In the warm summer waters

[Nagato]

---

With every step, his body began to feel heavy. His eyes slowly shut before promptly re-opening. He had been on the road for days and his supplies were starting to dwindle. Still making his way west, Nagato stuck to the coast as it was an effective guide through the general area. Regardless of how tired he was, he remained alert, stopping to listen for any follows every so often. His body moved sluggishly through the grassy lands. Taking five more steps forward, Nagato swayed right, stumbling down toward the vast ocean.

The water spread far and wide, going as far as the eye could see. As he stumbled down, a wave of water ascended up the crescent, striking his warm and tender face. The sudden rush of the cold water awakened his body; he secured his footing in time as to not fall into the depths of the ocean. Tensing his right leg, he turned, climbing back up to the grass lands.

As he ascended up, he removed his bamboo hat, unsheathing his Chokuto before bringing his long navy hair out in front of his body. As he drew his hair forward, he used the sharp blade to cut the hair before tossing it into the ocean nearby. He repeated the process three times, the shorter his hair became, the more difficult the cut but it didn’t take long. In a matter of minutes, the long navy haired Shinobi suddenly changed. Hair style drastically affected his appearance, making him look like a whole new person.

The new look wouldn’t correspond to any images the village had of him so anyone possessing a Bingo Book would find it difficult if not impossible to identify him by appearance alone. Removing his gear, Nagato placed all of his equipment in the sand and dirt that shielded the tides from clambering up to the grass lands. Using his chokuto, he maneuvered some sand in front of his attire to ensure the water didn’t make its way up to the gear.

After that, he removed all of his clothing, while tentatively lining up twenty explosive tags in the ten meter radius. The tags were tucked away under a layer of grass. Those approaching from the south, west or east would have to cross the tags to approach Nagato. He placed ten tags covering the southern area and five diagonally going to the western area and five for the southern area. Upon conclusion, Nagato would dive into the cold waters of the ocean.

Feeling the cold of the water against the base of his skin awakened his nervous impulses. Thankfully, the sun was almost at peak for the day which meant that the temperature would only improve, allowing Nagato to tentatively warm up after washing the built up sand, dirt and hair from his body. Nagato never sunk his head into the water, allowing him to look over the makeshift barrier of dirt and sand that kept the sea at bay. Essentially he would aim to see any incoming strangers while tending to his hygienic needs.

[Hecatus]

Random Encounter Start--

The two oinin apprentices were rather fortunate. Despite their target having received a fair head start, it appeared as though their prey had gotten lazy while traversing the local roads. Word had gotten to the pair through civilian inquiry that a man fitting the exact description of their target had been spotted numerous times, heading west along the coast line. Geographically speaking, this was quite favorable for the pair as very little society of any degree existed in the direction Nagato was moving. It could be said that seven days’ worth of travel in any direction save East would not yield signs of civilization.

Moving with purpose in mind, the duo had easily caught up to the blue haired shinobi that had been spotted traversing the cleared, well beaten path in broad daylight. Their target meandered around a fifty meters ahead of where the pair concealed by the relatively tall grasslands remained. As they had suspected, their target had grown weary, pausing occasionally to listen for pursuers yet never stopping to turn and look. With this in mind, they’d simply retain an overly generous distance from the deserter (50 meters), keeping him in sight while tailing him as silently as possible from the rear. Between the two hunters rest thirty meters in distance.

What unfolded next seemed very promising. Their prey had stumbled onto the sandy beach near the coast line, only to revive himself and begin moving back towards the grassland. During this period, the closest Nagato had come to the pair was forty-two meters at best. Likewise, for the remainder of this period, they’d remain closely concealed to the ground without budging a muscle. More likely than not – the pair had gone unnoticed. They’d continue to retain their hidden positions without moving as the deserter performed his shoddy haircut, shallowly burrowed all his supplies and equipment six meters from the coast and stripped. Nagato then secured his surroundings using what appeared to be concealed exploding tags (seen via binoculars). The first twenty tags were placed parallel to the coast line and eight meters away (within this ten meter radius Nagato had mentally established for himself). These were then followed by an additional ten at angles running outward to the northern shore – enclosing his equipment in a trapezoid of tags.  His preparations were then tucked beneath a layer of uprooted grass.

With the missing nin now ten meters out into the water which rose to shoulder height, one of the two stalkers would continue to watch while concealed by the tall stalks of grass. The other one – still standing thirty meters to the left of his companion within the field of stalks as well, would stand while Nagato continued to bathe, visually announcing his presence to the young man. How would he respond to this individual?

[Nagato]

---

Palming the water from side to side, Nagato couldn’t help but notice a single individual in his peripherals. The mask that the individual in question wore was more than enough to put Nagato on edge. Nagato didn’t react to what he had seen, rather he slowly made his way to the shore, feeling the warm rays of the sun set on his skin. The water wasn’t too deep which allowed his 6ft 2 frame to casually walk from the depths of the sea.

As he made his way out of the sea, more and more of his body became warmer. He didn’t appear to be phased by the arrival of the individual. But keeping them figure in his peripherals, he was aware of the tasks that were undertaken by these individuals. The great nations called them the Hunter Shinobi. They pursued Missing Ninja which meant that they didn’t happen to miraculously stumble upon Nagatos location, They were following. For a brief moment, he cursed to himself for not noticing but he had been travelling for days on end with little to no rest.

That was the problem with travelling alone, you had to sleep with one eye open which wasn’t always the easiest of feats. Casually walking toward where he had buried his gear, Nagato remained alert for any Genjutsu that maybe cast upon him. The area around him consisted largely of sand, earth, water, none of which he had any control over. Having fought foes who put the aforementioned components into use, he was well aware of the elemental capabilities of the jutsu.

This was his first encounter with Hunter Shinobi. His first encounter since leaving the village; while a member of Kumogakure, he took time to read up on the affairs of the common world. The roles that each organization played in the world and quiet frankly, hunter shinobi was among the most distasteful professions that one could have chosen.

Approaching the area where he had stored his attire, he manouvered his hands out of sight forming five prompt hand seals. Nagato would then begin by equipping himself with a single Chokuto. He held the weapon by the sheath and of course, the blade was still sheathed. Using his right hand he pulled his robe from under the plethora of metal constructs. Having no time to put any other clothing on, he simply threw the robe around his back, covering his naked rear end.

As he made his way up toward the grass, positioning himself on the left side of where his explosives tags had laid. His toned abdomen exposed, he faced ahead, before checking his right for any further hunter shinobi. “Odds have it that it’s not alone. They usually hunt in groups. The explosive tags should keep my rear and right covered. ”

Filling his lungs with air, Nagato turned and faced the one that had made thyself know. He’d motion his head, chin flicking the fellow speaking out…

“So-… what were the orders? They want me dead or alive?” his nonchalant voice would radiate across the surroundings, reaching the ears of the intended.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Jutsu Prepared}

Mekurumeku (Blind Flash)
Rank: C
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 5
Chakra Consumption: Low
A basic yet effective Raiton technique, the user focuses a bit of chakra all over their body, letting the lightning gather and then quickly exploding, effectively providing a blinding light that leaves all within the range blind. Useful for disorientation and quick get-aways.

[Hecatus]

There are three rules in the world of shinobi. The first two entail allegiance to one’s village and duty to seeing a mission through to completion. The third dictates loss of societal protection if either of the previous is broken. There’d be no hard feelings between the oinin and their prey, similar to how a lion weeps not for the gazelle in its maw. It was simply business – nothing more and nothing less.

No sooner had the deserter started making his way to the shore did the shinobi standing in plain sight act. With dedicated swiftness, six hand seals were promptly formed while safely out of harm’s reach. Upon completion of this jutsu with his prey having not yet reached the shore, two fireballs would be launched, not directly at the traitor himself but rather other things. If events unfolded as planned, these two orbs of flame would fire swiftly over the needed distance, precisely striking at two positions. The first was directed at the southern line of explosive tags, aiming directly for the center of the swath. The second was aimed directly at a neatly made pile of Nagato’s clothing.

Rather than waiting for confirmation of his attacks’ connections, the masked youth quickly re-concealed himself into the tall grasses, most likely vanishing from sight in his attempt to flee. The only confirmation he’d need was the sound marking the start of a terribly slow demise.

The most likely result of this assault would yield in a fiery explosion, supplemented by Nagato’s tags which had erupted upon ignition. A cacophony of booms would sound as sand was blasted high into the sky. The explosion would most likely result in a chain reaction, detonating the entire trapezoid of tags while simultaneously obliterating what little food, supplies and equipment the deserter formerly possessed. Likewise, should the second ball of flame connect, Nagato’s final articles of possession (his clothing) would be incinerated until nothing remained.

By the time the sand, dust and smoke had settled, Nagato would appear to be alone. Having just now reached the shore line, the young lad was more likely than not left without food, water and stood stark naked. Those watching eyes that had gone unnoticed and the ones that had been re-hidden among the terrain would continue to stalk their prey from an overly safe distance (50 meters and 65 meters respectively, both 30 meters apart from one another). The lion had been wounded. Though not a direct wound, it’d be one the beast would suffer for most grievously. The hunt had only just begun.

SPOILER: Click to show

Oinin Apprentice 1: Gouryuuka no Jutsu (Great Dragon Fire Technique) - 1 High

[Nagato]

---

“Shit” uttered Nagato as his eyes caught a brief glimpse of hand seals accompanied by roaring flames. Taking in little regard for the flames that were moving on a different trajectory to Nagatos body, he realized what the hunter ninja was planning. Nagatos eyes widened as the flames covered the great distance of over thirty meters in what appeared to be seconds. The initial ignition of the explosive tags, caused a gust of dust that began to spread. In the meantime, the flames that set his attire alight began to make quick work of Nagatos newly sown robe.

“I liked that fucking robe!”

Now out of the water, Nagato walked south east and jumped up the small hill landing on the ground level with the hunters last location, the new distance between Nagato and the previous location of the hunter would be around ten meters. His body completely exposed to the nature around him. It mattered not as Nagato was somewhat enraged at the actions of the individual in question. As Nagato made his way from the shore to the last general location of his foe, he formed four hand seals before moving his hands in a motion well known to archers. In his left hand, a bow of raw lightning formed and with his right, he drew back a newly formed arrow.

Closing the distance between him and the hunters last location, Nagato would remain alert. The instant a hunter shinobi appeared, Nagato would fire a precise shot toward the individuals’ torso. Naturally, the lightning arrow wound travel at breakneck pace toward the Hunter in question.

SPOILER: Click to show

Eshaku Raikou (Lightning Bow)
Rank: C
Range: Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
Type: Offensive
Handseals: 4
Chakra Consumption: Mid to cast, Miniscule per arrow
After performing the needed handseals, the user will wave both arms through the air, leaving Raiton chakra behind in the shape of bow and arrow. The lightning arrow can then be shot at an opponent and stun them from afar. By taking extra time to focus their energy, the arrow can be re-shaped for distance, rather than power.

170/160 Chakra remaining.

[Hecatus]

OOC: Correction – you should have two massives, so it’s out of 200 right? Also, the chakra drain was 40 due to already forming an arrow. It should be 160/200 if my math is right.

---

Upon seeing Nagato slowly proceed to the spotted shinobi’s last known location at a walking pace, the two oinin apprentices quickly retreated. Concealed by the hill their target was currently scaling, they’d safely scurry away at a hasted pace, ending yet another fifty meters away from the traitor (and twenty meters apart from each other) once he had leisurely reached his destination.

By this point, both the attackers had concealed themselves yet again behind the seemingly endless sea of grass while watching for Nagato’s next move. Given the name of this land (Land of Rice), their target would be hard pressed to find any real cover save for the stalks that danced before him. With that in mind, their presence had most likely gone unnoticed considering they had already established themselves by the time Nagato finally arrived at the top of the small slope due to his casual walking speed and the relative distance he had to cover.

Bow of lightning having formed in their prey’s hands, an arrow materialized, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately for Nagato, neither of his assailants budged a single inch. With immeasurable patience, they’d maintain a state of motionless as they’d simply watch and wait. This was a game the two were all too familiar with.

[Nagato]

---

“If I continue to follow them, I could fall into a trap. I’m completely exposed out here. Not really a lot to hide under bar the grass. Food and waters gone… all they have to do is wait me out… hmm”

Nagatos mind was filled with thoughts as his eyes scanned the battlefield. His fruitless endeavor brought distaste to his mouth, but he didn’t lower the lightning conjured bow and arrow. The long grass of the land of rice covered the vast majority of Nagatos body, effectively concealing him amid the greenery. Taking a few steps back, Nagato found himself back atop the sand. After all, they were instructed to capture the Missing Ninja so it was a matter of time before they came forth to complete their mission.

Shifting back, Nagato would proceed to make his way back to where his inflamed gear had laid. The way in which he moved toward the area would be rather unorthodox; he side stepped to his intended location as it allowed him to maintain a clear view of the whole area ahead of his body. Knowing that nothing would be able to approach him from the oceans without at least a sound, he would be able to see the grass ahead of him, the location of his gear as well as the last location of the hunter shinobi, all at a heads turn.

As he moved back, he couldn’t help but notice his robe, withering away to the elemental heat. The vast majority of his attire was scorched and destroyed; only small chucks remained. The fire didn’t spend long atop the sand before a wave crept in, putting out what remained of the small flames that were scattered across the beach. The chokuto were searing red, the hilt of one was molten while the other appeared somewhat intact albeit hot as hell. The blades would be of no use, the hilts of both of the metal constructs were severely damaged as they were composed of metal and rubber which aided grip on the hilt.

[Hecatus]

His position four meters from the shore (placing himself in a direct line between the coast line and where his gear formerly rested), Nagato would eventually come to stand on the sandy beach as a result of his slow paced retreat.

During the time it had taken for him to travel, his assailants waited patiently for him to descend over the small hill which blocked vision. Now both completely outside the reach of his view and hearing range, they would begin to take their own courses of action. The second shinobi (that had yet to reveal itself) would simply retain their position and respond as needed regarding Nagato’s next move. Between the gentle rustling of the grass whenever the wind blew and the dull crashing of waves against the coast (factored together with the sizeable distance between the two individuals), the four hand seals made would remain utterly silent to the enemy. As for what had occurred, the traitor most likely had no way of knowing.

The other oinin apprentice, who had made himself known earlier, would likewise follow suit (maintaining similar timing), forming three hand seals under the cover of nature’s gentle acoustics while remaining securely out of visual and hearing distance. Again, as for what had occurred, the traitor most likely had no way of knowing.

What followed next would be rather strange despite the innate dullness associated to it. Nagato would find himself left alone, with not a single sign indicating an attempt on his life save for the previous smoldering debris. What would he do now?

SPOILER: Click to show

Oinin Apprentice 1 - (3 handseals; mid)
Oinin Apprentice 2 - (4 handseals; low)

[Nagato]

---

ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

The arrow shot off from Nagatos bow as he approached the area where he had left his equipment. Elevating his body before discharge, the arrow flew through the tall grass, moving in a linear motion at rather rapid pace. The arrow essentially travelled in a straight line from Nagatos location, a few instances before he arrived at his pile of crap. As the arrow fired, the bow vanished from Nagatos hand and his hands flew briskly into three hand seals and he hopped forward as a clone formed in the exact same position where Nagato last stood. This was essentially because clones couldn’t displace the area around them so that was Nagatos job, just to add a bit of realism to the composition of chakra.

The instant the clone formed, Nagatos hands came together once more and in the blink of an eye he had transformed his body into the number of inanimate objects that had laid waste among the burned equipment. More specifically, Nagato transformed his body into a burned Chokuto; but naturally as there was a hill that separated him from the Hunters, they would have no knowledge of the shift. The Chokuto laid atop the sand while the clone rather simply eyed the equipment, awaiting the arrival of the so called predators.

As far as Nagato knew, he could be waiting hours, if not days. But he knew that they were out there and Hunter Shinobi weren't the time to end their pursuit for a target. To an extent you could think of them as the T-Rek of the Shinobi system, laying waste to any inferior being the instant the word 'Go' is uttered to them.

With the scenary set, Nagato only had to wait for the time to pass. And with that the minutes began to tick away.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Jutsu}
Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)
Rank: E
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 3
Chakra: Miniscule: Miniscule sustain per 2 turns

Henge no Jutsu is an Academy Ninjutsu technique. After performing a set of handseals, the user takes on the form of another object, whether it be an animal, plant, or inanimate object. This transformation is exactly like the genuine article, so it is impossible to tell the two apart without special methods.

Note: The user can transform themselves into an object of average, small, or miniature size. This means that one cannot Henge into a Bijuu, summon, or other gigantic object.

Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique)
Rank: E
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m)
Type: Supplementary
Handseals: 3
Chakra: Miniscule per 2 clones

Bunshin no Jutsu is an Academy Ninjutsu technique. After performing a set of handseals, the user creates an intangible copy of themselves. This clone has no substance, so it is not able to attack, and thus can only be used to confuse the enemy. It is mainly used in combination with other Ninjutsu. These clones can be easily distinguished by opponents with Doujutsu, but even opponents with normals eyes can tell tell it apart from the original if they are observant, as the clone does not have a shadow and will not disrupt the area around them with their movement. As soon as this clone comes in contact with an opponent or gets attacked, it will disperse.

Note: The clone's movement speed is equal to the user's. Bunshin cannot mold Chakra to perform jutsu, nor can they physically harm an opponent.

150 Chakra Remaining

[Hecatus]

OOC: You've already consumed 160/200 chakra. You just used two minuscules (because even if its two clones for 1 minuscule, the lowest we can go is 1 minuscule). Minuscule is 10 chakra each. You're now at 140/200. Seeing how your edit didn't move forward in time at all...

---

Nothing appears to have happened yet. A solid minute would pass if Nagato continued to remain inert.

SPOILER: Click to show

Oinin Apprentice 1 - minuscule
Oinin Apprentice 2 - minuscule

[Nagato]

---

Remaining ever alert, five minutes passed since Nagato assumed the position among his weaponry, awaiting for something to happen in the process. His clone suspiciously moved his head, glancing from place to place. He didn't grow tired of his waiting, but he knew that he couldn't wait forever, his chakra pool was diminishing with every coming second. Although he was prepared to wait for hours on end, the maintainance of the transformation jutsu would eventually bring him to a point where he wouldn't be able to mount an offensive should the hunters come forth.

[Hecatus]

Two minutes had passed since Nagato had seated himself upon the sandy shores of Ta no Kuni. Without warning, a devastating explosive blast erupted from the ground just below him. This in turn would probably envelop the traitor due to the blast radius being centered on his position and encompassing a fifteen meters radius about him. The most likely result would end with Nagato’s utter obliteration due to his carelessness.

Now how had it gotten to this point? During the time in which the youth had idled, one of his opponents had initially dove three meters underground and worked their way beneath their prey. Maintaining a safe enough depth to go unnoticed (and avoid upturning surface soil - approx 1 meter), he’d plant over forty explosive tags in such a fashion as to thoroughly cover a fifteen meter radius while getting as close to the surface as possible.

With this task done, he’d safely retreat while maintaining a similar depth in the ground as his prior approach. Falling back to his ally, who could still confirm Nagato’s unmoving presence, despite his change in shape, they’d proceed to swiftly detonate all the tags with a mercilessly cold resolve. (The second oinin apprentice would promptly end their jutsu just prior to the explosive blast.) That single hand seal would trigger what was most likely their target’s unknowing yet impending doom

It would be safe to say that Nagato himself was probably directly struck by at least ten tags simultaneously. Once the blast had settled, the pair would wait patiently, allowing the second of the two to confirm the lack of movement via the same four hand seals.

SPOILER: Click to show

Oinin Apprentice 1: 60 exploding tags consumed; 1 low (prior jutsu), 1 minusucle (Fuubaku Houjin (Exploding Seal Method Formation))
Oinin Apprentice 2: 1 minuscule (prior jutsu), 1 low

[Nagato]

(OOC Note - I’m going to have to make analysis based on details. You spread 40 explosive tags across a radius of 15 meters which gives us a circumference of 94.24 and some decimals. The aforementioned numeral is in meters. That allows for 1 explosive tag every 2.356 meters. Roughly eight feet apart and three feet deep; I don’t think they will have the explosive effect that you intended for them. As Shikamaru demonstrated in his fight with Hidan, the explosive tags don’t have a great range, two feet at best; hence why he could stand so close during their ignition. As far as I’m concerned and unless told otherwise, sure the rock underneath Nagato would crack and maybe concave but it wouldn’t blow him to smithereens as you implied. )


Nagato felt the ground beneath his body shake in wake of the explosions. However, being a rather instinctive individual, Nagato turned to the basic techniques that he was once taught. His mind was empty and the transformation was lifted as Nagatos body was replaced with a log in the poof of smoke. Five meters out of his last location, Nagato was in the depths of the fields. His predators so focused on the explosion itself that the instant the substitution was successful, Nagato channeled chakra through to his feet, whizzing off in a burst of speed.

Throughout the course of his journey south, he came to reflect on the one sided fight he had with his foes. Realizing now that he should have taken combat close range as oppose to attempting to handle the foes from a distance, Nagato shook his head. His naked body was touched by the summer breeze as he began on a journey to the Fire Country.

“Hmm I’ll have to disguise myself as a travelling merchant, if I’m not to get caught out.”

SPOILER: Click to show

Substitution
Body flicker
120 Chakra Remaining

[Exit Thread Unless Stopped]

[Hecatus]

OOC: You know... I was honestly hoping to god to see some sort of mindbogglingly creative escape - but this isn't it unfortunately. Alright. Let's learn this the hard way. First, please reference this thread: [x].

SPOILER: Click to show

Exploding Note
Rank: D
Type: Tool / Area of Effect
Special: 10 per pack
Description: The exploding note is a piece of parchment paper infused with special chakra, layered over with a special script on it that serves to enable and facilitate its explosive properties. Its execution is simple - the ninja can attach the note to another object such as a kunai or log, and upon activation, the note is set and begins either a slow countdown burn, which eventually results in a large explosion, or the explosion in itself upon command. The range is 0 to 5 meters.
Cost: 100 per Pack

The part I'm specifically quoting is "the range is 0 to 5 meters." That is more than enough to fully envelop you with substantiating force despite the depth placed at. Also, I placed 60 tags, if you look at the spoiler carefully. The text states "over forty" and is then clarified later in the same post. Unfortunately for you, what we see in Naruto isn't the go by but rather than the text we've established on the website.

That said - let's point out other flaws in your post. Where did this random log come from? We're on a coast line, surrounded with a "seemingly endless sea of grass." If I had to guess, I'd say that there wasn't anything readily available for you to switch with (at least within range if at all) because the explosive tags you placed earlier would have obliterated any chance of such a thing existing.

With all of this in mind... given the actual explosive force (which you sorely underestimated), its speed of occurrence (instant) and the lack of any warning sign... I'd beg to differ about this post you've just made. Let's go ahead and call some staff in to see what they think.

[Comatose]

[ - ADMINISTRATIVE - ]

Unfortunately Hecatus is correct. As has been explained time and time again to our the players in our roleplay things are not exactly as they are in Naruto. Some things may function differently to work correctly with our systems. Tags work as they are listed in the index, causing an explosion of zero to five meters (which in reality is far more realistic and sensical than two feet and may be something constantly 'itachi claused' in the show, as I can easily remember a few times where tags caused much bigger explosions than that). There is variance because there is always specific situation. This means you are most definitely caught in the explosion, pretty much no matter what.

As for the rest of everything, Hecatus is again correct. You accepted his description of the area and never modified it, never suggesting it was anything more than he said. This means there is nothing for you to substitute with. If you had for example, said at some point you came across a log, or that you had seen a fallen log, stump, or large rock, you could have used it in this instance.

The exact ramifications are somewhat obvious, as it's clear you would blow up. This is where the interesting bit of stats come in, determining how much damage you exactly would take. With no protectorates and "C" Ranked durability, its certain you would die or be critically wounded to the point where death would come without some form of immediate aid.

How it goes on from there is entirely up to Hecatus.