stir a bit.

He was fast, but I could move faster. I spun my blade gently in my hand before tossing it, with extreme speed, into a tree just 8 meters away from where he stood. I sped off towards him ¹ moving at a speed near what he had demonstrated earlier. When I was near him, my weight shifted in my hips as I launched a kick.

I stayed cautious mentally, knowing that if things got too hectic I had secured myself an escape route, and a alternate means of attack.However, judging by this man's previous actions, he meant me no serious harm. I would try to push the man back to the area I had abandoned my blade, then I would show him something worthy of his attention.

SPOILER: Click to show

¹Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique)
Rank: D
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: -
Chakra Consumption: Low
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 - 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. However, while a high-speed movement, if used in broad daylight, one will still be quite visible and as such, easier to be defended against. In order to achieve maximum effect, the user must to combine it with a distraction.

Note: Despite popular belief, this is not an ability that allows an individual to teleport, or even move incomprehensibly fast. It simply combines high mobility with some disruption of visibility to conceal those movements. That in mind, if you can conceal your movement, it is common for this technique to allow very long-distance dashes before enemies may notice you.

Chakra Remaining: 1 massive ,3 mid , 1low

[KEITH]

I made sure I watched every move of the young man’s carefully, knowing that anyone could get the upper hand against any opponent if something went unwatched and carefully monitored. My eyes quickly shifted from where the blade had been thrown to back to him, I wondered why he would have performed such a seemingly pointless attack. But, I couldn’t allow my mind to be clouded by such trivial thoughts at the moment; I had to pay attention to the matter at hand. What type of technique did this boy possess, was it speed based Taijutsu, or close range Ninjutsu?

I didn’t understand his reason for trying to close the distance, without being prepared for what I was capable of. Maybe he’s just that bold with an enormous pair, or he is an utter fool. I watched his movements carefully, and as a master of hand to hand combat myself, I would be able to predict his amateur moves by the slightest movements in his form. I could see his kick coming from a mile away (you didn’t state which leg you kicked with or what type of kick), and it would have been a right roundhouse kick to my left temple.

I easily and quickly dipped under the over-going kick, and placed my left hand upon the bottom of his thigh while the other hand upon his inner left thigh. In one fluent motion, without creating any sort of pause in my movement after ducking, I would attempt to flip the boy off of his feet, destroying his balance with the twist I would have given him. If he attempted to land back onto the trees’ branch, I would follow up with a quick sweep kick with my right foot. If all had connected, the young male would tumble down from the tree branch, if not, I would stay alert and loose for his next attack.

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[~Mifune~]

In an instant I found myself twisting in the air. This man had managed to easily deflect my kick, which only confirmed my suspicions of him being an incredibly skilled ninja. With my balance and momentum both lost, I shifted my body weight yet again, towards the sturdy bark underneath me. The minute my foot managed to hit the branch, the man followed up his assault with a quick and powerful sweeping kick, once again destroying my balance.

I knew my first impression of this man had been the correct one. His movements and techniques gave him away as man experienced in hand to hand combat, a skill I had only recently found a niche` in. For now, it was wise to keep a distance, and show him a small sample of my potential. I knew if he was serious about his offer, he would want proof that I could hold my own without his constant supervision.

Now falling towards the grassy earth below me, I once again struggled to regain myself. While shirking and shifting in the air, attempting to kick back into control of my balance, I began forming more hand seals, 2 in total. The minute my feet hit the ground, just 3 meters from where the man stood, my own shadow sprang to life, and began to rapidly slither up through the shade of the tree and towards the man's own shadow. When contact was made, this man would become my puppet.¹

Once again the extensive training my uncle made me suffer through would bear fruit. I was only another 5 meters away from my wakizashi and my shiki, my escape route was still secured. I smiled under my mask, thinking that my escape would not be necessary.

SPOILER: Click to show

¹Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 2
Chakra Consumption: Mid per target
Kage Mane no Jutsu is a Ninjutsu technique developed by the Nara clan. Its original purpose was as a skill to help delay any pursuers. After forming the needed hand seals, the clan member is able to manipulate their shadow along any surface. By using other nearby shadows they can further extend the reach of their shadow; however, they are limited to the surface area of the original cast shadow. Once the clan members shadow reaches the target shadow, it will attach itself. While attached, the target will be frozen, only able to replicate in mirror form the actions of the clan member. If the clan member is low on chakra, the Kage Mane will falter and the shadow will return to its normal form.

Note: The duration of Kage Mane depends on the Ninja's rank. At Genin, the duration is 1 full turn. At Chuunin, the duration is 2 full turns. At Jounin, the duration is three full turns. Keep in mind that a full turn constitutes the end of the caster's next turn. Like the Yamanaka technique, once you’re caught, you’re caught. This technique can be overpowered by a drastic release of chakra, such as the Gates or a Bijuu.

MASTERY

Tier One –Chakra Sleuth: After reaching a certain stage in their training, all the hard-work and skill the Nara clansmen has put into perfecting their craft has paid-off. This has allowed them a better understanding of molding their chakra when creating shadows. Because of this, the user has doubled the duration of kage mane at all ranks.

Tier Two –Silhouette Extension: A clansmen’s ‘Shadow Imitation’ is their supreme weapon when in combat. Through an unmatched natural talent in their hijutsu, the clansmen has now further mastered their control over their own shadow, and the shadow others. The user is now significantly increased the range of all their hijutsu to Far (10m+), with their maximum range being twenty-five meters.

Chakra Remaining: 1 massive, 2 Mid, 1 low

[KEITH]

I carefully watched as the boy had begun to fall from the trees down toward the ground below. I watched as he would work his hands, formulating a few hand seals to use. I waited and watched what would transpire after he completed his few seals, and within a few seconds, I had known. Kage Mane no Jutsu? I thought to myself, this would reveal to me that this boy was of the Nara clan which held from Konoha, originally.

A village I was from about fifteen years ago, meaning now, Ninjutsu-wise, I would know of some of his techniques he might have in store. I began to build up my own chakra immediately¹ after finding out that I couldn't move. I wonder if the boy was ready for what I had in store for him. It was time to go offensive.

---

___¹

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[~Mifune~]

"Gotcha!"

A broad smile spread across my face. I knew I had not truly captured him, that if he wanted to he could easily break free through some unknown technique, but the fact that he didn't hinted that he wanted to see more from me. Had I not satisfied him? Had this brief display not shown him that I could handle my own? Fine then, if more was needed, he would get more. I needed him to keep his word. I needed this oppurtunity.

I turned to my right, and mused knowing he would do the same. Raising my right hand, I took my index finger and drew it across my throat, imitating a throat slitting motion. Next I whipped my head back, and slammed it into the air, knowing that this mysterious stranger would be smashing his head, with extreme force, into the bark of the tree he stood on. This would be repeated two more times.

SPOILER: Click to show

.....

[KEITH]

With my chakra still swelling up within, all I could do at the moment was be subjugated by the young man’s technique. It was pretty difficult to deal with, maybe if he had been of a stronger shinobi, like Akira. He could have easily broken out of such a technique, but someone like me just needed a bit of time before I was able to do such a thing. My body mimicked his movements, as if we were performing some type of synchronized choreography.

Once he would turned to his right, I would have had no choice but to do so myself. At the same time, I started to realize that this boy may have just had some sort of talent, being able to keep up this long with myself. Though, unfortunately for him, he wouldn’t be able to subdue a veteran shinobi like myself with such skills, but perhaps he could handle those high-ranking missions. Only time would be able to give me the answer I had wanted, if I was making the right choice or not.

By the time our right hand would have rose and slipped across our neck, my chakra had reached the point which I needed it to be for me to escape this technique. I was a bit disappointed in the fact that the boy decided to play around when I was captured, he could have forced me into submission, and I would have had no choice but to live up to my word. But, alas, it was just a mere demonstration, perhaps if I had been a real enemy he would have made quick work of me.

Next I whipped my head back, and slammed it into the air, knowing that this mysterious stranger would be smashing his head, with extreme force, into the bark of the tree he stood on.

As the young man had begun to move his head back, my chakra had overpowered his control upon me, breaking me free of his Kage Mane technique. Not only had I been broken free of his imprisonment, but I had received a substantial boost in speed and power, allowing me to move quicker than the boy could react or even pass a single command throughout his system. With my new found power, I would almost instantaneously cover the distance between me and the boy. While still in the motion of moving his head backwards toward the air, he same motion which would have bashed my head into the tree behind me.

The distance I had swiftly covered was nothing, I landed before the boy, pivoting on my left foot before curving around to the boy’s flank gracefully, catching his head within my own right palm—halting his movements.

“Cool.”

He hadn't said a word more, leaving everything at that. With that, his test of the boy was done, he had seen everything he had needed to see for the time being, and patted the young man's head, signaling him that he could stop where he was. After releasing him from my grasp, the chakra I had gathered dissipated from my being, allowing me chakra to return to normal levels.

“That settles it, kid. Whenever you are ready, we can head out on a mission. But before that, we should probably get better acquainted; my name is Masanari Yokumaru, Shinobi Gashira of Kirigakure.”

---

Tomon (Gate of Closing)
Rank: A
Range: -
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: -
Chakra Consumption: High to activate, High to sustain
Located within the abdomen, the fifth gate, the Gate of Closing, further's the body's destructive potential, evident by a more intense shade of red taking the user over, as well as a powerful aura that flows all around them. Typical shinobi simply cannot comprehend the user's movements past this point, and are often struck before they even realize what has happened. Those possessing the aforementioned dojutsu (Sharingan and Byakugan) can rarely catch a glimpse of the user's movements, though nothing more of a muddled blur and hardly coming in use for anything battle related. The environment itself takes a brutal beating from even the faintest of the user's movements, often causing massive explosions of dust and debris to spew in every which direction. This gate causes severe trauma to the user's body, as both their muscle tissue and skeletal structure are heavily damaged from the strain this gate causes.

Due to the intense flow of chakra released by opening this gate, the user is capable of immediately disrupting any and all genjutsu of b-rank and lower. This gate grants the user increased feats of strength and speed, roughly x6 that of your average shinobi. Upon deactivating this gate, the user will suffer a "fatigue" duration equivalent to the total time the gate's effects were active. During this fatigued period, the player will be unable to use any form of taijutsu. Once the fatigued period is finished, they will only be able to use c-ranked taijutsu and below for the remainder of the thread.

Note: The user must know Shoumon, the 4th Gate.

CHAKRA CONSUMED: x1 High
CHAKRA RESERVED: x5 Massives, x2 Highs, x2 Mids, x1 Low

[~Mifune~]

I barely had time to react as I swung my head forward. I hadn't even notice the firm hand placed on my forehead. My eyes widened in shock as I glanced to right to see the man next to me. I knew he could have easily broken out of my jutsu, but I did not suspect he could do it so fast. I quickly hid my surprise and fascination, and raised my head to face the man as he spoke.

[ “That settles it, kid. Whenever you are ready, we can head out on a mission. But before that, we should probably get better acquainted; my name is Masanari Yokumaru, Shinobi Gashira of Kirigakure.”]

Masanari Yokumaru, huh? That's a powerful name, and this man certainly lived up to it. I searched my mind for any information on him, and was left with only bits of information circulated around the village. Masanari Yokumaru- A powerful shinobi of extraordinary means, once a favored hand of our Mizukage, but now a recent example of his wrath. A smile came across my face, but was cleverly hidden under my mask. This man could certainly give me the challenge I've been looking for.

With my whole body now facing Yokumaru-sama, i outstretched my hand and spoke.

" Mifune Jin, but please just call me Mifune."