[Graded][Mission] A Spirit is a Fickle Thing

[Willoria]

Aina was still adjusting to her new rank when the message showed up at her home, and a mission scroll. Honestly it still had her reeling a bit to be so entrusted by the Council to put together a team and run this mission, but she had a sinking feeling this was also some kind of a test. From what the message had said, it was Aoi who had insisted on her going, with a mention that her tasks they had spoken of when she was recommended for rank up were a large part of why she was chosen. In other words, her duties to her clan.

And likewise Aina had sent the same messenger to three other homes, and instructed three other shinobi to meet her at the gates where she would give them more details. There weren't many in the village that Aina both trusted and that were considered strong enough to take this one. Though she wondered if there was too much power in this team, but at the same time, she worried it might not be enough.

Yoru, Takeo, and Kuodachi would all receive a message from Aina detailing the fact that she needed their help on a rather dangerous mission, but other than that no details would be available until they arrived.

[Gothmer]

Kuodachi had been going about his morning routine. Morning workout followed by breakfast and reading. He'd intended the day to be a lazy one that would consist of lounging around, maybe working on a new jutsu. Nothing too intense. As every Shinobi is fully aware, though, plans almost always change. This day's change came with a knock on his door. A messenger bearing news from Aina about a dangerous mission. With a wave of the messenger, Kuodachi would spring into action, gearing himself for whatever Aina may have in store for him. He knew things were never boring with Aina around, but this time she was openly admitting to a missions dangerous quality. That meant double, no... triple as much fun in the weather forecast!

Of course, Kuodachi was fully aware of Aina's promotion to Bannin, the second Bannin he seemed to be spending a good amount of time with. “Surrounded by legends,” is what his girlfriend, Keiko, had coined it. So, it warranted the question, what kind of mission could he actually assist with? His own skill set was relatively unique compared to his legendary companion, but unique enough to be useful? Maybe.

It would only be a matter of moments before Kuodachi was out the door, yelling to Keiko who was still in the shower as he sprinted out the door, “Got a mission! Have to hurry, I'll be back when I can!” He didn't wait for a response, feeling his anxiety only getting worse with every passing moment.

Showing up at the gate, his appearance would be what those around him would have grown accustomed to: Well kept! Not a hair out of place, not a spec of lint on his chosen uniform. He wore his usual attire, sporting many layers with a blue jacket over it all, fingerless gloves sporting the Maminoriku emblem on one and the Konoha symbol on the other, and the black trio on the bottom: Slacks, shoes, socks. His eyes would find his beckoner, Aina, before approaching with a noticeable lack of a smile, “Hey there, Aina. Everything okay? We waiting on others?” His character smile would be absent, at least until some clarification on the mission was given. His anxiety just wouldn't allow it.

[Lacarix]

Yoru looked down at the note on his desk, asking for his attendance for an unknown mission. He wasn’t a fan of things like this, he didn’t like surprises and certainly didn’t like to head out on a mission he knew nothing about. The young Bannin sat upon the chair in his newly furnished office that Kuo had nicely decorated for him. He sighed loudly dragging himself up from his chair, on the other side of the room on a stand was his green Jounin flak jacket. He picked it up and pulled it over himself and zipped it up tightly.

Placing his hand onto the door, he turned the door handle of his door and pulling it open, he came into the hallway of the kage building. His hands were pushed into his pockets as he came to the stairs, until he was outside. Yoru waved and smiled at people as they walked past, he’d become relatively famous of the last few months. A lot of people stared at him and even waved and said hello and he was happy to oblige.

The gate wasn’t too far, but Yoru certainly didn’t rush he casually walked through the crowds of people and the market, pressing his hand against strangers backs to gently move them out of the way. Yoru often got annoyed in the market, many of the people just simply stood around looking at stalls and standing in the way. It grinded Yoru’s gears, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. Out infront of him Kuo and Aina were already at the large green gates of Konoha, he took his hands from his pockets and patted Kuo on the shoulder and gave him a wink “Hey kiddo.” He turned to Aina and folded his arms “So what’s this about exactly?” he pondered with curiosity.

[Izanagi]

Takeo had been enjoying a rather relaxed morning by his standards, granted anytime he slept indoors was considered a luxury to the man. He had been neglecting survival training as of late, focusing all his efforts into maintaining a hearty diet and building muscle mass. Bodybuilding by conventional standards came easy to the seasoned warrior. His custom-made weight sets allowed him to lift far more than any average shinobi could, sculpting his muscles and honing his explosive power. With every passing the day the man found himself growing stronger. The Jounin was heading out the door to develop his stamina and chakra control when he noticed the messenger approaching. He was already dressed in his haori beneath a hardy brown cloak, fully equipped and ready to go. Without further delay he made for a path towards Konoha’s main gate. He wondered what exactly was in store for him for it to be considered dangerous by his and Aina’s standards. She had been incredibly fast and skilled as a Jounin and had clearly been training just as hard as himself to have been chosen to become Bannin. He wondered just how strong she had become. Perhaps if he could prove himself capable on this mission the council would finally award him the title of Bannin as well; he knew he was worthy of the promotion. There wasn’t a single Jounin in Konoha that could best him in a fight and his mission record was nearly impeccable. Even the spirits of Fire Country themselves had deemed him their champion and protector.

Upon arriving at the gates the cloaked man found himself grinning as he easily identified Yoru’s vibrant long hair even from a distance. Surely the trio would be nearly unstoppable, two Bannin and one elite Jounin on the cusp of being promoted. However as he closed the distance he realized there was another; a small fresh faced boy whom if he hadn’t been well informed he might have mistaken for a young Chunin. 'I wonder, is he the one I’ve heard of, Yoru’s assistant?' the boy, Kuodachi, was said to be a prodigy, already attaining the rank of Jounin and if Yoru had put his stalk in him then he was sure he lived up to his growing reputation. The bearded warrior approached with his hood down, his piercing blue eyes scrutinizing the team before him. Despite being outranked by two of them and technically on par with another the man commanded a natural sense of authority and respect. After all he had trained Yoru since he was a Genin and had been among the shinobi to fight off Yaku and Enma after Aina had been captured by them. The man had a wealth of experience of leading teams, having served as a team leader since before any of the others had even entered the Academy. Though Aina had been chosen to command this mission and as such he would respect the council’s wishes.

His eyes fell upon each of them in turn before returning to meet Aina’s gaze. “You really pulled out all the stops on putting together this squad. I hope you aren’t planning on going after Yaku and Enma, as strong as we’ve all become we’re not quite ready for that yet.” He stated calmly. There was no trace of fear in his voice, he was fully prepared to confront the men again though he knew he had not yet reached his full potential and wanted to be at his best when that encounter came. His hunters eyes shifted once again as he turned to face the young Jounin, extending a calloused hand in greeting. “You must be Kuodachi, I hear Yoru thinks highly of you.” If the boy would meet his handshake he would find the man’s grip firm and powerful though it was evident he was holding back the bulk of his strength. Whatever the mission was he hoped that the young Jounin would be able to keep up, for now however he trusted his comrades faith in him and that was enough to grant his approval as well.

[Willoria]

Aina gave a one handed wave to Kuodachi as he arrived first, nodding as he asked about others. "Two others, one of whom you've met before." she replied. It was a statement that normally would have been accompanied with a teasing wink but honestly Aina was a bit on edge given the task at hand. That edge didn't improve as the other two arrived. Honestly since Minoru's coma began her emotions had been quite a roller coaster and while Kuodachi was a good friend and often balanced that roller coaster for her, seeing Yoru and Takeo could some times stir things up in her head. Her and Yoru were good friends though some of their missions had turned a bit awkward she had seen, and while under a gen touched, more of the man than she'd ever admit. It hadn't helped either with the fact that her mind had gone back and forth over a crush on the man, one she'd managed to stifle. But then there was Takeo, someone she cared for more than she'd admit as well, and one she'd shared time with before. She hadn't thought honestly between her time with Takeo and on/off crush on Yoru how awkward it would be to have them both here, but she pushed that all aside in true Hyuuga fashion. There was a task at hand to be done.

Aina waited until all three had arrived before speaking. "No, we're not going after Yaku and Enma." she said in answer to Takeo's question, biting part of what she wanted to say back. She truly wanted to go after them, but it had been made clear to her that she had other responsibilities, responsibilities that this mission pertained to.

"We're going after a spirit." she said bluntly. "It's been said to have immense destructive power and apparently a particular effect on Hyuuga that can benefit the village in combat. The latter is why I've been assigned as I'm currently at the Clan's beck and call." She looked towards Kuodachi a moment. "I know we haven't talked about spirits much so I assume you're out of the loop a bit on spirits and genma and the like, I can fill you in sometime if you wish."

Aina took a deep breath and looked between them. "I have reasons for why I've asked each of you along, but what really sums it up is you three are the ones in this village I not only trust, but I know are capable of helping on this. If you don't want to go, that's fine, I have no idea what we're about to face honestly." She fell quiet waiting to see if any of them would decline to go, knowing that honestly none of them would decline the chance. "The spirit was housed at an old base, and forgotten by the village. A recent patrol went out to the outpost to begin a rebuild and not only came across it, it damaged the patrol members, most of them are still in the hospital. We need the extra outpost so we've been asked to take the spirit in and clear the place out." Aina patted a pack on her back. "I have a sealing vessel here that has already been set up by the sealers, all we have to do is open it within five feet of the spirit and it'll seal it in here temporarily, we'll have 10 hours to get it back to the village for proper sealing from there."

"If you don't need anything before we go, we'll get moving." with that she'd wait for input and, assuming no one needed to make a stop, she'd turn and lead the way out of the village. It felt awkward leading Yoru and Takeo, both individuals she felt had far more experience with these things than her much less better leaders than her, but she had been given specific instructions to head up the mission as the Hyuuga Clan representative. It was a responsibility she had been hesitant to take, but in seeking to become clan leader, it was necessary.

[Gothmer]

Kuodachi would give a simple nod, saving the conversation about the mission for when all three arrived. A squad of three with a Bannin. His guess was that the rest would be Jounin with the Aina as the head. Still, the more he thought about it, the more he accepted that this mission was probably going to be the most challenging he'd ever faced. That notion was only confirmed when he saw Yoru approaching. Two Bannin on a single mission? His anxiety only spiked to nearly uncontrollable levels. Yet, he managed to smile back to Yoru. “Yoru. Nice to see you here!”

Now, there was only one last unknown member. It would stay unknown until Kuodachi caught a glimpse of a bearded man with a purposeful gait walking towards the group. He recalled catching a passing glimpse of the man on occasion while walking to his and Yoru's office. He'd even questioned about him, but right now, he simply couldn't remember the name attached to the face. That didnt stop his name from scrambling for one.

He'd nod to the unknown as they exchanged a glance before listening to his speculation on the mission. The name brought his memories back to meeting Enma when only a Genin. A wave of a chilling feeling ran up his spine as his eyes went to Aina. He was not entirely expecting for a denial of such a task. Being freshly promoted to Jounin, he was not sure he could match such a class of Genjutsu. Scratch that. He was fairly convinced he couldn't. Then again, with two Bannin, it might not have been signing a death wish. Still, a wave of relief washed over him after the denial.

Luckily, by the time the older Jounin introduced himself, Kuodachi had managed to dig up a name to have in response, “You got it.” He'd say, grasping the extending hand with a far weaker grip. It was a shake very similar to that of Yoru's: A firm mammoth hand grasping a limp fish... He'd return some words with the shake, “And you must be Takeo. I've heard a good bit about you from this gum flapper as well. Mostly good things.” His thumb would go out towards Yoru while he'd wink at Takeo on the last words. He'd definitely heard a bit from Yoru, but he couldn't recall too much. He was older, and he remembered a student teacher relationship. Undoubtedly a very strong and veteran Jounin. He couldn't help but feel like the definite runt of the litter in experience, age, and size. Yet, here he was invited along.

“Pleasure to meet you.” would be his last words before loosing the shake and turning his head to back to Aina for the mission brief.

A spirit, huh? It would be his first encounter outside of words scrawled on pages. Still, his knowledge was greater than nil. Giant masses of Chakra taking on sentience. He recalled the unusually high reports awhile back of the menaces plaguing minor countries. Still, he just nodded to Aina's comment and he would likely cash in on such an offer. Free knowledge? Who could turn that down?

Of course the formal offer of the chance to dip would be met with only a blank stare that would turn to a smile at the end of the pause. No way any of the high ranking individuals here would decline. The danger mentioned in, likely, everyone's beckon to the gate sounded very real, but it was not about to scare anyone off.

The talk of sealing the spirit held and air of elusiveness for Kuodachi, but it seemed simple enough instructions to follow. Open the vessel, spirit gets sealed. Then the fancy sealing ritual he'd read about. He found his head nodding lightly as Aina explained everything, his eyes a bit glossed as he connected things to his current knowledge. Still, when all was said, Kuodachi would give only a few words, “I'm good to go,” before glancing to the other members, Yoru and Takeo, to see if they had any more productive words to offer. He'd fall in to leave the village when the gates opened.

[Lacarix]

Yoru smiled as his sensei came towards them, he offered out his hand, took Takeo’s in a firm handshake “Don’t let him know I think highly of him Takeo! He’ll get big headed.” He snorted with a chuckle, he was glad the two were finally getting to meet they’d have quite a bit of fun as a trio. He wondered how Aina would slot into this, she may get annoyed with them messing around on the mission a head of them. He narrowed his eyes at Kuo as he called him a ‘Gum Flapper’ Yoru wagged his finger “Now, now don’t get above your station kiddo.” He laugh jokingly, and patted him on the shoulder he was up for a bit of roasting more than anyone.

He turned his head to Aina as she began to give them information on the mission, he was amazed that the village would just forget that they kept it safe in that location “They just forgot about it and sent a patrol out there by accident? What the hell were they thinking!” This had annoyed Yoru to no end, how could they simply forget. Whoever was in charge of sending patrols out needed shaking up and so did the archive team. How could there be such an oversight?!” As soon as they came back he’d be speaking to the council to have them all replaced, they couldn’t have such competence in the village.

“Is there an official mission scroll for this? We don’t even know what rank it is. I assuming A maybe even an S if it’s such a powerful spirit.” Yoru was very suspicious of all the secrecy, he wasn’t suspicious of Aina but of the Hyuuga clan. Was this even an official mission by the village or something the Hyuuga had put together? He was confused with all the secrecy, they could of easily being given a sealed mission scroll rather than told to meet by the gates. “What’s so special about the spirit that it effects the Hyuuga so much? If we can understand it’s abilities we will be able to counter it more, I assume something to do with vision?” He hated going into missions with so little information, and this one seemed a little off to him. At least with the current information given.

[Izanagi]

A lot could be learned about a man from a handshake; Strength, character traits, state of mind. So it was with Kuodachi, it was apparent the boy was rather weak physically as well as apprehensive of the mission before them. At least however he was good natured albeit perhaps inexperienced. Such was often the case with those who soared through ranks at a young age. At least if he survived this mission he would have had an opportunity to learn from the best the village had to offer. Only time would tell if the boy had what it took to one day rise to their level. His serious demeanor lightened when Yoru was indicated and immediately his stern visage cracked to form a playful smirk. “I’d hope so, taught him everything he knows after all” he commented facetiously. He knew this wasn’t true, Yoru was a prodigy himself and had gained an incredible repertoire of skills, only a dozen or so that Takeo could actually take credit for. As always however he took any opportunity to get under Yoru’s skin and rile him up. “Likewise” he said simply before releasing the boy of his grip. He allowed himself a smile, the energy of the encounter suddenly reminded him of their former trio; Takeo, Yoru and Haru and how they would constantly joke around and pull each other’s legs in lieu of any imminent danger.

He doubted they could afford such lightheartedness during this mission however, at least not if their task truly required their combined might. His features quickly returned to a stoic calm as Aina debriefed them on the mission. He analyzed every word, considering the implications and possibility. Once he had a full grasp on the situation he could begin planning strategies and contingencies should they fail. When Aina gave them an opportunity to bow out Takeo waited a moment for the sake of the others and then answered without any doubt. “We’re with you Aina” She had to know that he would never abandon her but it still felt good to voice his commitment. His eyes narrowed as he too found it odd that such a powerful spirit was forgotten about. ‘Forgotten? More like deemed too dangerous and put in isolation; either that or the council didn’t know about it in the first place and the Hyuuga were keeping it secret.’ Regardless he kept such thoughts to himself, it was mere speculation at this point and didn’t warrant doubting Aina’s leadership. If she was withholding information he would discover the truth when it became pertinent. At least if he had reasonable cause to believe this was an official mission he could not be reprimanded for assisting her if it turned out to not be the case.

Of course Yoru was not one to keep his thoughts to himself. Takeo wasn’t surprised at his outburst, the young Bannin was blunt and forthright, even as a Genin he had been impulsive and quick to jump to conclusions. “Regardless of whether or not this is an official council mission or a play by the Hyuuga one thing remains the same. We need to capture the spirit and bring it back to be properly sealed before it gets lose and wreaks havoc throughout all of Fire country. We can worry about the politics of it once we’re back” he stated calmly. It took quite a lot to rattle the man; no matter what the situation turned out to be he was confident in his ability to adapt accordingly. That being said he wished to know as much about the spirit itself as they could before confronting it in battle. “Any information on its abilities or attack patterns would be helpful” he added, supporting Yoru’s inquiry. “Otherwise I’d like to get moving” he stated as he began to stretch lightly. His body was already loose and warmed up though with his degree of mass it was simply a habit to ensure he hadn’t built up any knots of thickly corded muscle.

[Willoria]

Aina had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at Yoru. She had her own suspicions as well but right now she wasn't worried about secrets or politics, she was worried about getting things done, primarily the mission. She reached up with a free hand to her normally empty scroll pockets and unsnapped one, a mission scroll falling into her hands. She tossed it lightly to Yoru. "There's the official scroll. It's A ranked, possible upgrade to S. There's no specifics on the spirit other than what I've told you, but feel free to read it so you know I'm not lying to you." She wasn't snapping at the man, in fact her tone was even and rather cold. When Yoru went to open the scroll he'd see the broken seal that had been specifically marked 'for the eyes of Hyuuga Aina only' and that the scroll had been sent from the council. The only real significance to those markings was what it made clear about this team, Aina had picked them herself for the task.

"Fact is, we're going in blinder than I like. Apparently any records on this thing were mostly incomplete." Aina added, turning to address the other two as well. "If we're good to go, let's go, we can talk tactics on the way." she said before turning and making her way out of the gates and jumping into the trees. As she moved she barely cast a glance at Takeo but not because she didn't agree with what he said, but simply because she found herself already annoyed. She wanted desperately to catch this thing and seal it.

But her conscience nagged at her. Everything that had happened to Minoru, everything that was happening to Masami now, it was all on her mind as she leaped from tree to tree. Bringing back the spirit would mean sealing it into a host, and given what little they knew of it, a young Hyuuga at that. Was that even right? She didn't want to accept destroying someone's life as okay, but she had her orders, and she would commit herself to following them to the letter.

She took a deep breath as she moved and activated her Byakugan. "Prepare yourself, there's no telling what all this spirit has done to this place, all we really know is it has a love of destruction." she reiterated, her jaw clenched as she moved.

[Gothmer]

Kuodachi would flash a smile Yoru's way at the comment, “Ohhhp. The finger wag.” He'd feign a whisper towards Takeo, though it was loud enough for Yoru to hear, “It's serious now!” He chuckled to himself before ending on the much more serious words, “Pleasure to meet you.”

As the conversation became far more business oriented, Kuodachi, lacking any valuable insight himself, listend as Yoru brought attention to some unsettling observations. They were excellent points, everything did not add up. Kuodachi, however, was less than ready to question it all. It seemed above his pay grade, though perhaps that was thinking from the previous rank. Now, as a Jounin, he may just be eligible to make such questions himself. A, perhaps, required alteration in this deliberation from here on. Regardless, while all good points, it seemed undisputed that there was indeed a spirit on the loose that needed controlling.

The reveal of the official mission scroll made the concerns feel a little less warranted, at least in regards to a potential clan based secrecy. It was an implication Kuodachi was able to pick up on from Yoru's questions despite it being delivered in a concealed manner.

Kuodachi's main concerned was with the lack of information on the spirit. Perhaps it was more common with higher ranked missions, but the young Jounin hated lacking information more than anything else on a mission. It would take getting use to for sure.

As Takeo stated what should, obviously, be the main focus, Kuodachi would nod in agreement, trying to direct the group mood to a more acceptable place. The surrounding circumstances would definitely be worth a second glance when they return, but right now, they would be distractions more than anything else. From the sounds of it, they were going to be jumping head first into a very large pile of manure, and distractions would be very bad. “Exactly.” He'd second Takeo's judgment.

As they moved out, Kuodachi would take up the rear, launching from branch to branch slightly behind the pack. His thoughts would turn inward, trying desperately to put the concern aside with no avail. Flying blind was his most hated foe.

[Lacarix]

He took the scroll, unrolled it and began to read. It seemed stranger that it was so secretive, it all seemed a little fishy to him but he wouldn’t argue. It wasn’t a case of that he didn’t trust Aina, it was a case of he didn’t exactly trust the Hyuuga clan especially with their odd hatred of Aina and the blaming her for the last clan leaders death. With the information he had, they seemed a rather foolish clan. He certainly hoped under Aina’s leadership they would head in much better direction. He also worried about the Kageless village and how it was conducting itself, especially after hearing that they simply forgot that they left a spirit.

The four of them headed out of the village “Can I suggest that Kuo sets the pace? I don’t want to be rude, but he’ll be the slowest of us four. Though he is rather quick, but it makes sense for us to go at his speed rather than us to his.” He hoped everyone was in agreement, it seemed the best plan. Once the speed was set right Aina could take lead to the forgotten spirit and they could get straight into matters. “So we know next to nothing about this spirit? Surely they know how it amplifies the power of a Hyuuga? If we can work that out it will give us a great advantage. I’m assuming it’s either taijutsu based or dojutsu. Otherwise I don’t see how it will help Hyuugas.”

Yoru was full of questions today, but he was on edge about this entire mission. He wanted to try and work out as much information as he possibly could “Anyway, tactics wise I’m the quickest. I could amplify my speed with ration chakra and get it to come after me as I should be able to avoid most of its attacks, unless of course it’s incredibly fast.” He looked to Kuo and Takeo “Aina and myself have both being Genma Guardians, if we combined our chakra shackles we may be able to hold it down and Takeo can give it a forceful blow.” He wasn’t saying these had to be the tactics they used, simply they were some options they had. He didn’t truly have a tactical mind, Takeo had always led their missions and closely instructed Yoru. Takeos ideas would most likely be better than his own and he was looking forward to hearing them.

[Izanagi]

Takeo caught Aina’s glance, he cared deeply about the woman and could sense that she was under a great deal of pressure. It was likely that she had never lead a mission of such importance before. He would do whatever he could to support her and follow her command though there was little else he could do to relieve the stresses of leadership. No doubt it was a difficult arrangement for everyone to get used to. While Takeo and Yoru were both veteran shinobi Aina and Kuo had only risen through the ranks in the last few years. They resembled a new generation who were undoubtedly skilled though largely untested in the ways of true life or death scenarios. He wondered for a moment if the youngest member had even taken a life before.

As the team set off and the pace was established each moved into position. Aina took point and Kuo fell to the back of the group with Takeo moving behind Yoru and ahead of the young Jounin. Tactically this layout would be the most efficient. Both Takeo and Yoru were extremely versatile in their skill sets and being in the middle could easily defend the entire group at once or move to a more offensive position should it call for it. Assuming Kuo utilized genjutsu his visual based triggers would work best from behind or the front should they be ambushed from behind. It was a similar pattern to the one Takeo utilized in their previous three man squad.

Naturally Yoru was not satisfied with Aina’s answer and began probing for more information to which Takeo could only add some speculation as insight. He was adept at preparing for a wide variety of scenario’s and had always prepped Yoru for a multitude of possibilities before every mission. He began piecing together the information. “It’s possible that the spirit is able to detect the bodies’ weak-points, perhaps even sever nerve endings or otherwise destabilize the body at points of contact. Typically spirits require a host to draw out their full power though we should assume that the spirit will be dangerous if it makes physical contact and also be wary of what it is able to see. In its spirit form physical attacks may be rendered ineffective, we’ll have to rely on chakra shackles to pin it in place. Aina and I should be able to detect its chakra and keep track of it should it retreat or attempt to ambush us.” The man paused, glancing back at Kuodachi. “Kuo, I’m assuming your abilities are related to genjutsu or perhaps barriers?” he speculated. “In either case I’ve yet to test their effects on spirits though I think it is likely to work and certainly worth a shot. Elemental ninjutsu should also destabilize it though likely not damage it and as such are probably better suited to be used defensively.” He paused for a moment realizing that he was perhaps taking charge more than he should, though both Yoru and Kuo seemed to appreciate a more informed and prepared approach to calm their nerves and Takeo was certainly happy to oblige with his deeply detailed analysis.

He continued to ponder scenarios, doing his best to cover the most likely situations without straying too far off target or overwhelming his comrades with useless information. “Lastly while you can certainly use your speed to distract it Yoru we should all take great care to stick together, spirits thrive on instilling fear and splitting up their targets. We don’t want to risk it taking on the appearance of one of us or worse yet possessing one of our bodies. If however it does at any point have a human host I can use my own Doton chains or Suiton restraints in addition to chakra shackles to keep it pinned. If we can render the host unconscious and paralyzed with raiton ninjutsu we should be able to keep it secured long enough to return to the village.” He ended his thoughts there, no plan was ever full proof but at least this gave them a view basic starting points. From there it would be easier to adapt and adjust accordingly given the situation that presented itself.

[Willoria]

Aina made a noise between her teeth at Yoru's continued questions. She genuinely wasn't sure how many times she could tell him they didn't know much, and his obvious frustration over the situation was getting to her even. She wasn't happy that they had forgotten this thing either but if they hadn't known about it, it didn't surprise her that they didn't know anything about it either. She let Takeo speak, making several assumptions as he did and Aina didn't speak again as they moved until Takeo seemed to be done. "Let's just get there!" she seemed to snarl.

Aina was well known for her temper, especially in her younger days, or lower ranking days anyway. It hadn't been all that surprising honestly when she was found to work well not only with Katon, but now Sankaton. Being under so much stress with the clan, and now being trusted with this mission, was really weighing on the young Hyuuga Bannin's mind, and it was showing.

---

It'd be nearly an hour by time they arrived on location. The old outpost looked far worse off than Aina had anticipated. She had thought when they said 'abandoned outpost' that it would simply be empty. She hadn't expected the structure to be so old it had fallen to pieces over the years. "I think we know why they 'forgot' about the spirit now..." she muttered as she began walking up a set of stairs towards what had once been the entrance to the outpost. "This place looks like it hasn't been touched in decades... or longer..." she added under her breath as she made her way up.

The entrance was dark and as Aina paused to listen she could hear drops of water here and there and smell the damp air. One could almost hear the earth as it breathed in such a place, and Aina activated her Byakugan to get a better look, almost immediately flinching in response. "I expected more.... this room seems to be empty but... something below..." she turned and glanced at Takeo. "We may need to split up to get a better look around, maybe in pairs? I don't want any of us alone against this thing." Clearly she was relying on him to help her make the right decisions. This was her first major mission in command, and the young woman was scared of making the wrong choice.

The room they had walked into was cavernous and rather large, but it seemed to be entirely empty. Perhaps once a meeting room or a dining hall, there were chairs and tables strewn about, most of them in shambles and pieces. There seemed to be another room ahead, a door to the left that was closed, and a staircase to the right that led downwards.

[Gothmer]

Kuo would speak a few words to keep his own lighthearted spirit in the wake of a far heavier atmosphere, “Yep, that's me! Slowpoke Kuo they called me in school.” He'd move to the front to set the pace for only a brief moment before falling to the back once more. The pace would be pretty quick for him at a solid seven and a half. Once it was had, there was no reason for him to stay in the front. No matter the encounter, he'd find the back. With Takeo having never fought alongside the young Jounin, his visual initiated genjutsu would be far safer when delivered from behind. The audio initiated, on the other hand, were going to be trouble...

His concerns for friendly fire were partially alleviated when the unfamiliar Jounin took a moment to address Kuodachi's skills, hitting the nail right on the head. 'Am I that obvious?' he wondered to himself. “Both, actually.” It was a question he wondered, the relation between genjutsu and a spirit victim. He'd read something about it at some point, though it was not a very sure sounding read. About the same as Takeo's words, 'Should work.' His barriers would probably be far too weak to contain a full blown spirit, but they may be able to at least slow it down. Either way, he was brought along for this high rank mission, and he was not about to let everyone down. “I'll keep it in mind. By the end of this, I think we will know for certain.” He vocalized with a light, uneasy chuckle.

As they continued to converse strategy, it became more obvious to Kuo that he knew very little. He was expecting to just launch the jar at the spirit once they got there and the jar would just vacuum it up or something. But, with the discussion of fighting the beast, it did not seem like that would be the case. Oh how this was going to be a learning experience. With Aina's snarl, the conversing for the sake of alleviating concern would end as the speed picked up a bit. Her frustration was clear and warranted. This mission was all kinds of stressful, especially for the leader.

Finally arriving, conversation having been sparse on their travel, Kuodachi was shocked by the location. The wear of the entire structure was that of a forgotten memory in fire countries history. The age of the foundation well dated every individual in the group, making even Takeo seem like a babe fresh from the womb. The experience lined each stone of the structure like each wrinkle to a grandmother. Aina broke the silence. “A spirit stirred awake in its humble, inviting abode. The patrol practically poked a sleeping bear...” His words were whispered, practically to himself in a desire to keep the ominous silence of the scene.

In the next moments, they climbed the aged structure and entered its open, though falling apart, door with no open sign to invite them. The air felt thick with ripe stagnation, assaulting his senses as they entered. The dust of the room could be seen so clearly in the few rays of light that ran their course through holes in the stonework ceiling.

With no beat missed, Aina made a tactical suggestion and referred to Takeo for his thoughts. With every passing moment, the wisdom of Takeo was being thrust into conversation, giving Kuo the impression that it was something to treasure. Those who knew him, both Aina and Yoru, desired and trusted it. Despite being the same rank, they were clearly on far different levels with experience. Generally, Kuodachi would give his own thoughts, but it almost felt unneeded here, if not borderline inappropriate. Obviously, it would make the most sense to separate on Jounin to each Bannin. While Takeo's wisdom was vast, rank still often signified skill level. Depending on how deep the structure ran, and how vast its area, it may actually be best to split the group, a concept Kuodachi usually felt should remain in the storybooks. This was especially the case when realizing their presence may already be known.

Kuodachi, however, kept his thoughts to himself as he continued observing the room a little more closely, gauging its age based on both wear and the architecture. He'd run his hand over some stone and examine the wrecked furniture in the room, all while listening to the group.

[Lacarix]

Yoru turned to listened to Takeo, as a real tactian he had plenty of ideas and Yoru was glad of that. Sticking together sounded the best plan, they had no idea how strong this spirit would be. He was shocked at Aina’s reaction, yelling for them to just get there. He found it so strange she’d want to run into a mission blind, he understood they didn’t have much information but it was good at least come up with some tactics. He shook his head, rolled his eyes and tutted in disappointment. If she planned on leading them in this mission didn’t she need to know their abilities and what they could do together as a team? They had to look at this from different angles. Nevertheless there wasn’t much else to be done they’d simply have to progress with this shambles of a mission. He didn’t comment on Aina’s snappy response he simply left her to it, she was in charge of this mission so she could lead it how she wished. They continued to run almost for an hour, Yoru didn’t speak during this time he simply contemplated.

The young Bannin was truly worried in the direction the leaderless village was moving in, so many of the higher ups had died, almost wiped out due to an invasion. Yoru knew he wasn’t leader material certainly not Hokage or he’d go for it himself. He hoped soon a new Kage was arise and build up the village of Konoha making it the strong village it was once before. Not the foolish village who ‘randomly’ forget they have a powerful spirit hidden away. He looked over to Takeo with concern, he was the man to step up and become Kage. Yoru was sure of it, it was something he’d thought since the pair trained so long ago on the river and cemented their relationship.

His gaze fell to Kuo, and a smile fell across his face. Perhaps one day Kuo and Yoru could have a similar relationship that he and his own sensei had. Of course Yoru wasn’t Kuo’s sensei he hadn’t taught him a single thing, but there was much he could teach him, perhaps it was much later than normal that a traditional teacher/student relationship but it was possible for them to come as close. He was terrified that this mission could go sour so quickly, Kuo was so young and inexperienced and this was one of his first missions as a Jounin and Yoru intended on it not being one of his last. He’d make sure to keep an eye on him. He dawned on his first ever squad, Miso his first student had died so long ago. The memory of the young Genin falling down shaft, his body being flung from rock to rock, his dismantled student laying at the bottom dead, the anguish Yoru felt at the moment was almost incomparable. He hadn’t trusted himself to take on a student ever since.

Out in the distance was a large outpost, they began to slow their descent until they came to a full stop. He rolled his eyes as Aina as she commented about them knowing they they’d forgotten about a spirit. Just because the building was old didn’t mean it wasn’t archived that a spirit had being stored there, it was more likely the archives weren’t kept up to date or the old files were thrown out incorrectly. He sighed at himself, realising he was taking it out on Aina went it certainly wasn’t her fault. It was the villages fault.

As Aina looked to Takeo, Yoru butted in “If I may? I’ve got an idea.” He wasn’t normally the tactical one, but he was starting to get better at it with experience, assuming that Takeo and Aina allowed it he would continue “I certainly don’t think we should split up, we don’t know anything about this spirit. It may be incredibly powerful and if we come against it I’d like us all to fight together. As all of you know, as I often complain about it I’m no sensor either through Byakugan or Minds Eye.” He gestured to both Aina and Takeo “But I have my shizumeru abilities, which allows me to see spirit chakra. I assume you have learnt the same jutsu Aina?” he asked. He placed his hands together, weaving a short set of seals as he activated the vision “Sure I can’t see in the dark, however chakra isn’t visible to the naked eye unless it’s being manipulated, so light doesn’t touch it.” He weaved another set of seals and placed his hand over his right eye and laid his left hand flat as an exact replica of Yoru’s eye appeared, floating above it. Removing his right hand, he kept his eye closed “I can move this up to 50 metres and by the look of this outpost should be plenty of movement.” He made it spin around and moved it through the air a little to show that it could freely move “I suggest I send in this eye ahead of us to detect any spirit chakra, it should give us a heads up. We should move through together using a combination of all sensory abilities and we can easily make some torches from the wood on of the banister on these steps. So were not in total darkness.” He was ready to put the plan into action if the others were.

UsedShow

*Shizumeru • [Complete Vision of Shizumeru]
B-rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: *Shizumeru • [Vision of Shizumeru]
After performing a set of seals and focusing chakra towards their eyes they will activate the Vision of Shizumeru. This works very similar to a dojutsu but with no physical change to the eye itself, it allows the user to see the chakra of the Spirit and how it’s working within the chakra network of the host. The range is limited to as far as the eye can see. This can be used up to two posts, per each stamina level.

[Ninjutsu • Eye of Providence]
B-Ranked Ninjutsu
After forming the needed hand seals the user creates an orb, with a diameter of 24 millimetres. The user will also focus chakra towards an eye of their choice and close their eyelid. This orb thens takes on an appearance of the user’s eye and in turn allows them to see through it and is limited to the users real sight. The eye can move at a speed equal to the users control to a maximum of 10. It can move no further than fifty metres.

[Izanagi]

Takeo nodded as Kuo verified his abilities. The man had always had a knack for reading individuals and identifying their likely skill sets and weaknesses though even so he was somewhat surprised to have guessed the boys skills perfectly. Considering all factors however it really hadn’t been that difficult to decipher, he had at least a vague idea of the abilities of each of Konoha’s most prominent shinobi and as far as Kuodachi was concerned he had heard that the boy was a good leader and utilized genjutsu; barriers had been an educated guess based on him being chosen as an assistant to Yoru, it was for that same reason that he had already deduced that the boy would be faster than he appeared. After all Yoru tended to prefer mentoring those whose skill-sets were similar to himself.

For close to an hour the group raced through the trees. The pace was strong, just fast enough to keep the Jounin from growing restless while also not being enough to cause him to grow tired or out of breath. He was pleased that at least in terms of speed and stamina their team all performed at an acceptable level. The Jounin scanned the structure when they arrived, evaluating it to be unmanned for at least fifty years. While some may have found the decrepit ruins and damp earthy smell associated with it to be unnerving Takeo felt oddly relaxed and at peace. The woodsman felt truly at home sleeping surrounded by earth and had taken refuge in similar structures many times over the years. As Aina activated her Byakugan Takeo formed the snake then the ram hand seal as he flowed chakra through his feet and into the earth with a light stomp. His senses extended in the stone structure, feeling along every aspect of its surface and relaying every vibration of movement back to him. It would be useless against a spirit itself though it gave the man an idea of the structures layout at least.

He nodded confirming Aina’s assessment. “I’m not feeling any movement but there’s a staircase over there that leads to another room below” he added, pointing towards the right. When Aina pressed the idea of splitting up Takeo paused as he considered the potential tactical advantages and disadvantages and what it might mean strategically. Aina was the leader after all so if that was the route she wished to take he would give her advice on the best way to go about it while once again warning of the hazards. He was about to speak when Yoru interjected and with curiosity the man allowed him to continue. He had been attempting to allow Yoru to come up with strategies and take charge and was curious as to what the man would come up with.

He smiled as he listened, at first it seemed as though the man was thinking along very similar lines of thought to himself. Ultimately the young Bannin offered a solution utilizing a technique that Takeo had not yet witnessed, still it was a very solid idea and one he would have also suggested had he known Yoru was capable of the scouting ability. “Very good Yoru” he said, nodding before addressing the group with his own input. “That’s a good plan. Normally I wouldn’t recommend splitting up in a situation such as this. Even with multiple areas it is likely the spirit is already aware of our presence and simply biding its time to attack. Finding it shouldn’t be an issue as it will most likely come to us. The one benefit of splitting up however would be creating a sense of vulnerability amongst us and thus prompting an earlier attack.” He addressed solely Aina now. “If you would still prefer to split up then that is a legitimate strategy so long as each group contains both a sensor and a Shizumeru user, having both aspects is essential in order to keep ourselves able to adequately defend ourselves." Regardless of which path Aina chose Takeo would follow her decision without complaint. If the group were to split up this would leave the only option as Takeo and Yoru in one team and Aina and Kuodachi in the other. The added benefit of this arrangement was that each pair also had the ability to produce Katon ninjutsu and thus light the way with torches candles or flares.

[Willoria]

Aina turned her attention to the options ahead of her, turning her back to the others as she listened to what they had to say and she couldn't help frowning. 'Why did I bother?' she thought to herself as Yoru posed an idea opposite to her own, and of course Takeo ran with it. She kept her back to them, despite wanting to turn and look, to watch the way they had interacted but she knew in her silence that it would only make her feel worse.

'No matter how much I try to lead this, I just can't. Takeo and Yoru obviously work flawlessly together, Kuodachi is going to follow anything Yoru says with no question...' she thought to herself, sighing quietly as she dared a glance back. They conversed, and she knew she wasn't in charge of this at all anymore.

If she had been in charge of it at all.

It was as if there was a shattering in the mind of the young Hyuuga Bannin. She turned and began slowly walking the perimeter of the room, looking as if she were simply surveying it for the next best option. In reality, everything she had been locking away in her mind, every emotion, every feeling, was coming to play in the forefront of her thoughts and she wasn't sure how to deal with it all at once.

Her mind was chaos.

She could feel again how she felt when she found out about Minoru's coma. She remembered Yoru's genjutsu and the way it had caused her to behave, her own embarrassment in the entire matter. She'd had a crush on the man at one point and a genjutsu causing her to act out what had once been in her mind was... unsettling. At best. Now there were her feelings for Takeo, which she still wasn't sure how she should feel about him. Their moments together at her home, the first intimate experience of her life and as much as she held together after, as much as she had told herself that was all there was to it, she craved more than just the carnal touches of the man.

And every swirling thought and emotion in her head simply came crashing down as she dared another glance at the other three. They were the team here, and she so very suddenly felt on the outside of it all. For the first time in a long time she craved the presence of her friend Masami... who unfortunately desperately needed Aina and Aina hadn't been there.

It was another reason for Aina to hate herself, she could feel all the reasons adding up and she just wanted to scream...

A sharp turn of the head and she found herself looking through an empty doorway that now had her across the room from the others, and for a moment she thought she saw something.

"Pssst." She heard someone trying to get her attention from this room, thought the others wouldn't hear it, she could hear it clear as day.

She didn't even glance at the others as she turned into the room. 'I work better on my own anyway. Clearly they work fine with one another, no point in calling them along, they seem to have their own plan underway.' she thought to herself as she stepped through that doorway.

And very suddenly the doorway closed in on itself with a rush of stones and a crash, a moment later it was as if the door hadn't been there at all and the room the three were left in began to shake, the ground itself rumbling as if it had awoken.

Another crash of stone and the wall seemed to move, a great stone golem pulling himself free from the wall as he looked down at the three shinobi and laughed, a great guttural sound that caused the earth to continue to tremble.

Not only was Aina now trapped in a different room, there was a great stone golem of near 9 feet tall standing between the three shinobi and the wall that once housed the door to where Aina now stood.

[Gothmer]

Shizumeru, it was a style Kuodachi knew so little about that, yet he was among two Shinobi who were said to be quite proficient in it. Hearing the plan proposed by Yoru, it was clear that in the moment, this would largely be a time when Kuodachi would be following orders and learning. There was no way he could effectively develop a course of action that would be appropriate with such a incomplete knowledge of the situation and affairs at hand.

Still, once again, despite Yoru often claiming his ignorance in plan making, the man seemed exceptionally proficient at the task. In this situation, given Kuodachi's less than adequate skills in sensory and poor knowledge of spirits, splitting up into pairs would almost immediately cripple whomever he was paired with. Once again, he was a weak link in a squad, a frustrating realization. He knew he was inexperienced, but the only way to increase such a fact was to experience, much like he was now.

As the plan was being discussed, Kuodachi would be paying attention to every word, hoping to think of something he could add. As he listened, he continued examining the room they found themselves in, spotting a few facts that might come in handy later. One, the structure was not only old, it was weak. It would really not take much to cause some crumbling of the stone. It was actually amazing the structure was still standing as complete as it was. Two, there was an odd feel, something Kuodachi couldn't shake. Like they were being watched, a set of focused eyes peering at them from somewhere unseen. Takeo's words about the spirit being aware and simply in the wait seemed to confirm the eerie thought. Three, some of the stones seemed to have a different consistency to them, as if they were less worn than they probably should have been. All the while, his observations provoked a single main thought: What happened here so long ago to cause the abandonment of what could have been a sound fortress? It could have been the spirit or something else entirely. A harmless fact relating to politics, or something far more sinister.

As the plan seemed to be coming together, Kuodachi added in his own words, turning back to Yoru and Takeo while Aina seemed to be inspecting, much like Kuodachi was doing. “I have to vote with sticking together. Splitting up has its advantages, of course, but I am not confident enough in this situation to...”

The crash would explode the relative silence of the surroundings with a dropping fear in Kuodachi's gut. Seeing Aina vanish behind the falling debris, Kuodachi couldn't help but feel as if every word pertaining to the plan has just been rendered obsolete in a single moment. His stance would widen, with the shaking continuing even after the collapse seemed to end, an attempt to maintain his upright position. Then, the stone work, right where Kuodachi picked out the oddity, came to life! A giant stone monstrosity pulling itself from the inert stone!

“Oh shit!” Kuodachi would shout, jumping backwards in an attempt to position himself in the caboose of the group as he began weaving a series of signs. A creation of chakra, his genjutsu would be ineffectual. Oh how he needed to focus some attention elsewhere! This mission was definitely not for him, but at least it would be a learning experience. Assuming he didn't get smashed by the golem...

Landing by the entrance they entered through, a clone would poof into existence right next to Kuodachi, ready to attack with his comrades. The clone would begin its own series as soon as it came into being.

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Ninjutsu • Advanced Shadow Clone Technique]
A-Ranked Ninjutsu
After forming the needed handseals, the user proceeds to create a number of clones of themselves (maximum is equal to the user's stamina). Unlike the Clone Technique, these clones are actual copies of the user in both appearance and substance. The user's chakra is evenly distributed among every clone, giving each clone an equal fraction of the user's overall power. The clones are capable of performing jutsu on their own and can even bleed, but they will usually disperse after one or two solid blows. The clones will be created in roughly the same condition as the original and any experience the clones gain during their existence is transferred to the user once they are dispersed. Given that the clones are an exact replica of the user, they share the same stats except for stamina, which is determined by the number of clones presently in effect. The advantage of this form of the technique is that once dispersed, the chakra distributed to the clones returns to the user, allowing any un-used chakra to be regained, slowing the draining usage of this technique. The chakra returns to the user at a different rate depending on the user's control.
1-6 Control: 1/4
6-13: 1/2
14-15: 3/4
Handseals Started by clone:
[Reflective Shield]
C-Ranked Defensive Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: [Reflect]
By doing the necessary hand seals, Kuodachi readies chakra for three, small (1 foot in circumference) disk like barriers in one hand. At will, with the extension of a finger, the barrier will take form as the end of the finger in the form of a small circular barrier of very condensed chakra with the end of the finger being the center of the circle. This barrier lasts until an object connects with it, or two posts. Upon contact being made with the barrier, the barrier pushes whatever hit it back with the strength of Kuodachi's control up to a maximum of 7 and vanishes.

[Lacarix]

Yoru’s eyes widened with shock as Aina didn’t respond to his idea or his questions, she had come up with an idea of her own simply asked questions and directed them to Takeo in hopes that he would come up with an idea. So it was quite apparent she wasn’t planning on leading the mission herself, but to simply walk away when Yoru made a suggestion was a step too far for him. Was she really so childish to simply ignore his ideas and walk off in a strop? He was so disappointed with the woman he assumed was his friend to simply shrug off his ideas, even though both Takeo and Kuo liked the idea. It wasn’t Yoru’s fault that Aina’s idea wasn’t the best, he had to propose something better or they’d end up getting killed.

“Pathetic.” He said firmly as she walked off without saying a word, they hadn’t even had time to prep themselves they were simply walking into the building. It’s not as though the three could just leave Aina to walk in alone so they had to follow. They entered the building, in a rather rushed state. They walked down the darkened hallways, until Aina took a left and went through a doorway on her own “Aina, don’t wand-“ he was cut short as the doorway came in on itself. Aina trapping herself on the other side. How could she make such a simple mistake? He was confused in what was going on, Aina didn’t seem to be herself. The normally, collected intelligent shinobi was walking off on her own and being rather childish. Perhaps it was from inexperience, she moved through the ranks so quickly whereas Takeo and himself took years of gruelling training and effort to achieve their S-ranked statues. Aina had gone from Special Jounin to Bannin in a matter of months, she had certainly proved herself through combat, but was she tactical enough to be a Bannin? He didn’t have time to think about this for now though, as a large stone golem reaching nine feet produced infront of them.

“Aina, stay where you are!” screamed Yoru at the top of his lungs through the rock barrier than divided them. He hoped to god she'd actually listen to him, If they took down the stone golem they could easily break through the stone wall, Yoru could either burn through it with Acid, destroy it with Raiton or Takeo could simply move the rocks. He was proficient with doton after all. “Kuo, stay to the bac-“ Again he paused as Kuo was already moving to the rear “Keep yourself defended.” He pondered for a moment why Kuo was here, it wasn’t a case that he doubted the young man’s abilities but he had only just become a Jounin and they may be going against an incredibly powerful spirit. It was likely Kuo hadn’t even started training as an A-rank shinobi, and was most likely still on a B classed level. Though he was sure Kuo could hold his own, he knew both Takeo and himself would care for Kuo if anything were to go wrong “Takeo, I’m going in.” he yelled, to tell Takeo that he’d strike first, he didn’t want them getting in each other’s way.

Yoru channelled ration chakra towards his hands, the sensation of pins and needles surging through him as eight senbon made of ration slowly appeared to be ripping through the skin of his knuckles. However Yoru didn’t use these newly created electrical knuckle dusters as one might think, he crossed his arms out in front of him, in a X like position then swung out his hands and released the pressure in his knuckles as the eight senbon made of ration soared through the air in an X formation ripping through the golems torso and arms perfectly creating small holes within its torso and shoulders, it yelped out in pain. Whilst they were travelling and the golem was distracted, Yoru lifted up his elbow and crouched down, before leaping upwards through the air and slamming his elbow against the shoulder of the Golem smashing the rock that connected it’s left arm. The shoulder crumbled to pieces as the arm fell to the ground with a cracking thud.
The Golem however reacted incredibly quickly, thrusting it’s right fist into Yoru sending him flying through the air. The young Bannin yelled out in pain as he tucked himself into a ball, spinning in the air and landing on the ground perfectly. He began weaving another set of seals, ready for his next attack.

UsedShow

[Lightning Element • Screaming Senbon]
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing a string of handseals, the user will focus ration chakra towards their fingertips. Eight senbon made of ration will pour out, one in each knuckle that can be held and maintained if chakra is constantly channelled, used as a knuckle duster, that will be as sharp as steel and will give a powerful shock with each strike. However once chakra is no longer been applied these senbon will shoot from the user’s fingers at a speed of eight up to 15 metres.

*Rock-Destroying Leaf Rise
B-Rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 7 Strength
To bring out the full power of the technique, the user falls into a crouch, pointing one elbow at the target and supporting that arm with another. With a leap, the user launches themselves at the target. With the supporting arm pushing against the smashing attack, the user performs a destructive elbow slam, drawing out all the user's strength and built tension. At the very least, the attack is capable of crushing medium sized rock formations and breaking defenses of equal strength.

[Taijutsu • Acrobatic Rectify]
D-Ranked Taijutsu
A technique used for being knocked backwards through the air, rather than falling flat on their back the user will use their own centre of gravity rectifying there footing giving them a steady stance. This is done by an aerial flip, tuck, layout or pike.

[Izanagi]

Even as he gave his assessment the man gauged the body language of his comrades, the man was an expert in reading others as well as being aware of his surroundings. He noted the way Kuo surveyed the layout and scanned the walls with a set of observant eyes that seemed to rival his own. Clearly the boy had a much keener mind than his aloof demeanor indicated. He wondered just how far the boy’s powers of deduction extended. He seemed the sort to be inclined towards the missions suited for a detective. Such work had never appealed to Takeo too strongly, his mind was better reserved for tactical thinking and locating threats and targets. Yoru on the other hand while tactical in his own way had never possessed a truly rational and level headed mind, already he was growing impatient and irritable. Though his emotional failings hardly even compared to the rapidly shifting spectrum of Aina’s state of mind.

Takeo made a face of mild displeasure as Yoru chided Aina, as a team they couldn’t afford to build any animosity or negative emotions between them. That being said even Takeo found it rather rude and peculiar of Aina to ignore the both of them and simply turn her back to them. It was certainly becoming apparent that Aina wasn’t fit for leadership, be it circumstantial or her general approach towards missions he couldn’t say however. After all it was the first time he had accompanied her in a professional manner. Nonetheless he found himself both disappointed and concerned. He held back for a moment, allowing the woman a few paces away from the group to come to terms with whatever was going on in her head. As she wandered around the perimeter however his concern grew with every moment. Her actions were reckless and foolish and as much as she frustrated him he wished most strongly to understand and help sort through whatever was going on with her. However now was not the time for such things and if she wasn’t able to compose herself quickly he would be forced to take command of the mission. “Aina, your decision?” he reminded, hoping to snap the woman out of whatever stupor she was in. Yoru had already begun to follow her and as such Takeo naturally trailed behind in order to keep the group together.

Walking in stride with Yoru the seasoned Jounin shot a glance of shared frustration and concern with the young Bannin. It was obvious something had to be done and quick. The mission could not be allowed to continue in such a haphazard fashion. It was an unprofessional example to expose Kuodachi to and put everyone at risk. “Be ready” he warned in a low whisper. He was beginning to suspect that the spirit was already at work and was perhaps influencing the weakest mind of the group. If the spirit was going to attack, it would go after Aina. Surely enough the moment Aina stepped into the next room the walls sealed shut behind her. “Damnit” he grumbled in annoyance and anger at the woman and the spirit alike. He knew that she would be targeted and still he hadn’t been able to prevent her from being isolated. Un-phased by the rumbling the man was already forming seals which would part the wall, though half way through his sealing he stopped as a new threat presented itself. There would be no point in creating an opening when it was guarded by the golem. No doubt the walls would quickly close again which would have forced him to foolishly attempt to rush past the creation and separate himself from his comrades, following the same mistake Aina had made. No, instead he would shift efforts towards defeating the new adversary and progressing forward with the entire team intact.

Without wasting his built up chakra the man began a new set of seals. Already he was predicting how Yoru would respond and without conscious thought had prepared a technique that would benefit their dynamic. “Got it!” he acknowledged. “I’ve got you covered” the men finished their jutsu at the same time though Takeo held back his technique for a few moments, allowing Yoru to strike and waiting for the perfect opportunity. The instant the golem counter attacked five lengths of stone chains shot out from the ground. As its fist made contact with Yoru’s torso the chains were already pulling back against its arm, mitigating some of its strength. One chain had wrapped around each leg, another looping around its throat and the last two ensnaring its bicep, one of which wrapping around its body fully before meeting up at the arm in an attempt to pin the arm to the beasts side. Without hesitation two tagged kunai were launched into the golems weakened shoulder joint. The power of the throw alone was enough to cause a great crack to form, lodging the weapons almost hilt deep into the crevice. A half seal was formed causing them to detonate in a flash and a burst of smoke and bits of debris as the arm was blown from its body. “Finish it off, I’ll get us to Aina” he informed as he began a new set of seals. The men worked flawlessly together, working perfectly in tandem on near instinct alone though coupled with their efficient communication they ensured that there would be no room for error.

By the time the smoke cleared it was likely that Yoru would be launching his finishing attack and not more than a few heartbeats after that Takeo would finish his seals, stomping his foot on the ground as he directed his chakra through his earth and into the wall, upon reaching the desired area he separated his hands for dramatic effect as the walls separated. The distance wasn’t long enough to provide a true tunnel and given the circumstances he didn’t bother forming a door as he usually would. “Alright let’s go, Yoru, Kuo, with me” he directed as he led the charge into the next room. Even if the walls were to begin to close again the man would bash through with brute strength in his charge if need be. Regardless he made sure to time it so that his comrades wouldn’t be more than a second or two behind him.

Jutsu UsedShow

Earth Element• Chains of Imprisonment
B-Rank Ninjutsu
This powerful restraining jutsu requires that Takeo be within 15ft of the target, after forming the necessary seals five lengths of stone chain-links with jut out of the ground at a speed of 8. Unlike most jutsu of this fashion the chains are not directly controlled by Takeo and thus do not require additional concentration. Rather they are aimed at a target and then they rapidly move to immobilize the target, automatically looping around arms, legs, waist and neck. The chains extend as long as necessary to ensnare the victim depending on their height and girth; because this is not a controlled jutsu however they cannot pursue a target if the initial grasping has been avoided. Typically this technique is used in order to restrain a target overnight or to secure someone before interrogation. A strength of 7 is required to break free, otherwise lasts for 5 posts but can be renewed periodically by forming the appropriate seals again.

Earth Element• Secret Passage
B-Rank Ninjutsu
After a short series of seals Takeo must press his hand against some sort of earthen wall, then as long as there isn’t any foreign chakra circulating through the wall Takeo is able to create a door, complete with hinges and a handle. When used on an unusually thick wall the area behind the door will hollow out, creating a passage with a second door on the other side. Of course the larger the passage the longer the jutsu takes to complete and the more chakra is used. With an additional hand seal the entrance will close behind him, returning to its previous state.

[Willoria]

As they fought, the men may or may not have noticed a small form at the back of the room, running across from one doorway to another. It was just a little fennec fox, and yet the entire way as the golem fought them it simply said, "Shit shit shit shit shit!" before disappearing into a whole in the wall and crawling away.

Yet on the other side of the wall, on the other side of the golem, was Aina. Her mind had been chaos for some time and yet that wasn't the sole reason behind Aina's idiocy. The moment they had entered this place, the moment they had drawn near, it had been working against her mind. And even as she stepped into the other room it took her. She had stepped through the door and, to her mind, onto a clear and empty field with only a single willow tree in the center. She approached the tree and reached out to touch it, staring at it in confusion. "Where am I? Where...?" She looked behind her to try and see the others, but she saw nothing but an expanse of green grassy earth.

"You're perfect."

Aina spun, looking for a source of the voice and yet saw nothing. Slowly she looked up into the tree where a pair of yellow-orange eyes stared down at her. "Who are you?"

"Goddess."

"No... you're what we're here to find aren't you? You're that spirit?"

"Megumi, that's what some call me anyway."

Aina shook her head and looked around wildly. "Where am I?!" she demanded, turning to find the eyes gone, and yet a moment later she felt a hand on her shoulder, jumping as she spun and found a woman before her. The woman had on a dark crimson blindfold, her hair was of gold and yet horns curled from either side of her head and down behind her ears.

"You're in my world, child... I brought you here.... my pets will deal with your friends, I wanted a moment alone with you." she said, reaching out and touching the side of Aina's face with a clawed hand.

The Hyuuga flinched back. "No, we're here to encase you, take you back to Konoha, nothing more! I want nothing from you!"

Megumi laughed, a hollow and unfeeling sound that chilled Aina down to the bone. "Please, if the village wanted me captured they would never have sent you... you're perfect for me... a perfect body... a perfect talent.... you're ideal in all the right talents, Hyuuga. Destructive... just how I like my hosts."

Aina shook her head. "No!"

"You don't have a choice here, girl. You can't take yourself out of my world." Megumi told her, still laughing.

And yet, should the men break through, they would find Aina only standing there for all of the above was an exchange in her mind alone, caught in the world of the spirit they were sent after. She was in the center of a large room, at least ten feet from where the wall had been. Her eyes were closed for the time being, and approaching her would not be possible if only because of yet another obstacle.

Approaching Aina would cause another golem to rise, this one from the ground, not of a stone body but of one of water.

[Gothmer]

Kuodachi's shadow clone would not spring forward into the fray, instead it would wait. Even halting its handseals as Yoru moved in to make the first move. He really did not have much to offer against a creation of this nature. He really did not belong in this setting, with these comrades. His niche skill set lent him little use outside of his desired setting. Still, he would not be dead weight. His ears would pick up on Aina through the rubble, noticing that she was no longer moving. There were not foot steps from her. Even as the battle raged forth, he noted the oddity. Beyond that, the fox did not escape his senses either, though what the beast was doing in the ruins barely trumped the curiosity that arose from hearing the words the creature was speaking.

He could tell something was up with Aina. She'd never acted with such blatant disregard to sense in all the time he'd known her. What that something could be, the young Jounin could only suspect some influence from the spirit they were sent to hunt.

Of course, the battle was raging on as Kuodachi took in all the information before him. Following Yoru's charge, Kuodachi's clone would follow in his steps, doing the only thing it could do against a goliath of a creature like the one before them, find weak points. As it lashed out at Yoru, the chains rising from the earth below it, Kuodachi's clone darted to the left of the Yoru, who was sent backwards by the strong strike.

The clone would continue it's charge toward the freshly restrained golem, sending out two senbon towards a peculiar spot in the upper part of the monsters abdomen. They did not travel fast, perhaps surprisingly weak to Takeo. When they hit, however, the real surprise would happen. They would be lodged into a crack, what Kuodachi's senses deemed to be its weak point, causing the are around the spot to begin crumbling. "Hit it there, Yoru!" the real Kuodachi, still standing safely behind Takeo, shouted. The clone would move to the side, out of the way of Yoru who would be the one delivering the final blow.


After the golem crumbled to the ground, Kuodachi felt, even if his weak point was not used, he at least had the capability of helping. It was a good sign. Maybe one that would garner a little more recognition than the greenhorn Jounin, which he often felt was exactly what people thought of him. After all, he was very young for a Jounin.

He'd fall in line behind Takeo, as the veteran Jounin quickly took the lead in Aina's absence. He whispered as they began through the opening Takeo made, "She's right on the other side of the tunnel, but something is not right." he warned. His ears were on full alert and the Hyuuga he knew and cared about so much had still not moved. Not a single step. As they breached the room, however, his eyes met the figure he knew as Aina and his mind immediately went to some kind of genjutsu being in play. It was his area of expertise, and this reeked of the art. Odd behavior and now a trance like state?

With the sight, he'd vocalize his thoughts in a whisper, just barely audible to the two experienced males leading the entry into the room, "Might be Genjutsu. No other presence in the room though." With the waking of yet another elemental of sorts, however, Kuodachi would focus on trying to reach Aina to attempt and free her from any mind genjutsu that may have taken hold of her. for now, he'd simply wait in the back for an opportunity. His senses were far less useful in finding weakness in a creations of water. Still, he was more than dead weight, and he was ready to prove it on this mission.

Jutsu usedShow

[Aptitude • Hawk Eyes]
A-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Requirements: [Aptitude • Lip Reading], [Aptitude • See that?], and [Aptitude • Peripherals]
Kuodachi's eyes have been honed past what was believed to be the limit of a human. He is able to see minute details from 100 meters away, and see with even more detail at closer distances, seeing clearly the individual pores on someones face. This extremely hones sense of sight allows him to never miss a detail in every visual stimuli. Additionally, he is able to discern the trajectory of movements at an impressive level, able to follow attacks, or other movements, with relative ease.

[Aptitude • Bat Ears]
A-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Requirements: [Aptitude • Eavesdrop]
Kuodachi's sense of hearing has developed past the point believed possible for humans. He is able to pinpoint the location of normal sounds within 100 meters, and hear minute noises from 20 meters, such as breathing and air displacement from projectiles.

Sense jutsu can find weak spots, right? RIGHT?!

OOCShow

Sorry guys. I have not made any posts for far too long. Life. If not one minds, I am going to transfer over to the reworked Kuo (Almost through modding... I think.) Might as well do it sooner than later! Any objections and I can definitely adjust to keep to pre-rework Kuo.

[Lacarix]

Yoru landed in his crouched position, after receiving a blow from the large golem. He winced in pain, the large concrete fist had hit with quite some force. However he didn’t have time to worry about it now. The golem was now wrapped in shackles and Kuo had alerted Yoru of the Golems weak point. Yoru wasted no time, flinging himself upwards launching his elbow forward into the weak spot as cracks began to form instantly crumbling the Golem into nothing but rubble.

The young man gasped loudly, taking a deep sharp breath he pushed some of the rock with his feet letting roll across the floor. “I swear to god, that damn girl.” He snarled aggressively, he was getting sick and tired of Aina. This mission had proven that she wasn’t leadership material, he pondered if she’d still even consider attempting to become the Hyuuga leader with such leadership qualities. Walking off in a sulk and not even able to formulate basic ideas. He watched as Takeo opened up the wall with ease, Yoru had planned to burn through it with Acid but there was no need and he was glad not to have to use any of his chakra.

His fingers gently pressed against the bruised skin from the blow, the Golem had proven itself to be rather fast much faster than Yoru expected. He turned his head to Kuo “You alright?” he asked, wondering if he’d being spooked at all. There stood Aina, seeming to be doing nothing but that “Aina?” he whispered softly. However he didn’t have much chance to be concerned as a yet another large golem made completely of water appeared in front of them. He sighed yet again, and weaved a set of seals ass he channelled ration chakra towards his hands, the sensation of pins and needles surging through him as eight senbon made of ration slowly appeared to be ripping through the skin of his knuckles. However Yoru didn’t use these newly created electrical knuckle dusters as one might think, he crossed his arms out in front of him, in a X like position then swung out his hands and released the pressure in his knuckles as the eight senbon made of ration soared through the air in an X formation. He’d already used this technique with the last golem but this strike wouldn’t have exactly the same effects.

The senbon made entirely of ration, punctured through the golem made entirely of water but an electric charge would pour through it for extra damage. The charge would eventually die down, he turned to Takeo and nodded. Doton was the weakness of suiton and he knew Takeo would cause some serious damage “Cover me, I’m going to try and get Aina.” He spoke to the pair, taking off at a blinding rate weaving a short set of handseals and would attempt to touch Aina. He suspected that she was communicating with a spirit. He’d seen things like this before, he hoped he could get within the realm she was and get her out.

UsedShow

*Rock-Destroying Leaf Rise
B-Rank Taijutsu
Prerequisite: 7 Strength
To bring out the full power of the technique, the user falls into a crouch, pointing one elbow at the target and supporting that arm with another. With a leap, the user launches themselves at the target. With the supporting arm pushing against the smashing attack, the user performs a destructive elbow slam, drawing out all the user's strength and built tension. At the very least, the attack is capable of crushing medium sized rock formations and breaking defences of equal strength.

*Shizumeru • [Connection of Shizumeru]
C-rank Ninjutsu
After performing a set of seals and focusing chakra towards their hand, they will place their hand on the head of the Spirit host. This allows them to speak to the Spirit and its host through a telepathic link.

[Izanagi]

Even in the midst of combat Takeo noted the scent of a fox before he had even heard the creature. Smell was the man’s strongest sense as one would expect of a shinobi raised among Inuzuka. He paid it little mind however, it seemed a frantic and worried sort though the fact that it could talk meant that it was a classification of a spirit or a summoning animal of some sort and as such likely tied in some way to the spirit they were sent to capture. No doubt if the creature was hostile he would sense its intent before it became a threat. The seasoned Jounin watched curiously as Kuodachi attacked utilizing senbon, an odd choice of weapon and one typically favored by medical ninjutsu and projectile specialists for their ability to strike minute pressure points. Against a stone golem however they seemed to be of little use, especially when thrown with such little force.

In honesty even Takeo hadn’t keen enough eyes to notice the faint signs of weakness in the myriad of crevices and connecting stones. As such he was rather surprised and impressed that Kuo had the skill to locate and strike the golems critical points. He had discerned that the boy was observant and attentive of his surroundings though he would never have imagined that his skills of perception would rival or as it turned out, surpass his own abilities. ‘Not bad at all’ he noted as he completed the entrance into the next room as Yoru rushed in for a finishing blow against the armless golem. Once again Yoru displayed his frustration with Aina though there was no time for negative and distracting emotions, after all that was what malevolent spirits preyed on most. “Easy Yoru, I suspect the spirit is influencing her. If you don’t keep control of your emotions then it will likely be able to affect you as well” he warned in a calm, even tone. He nodded to Kuo, taking his words into consideration. “Your senses are impressive” he noted. Not only sight but it seemed his hearing or perhaps even his sense of smell as well. Takeo himself could immediately detect Aina’s scent though he wasn’t skilled enough to discern her emotions or wellbeing by it and though he would be able to hear any footsteps or notable sounds she was still out of range for him to be able to hear finite features such as her breathing and heart rate.

Emerging in the next room Takeo habitually scanned the room for any additional targets or threats, including any sign of traps. Seeing none he approached cautiously, he was certain now that the spirit was influencing Aina’s mind in a similar manner to a status or likely even a warp genjutsu. This was where he was fortunate to have his teammates with him, his own skills in genjutsu were adequate though not enough to be able to confidentially combat a spirits influence by himself. He was about to issue instruction when another golem appeared before them. He wasn’t surprised, where there was one guardian working with a spirit there were usually others. He was however curious as to why the golems would rally to the cause of a spirit of destruction, though likely its followers knew nothing of Konoha and served the spirit as a respect of its strength.

Once again Yoru utilized his raiton senbon, stunning the water golemn as Takeo’s mind raced through ways in which he could combat the creature. After a brief assessment his hands moved into seals. Chakra once again surged into the earth and in a moment a large stone wolfs head rose up through the ground, smashing through the flooring and clamping its jaws shut on the golem, crushing it and ‘swallowing’ whatever water remained down a long earthen tunnel that formed its oversized throat and extended to the bottom of the basement floor. The building rumbled and cracks and groans could be heard as areas of the structure crumbled and collapsed. He had weighed the risks of his techniques and knew that any Doton technique powerful enough to destroy the golem would also pose a threat to the structural integrity of the building. “Show yourself spirit! You like destruction right? Come out and fight us and we’ll bring this whole place down” he challenged loudly. With any luck he would be able to distract the spirit, draw it away from Aina and give Yoru and Kuodachi the chance to free her of its influence.

Jutsu UsedShow

Earth Style • Wolf’s Maw
B-rank Ninjutsu
Takeo will form hand seals and then strike the ground with his foot, causing a large wolf head made of stone to rise up from the ground within 15 meters at a speed of 25. The mouth acts as a tunnel into the ground, allowing the user to redirect large projectiles in the ground through its ‘throat’, or come up below an opponent, biting its mouth closed to trap them. The head itself is 5m long 2m wide and 3m tall and the throat continues for 10 meters underground. Though not its intent the stone head can impact, bite and trap with a strength of 15.

[Willoria]

As the spirit's laughter echoed through Aina's mind, her true body remained in the real world, standing unmoving and eyes closed. And the longer her mind remained in the spirit's world, the worse she felt. It wasn't long before she found herself looking up at the woman from her knees, feeling weak and ill even. "What's happening?!"

The woman grinned cruelly back at her. "I'm taking you, child... your body is mine." she replied.

---

As Yoru would use his jutsu, he would hear that phrase echoing through his own thoughts. "I'm taking you, child... your body is mine." If he managed to penetrate the mind into the world, he would be interrupted as Aina's hand reached up to try and shove his hand from her head. Even as the water golem was destroyed and the building began to shake and creak, crying out in pain as it were as it's very foundations were rocked, her head turned towards the sound. As her eyes opened they were no longer white, but a deep reddish orange like that of a living fire as they focused on Takeo and his yells, despite the close proximity of Yoru, and a grin spreading across her lips. "I should thank you three from bringing her here." she cooed. "Yes, I love destruction, and this woman is full of it." she said with a laugh. The more she moved, the more she spoke, it became clear what the spirit was doing, she was attempting to husk Aina, attempting to take away her body and make it her own.

Yet Aina was clearly still fighting, somewhere in that world she was fighting to get out, for the body buckled and she fell to her knees briefly, laughing at the attempt as blood dripped from one side of her nose and she looked at the three. "My she's a fighter... but she'll give in soon enough..." she said with another laugh that rang through the halls. "After all, what reason does she have to stay here, hm?" she asked, first turning her now orange orbs to Yoru, reaching out to touch the side of his face if he were still so close. "Here? Where her friends cast only doubt and frustration her way? Where no one believes in her strength? Leaving her alone to wallow in her pain simply because you don't understand it... it's beautiful the way you've prepared her for me, really." Her and would drop from his cheek as she stepped away and turned her gaze to another.

Her eyes turned to Takeo and the grin seemed to grow, and even more wicked. "Oh yes, you... I bet her guilt made the lay all the better didn't it? Taking her for yourself while her so-called love, your student no less, lie at death's door?" She clicked her tongue at him as if to pronounce shame and yet the grin remained. "I bet convincing her into that betrayal was like tasting a rare delicacy for the first time... I swear you've all done wonderfully preparing her for me."

She laughed and shook her head. "Oh how wonderful her grief is, her lack of faith in herself, the way she torments herself day and night... made her all the weaker, and all the more perfect. And the latent power.... oh my..." It was only then that she turned and looked at Kuodachi a moment, a simple question coming from her lips, simple and yet telling. "Now you I don't understand... why would she bring you along on this venture, hm? What good have you done to prepare her for me?"

[Gothmer]

Seeing the golem crumble so thoroughly with a single blow to the weak point Kuodachi had called out was more satisfying than he imagined it would be. Granted, it probably would not have withstood too much more with the onslaught it was taking, but it still felt good to be of some help to such experienced Shinobi.

But, now was no time to relish in a happy moment. They were still very much in the thick of the danger, and Aina was probably in an even more dire situation!

Yoru's angry words in regards to Aina's odd behavior would be met with quick, calm, and collected words from Takeo. They were words that continued to provoke a frustration in Kuodachi for not having been more well read on spirits. They can harness control over someone based on their lack of controlled feelings? A chilling thought, especially knowing how Yoru can get. He knew the Bannin could get very passionate about things, which can very much be a strength. Here, however, it seemed to be an undeniable weakness.

Yoru's concern would be met with a poof of smoke as the shadowclone vanished and the real young Jounin returned a smile to the Bannin,

"I'm good... How about you?"

His eyes going to the location Yoru had been struck. It was nothing serious enough to cause any true concern, but Kuodachi knew if it had been him in Yoru's place, things would be a lot worse. A reminder of his position as, perhaps, the most niche skilled Jounin in existence.

"Ate an egregious amount of carrots growing up. Keeps the eyes strong, they say."

He'd chuckle lightly, the sound bouncing off the walls of the otherwise quiet room. A complement from someone Kuodachi was quickly realizing to be extremely skilled and respected meant far more than he portrayed in his response.

Still, his mind couldn't fight the feeling that something bad was happening to Aina. He couldn't put his finger on exactly what was sparking the strong anxiety, but his instincts were throwing red flags at every turn. He was far more blind than Takeo and Yoru, his knowledge of spirits causing such a gap between his logic and his companions logic. Kuodachi only saw Genjutsu.

With Yoru jumping into action with his lightning senbon once more, and Takeo following up with a Doton jutsu that would dispatch the water elemental in the blink of an eye, Kuodachi would follow Takeo towards Aina. The building rocked with the disruption, but Kuodachi would trail behind Yoru towards Aina. It was clear, knowing that Yoru was not the most proficient in genjutsu, there was something else going on. That thought was only furthered when Kuodachi stopped in his tracks as Aina, or the figure that was once Aina, came to life. Seemingly, it was a response to Takeo's challenge.

Apart from the red eyes, it looked like Aina. Smelled like her too. But it was no Aina. Kuodachi came to a dead halt, his senses taking in the figure standing before him. This was not Genjutsu, as Kuodachi had suspected, but something else entirely. It was a possession of some sort. The beast they came here to take care of had found Aina. And taken her.

Kuodachi's mind raced as he listened to the words. He didn't have any real understanding of the situation, like Takeo and Yoru probably did, but he knew what he was witnessing. It was a nightmare come to life! As the figure fell to her knees, Kuodachi could feel the struggle happening within Aina's body. Kuodachi stood, motionless, his face failing to hide the horror he felt, a fact that held great meaning to someone so in control of what he allows his body to give away.

It seemed like his body was frozen for an eternity, listening to what words the possessed Aina had to offer Yoru and Takeo. His body was aching with an insurmountable sadness for Aina, as the spirits words rang only true. Those feelings of sorrow and hopelessness that the spirit claimed Aina to be feeling, they were something Kuodachi knew so well. The young Jounin, however, knew he had not done enough to help Aina through her tough time, and now, it was the reason she was succumbing to the spirit!

Finally, the red eyes set on Kuodachi, as if they were attempting to pierce his entire being. Yet, the words rang in the form of a confusion. Kuodachi would respond, his body moving in slow steps towards Aina. He knew she was in there, somewhere. So, when his lips finally moved, the stifled sound of a dry throat forcing its way into words, he spoke to Aina. Not the spirit.

“I know you can hear me, Aina. Don't listen to this spirit. You brought me here because we are friends. I know that.”

Up to this point, his words were quiet. His eyes set on the red that stared at him. But suddenly, his voice rang loudly with desperation, somehow coming to the realization, knowing that if he didnt so something, Aina was going to lose whatever internal war she was currently waging.

“You've always been there for me when I needed you, and I've tried to be there for you! That's friendship, and I never want that to change!”

The words became increasingly desperate with each passing moment, his steps growing a little faster, and his eyes even becoming watery. To those close to him, it would have been the oddest scene. But to Kuodachi, he felt like he'd let Aina slip through his fingers in a great time of need, when friends are needed the most. If left to move freely, he'd be only a few feet from Aina by this point, but he wouldn't stop. He'd throw himself to his knees and wrap his arms around his friend,

“Aina, ” He'd say into her ear, “I'm not letting go until you come back.”

He'd tighten the grip of his hug to his fullest. It would still be weak, and he knew Aina could easily break him into pieces, but he was not going to just let go. Letting go would mean letting a friendship, that helped him get to where he was now, die.

oocShow

Really long and fluffy one... Sorry about that! I am trying to get back into things, but it seems I may already be there!

[Lacarix]

"I'm taking you, child... your body is mine."
He heard the words speak through his mind, it was apparent to him it wasn’t a real sound he’d communicated telepathically before recognising it quite easily. It was also apparent this message wasn’t for him, he understood immediately it was a glimpse into what the spirit was saying to Aina. He had to free her, he couldn’t allow this spirit to take her over. His fingers were gently about to touch her head, he was about to enter the world this spirit called home. Until Aina’s hand wrapped around his wrist, her eyes opened wide revealing someone quite different.

His two comrades were using very different techniques, Takeo trying to provoke and anger the spirit where as Kuo was trying to soothe Aina and bring her back. Yoru wasn’t quite sure what to do, he was stuck in the middle. They’d need to work together if things were going to work. He looked up at Aina, as she spoke of him casting doubt and frustration. He couldn’t help but be frustrated with her, she was so emotional and allowed that to get in the way of so many things she was a leader of this village and he was unsure if he trusted her to do the job. But he wished he could be more subtle with the issue himself, try and guide her without yelling but it posed to be much harder than it would first seem.

Her fingers caressed his face, he looked directly into her eyes trying to see the real Aina but she wasn’t there. Her hand dropped down as she turned to Takeo, his eyes widened in shock as he turned to face his sensei. Him and Aina had made love? His nostrils flared with frustration, his hands balled into fists his knuckles cracking at the same time. Yoru was filled with frustration, how could Takeo do that again? He seemed to have a habit of making love to his students love interests. Could Takeo really betray Mino like that? Yoru’s eyes welled up with sorrow, he’d always looked at Takeo as a god but it was apparent he was simply a man.

It wasn’t the time to worry about Takeo breaking the trust of his students right now though, they had a job to do and they needed to get it done quickly. Kuo was now wrapping his arms around Aina, or at least Aina’s body. It was a risky move, the shared bond could bring her back or the spirit could crush him like a twig. He gently placed his hands together and slowly moved through a set of handseals, a chain made completely of chakra shot from his palm, ripping through Kuos body and wrapping around Aina. The chains would have no effecting on Kuo he’d be able to move through them freely. These chains would hold the spirit and place and would hopefully supress the spirit chakra enough so that Aina would at least have a fighting chance. If she showed any sign of hurting Kuo, Yoru would quickly heave the chains backwards but for now he’d simply watch and be ready to make a move.

UsedShow

color=#8C004C]*Shizumeru • [Shackles of Authority][/color]
S-rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: 11 Control
After performing a set of seals and focusing chakra towards their hand, a chain made completely of chakra will shoot from their palm towards the target at a speed of equal to the users [ninjutsu+control]/2 to a maximum of 15 and can be moved in any direction. Once they capture the host they will wrap around them placing their arms to their side and stopping them from performing seals. These chains have no physical substance, if used on a none spirit host it will simply pass through them. These chains cling to the chakra of the Spirit itself binding the target, physical strength cannot break free from these shackles. To break the chains the targets [control+mastery]/2 is higher than the user’s control they will break free. These chains will then start to drain away the chakra of the Spirit if they are held in place for a full 2 posts. The host will have the ability to call on the Spirit’s chakra again after 6 posts.

[Izanagi]

As the earthen wolf’s head retracted back through the floor Aina became visible once more though it seemed that they had been too late. The woman’s eyes turned an eerie shade of orange, the malice emanating from her being was palpable. “Dammit” he cursed, muttering under his breath, he hadn’t given up on the woman but this turn of events would make separating her much more difficult. As the woman began to speak Takeo’s fist clenched. He was too worried about Aina’s safety to risk an attack, moreover his anger was already welling to the surface. “Leave her the hell alone! We won’t let you take her!” he yelled protectively. Perhaps it was the spirits influence or simply it was due to feelings about Aina that were greater than he realized though he found himself quickly losing control over his emotions. As hypocritical as it was after chastising Yoru it no longer seemed to matter now that the spirit had claimed a host.

The possessed woman advanced before dropping to her knee. Takeo smirked, feeling a sudden wave of relief and renewed hope. He had been worried that Aina might have given in to the spirit completely as Mino had done. It was a parallel that terrified him as to the potential consequences. But Aina was proving that she retained the will to fight and resist and not only that but was doing a damn good job of it. At least when it mattered most it seemed the young Hyuuga had realized that the spirit had been manipulating her and was now taking possession of her body. “Don’t give in Aina! Keep fighting, hold her off and leave the rest to us” he encouraged. He had faith in his friend to do her part and he wouldn’t relent until she was free of the spirits grasps. He wouldn’t allow another close friend to fall victim to the life of a host, seen as nothing more than a weapon by the village and alienated from friends and loved ones for the terrifying power they possessed. That was even if the spirit could have been tamed within her, the worst case scenario would be if the spirit took full control and Aina was lost forever.

When the spirit turned to address Takeo directly his fists clenched and immediately raw chakra began to seep from his body, flowing wild and uncontrolled. She had crossed the line, speaking about Aina as if she was some simple conquest. As if he had orchestrated some grand betrayal against Mino and manipulated her into sleeping with him. If she had felt guilty about their time together he had been unaware, he certainly didn’t. Takeo was known as a man of control and conviction on the battlefield though on rare instances there were times were his bloodlust and anger would emerge. It was as if a primal beast within him had been awakened, his emotion raw and powerful and this was one such occasion. “You shut the hell up” he growled, his teeth clenched and his words seeping with contempt. His muscles bulged as he flexed his body, pulsing chakra throughout his tenketsu in order to mitigate the immense desire he had to strike the woman, though he knew that with his full power a strike of that magnitude could be fatal. With his massive chakra pool he could afford to waste his chakra, leaking it into the air around him to the point where it was not only clearly visible but the sheer intensity of it could be felt in a way similar to minor pricks against the skin. Dust and small rocks were pushed aside around him, his clothes rippling as the uncontrolled force swirled outward. It was a display that would surely intimidate lesser opponents, though in the face of the spirit all he hoped to accomplish was display the conviction he held to destroy the spirit and free Aina. One way or another however he would exact his revenge and if spirits could feel pain he would do everything in his power to inflict it.

Takeo’s eyes, focused and angry shifted to Yoru for a moment, noting his reaction which caused the man to scowl in disgust. Even his closest friend had the audacity to judge him, to place more blame and guilt on Aina. The spirit had incited the warrior’s wrath with its words but with just one look Yoru had managed to truly hurt him. “I don’t feel an ounce of guilt for being with Aina and neither should she. Why should we? Mino had been in a coma for a whole year, a goddamn year with no sign of improving. She went above and beyond what anyone could possibly expect of her, visiting him daily, tending to his care and paying whatever bills weren’t covered by the village. It was killing her to be tied to that grief for so long. Not only that but she was told she was to be forced to marry a man she had never even met. At what point was it to be okay for her to be happy, to make her own choices?” his eyes flickered between Yoru and the possessed Aina as he spoke, all the while chakra continued to flow from his body at a steady rate. And then he inhaled deeply, slowly exhaling as the expression of his chakra slowly mitigated. His fists were still held tight though his pent up rage was diminishing, expelling a great deal of excess chakra seemed to ease his restlessness and help him to regain control over his mind.

His attention was now turned fully to Aina whom was being clung to by Kuodachi whom despite his recklessness seemed to have the right idea. He hadn’t heard all of what the young Jounin had whispered to her, too caught up in his own monologue though he had seen enough to gauge a general sense of it. Yoru too had sprung into action, putting aside his personal feelings to shackle the raging spirit, making now the perfect time to address the woman trapped within. Takeo approached, his own hands forming into seals. While Yoru shackled the energy of the spirit, Takeo would bind the physical body so that neither could offer full resistance. Earthen chains would expertly navigate around Kuodachi’s body, aiming to instead bind Aina legs to the ground and pin her arms to her sides even as the young man hugged her. His voice was firm and direct still, though notably softened when he spoke next, no longer tainted by anger. “Aina, you think people don’t understand you, that nobody cares and that you’re in this alone, well you’re not. I do care and I will always stand by you.” He reassured as he moved in next to the pair, cautiously crouching next to her and taking her hand in his as he looked into her eyes. “Now fight Aina, come back to us” he encouraged.

Jutsu UsedShow

Earth Element • Multiple Chains of Imprisonment
A-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the needed seals Takeo can create up to 15 stone chains, maximum 20 meters long from the ground within 10 meters of his position. The chains are fully controllable, allowing him to manipulate them independently of one another to serve a variety of purposes, most commonly being to capture multiple opponents at once. During the time he is manipulating the chains Takeo must maintain the snake hand seal and while he can move, he is quite limited to his motions and must remain focused on the jutsu. The Chains move at a speed of 14 and bind with a strength of 26, requiring the same amount in order to break free. The chains can be manipulated for up to 5 posts after which time they retain their tautness though no longer require concentration to maintain.

[Willoria]

As Kuodachi wrapped his arms around her, the eyes of the Hyuuga turned to look at him a moment in shock. Kuodachi seemed to grasp that it wasn't Aina in her own body right now and yet he still made such a risky move. The spirit hardly heard Takeo's words as she suddenly pushed the boy back and began forming hand seals. "You impotent little-!" and with a snarl of rage the chains Yoru launched at her wrapped around her, interrupting the seals that would have become a dangerous Sankaton technique. She yelled in a rage as her eyes flitted to Yoru.

"HOW DARE YOU! YOU HAVEN'T THE RIGHT!"

She couldn't move, she couldn't form seals, she struggled against the bonds. But being a body she hadn't fully taken over, she didn't have the strength to tear out of them and was forced to watch Takeo with her flame-like eyes as he came closer. Spirit already bound, and now body too, she glared at him. "I will end her!" she snarled. "She hasn't the strength, and neither have you!" she said, her eyes fixed on Takeo as she grinned like the devil. "I will husk this body, and when I do I will break these bonds, I will kill all of you just as I will her!"

She struggled against the bonds still to no avail, and yet with a grin and a laugh she seemed to calm and almost still before falling to her knees. Her head swung forward, eyes closed as her face hung forward, not quite unconscious, and yet in a different world.

---

"I won't let you!" Aina was on her hands and knees on the ground, blood dripping from the corner of her lips in that mental world, and yet even as she spoke the spirit walked over and kicked her hard enough to send her flying back.

"You don't have the strength, child. You just don't care enough, admit it, you're okay with dying, and even with them dying."

Aina rose from the ground to her hands and knees, looking up at the blindfolded woman before her. "Them...?"

The spirit giggled. "Did you forget how you came here already? Your three friends that trespassed here with you. They'll die, technically at your hands."

Aina's eyes moved to stare at the ground as she processed this, words echoing in the back of her mind.

“You've always been there for me when I needed you, and I've tried to be there for you! That's friendship, and I never want that to change!”

“Aina, you think people don’t understand you, that nobody cares and that you’re in this alone, well you’re not. I do care and I will always stand by you.”

“Aina, I'm not letting go until you come back.”

“Now fight Aina, come back to us”

Aina was still staring at the ground as the woman advanced on her again, but this time as she went to kick her in the face, Aina's hands came up and caught the top of her foot, shoving it back even as she stood.

"LIKE HELL!"

---

Her body didn't stir, her eyes didn't open, even as blood began to drip from the corners of her mouth and from her eyes. Both sets of chains, Shizumeru and Doton alike, still around her as her body went limp and she fell to the side. The battle was in her mind now.

[Gothmer]

Kuodachi definitely had some understanding of what was happening. As Kuodachi walked forward, he knew Yoru, and even Takeo, would be ready to react to what wrath from the spirit the act might bring out. And yet, Kuodachi didn't care if he was injured with the risky move. He would take just about any risk to stop whatever it was that was taking Aina. Even his history, the true risks he had taken were all for the sake of his friends. The thought of losing the bonds he'd made always turned his mind from a rational place to one muddied with desperation to keep every string that had been intertwined with his own.

His words, however, seemed to fall on deaf ears. He had no way of knowing if they reached Aina, wherever she may have been. What he did know, is that in one moment, he had his arms wrapped around the figure of his friend, and the next, he was tumbling backwards. He rolled, catching his body and his eyes went cold as he smiled at the chained spirit. The spirits words were desperate, angry, and a bluff. Kuodachi saw right through them. “No. You're the weak one, and Aina is going to beat you.” He said calmly. His words had reached the real Aina. He knew it.

As the body went limp, he turned his words to Yoru and Takeo, moving to a standing position, “That spirit is manipulative, but I think we hit something there.” He glanced to both sides of him, exchanging glances with the both of them. He could feel Yoru's anger, and Takeo's frustration. He was young and lacked any more understanding of the situation than what he could put together, but he still he offered words to, perhaps, remind the two, “Don't let her words spur your emotions. Pretty sure that is what she wants.”

The smell of blood filled Kuodachi's nose, his eyes darting to Aina. In the next moment, once again the rashness took over as he sprinted to the body of his friend, ripping a cloth from his sleeve. He sat next to her, dabbing the blood away with the cloth. Kuodachi, while having no genuine knowledge, could feel the battle waging inside Aina's body. “Is there nothing we can do but wait and restrain her?” He posed to the two who, without a doubt, knew more about what was happening. His eyes never left Aina as he inquired.

[Izanagi]

Surprisingly Yoru remained quiet upon hearing his Sensei’s passionate declaration. Perhaps the young Bannin realized the error in his way of thinking, more likely he simply did not wish to create another rift in their bonds with one another and that was something Takeo could appreciate. This was no place for comrades to be at odds with each other, especially not comrades whom he valued as much as Yoru and Aina. He was relieved that Kudoachi wasn’t harmed as a result of his brash attempt to hug the possessed woman, he knew that if he had been killed by her own hands Aina would never forgive herself, even if she hadn’t been in control of her body at the time. More than that though the young man was a fellow shinobi of the leaf and that meant that Takeo would value his life as much as his own. The seasoned Jounin smirked as Yoru’s spectral chains bound the woman, ‘Nice one Yoru’ he thought, only a moment before his own chains further restrained the woman. He caught the young Bannin’s eye, nodding to affirm that all was well between the two of them. Despite each of their passion and oftentimes different ways of thinking they would forever be brothers and their impeccable teamwork and instincts to complement one another’s strategies were a testament to that fundamental bond.

The muscular warrior of the leaf couldn’t help but smirk as the possessed woman lashed out to no avail. Despite the body being that of a woman he cared a great deal about the demonic eyes she now possessed indicated a life of its own and it was that presence that he held nothing but disdain for. Slowly releasing her hand he gave the spirit a playful, mocking slap on the cheek before staring back into its eyes with equal intensity. “You will do no such thing. We are shinobi of Konoha, of the leaf. Our spirit, though troubled cannot be conquered, our heart, though heavy cannot be broken, our minds, though clouded cannot be deceived. It is by sheer force of will that we will continue to fight against all odds and when we stand together like we do now you haven’t a hope of defeating our combined strength.” Takeo’s defiant eyes would be the last thing the spirit would see before being dragged into the inner conflict within Aina’s mind. Her body slumped and the man smiled and nodded, an acknowledgment that their message had gotten to Aina and now she was doing her part as he knew that she would. He rummaged through the woman’s belongings, shifting her in order to retrieve the sealing scroll that she possessed. It wouldn’t be able to extract the spirit though it would be a useful additional weapon to keep its power contained.

He stood, holstering the scroll on his belt designed for that very purpose. “Yeah, we definitely got through to her” he stated proudly as he looked down at Aina’s prone body. And then he turned to look at Kuodachi. He chuckled at the young Jounin’s reminder, it seemed he had forgone his own advice and now the youngest and most inexperienced member of the team was the one to rebuke him for it. While it wasn’t common for Takeo to allow his emotions forth when he did he made good use of channeling its power to strengthen his resolve, almost always without the drawback of sacrificing his tactical ability. “You’re right, looks like you’re not a bad shinobi after all” he teased lightly before the boy quickly knelt next to the young Hyuuga woman. “Maybe a little impulsive though” he added candidly. And then the man grew serious again as the weight of leadership and command once more fell on his shoulders. “Step back” he ordered. “We need to get her back to the village, Yoru and I excel as capture techniques but an extraction is beyond our capabilities.” He noted. His hands had begun another set of lengthy seals, though at the expert speed and precision he performed them at it didn’t take more than a few seconds for another earthen construct to burst forth from the ground. His chains would raise the woman upright and hold her there while the coffin slammed shut around her. This would make transportation notable easier while also providing another layer of defense that the spirit would have to break through, though any sign of that becoming a possibility and he would further weaken its power by activating the sealing scroll which he began to wrap around the coffin. When all was prepared he would tie some of the protruding lengths of chain around himself, fashioning a backpack of sorts as he effortlessly carried the capsule. The fact that the combined weight was nearly 500lbs hadn’t even seemed to faze him in the slightest.

Jutsu UsedShow

[Earth Element • Casket Of The Deep]
A-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing the needed seals Takeo will place his hand upon the ground causing two sides of a stone coffin to rise up from the ground at a speed of 30 on either side of an opponent before slamming shut. The coffin can be modeled as he sees fit and be formed large enough for whomever the target is though no larger than their particular specifications. The range of the technique is 15 meters and once ensnared the coffin will promptly drag them down to a maximum depth of 15 meters where if unable to escape the target will slowly suffocate. The coffin can resist up to 20 strength and can be brought to the surface and opened with an additional hand seal making it ideal for capture tactics as well as interrogation.

[Willoria]

OOCShow

I'm thinking this is going to be a good way to wrap this up. I'll make this post and PM me or Skype me to let me know if you are making another, I'll let the next person know and we'll wrap it up and I'll turn it in. This was originally for a spirit idea for Aina but with the change in system the spirit idea has frankly become useless so I'll turn this in to social grading and let the mods decide if it'll get graded as a social, a mission in the old system, or what. I'm not going to make it a part of a separate plot board as that would have required multiple threads but if you have a going plotboard you want to add it to, let me know and feel free.

The trek back would seem so much longer than the walk out, if only for the battle all parties knew waged within that earthen casket. By time they'd arrive back at the village, Aina would be paler than usual, and what looked to be a handful of shallow wounds dotted her body. But upon arrival they would be met by medics and members of the sealing team who usually sealed Genma. They had their work cut out for them, but since Aina was still fighting by time they arrived, they would be able to extract the spirit and seal it away.

The spirit would be deemed too dangerous by the village for the time being and hidden away, sealed where it could no longer make trouble. But by time Aina awoke in the hospital a day later there would of course be interviews with her and the others to determine the exact nature and power of the thing.

But in the end the spirit was not only sealed away, it was destroyed that it might not terrorize any others, it's power deemed unfit for control as the risk it presented to members of the Hyuuga clan was deemed too high to make it worth using.