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However, while their previous plan had gone off without a single hitch, this was only the primary portion to their indecent mission. With five armed men having raided a total of twenty rural homesteads and murdering an untold amount of people, there would no doubt be repercussions soon to follow. With an array of other syndicates and groups attempting to control the Tetsu no Kuni underworld, they were prepared for a turf war that would no doubt ensue given the appropriate time. However, considering their alternative route, they had at least a few more hours before they could expect an enemy to rear his or her head, ready to be cut. However, as this route had shown the life of only the endless forest surrounding them, it would be all the more surprising to find what appeared to be a body at their vanguard.

The abrupt stop of their lead would create a domino effect. Each portion of the miniature caravan would cease, the reason still unknown. However, as the four men would stare at the point man, curious as to their abrupt hold, it would only be a matter of seconds before sharing in his vision. While they all held a fairly muscular build, it was the man in front that would appear to be the most decently sized. A heavy fur scarf would cover his mouth, hiding the obvious clenching of his teeth. A furrowed brow would slowly be revealed as his right hand would remove the thick hood of his coat. The dark knit cap would hide the short blonde hair that peeked out of the elastic cap's sides. While his sharp blue eyes would continue to stare, unspoken his first emotion would quickly take a grip over what he knew would be the appropriate action in this case. He was frightened. There had been no way for any of the Nichi Group's rivals to find them any time soon. However, if they could, it was a horrifying thought. His faith in his own resolve would begin to question itself as he gazed on at the utter mystery that lay before him. One of his hooded companions would bark out at him, attempting to overpower the sound of the wind at his ears.

"Who the hell is that?" He would shout with a grizzly tone, his expression hidden by his attire.

No more than thirty meters away from the caravan, the entire group of five would take notice to what appeared to be a man. While the distance would play tricks on their senses, it would appear to be only one man, standing in the middle of the abandoned road, his solitary grouping only successfully intimidating these men. However, it would be this inquisition that would sooth the point man somewhat. If his allies could see this man, that meant that he was real. If he was real, then they could kill him. The logic of his existence would no longer baffle the man, however one thing remained in question: The unanswered question of this man's identity. It was a possibility that he was sent from an opposing group to collect the spoils that these men had gathered just a few hours earlier. It was also possible that he might in fact be a samurai sent at the behest of the people of Tetsu no Kuni. He was an enigma within himself, his presence disabling these men for a short period of time. Though as they would continue to gaze at the man, they would come to realize that was not alone. While not joined by any reinforcements, it would be clear that he was one of two people. The sharp blue eyes would widen in shock as he would notice what appeared to be a body, unmoving and unresponsive laying at the foot of this man. No doubt, this was a case of murder, and that would make this man a threat; a threat that they could not afford to take lightly.

Apathetic arms would dangle in front of the miniature frame which carried the cloud of blue hair that was Kurai. His golden eyes stretching to the ends of their limits in an attempt to perceive his enemy, they would fall short of their goal. Despite the heavy clouds produced by the impending storm, there was still no lack of light, as the horrifying image of impending expiration would cloud the thoughts of the young shinobi. Eyes which had ferocity of a tiger would hide his emotion however. He had clouded his own fear with animosity. While his ever approaching pace would allow him a steady leap from boulder to boulder, it would appear his enemy would only grow larger, and more horrifying. The head, followed by the shoulders, the silhouette was completely debilitating, and ambiguous. However, the constant pounding which would send shivers down the spine of the mortal being, would only grow more intimidating as he would soon come to realize that this enemy was producing footsteps that would hope to shake the foundation of this very mountain. His inglorious size would only be accented by what appeared to be a small army behind him. It was clear that this behemoth was in fact flag bearer of this force. It was him that would serve to turn the tides of war. If the giant was defeated, it would prove to the lackeys which snailed behind him that this was a battle which would bear no fruit. Landing promptly on an overarching boulder, the eyes of the young man would quickly come to notice yet an additional anomaly. As his knees would bend, his palms grasping the smooth, sturdy exterior of the unnamed rock, he could take notice of the army of crows which would rapidly shorten the pace between themselves and the giant. Perhaps they were additional enemies, the odds of victory quickly collapsing in the favor of this simulation. Silently cursing to himself, he could not allow this mirage to overcome him. While the giant lay about fifty meters to the young man's forefront, it would allow him plenty of time to get within range to perform 'that' jutsu. However, he couldn't allow this ebony cloud to best him.

Quickly adjusting his eyesight back to the felled couple, he realized the possibility of another alignment. While he could not do much against these odds, he could at least discover his next move. However, considering the duo's proximity to the giant, it would be an incredibly precarious plan. However, it was the only plan that he had. Knowledge of the enemy constantly bests skill. And opportunity is granted from that knowledge. Grasping a quick inhale the shinobi would launch himself every closer to the shinobi and samurai, quickly shortening the distance between himself and the giant. However, as these crows would quickly pursue him, he would be forced to move at his absolute quickest. His hands grasping together once more to continue to complete the hand seals needed for his clan jutsu, he understood that this was going to be a battle that required the utmost showcase of one's abilities. He wasn't just fighting to stay alive, he was fighting to impress investors of Kumogakure. If they could see his ability to strive in a combat zone, they could see the fortitude of the Kumogakure training program.

Cutting through the air, he would quickly reach the couple, them not having been far from his initial landing zone. However, the closer he would approach them, leaping from rock to rock, the more that the stature of this beast would present itself. The looming shadow of an impossible enemy slowly paced towards him and his artificial allies. Even atop the giants head appeared to be someone. Spouting orders to what he could only assume to be the giant and his subordinates behind him, there was going to be an evident war, but... against what enemy? The trumpets would ring through the chill air of the mountaintop, but who was it that they were preparing to charge? The unrealistic forces marching down a peak towards an even further unseen enemy, it was curious. For that reason, Kurai couldn't afford the luxury of trusting these men. Reaching a boulder perch above the wounded ninja and his samurai companion, Kurai would shout down to them in an attempt to attract their attention. They were artificial true, but if they could provide intelligence, it would be worth the try.

"Below!" He would shout out to them, sure to allow his Kumogakure headband to present itself with his very presence. "I've come to help you! What do you know about this enemy?" He would shout down at them, his fingers still crossed into his final hand seal in case the two were in fact playing possum.

It would only add to the already obvious scenario of one versus one thousand. If they were enemies as well, then the prerogatives of the mission would change entirely. He would have no more reason to attend the mountain, as his comrades would have been non-existent. He would wait cautiously for their answer, masking it behind the massive oni mask which would cover the bottom portion of his feminine face.

ooc: Maintaining the current posting order.

A devilish grin would overcome the contours of Kurai's damp face. The water had created an emphasis in his emotion that he never even fathomed possible. The idea of a crushing defeat of his enemy would no doubt send the young man into a fit of ecstasy that would thrust the young man into laughter upon his enemy's retreat. Buckling into laughter, the young man would bombard his forehead with the palm of his hand as his laughter would bellow from his wiry frame. His teeth emerging from behind his lips he would splash the water slightly with his return back into a somewhat normal state. While his smile was still fluttering with giddiness, it would not prevent him from understanding the magnitude of what had just occurred. Taking a short time to wrap the towel around his waist, the shinobi would glide through the water, getting out of his seat, towards the young child. Hold his hand up, much as he did in the tea shop, he would signify her job well done with an avid thumbs up. However, his signature wink would accompany the gesture with the utmost pleasantry. The steam, pressing against his now exposed torso would explore the bulk of his muscles that would reach out to his companion.

"And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go. For the children, they mark, and the children, they know." He would recite clearly audible for the child to hear him. "You really did show that lady didn't you!" He would curdle with excitement, shaking a tad bit. "I'm proud of you!" He would finish, his hand moving back to his chest.

Trudging through the resistance of the water, a few more seconds of laughter would burst from within him, his teeth never once retreating from sight. As he would reach her, he would thrust his arms towards her, giving her a full embrace, as taller people give their shorter counterparts. His torso would essentially be the only thing to give her the hug, his legs finding no room to be anywhere near her. Although the power of his hug would show just how authentic the sentiment was. After a short period, he would split the embrace, his hand plopping atop her head as he would begin to make his way out of the spring. Spouting off a few more words of praise as he would retreat from the warmth that had begun to overwhelm him.

"I believe the second round of the tournament to be starting soon! Don't forget to come see me! If you're there, I know I'll win!" He would say elegantly, however not taking the time to turn around and say it to her properly. He was sure that they would cross paths again, especially considering their affiliation, but at the same time he knew that he had met with certain people today, aside from her, that his paths would inevitably cross with again. For now however, all he could do was get dressed, and make his way back to the summit, there was no telling what Hirihi had been up to since their agreement to meet. After all, they didn't really specify where this meeting was going to take place!

exit.

This woman wasn't cutting the young man any slack. She was either incredibly determined to reveal Kurai's identity, or incredibly desperate to. Either way, she appeared to be hell bent on discovering the true face of the Kumogakure ninja. Sakaki had been still for the majority of this encounter, probably out of sheer confusion. Her half-emerge figure making it hard for him to see anything other than the top of her head. As a kunoichi, he could only hope that she understood the art of deception, if not, it would be something that he would need to teach her, posthaste. Though as Kurai would focus his attention back to the three-woman cell that would continue to confront him. His options were starting to slim. His weakness was soon to reveal itself, and he would be caught in the middle of his own lie. He had to think fast, or else he and his miniature partner would have to fight their way out of this situation. If he did what she suggested, his height would betray him within an instant. While the steam emitting from the water was considerable, there would be no mistaking his gender upon his comply to her request. However, there was one thing that he would be able to work to his advantage. While he was unsure of this woman's real participation in this bath house, she appeared to be more town security. Either way, again, the next phase of smoke and mirrors would have to be applied in order to salvage any sort of remains that this story had left to it. The heat of the water would begin to cling to his naked skin, the dark complexion that would retain the hue of his skin only intensifying the effect of the water. As if on cue, his head would lower once more, and his arms would cling to his chest, his forearms folding across his torso, as if he had something to hide. Slowly, his chin would glide from his chest to his shoulder, looking away from the trio as if they were forcing him to do something incredibly haughty, as if selling himself of as some sort of harlot.

"If... that's what it takes." He would comply, his face flushing red as he would close his eyes, a slow stream of water contouring down his cheek; another artificial tear.

Though as the man would begin to make his stand, more and more of his detailed shape becoming visible, he would stop short just above his pelvic area. His back as erect as possible, above the water he would appear to be standing, with the water just enough to cover what it is that he wanted covered. While the majority of his torso was exposed, the length of his half bent legs would yet to be seen. Counting the seconds, he would continue to blush, his cheeks growing a deeper red by the instant; the result of holding his breath, no doubt. After reaching a decent amount of time, he would thrust himself back into his seat, shouting out in a 'choked up' voice.

"There are you happy? I've exposed myself to you, complete strangers! What more do you want from me? I just want to enjoy the springs with my little sister!" He would retain, his head cutting to his other shoulder, allowing his hair to sprinkle the water to slightly splash the water towards Sakaki.

His chest now hidden by the water again, he would thrust his palms back into his face, and begin his monotonous sobbing. He was unsure if that was enough to get a reaction out of the girls, but if not, there was no telling what they would do to him, or Sakaki. If they arrested him, then he'd no doubt be unable to make it to the next round of the exams, and if that happened, he would be the laughing stock of the village! He would escape wearing just the hand towel if he had to. Whatever it took to make sure he became a Chuunin of Kumogakure!