His eyes drifted downward, to the faint scar on his chest—a mark left by the monster boar’s tusk. The wound had long since healed, but the memory remained, etched into flesh as a quiet reminder of his limits. That’s when her name surfaced in his mind: Hanayo.
She was formidable. Skilled in ways he wasn’t. Maybe there was something he could learn from her—if she’d be willing.
Tetsuo rose abruptly and returned to his quarters, retrieving a sealed glass jar from the back of a shelf. Inside, suspended in a preserving fluid, was a long, inky-black, tendril-like appendage—the Deepcaller’s Tongue. He had collected it knowing Hanayo—or perhaps even Bando—would be interested in its unique properties.
The decision was made.
He gathered two scrolls, a pen, and a small vial. He’d write to her and offer the tongue in exchange for training. Whether she accepted or not, he had to try. This was the next step.
LetterShow
To the Esteemed Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf,
I trust this message finds you beneath watchful eyes, yet beyond their full reach.
Word travels quietly of your skill in refined martial practice—strength guided by precision. I am writing to propose an exchange that may prove mutually beneficial. I am in possession of a component of rare pedigree, one desired by those who seek understanding of the deep and the unseen.
Enclosed with this letter is a sealed vial—a token only. A blood sample drawn from the Deepcaller's Tongue, taken in the field and preserved immediately. It will confirm the authenticity of my claim, though the quantity is insufficient for application. Consider it proof of concept.
In return for this resource, I seek practical instruction in a particular combative tradition. A physical art—resilient, grounded. It need not be formal, only effective.
To legitimize your movements, I have included a dossier outlining a fabricated mission assignment. It should suffice under casual review, should your departure require justification. The forgeries are of professional standard.
Should you find this proposal agreeable, I will remain near Daikan Hollow Pass, nestled among the abandoned mines east of the Silverback Ridge. It is untraveled terrain, known for avalanches and wind shear—unlikely to be disturbed.
I do not expect a reply. Only your arrival, should the offer speak to you.
—A Traveler at the Foot of the Mountain
I trust this message finds you beneath watchful eyes, yet beyond their full reach.
Word travels quietly of your skill in refined martial practice—strength guided by precision. I am writing to propose an exchange that may prove mutually beneficial. I am in possession of a component of rare pedigree, one desired by those who seek understanding of the deep and the unseen.
Enclosed with this letter is a sealed vial—a token only. A blood sample drawn from the Deepcaller's Tongue, taken in the field and preserved immediately. It will confirm the authenticity of my claim, though the quantity is insufficient for application. Consider it proof of concept.
In return for this resource, I seek practical instruction in a particular combative tradition. A physical art—resilient, grounded. It need not be formal, only effective.
To legitimize your movements, I have included a dossier outlining a fabricated mission assignment. It should suffice under casual review, should your departure require justification. The forgeries are of professional standard.
Should you find this proposal agreeable, I will remain near Daikan Hollow Pass, nestled among the abandoned mines east of the Silverback Ridge. It is untraveled terrain, known for avalanches and wind shear—unlikely to be disturbed.
I do not expect a reply. Only your arrival, should the offer speak to you.
—A Traveler at the Foot of the Mountain
DossierShow
Mission Title: Investigation of Missing-Nin Activity – Mt. Daikan Hollow, Lightning Empire
Location: Mt. Daikan Hollow, Northern Lightning Empire — Abandoned Mining Region, North-East Quadrant
Mission Type: Reconnaissance / Potential Recovery
Requested Classification: B-Rank (Solo)
Objective Summary:
Intelligence received from unaffiliated source regarding possible missing-nin occupation or artifact retrieval efforts occurring in the remains of the Daikan Hollow mining complex. The informant claims to have spotted a rogue shinobi operating alone, seeking to recover high-value materials—potentially restricted relics or chakra-sensitive substances—left behind in the now-defunct facility.
The informant has no prior affiliation with Konohagakure, and appears to be offering the information in exchange for a future favor or trade, citing possession of a rare alchemical material allegedly recovered from an aquatic summons species.
Justification:
Though structurally compromised, Daikan Hollow was once a shinobi-operated mining facility utilized during the 2nd Shinobi World War, and could house remaining fuinjutsu seals, chakra-infused ore, or historical scrolls left behind. Given the risk of forbidden materials falling into rogue hands, immediate reconnaissance is requested.
Contingency Protocols:
If the informant proves hostile or the area is found abandoned, the mission will be marked as neutralized or invalidated.
No formal connection exists between operative and informant. Interaction will be treated as first contact.
Estimated Duration: 4–6 days, including travel and high-altitude adaptation.
Risks:
Severe weather conditions and high-altitude fatigue
Structural collapse
Potential hostile contact with rogue shinobi
Limited communication range due to terrain
Location: Mt. Daikan Hollow, Northern Lightning Empire — Abandoned Mining Region, North-East Quadrant
Mission Type: Reconnaissance / Potential Recovery
Requested Classification: B-Rank (Solo)
Objective Summary:
Intelligence received from unaffiliated source regarding possible missing-nin occupation or artifact retrieval efforts occurring in the remains of the Daikan Hollow mining complex. The informant claims to have spotted a rogue shinobi operating alone, seeking to recover high-value materials—potentially restricted relics or chakra-sensitive substances—left behind in the now-defunct facility.
The informant has no prior affiliation with Konohagakure, and appears to be offering the information in exchange for a future favor or trade, citing possession of a rare alchemical material allegedly recovered from an aquatic summons species.
Justification:
Though structurally compromised, Daikan Hollow was once a shinobi-operated mining facility utilized during the 2nd Shinobi World War, and could house remaining fuinjutsu seals, chakra-infused ore, or historical scrolls left behind. Given the risk of forbidden materials falling into rogue hands, immediate reconnaissance is requested.
Contingency Protocols:
If the informant proves hostile or the area is found abandoned, the mission will be marked as neutralized or invalidated.
No formal connection exists between operative and informant. Interaction will be treated as first contact.
Estimated Duration: 4–6 days, including travel and high-altitude adaptation.
Risks:
Severe weather conditions and high-altitude fatigue
Structural collapse
Potential hostile contact with rogue shinobi
Limited communication range due to terrain
VialShow
Word CountShow
289
