[Graded][plotboard] Trek Through the Woods

[TyDie]

This felt so familiar to her... it seemed like only yesterday she and her squad sitting outside the Konoha forest, waiting for an escort to bring them to the hidden village so that they could provide aid. And here she was again, posted outside of the forest as she awaited the arrival of her escort through the woods. Except this time the circumstances weren't so simple... She was here to throw herself before the mercy of Konoha's council. After all, the light that resided within her now gave her access to not one but two abilities known to be exclusive to Konoha's shinobi forces. One of them was part of a clan even... Hito had agreed with her that full disclosure was the best course of action, but Kyoko clearly had her doubts and worries.

"Kiyori-sama, I urge you to reconsider this course of action. Please, it's not too late, we can go back to Suna and say it was all just a misunderstanding." Kyoko was outside of her body at Kiyori's request, as she wanted the Konoha escort team to be aware of her presence so they didn't think she was trying to hide something. Kiyori smiled and placed a hand softly against Kyoko's face, a simple gesture of endearment between friends as she tried to comfort her comrade. "Kyoko-chan, you know I can't do that. This village and the people in it are important to me, and I will not risk war with Konoha by keeping secrets from them. Even if they turn against me, even if they see fit to execute me under suspicion of stealing their secrets... My life is not worth the well being of Sunagakure." A sort of sad smile crossed Kyoko's face... she couldn't tell Kiyori to change her mind if it was made up, but it was clear she was still very much opposed to her decision.

She turned to Arata and smiled, a truly genuine smile as the warm sun of Fire Country gently caressed her face. "I doubt it'll come to that though! At worst, they might seal my Tenketsu, but we'll see how it goes right?" Kiyori took a seat on the grass, waiting patiently for Konoha's escort team.

[Willoria]

Every part of him was tense. Every muscle primed and ready. Arata stood barely behind the two women where he walked, his eyes scanning everything ahead, to either side, and even behind. He moved as his eyes moved, walking backwards when necessary to look behind them, or sideways when necessary to look beside them. He had had a bad feeling about this ever since Kiyori had made her decision. He hadn't been able to talk her out of it, and so even though he knew Kyoko's words were fruitless, still he nodded along in agreement with the girl's sentiments. Kiyori's answer, as always, brought an anger to the surface of not just his mind but Kogasha's. But unlike back in Suna, Arata kept his mouth shut this time. His objections had not been heeded then, he knew that would not change now.

The mention of her possibly being executed still brought a growl from deep within Arata's throat, a side effect of having the spirit of a Coyote sharing his mind. More and more he had find certain animalistic sounds came from his lips or appealed to his mind. When she turned and smiled at him, Arata could only raise an eyebrow and shake his head.

"Her life is tied to the Light now, does she not see that? Her life is far more valuable than your village."

'Its her choice, we have pleaded with her over and over again to no avail, it won't change her mind now. Just quiet. She values the village more than her life even more than before. As far as I'm concerned its your damned Light that's to blame for this!'

"Just going to let her make that choice?! It isn't hers to make! This is surprisingly worse than those carnal acts you two have engaged in. It is not for the Dark to touch the Light, and definitely not in such ways!"

'I swear if you don't shut up, I'm just going to replay my memories of it over and over again until you do. Hell, I bet I can make it worse than it was for you. The things I could imagine her doing...'

"..." If a spirit could go pale and gag, Kogasha probably would have.

Arata himself couldn't help a slight smirk of victory at the sound of the spirit's silence.

[Director]

Fanho had been sprinting through the forest surrounding the village for a bit now to the border post that notated a waiting period for any traders dropping stock off, of allies awaiting escorts. He would have had an entourage, however he dismissed the idea of having a team follow him. Those awaiting him were those from the Hidden Sand Village, an ally, and one village who had just recently visited after the inauguration of Takeo. He certainly had plenty of time to read the names of who was coming, their names listed neatly on an itinerary for Fanho to become familiar with. Typically if it were fellow Konoha shinobi he'd play a friendly joke, but since they were foreign friends he'd play it safe with a simple greeting.

After dropping down from the tree's Fanho walked towards the trio tucking his hands in his pockets with a deathly plaguing smile on his face as he met the Suna shinobi. "Well hello guys. I'll be your tour guide Awai, Fanho for today. Please ensure all hands are kept inside the tour bus." Even though he read the file he'd allow them to introduce themselves, it'd help him get to know them, and plus it'd fill the air on the way back with some friendly banter and conversation. That was something Fanho would never get tired of. Besides they probably had fun stories about sand, sand, and more sand. Well hopefully something other than sand, maybe something to do with giant scorpions or something cool.

[TyDie]

Arata's reaction to her dark humor was to be expected, given his serious nature and Kogasha's influence on his mind. Kyoko on the other hand just bowed her head, shaking it slightly as she tried to find the fun in it. It was clear that Kiyori was the only one who found enjoyment out of it, but that was okay by her. After all, it was her life on the line, and she was going to enjoy what might be her last few days. Not that she actually expected to die, she sincerely doubted that Takeo would sanction that, even given the circumstances.

Finally their escort dropped down from the forest canopy and introduced himself with a big grin. Of course they had sent an Awai... it was like they knew what she had done. Kiyori gave a small bow and returned the warm smile with one of her own, her tattoos glowing ever so faintly in the warm fire country sun. "Good morning to you Fanho. I am Henrin, Kiyori, and these are my allies. Fujitsuna, Arata." She pointed to the man with the large Odachi on his back, clad in a male Kimono. "And Dasu, Kyoko." She motioned to the pale haired woman to her right, her fragile looking body concealed by a large light blue Kimono. "I'll be sure to avoid straying too far. After all, you know that you guys's forest is like, a huuuuuge omen to those touched by Her Light, right?"

It was a true fact, though she said it with a lilt that made it sound like a joke. The first time she trekked through this forest, she was actually pretty scared and serious. That was also partly due to the severity of the situation regarding Konoha's recent invasion. Now however, she was in a much different state of mind, and her newfound opinion of Yuumagure calmed her fears. Kyoko on the other hand... she was not so comfortable, and it quickly showed. She didn't like being outside of Kiyori's body under normal circumstances, let alone ones as stressful as these. 'Kiyori-sama... Can I...?" Letting out a small sigh, she would turn and speak to their escort on the subject.

"Fanho, if I might make a request of you. My comrade here has a special ability that enables her to... inhabit my body. It's a sort of symbiotic technique, but she prefers remaining there most of the time. It makes her feel safe, and given this forest's effect on the devout of our religion, I think it would be easier on all of us if she was allowed to take residence within me. Plus let's face it, Kyoko is slow as hell. She'd slow us down for sure." She looked at Kyoko's blushing face and gave her a small wink... She hated it when Kiyori teased her, but that was part of why she did it. Kyoko might not view Kiyori or anyone else like that, but Kiyori loved how cute she looked when she was embarrassed. Assuming she was allowed of course, Kyoko would walk over to Kiyori and perform a series of hand seals before almost instantly disappearing within her body. A moment later, and it was as if the woman was never there to begin with.

Jutsu UsedShow

~[Molecular Fusion: Effortless Preferred]
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
After doing the needed hand seals, the user will near instantly meld with their preferred host without much effort.

[Willoria]

Arata kept a wary eye on the man who dropped from the trees, but did not move to draw a weapon or move to make a threat. He simply watched. When Kiyori introduced him, he nodded briefly though his eyes never left those before him. He remained quiet, not feeling entirely comfortable under the canopy of the trees himself despite the fact that he had left the faith of yuumagure behind him a long time ago. 'How can you fear the dark when I am right here within you?' Arata had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as the spirit within him spoke up. He was trying to hide the presence of the thing around these Konoha shinobi, it would be bad if broke his own promise to himself already.

He noticed Kyoko's hesitency before the girl even spoke up to ask Kiyori her question and the man chuckled. He and the spirit had spent so much time tormenting her already, he couldn't resist another jab. "You travel with the Coyote and yet you are in fear of a few trees? Such a child." He was smirking as he spoke even if he was already chiding the spirit.

'Now I already broke a promise to myself, can you stop giving me ideas please?'

'But teasing this child of the Light has been very entertaining to me...'

[Director]

Fanho gave a nod as Kiyori introduced herself along side Arata and her other companion Kyoko. The Awai was roughly briefed by the council as to the importance of what occurred. That Henrin, Kiyori was in possession of the ability to manipulate hiton like the Awai. It clicked into place and the memory of her face clicked into place. He wouldn't forget her anytime soon, it was rare that someone who hadn't harvested Awai DNA had access to such an ability. Albeit she had control over one of Konoha's coveted clan's release, he couldn't falter her as from what Hito had reported it was an ability that just happened. A blessing or something from their belief in Yuumagaure. Fanho didn't really understand the religion, just that Suna was very heavy in it.

"Uhhh.... Yeah I totally knew that." Fanho scratched the back of his head maintaining his goofy smile as he laughed it off. Albeit Fanho was a very experienced Jounin with years of experience and hard work, even being noted to lead several Genin teams, apart of ANBU, and leader of the Katameru. From a first glance, it would be hard to discern he was even a Jounin. However the laid back approach he always used and held came from his happy go-lucky personality.

The mention of Dasu made Fanho's eyebrows flutter as she disappeared into Kiyori. It was a coveted clan of Suna that had the ability to merge into others, strange most definitely, but also made for one of the best medics. It reminded him of Taiga's ability to assimilate and move through matter. Guess that answered his question for how everything seemed to meld together and make sense with the Genma. Just as she melded into Kiyori, Arata spoke up about traveling with a coyote. Fanho's face made a confused look as he looked around for this coyote he mentioned. Fanho muddled in his thoughts while maintaining a bit of a thinking look. Man, if this is how these Suna guys are, I wonder how the Kazekage was for Hito...

"Well lucky for you guys, the path for today isn't shrouded by the trees. So no needn't worry about them pesky shadows." Another grin plagued his face as he flicked his thumb to the path behind him. It was very bright as if the trees lined up perfectly to demonstrate a path just poured over from sunlight. Fanho leaned in a bit comically to make a passing joke, "If you do, don't worry I think you can handle the giant spiders in there." Before nodding his head towards the path to insinuate they were moving out Fanho's hands resided in his pockets once more before treading along the path.

"So while we walk, tell me a bit about yourselves. I've never had the chance to talk to Suna shinobi. I figure the oasis there is pretty cool huh?"

[TyDie]

Kyoko was happily nestled within Kiyori's body, and was able to simply close off her senses and let the passing of this forest go by her. "Out of sight, out of mind" was the quote of the day for her, and she was happy to live by it. Although, at one point, her head popped out of Kiyori's lower back just long enough to stick her tongue out at Arata before swiftly disappearing back within Kiyori. Kiyori herself couldn't help but giggle at the small interaction, as well as Fanho's obvious ignorance regarding the tenets of Yuumagure. "Haha, it's fine that you don't know Fanho. To keep it short, Light is good, and dark is bad. Dark places are bad, so thick forest canopies are bad."

The summary was to the point, but his mention of the path back was rather interesting. When they had last gone through the forest it was not this hospitable to them. It was much darker, and in that time she felt much like Kyoko did about the darkness. Admittedly she was almost a little sad about the fact that they weren't traversing the darkness... now that she worshipped it as much as the light, it didn't feel right. Still, she would keep quiet about that part, choosing instead to keep her personal beliefs to herself since Kyoko was not yet aware of her personal views on the religion.

Of course, the mention of giant spiders caused her to scoff a little. "Ha, wouldn't be the first time I lit a giant spider on fire, right Arata?" She looked back to her bodyguard and smiled, referencing their time in the ruins where she acquired this very power that brought her to Konoha now. His last question was a bit more difficult to answer... did he mean in terms of ability, or just as people? It was a rather broad question, so it was in her best interest to assume the latter for now. She wasn't sure how much Fanho knew of her reasons behind this trip, and it was in her best interest to avoid spilling too much... She wasn't sure how a member of the clan that bore light would feel about her having access to the same ability as his kinsman.

"The desert is actually quite beautiful if you can think of it as more than just a big sandbox. The flora and fauna of the desert are fascinating, they thrive in one of the harshest environments in the entire world. But not only that, it's a common myth that the entire desert is covered in sand. In actuality, there are three deserts within the borders of wind country, and each is slightly different. The Zentoyuubou desert to the east is the one with the greatest quantity of sand, the sandstorms that get kicked up there can be quite damaging if you're caught within one. It's also the hardest to navigate due to the lack of landmarks; after all, building stable architecture on such unstable terrain is impossible. The other two deserts, the Seihen and Zenken, are comparatively smaller and have much less sand. They are instead comprised of barren, cracked, dry earth and sparse shrubbery and cacti. The various fauna also include things ranging from the rodent family such as Jerboa, to big..."

Kiyori suddenly realized just how much she had droned on about the subject of just Wind Country's ecology and climate. She constantly forgot that not many enjoyed learning such things, and instead Fanho likely wanted a more personal discussion... not a lecture. "Sorry, I got a little carried away huh? Yes, the oases are what allow us to survive in such a harsh climate, and the thriving wildlife around them is breathtaking. It really is something that must be seen for one's self, a simple description couldn't possibly do it justice. If you're ever able, I would definitely take the chance to take in some of the sights... The common assertion that the desert is just sand, sand and more sand is simply false." As she spoke, her black and red eyes scanned the environment, looking for the flora and fauna of Fire Country. After all, she hadn't had much chance to explore the past two times she had come through... Oh how she would love to scour this forest in search of all manner of things, committing them to her perfect memory. Maybe if all worked out well on this trip, she would have her chance...

[Willoria]

Honestly Arata couldn't help a genuine grin and a laugh as Kyoko popped out long enough to stick her tongue out at Arata. It was a funny sight honestly, and one that he had gotten used to. Though Kyoko was strong of faith, Arata loved to tease the naive girl and it seemed to be an ongoing back and forth between them. As Kiyori brought up spiders though it pulled Arata out of the ensuing silence and he grinned once more. "Just tell me these ones don't have real faces. I still have nightmares about that shit." he replied, shaking his head as he remembered the fight. Kiyori was being light-hearted about the entire ordeal, but he still remembered the way she had reacted to killing the spiders, and to their screamed. He knew from time to time she still had a nightmare or two as well.

Of course, then Fanho had to ask a question that Arata knew would lead to a longwinded answer. He sighed heavily and raised an eyebrow, looking at Fanho with an expression that could only read 'how dare you do this to me', and shook his head. He looked to the left, admiring trees as they went by for several moments before looking back to see if Kiyori was done. No? Okay, he turned and looked behind them for a few more, walking backwards before glancing at Kiyori again. She still wasn't done.

Then came the inevitable apology for being so longwinded... which of course led into a mini lecture again. It was the same pattern as always and by time she was done Arata was smirking and had flicked a stray acorn that he'd found on the ground, at the back of the woman's head.

[Director]

Fanho walked leading the group as his question was quickly answered. Actually quickly was a poor word to use, he meant deathly slow, long winded, and drawn out. Kiyori's friend Arata had confirmed his suspicion and feelings of how bad this explanation would be. She was from the Henrin clan so of course the encyclopedia had more to go off of. On and on and on she went describing every detail nearly to each grain of sand. If Fanho weren't walking he'd had probably fall asleep. Even now he fount himself resisting the urge to yawn.

"Well that's a lot of information to digest, but I guess if you're an encyclopedia you remember everything huh?" He cracked a humorous smirk and chuckle at the light hearted joke poking fun at her kekkei genkai. As his eyes turned to the dimming sky Fanho figured he'd ask her the question as to why she was here. He was aware of why she was, but he'd leave it in her hands to divulge the truth directly or not. He figured one way or another, this wouldn't be the last interaction he'd have with her. As one of the main shinobi in the Awai clan, he'd more than likely be taking place during her council talk.

"Well knowing a lot more about Suna now, one other quick question for ya'." He paused as he gave a playful shrug still walking towards the village following the path of the trees designed for today. "What brings you out to our neck of the woods? Old man Hito sent a note letting us know you guys were coming, but I was just curious why?" The young Awai relaxed as ever kept walking as he yawned. From his body language it was pretty clear he wasn't too hung up on the question, he already knew the answer.

[TyDie]

Between Fanho's body language telling her he was on the verge of falling asleep while walking and Arata's sudden acorn to the back of her head, Kiyori feel silent and turned red with embarrassment. "Ow!" She explained before rubbing the back of her head, turning her attention to Arata with a small frump on her face. "Sorry Fanho. Yeah, you seem to know enough about the Henrin to know what our Doujutsu does. We're all pretty smart, but if I may put myself on a pedestal, I am the leader of the Scribes of the Sand... recently promoted by Lord Kazekage of course. But even before that, I was the lead archivist. It was my duty to catalog each and every script within the walls of our colossal library. Every page, every scroll, every single text... All in here."

She pointed to her eyes with a smile, as it was clearly a point of pride to the young Henrin. Naturally, she had a very wide array of knowledge on a vast amount of subject matters, from science to politics, history and geography; No topic was beyond her mind. But clearly such things were boring to Fanho, which was fine; They were boring to Arata too. "Sometimes when Arata has trouble sleeping, I begin reciting random facts that come to mind... He's usually asleep within a couple of minutes." She giggled and looked back to her bodyguard, giving a small wink as she did so.

But then he asked a question that caused Kiyori to visibly flinch for a moment, recovering a second later with a much more serious look on her face. "...I suppose I shouldn't hide it. After all, it will come out as soon as we get to the village." She took a deep breath before starting, trying her best to summarize the story so as not to bore him with unnecessary details that he clearly wasn't interested in. "I lead a relief effort here to Konoha following your invasion, and sent my team back ahead of me, as I was still creating ties with some of your people in an effort to better understand your ways for diplomatic missions in the future. It is my desire that our people should coexist one day in the hopefully not too distant future, but I digress...

On my way back from Konoha, I got lost in a sand storm in the desert and ended up falling beneath the sands into a giant temple. It was there that Arata found me a few weeks later, and together we found our way to the exit and a large altar. The altar was guarded by the spirit of a Coyote... Which now resides within Arata. And as for me, well..." She gestured at her tattoos, which were pretty hard to miss since they were thick black tribal lines covering her entire body, including her face. "This was a blessing that I received from that altar. A blessing from Her Light itself. And, well... I believe you would call it 'Hiton' Fanho. I am capable of using the power of Light."

She was practically ready for things to turn violent right then and there, despite his nonchalant demeanor as he lead them further into the trees. Maybe they were heading for an ambush, maybe this was all a ruse to lure her in without a fight. There were hundreds of possibilities, but in the end it didn't matter... She had chosen this. Come what may, she had done all she could to preserve the relationship between her village and the Leaf.

[Willoria]

Honestly Arata had felt himself beginning to relax, even smiling and chuckling as Kiyori made her joke about putting him to sleep. He had shaken his head at her for it when she looked to him, despite grinning. But then Fanho had asked that question and Kiyori seemed to not be shy about answering the question she was posed. That didn't just put Arata back on edge, it honestly made him uncomfortable. As she answered the question and told the story, Arata quickened his pace until he was side by side with her in a position where he felt he could quickly get between Fanho and Kiyori if he needed to.

He kept his eyes on the man before them, and his discomfort increased as she seemed comfortable with mentioning Kogasha as well. He could hear the spirit ranting and raving inside his own head, demanding to know just what "gave her the right" to tell others about him. Of course the spirit felt secrecy was key, and Arata naturally agreed with the spirit. But the information was out and next thing he knew, he was waiting for Fanho's reaction.

[Director]

Fanho gave a nod at Kiyori's bragging. A little bit of personal bragging didn't hurt anyone, it was good to be confident in your skills, and proud of your accomplishments. He gave a chuckle at the acorn hitting her head and her jab at Arata. "I've done a bit of research on Suna." Kiyori had given away a bit about herself it was time Fanho participated himself, after all they were allies, and while they were here he figured they'd work close to one another. "I myself am the leader of the Katameru division of Mamorinuku. I help maintain the defenses and draft new ones for Konoha."

Fanho listened patiently to Kiyori's story of how she came to be in control of Hiton. He nodded in rhythm to ensure to her he was indeed paying attention. However his body language never gave any intent of harm or tension. He was still relaxed as ever as they continued walking. It was sorta long winded, and trailed off from the beginning but at least it came full circle to the real reason. Fanho gave a bit of a short winded laugh before grinning over his shoulder. "That's a long winded way to say you can use Hiton."

Fanho took his hands out of his pockets as he did a theatrical shrug. He wasn't too bothered by it, in-fact his clan would be pretty relaxed in the way they handled it. If anything the Awai were the least traditional clan, known for their friendly and bubbly personalities. However some were known to be hot heads, and overall some of the fiercest shinobi around. "You figure out how to use it yet or still at a loss?" Fanho could feel the tension from Arata and Kiyori, the hair standing on the back of their necks, they were prepared for a fight, but that was the last thing on Fanho's mind. In-fact he already knew that she was in possession of the ability. However he was still relaxed as ever his hands went back to resting in their pockets as he trucked along at an easy pace.

[TyDie]

Fanh's reaction to Kiyori's big reveal as... anticlimactic. Like, to the point where she was almost offended by his lack of a reaction. "Wait... really? No 'how dare you', no mention of betrayal, no... nothing? Not even questions about how it came to be, just... 'okay'. I'm a little surprised... why not?" She didn't really understand why their tour guide through the forest was so nonchalant about this. After all, she had basically stolen access to the abilities that set him apart from the rest of the world... unwittingly so, but the fact was still valid. "Will the rest of your kin be as understanding as you Fanho? "

The mention of Mamorinuku caused her to smile though... that was who she had met when she first arrived back in the during her first arrival. "When I first lead my squad to your village for relief, Mamorinuku brought us through the woods then too, Aina and Kazuo to be specific. We even bunked with the group, I met and shook Kawa's hand... It pains me that he is gone. But it's good to see the organization is still going strong." She let herself relax a little more, as it seemed that Fanho wasn't nearly as aggressive towards them as she was expecting him to be. That, or he was really really good at hiding it... time would tell the truth.

In the meantime, his last question was actually quite interesting too. He was curious about her growth with the Awai's secret release. "I've explored it a bit, and created a few jutsu of my own. I'm no where near experienced with it though, since I can't really read a scroll on it or learn from someone else. It's rather difficult to mold chakra in that way i've found. And even more then that, there seems to be something else i'm capable of, but I don't know what it's called. Hell, I don't even really know what it does, or at least I don't know how to describe it. It's as if... whatever is touched by the chakra simply ceases to exist. It leaves nothing behind, not even dust. It creates a perfectly spherical chunk in the earth."

Of course this only added to the tension of the situation, because Kiyori was giving a poor description of Sankaton release - Another of Konoha's secret styles, and one not tied to any particular clan. It was akin to Suna's own Vector release, considered an expansion of Katon, or a 'super release'. As the three shinobi - well, four shinobi counting Kyoko - Walked through the forest, Kiyori couldn't help a curiosity that came to her... Fanho was clearly woven within the inner circle of the village as commander of one of Mamorinuku's divisions. Maybe he had some idea of what fate lay in store for her? "Fanho... Do you have any idea what the village is thinking about me so far? Has Lord Hokage Takeo said anything about the topic to you? He and I were good friends when I first came to Konoha, I even hugged him when the Kazekage and Hokage had their private meeting... I can't help but wonder how he feels about this."

[Willoria]

Honestly, despite the spirit still yammering in his head, Arata breathed a sigh of relief as it became clear that Fanho wasn't going to have a negative reaction to the news. Though of course he didn't completely let his guard down, they were in a strange place after all, he did let his hands relax a bit. At some point as he waited his hands had clenched to a point where he knew his reaction would've honestly been slowed anyway. Not a good place for a samurai to allow himself to be. Though as he heard Kiyori speak he couldn't help a glance at the woman, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "Perhaps just be glad for a moment that this one isn't looking to toss you in a cell." he remarked, some part of him not wanting to really test limits or anything.

Truth be told he was also relieved when the subject matter seemed to make a shift. He fell into silence once more as he returned to role of bodyguard and paid attention to their surroundings. He recognized most of the names mentioned as Kiyori had filled him in at some point during their journey. Though he had trouble keeping his mind from the role of boyfriend as she mentioned Takeo. She had told him about the man of course, but he had noticed what the naive mind of Kiyori hadn't, the man liked Kiyori and after everything the pair had been through, Arata had a hard time stifling a taste of jealousy.

"She isn't yours to begin with, your relationship is sacrilege!"

Arata cleared his throat as the spirit ranted and raved in his head further, and all the man could really do was roll his eyes.

[Director]

Fanho took his hands out of his pockets as he did an over dramatic shrug. "I mean you couldn't help it right? No need in getting mad over things you can't help." The Awai rolled his eyes at the thought of being upset someone involuntarily had access to something they couldn't help. His thoughts drifted to the rest of his clan which he pondered a bit, some would be upset but bite their tongue, at large most of his clan weren't interested in village political affairs, and would consider this part of it. "By and large, most won't care enough to say anything. Like I said, can't help something that you can't help."

The conversation turned to Mamorinuku next as she remembered Kawa. To be honest Fanho had never gotten to know Kawa, but was very familiar with the name. After all it was his shoes he had to fill, so it was quite the big jump up and role to take. "Yeah I was just a Genin during the invasion, its been a few years since, but to be honest with you I wasn't too familiar with Kawa." Fanho flaunted his eye brows for a minute before continuing. "In-fact I got interviewed by Shikari in the organization. Now she leads the whole thing."

The conversation dove back towards her ability to manipulate it, which by much it seemed she was less skilled than an Awai academy student. However that was to be expected with someone who had absolutely no skill in the subject or any formal knowledge. At least Fanho grew up with the ability, and those around him to mentor. Kiyori just picked the thing up, and had to deal with whatever hand was dealt. What was interesting however was the fact she mentioned a release that swallows stuff whole, or only eats half of a thing. It reminded him of sankaton, to which he responded by performing a few hand seals and spitting out a glob of Sankaton which ate away a small portion of a tree. To be honest Fanho hadn't mastered the art, but he wasn't awfully unfamiliar with it either.

"You mean like that?" He gave a chuckle as Kiyori's tone drifted into a more serious question, one that he could hear the worried nature in her voice. She was afraid of what the rest of the village thought, but considering Fanho was the one they were polling for the decision he could speak confidently on what he thought. "Well I think you'll be fine, if anything the Hokage and me are a lot alike so its not like hes gonna crucify you... That's an Iwa thing." He gave a chuckle at the stab of the rival village before returning back to his serious answer. "Don't sweat it, just tell the truth, and be forward with what you mean. I mean its dumb if they wanna hold something against you that isn't your fault."

Jutsu UsedShow

*Sankaton • Rust Bullet
D-Rank Sankaton Ninjutsu
After doing the needed hand seals, the ninja gathers Sankaton chakra in their mouth, creating a blob of rust. After spitting it out, it grows to a .5x.5.x5 meter diameter ball that travels at a speed of 5, up to 20 yards away, reducing anything it strikes with 5 strength.

[TyDie]

Kiyori couldn't help but feel skeptical of Fanho and his opinion of the situation, mostly because she knew that her own clan would have someone's head on a platter for gaining access to the Dousatsugan, regardless of how it was done. Being such a young clan, the Henrin were extremely protective of their powers. But all she had to go on was Fanho's word, and though he seemed dismissive in general his words seemed genuine. He was either a good liar, or he was being honest. "I truly hope you're right Fanho..."

The topic continued on and the young Awai took an interest in her vague description of her other ability, deciding to demonstrate what he thought it was by shooting an orb at a nearby tree. The tree was left with a tiny, perfectly spherical hole in it, just like her own ability. "Yes, that's exactly it. So wait... you're telling me that I possess another style that is unique to konoha? I've never seen or heard of that anywhere else, so it must be... Well isn't that just great." She tried to be chipper about it despite the overwhelming dread that filled her now, knowing that she contained two of Konoha's secrets within her. It was like her head was already on the chopping block...

"By my calculations from my previous trips here, we shouldn't be too far from the village. Kyoko, I want you out and in the open the moment we get there. No secrets, that goes for both of you." Yes Ma'am. The response came through her mind as Kyoko agreed, and she expected Arata to follow her instruction as well. After all, she had told him beforehand that once in the village, he was to follow her every word to the letter. They weren't just here to explain things, they were also representatives of Suna, and they needed to act with decorum. She knew how difficult that would be for Arata...

[Willoria]

Truth be told it didn't put Arata any more at ease to see this new information, that Kiyori had yet another release that was a Konoha only type. Perhaps it should have been a relief, to know only Konoha had these things and so they were the only ones they needed to worry about. But if anything to Arata it felt like another stab to the back, or at least it could have been in the villages mind. He didn't say anything, but gave Kiyori a bit of a look as she mentioned the 'no secrets'. "Kogasha won't be happy about that." he mentioned rather quietly, sighing heavily as his expression made clear he was starting to get a headache from the spirit's ranting and raving.

Arata was having a moment where the last thing he wanted to do was try to maintain some sort of professional demeanor or decorum. No, he wanted to reach over and pull Kiyori to him, make clear to those in this village that she wasn't just his to protect, but that she was with him. Jealousy ran through his mind but so did a need for comfort. Kogasha had worn him thin during the journey, and these new rantings and ravings weren't helping. He knew holding her would somehow make it easier, make the spirit's voice fade into the background, but with a sigh the man resigned himself to the fact that he'd be lucky if he could even get a hug during their time in Konoha.

Everything was going to be about keeping proper and professional attitudes here after all.

[Director]

The perceptive young Jounin gave notice that Arata was the more irritable out of the three. Albeit Fanho was dismissive because he knew by and large he'd be the representative to make the decision on Kiyori's ability with Hiton while Takeo had the say on Sankaton. She had two styles unique to Konoha which would typically be a red flag however like Fanho mentioned, she had no choice in whether should acquired it or not, to pretend otherwise would be a violation of their humanity and sense of justice. The innocent when they unwittingly did something taboo couldn't be at fault or endangered because of something outside of their hands.

He'd make another attempt to keep the Suna Jounin calm as they encroached upon Konohagakure no Sato."I promise you'll be fine. The senselessness of persecuting the unwitting is essentially condemning the innocent of a crime they never did." He could over hear the Jounin mention to her Dasu as they came closer. As long as they maintained transparency, this would be a breeze through, and would end up well for them. "As much as you guys worry, you'd be better off spending time on how you can coerce training for that ability. It'd be well more worth your time than panicking yourself." He gave a chuckle as the large walls began to loom in the not so distant but distant way away.

[TyDie]

Kiyori couldn't help but turn and smile at Arata before stating quite plainly what she felt about Kogasha's personal opinion on these matters. "Arata, you know that I love you and Kogasha both, but truthfully I really don't give a shit how he feels about this. It needs to happen, and we're going to be transparent about this. We're at their mercy, and they need to be aware of everything, lest they think we're hiding things." She wasn't mad at all as she spoke, but she was being plain and blunt about it. Fanho was definitely putting her at ease here, and there was no ambush awaiting them in the forest at least, so there was some degree of safety within the village's walls.

"Truly, I'm glad that you say this Fanho. It puts me at ease to know that at the very least I'll get my chance to explain things before your people. And I know Takeo is a man of logic and compassion... Maybe my fears are truly misguided. But we won't know for sure until I speak with your council. The sooner we get this weight off my chest, the sooner I can feel normal again. And believe me, if all goes well, I fully intend to ask about learning from your people. After all, we are allies; my strength is your strength." The village walls slowly appeared in the horizon, and Kiyori breathed a sigh of relief before closing her eyes and telling Kyoko to leave her body.

A moment later, the Dasu with pale skin emerged from Kiyori's form, clearly still uneased by the trees but clinging to the fact that they were almost free of the canopy of darkness. It wouldn't be long now...

[Willoria]

Arata fell quiet and said nothing after what Kiyori told him. He knew he couldn't listen to Kogasha's opinion on it, after all he was stuck in this now. The situation was out of his control and all he could really do was focus on staying with Kiyori and protecting her. With a sigh of resignation he reached into a pocket and withdrew a small metal case. When he opened it it revealed a dozen carefully, hand-rolled, cigarettes. Within them was a mixture of his usual herb and tobacco, an effort to keep the smell from being quite as potent. Though it was still present as he put one to his lips and lit it, inhaling the smoke as he put the container of the rest of them away and enjoyed the taste.

"I don't have a choice, but regardless what happens Kiyori you know I'm staying at your side and protecting you." He told her, wincing as the spirit screamed in his year though that only really served to earn a growl from him.

[Director]

As they approached the doors Fanho waved the guards away as they approached. They were his guests for now, and on good will he'd guide them through taking responsibility and being at the ready if he needed to respond to anything. The first stop would be getting them settled into their dormitories and then from there to the council chambers where Kiyori would have to explain it. It was a relatively straight forward agenda and schedule.

"That's the best way to look at it, be transparent, and they'll be honest and transparent with you." He shrugged as they delved further into the village. "Glad it eases you, its the truth of the situation. Its natural for you to feel anxious about it because fear of the unknown, but you know I can tell you first hand this won't end poorly or worse off than you are now. We're allies and again its not like you had a choice. You'll definitely feel better after the talk with the council."