[Rediscover 1] Chapter 1: Enemy of my enemy

[Trusted Grader]

Yeah so the reason why I robbed you....
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A thief is nothing without a target and a payed theif was always far more satisfied than one that wandered aimlessly, Mahalow, the treasure acquisitor or so he and Verndari liked to call themselves was on the prowl. He and his mentor had been working on gathering enough funds to go on a treasure hunt but due to lack of funds he found himself stuck in this God forsaken desert village, the thief spat on the ground as he moved about.

He enjoyed being around crowds whenever he was on a mission as they helped conceal his true motives but he hated the fact that he wasn't in control of the objective. Set up Zhizhi to go on a D-Rank mission to find a lost dog (A dog which Mahalow had released and then payed anonimously to Suna in order to get the genin to go on this mission) it was a long shot but he had been tailing the boy for the last two days and he always seemed to stop and pet the said dog. Luckily things went according to plan.

Mahalow had been hired to steal a mask from the kid, why was this mask important? He had no idea, but he knew that if he didn't get it then they would be on his ass. The timelimit afforded to him would leave him with just a couple of hours to steal the mask and then return it to the buyer, he had cut his time pretty short but Mahalow didn't stress it, instead he waited for Zhizhi to reveal himself.

The theif moved away from the crowd and began to walk up a set of stairs that would take him up to the roof, which would allow him to check out the mission area which the boy had been sent to and once he had been identified the hunt would begin.

[Gara]

Tianhou Zhizhi's frustration simmered as he trudged through the arid landscape of the tiny desert village he had called home for as long as he could remember. The sun bore down relentlessly, casting harsh shadows on the baked earth beneath his feet. He muttered under his breath, his irritation mounting with every step.

"This damned dog... Where could it have vanished to?" Tianhou Zhizhi grumbled, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he scanned the horizon. His voice carried the weight of exasperation as he spoke of the wayward canine that had become an unexpected source of trouble in his life. "I feed this little rascal a snack every single morning..." This particular morning was different from the rest. Tianhou Zhizhi had woken up to find his sister's mischievous dog conspicuously absent from its usual spot. It was a routine he had come to accept, but today, the dog's unexplained disappearance had him on edge. He couldn't help but feel responsible; after all, he had been entrusted with the care of his sister's beloved pet.

The small desert village, with its narrow alleys and tightly-knit homes, held a special place in his heart. It was not only his childhood home but also the place where his elder sister still resided. This connection drew him back to the village every day, but today's visit was fueled by a singular purpose: to find the elusive canine and return it safely to his sister's embrace. Determined to unravel the mystery of the dog's whereabouts, Tianhou Zhizhi retraced his steps, visiting all the familiar places he had taken the mischievous pet over the years. He explored the dusty streets and checked the cool shade beneath the gnarled trees, hoping that the dog had sought refuge in one of its accustomed hideaways. But, alas, it remained elusive.

Each corner of the village held memories of his childhood and the adventures he had shared with his sister and her dog. Nostalgia washed over him, mingling with his growing anxiety for the missing pet. He couldn't shake the thought that the dog was somehow trying to relive those memories, leading him on a wild chase through the village's labyrinthine streets. As the sun continued its relentless journey across the sky, Tianhou Zhizhi pressed on, determined to reunite his sister with her wayward companion. With every corner turned and every alley explored, his determination deepened, driving him forward in his quest to find the elusive canine and bring it back to the place it belonged.

[Trusted Grader]

Mahalow could almost feel his soul leaving his body, the heat was getting the best of him and no matter how much water he drank he still sweat like a madman. Why couldn't mother have been born in another country? What kind of hell hole is this? The thief cursed under his breath as he chomped down on his sandwich, the fury of each bite matched his internal anguish.

He stopped chomping once he spotted his target and a grin grew on the boys face, Man, Verndari won't believe this! Hook, line and sinker! A phrase he barely understood what it meant as he had never fished before but those where the words his mentor used. Dudes crazy with his silver tongue... Mahalow chuckled as he rose to a standing position, he took a step back from the edge and stretched.

Before long he would jump down from the roof, he tucked in and rolled as he landed as he didn't gone through the ninja academy so he had no idea how powerful his body truly was, all his years of parkour training had thought him that rolling alleviates the access tension from his poor knees. The boy dusted himself off and grinned at the unsuspected crowd, fortunately he was far away from Zhizhi that the noise shouldn't alarm him.

Using the crowd to move closer, the thief would make sure to size up the boy as he didn't want to bump into him and grab the wrong item. Zhizhi was indeed interesting and the way he dressed made the thief wonder if he truly should just bump into him instead of full on robbing him, although he was sure that it would cause far more problems if he did it that way, so, for now he would tail him until he could catch him off guard, even better if he managed to see the mask one way or another before he would strike!

[Gara]

"Xiao Zhi," the gentle but aged voice murmured like a soft breeze in Zhizhi's ear, carrying with it the wisdom of generations. It was the voice of Grandpa Kóng, a venerable figure who had seen many seasons come and go, always offering advice rooted in love and concern for his grandchild, or so Zhizhi believed. "I don't wish to sow discord, my dear, but you've scoured every nook and cranny where that dog usually frolics. Painful as it may be, it's possible that he's embarked on a different path, never to return. Perhaps it's time to consider the idea of finding your sister a new canine companion, one who'll stay by her side without question."

Zhizhi felt a knot tighten in his chest, caught between the practicality of his "grandfather's" words and the unwavering loyalty he felt toward his sister. He knew the bond she shared with her dog was akin to a mother's love for her child, and he couldn't bear to see her heartache deepen. Still, he couldn't help but hope for the impossible, holding onto the idea that the prodigal dog might one day return.

"But Grandpa Kóng," Zhizhi responded, his voice resolute even though tinged with a hint of youthful idealism, "you don't understand. My sister's affection for her dog is boundless, like the deepest river that never runs dry. I can't simply replace him with another. It's not just a matter of loyalty; it's the connection they share, a bond that transcends words."

As he spoke, Zhizhi instinctively reached down and caressed the mask hanging from his belt, a silent comfort in times of uncertainty. He had long realized that he could communicate with the spirit inhabiting the mask without the need for physical touch. He believed that the artifact, passed down from the late Xiao Li, was a conduit to the wisdom of the village ancestors, and it served as a silent counsel in moments of doubt.

Grandpa Kóng's voice, though filled with the weight of experience, was softened by understanding. He knew that Zhizhi's devotion to his sister and her beloved pet was unshakeable. With a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of decades, he said, "You are a noble soul, Xiao Zhi, and your love for your sister is a beacon of light in this world. If you believe in the dog's return, then continue your search with unwavering determination. Sometimes, it's the persistence of the heart that brings forth miracles."

[Trusted Grader]

The thoughts of finding enough funds to escape dry badlands was growing more vivid by each step he took, his palms began to sweat as Mahalow moved through he bussling crowd, his eyes was still fixated on his target, he could not lose him, he refused to fail on such a simple mission. Luck seemed to be on his side. Zhizhi reached for his mask, a move, that wasn't missed by Fox, a visual confirmation on the object he had been hired to steal.

Now all he had to do was find something to replace the mask with as it seemed that the target checked on it to make sure he still had it. Seems like he isn't really used to carrying it around, why else would he touch it like that? Unless he's some freak... He does seem to be talking to himself though... Weirdo. Mahalow shook his head, stopping once he spotted a mask salesman. Life couldn't be any sweater.

Mahalow walked up to the vendor and swiped a mask, feinting that he was checking to see if any of them were worth buying before he continued to stalk his pray. Mahalows eyes set upon Zhizhi, the mask and then the allyway that would lead to his great escape, if he things went his way then he would slip through the crowd and vanish before the Zhizhi even realized that he had been bamboozled. He picked up speed as the exchange was about to happen, his heart palpatated like it always did before the fiver finger discount occured, he always found it funny as he truly felt alive before and especially after the adrenaline subsided. Let's go.

Mahalow bumped into Zhizhi, his hand removed the mask from it's position and exchanged it with the fox mask, a quick spin and a fake off balance catch to distract the target. "Oh shit, my bad!" Mahlow waved and spun around and continued walking, he kept his pace until he finally rounded the corner, he began to bolt at full speed until he cleared the ally and turned the next corner.

---

MetaShow

Three steps ahead.
D-Rank Discipline Taijutsu
By always staying three steps ahead, the user is able to plan their escape plan ahead of time, and appear as if they are great improvisors.

Through the crowd.
D-Rank Maneuver Taijutsu
A simple technique to slide in between people when on the run, this technique allows the user to move without loosing much momentum.

Five Finger Discount.
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
A simple pickpocket technique where the user checks the surrounding area before sneaking in the item in a pocket.

Oh Sorry!
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: Five Finger Discount.
The user bumps into a selected target and performs a simple pickpocket maneuver to either remove or place something that fit ones hand.

Eyes On the Price.
D-Rank Taijutsu Stance
The user keeps an eye on the target, and uses the time to inspect and deduce how to best approach the situation.

In Plain Sight.
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
The user knows how to hide in a crowded market, back ally, or bar in order to slip away from their pursuers.

[Gara]

Zhizhi's good-natured demeanor shone through as he stumbled slightly when a passerby bumped into him. Flashing a warm, forgiving smile, he brushed off the accidental collision with a gesture of camaraderie. "No worries, friend," he quipped amiably, his easygoing nature prevailing. "It happens to the best of us." With that, he continued on his way, as if the encounter had never disrupted his stride. As he moved through the bustling streets, his thoughts turned to his ever-encouraging mentor, Grandpa Kong. Eager to absorb the wisdom and martial prowess of this elderly sage, Zhizhi couldn't help but voice his yearning. "Grandpa Kong," he inquired, his voice tinged with a blend of curiosity and excitement, "you mentioned you'd start teaching me your martial arts soon. Could we perhaps begin today?" The prospect of learning from such a venerable and wise figure filled him with anticipation.

"Of course, Xiao Zhi," the ethereal voice of the mask's spirit echoed within Zhizhi's ears, a whisper carrying centuries of knowledge. "In fact, now presents the perfect opportunity." The spirit's guidance was clear and direct. "Focus your inner strength into your legs, and chase down the man who just bumped into you. He has taken me from your belt." Zhizhi's heart quickened with a sudden realization that the man who had collided with him had indeed made off with the precious ancestral mask. Panic surged through him as he recognized the significance of the theft. He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the moment, and concentrated his thoughts solely on the art of running. With each stride, he willed his muscles to move with greater speed and agility.

Zhizhi's pace accelerated, each step a testament to his determination. However, he discovered that maintaining this heightened speed was a challenge. His legs surged with bursts of energy, but they refused to sustain the pace he desired. Drawing on the teachings of Grandpa Kong to be more confident, he focused his chakra into his feet, feeling the energy flow like a river through his body. With newfound confidence, he defied gravity, running up the side of the tallest building in the vicinity, his agile form scaling the walls with ease. From this vantage point, he scanned the cityscape, searching for the elusive thief who had absconded with the mask.

It didn't take long for his keen eyes to spot the fugitive, who raced through the labyrinthine streets with remarkable speed. With unwavering determination and the lessons of his mentor coursing through him, Zhizhi set forth in pursuit, ready to reclaim the priceless relic and prove his mettle as a martial artist in the making. Launching himself from his impromptu observation point, Zhizhi's lithe frame soared through the air. In mid-flight, he executed a flawless aerial somersault, tucking his body into a compact ball to absorb the impact upon landing. With a practiced grace, he rolled smoothly across the rough surface of the nearby roof, skillfully mitigating any potential damage that might have befallen a less agile pursuer.

As he initiated the chase, his heart raced with a potent mixture of determination and frustration. Each leap from one rooftop to another was a testament to his unwavering resolve to retrieve the stolen mask, and he moved with the fluidity of a seasoned acrobat. "Grandpa Kong!" he called out, his voice carrying the strain of urgency as he vaulted across the urban landscape. The name echoed through the empty spaces between the buildings, a lifeline connecting him to the wise spirit of the mask. "Can you still hear me? I'm encountering difficulties maintaining the speed increase! What am I doing wrong? He's putting more distance between us with every passing moment!"

As he raced across the rooftops, his plea to his mentor's spirit reverberated in his thoughts. He yearned for guidance, for the wisdom that had been passed down through generations to aid him in this pivotal moment. Zhizhi knew that he couldn't afford to lose ground; the elusive thief was slipping further away, and time was running out to recover the treasured family heirloom.

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Ghostly Monkey Steps
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The user focuses more strength into their legs while using this technique, focusing more on speed than strength. This allows the user to increase their [Speed] stat by +3, however, they are unable to exert as much strength while using this technique, making their [Strength] stat accrue a -3.

[Trusted Grader]

The thief couldn't believe how well things were going, in fact because they had gone so well he ignored to check if he had been tailed and instead focused on meeting the broker. Ducking down an alley and between shady people, the young thief finally found himself standing by what appeared to be a burly man, who removed all of the thieves weaponry before he let him enter.

The thief walked down a set of stairs and soon found himself inside a dark room, the only window in the room was around feet level, meaning all they could see was the busy streets moving about. Man, what a shitty view... I guess he really likes feet, or... Most likely that he truly didn't want people to find this hidden spot, Mahalow couldn't help but to wonder if a human could fit through the narrow window, he probably could but it would require a certain finesse that he fortunately possessed.

The dark room was covered in sand colored walls, the mahogany table was the only thing that seemed to be out of fashion for everything else appeared to be run down. There were plenty of stolen goods within this room, stacked inside of crates, which made the thief wonder, what if there was things that had true value that was hidden within these four walls? A chuckle escaped his breath as he awaited further instrucitons.

After a hot minute or two, a dappered man entered the room, Mahalows back was still turned against him as he began to speak. "I see that you have finally arrived, I got the mask you was asking for... " He chuckled, he still kept the mask hidden as he wasn't sure if he could trust him or not, time would tell for Mahalow himself wasn't the most trustworthy person.

---

MetaShow

Three steps ahead.
D-Rank Discipline Taijutsu
By always staying three steps ahead, the user is able to plan their escape plan ahead of time, and appear as if they are great improvisors.

[Gara]

With each nimble leap from one rooftop to the next, Zhizhi maintained his relentless pursuit of the man who had brazenly stolen his ancestral mask. His pursuit was not only fueled by a burning desire to recover the treasured artifact but also by an unspoken promise to his mentor. "Grandpa Kong, I'm closing in!" he declared within the depths of his determined heart, the words serving as both an affirmation and a silent vow. He would not allow the thief to escape justice.

The pursuit, though fraught with tension and urgency, held a dual nature for Tianhuo Zhizhi. It was, in some peculiar way, both a curse and a blessing. The intensity of the moment demanded his full attention, forcing him to concentrate on multiple facets simultaneously. The most demanding aspect of it all was his endeavor to master a new technique on the fly, without the luxury of prior experience or extensive training. In the midst of his high-speed chase, Zhizhi grappled with the complexities of this novel skill. It was an art he had only recently begun to explore, and now it was being tested to its limits. The rooftops served as his crucible, and each bound across the urban landscape was a lesson in adaptability and growth.

Though the stress of the situation weighed heavily on him, Zhizhi embraced it as an opportunity to expand his horizons. With each pulse of his chakra, every calculated leap from one precarious perch to another, he honed his abilities. The rapid pace of the chase demanded not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude, pushing him to explore the depths of his own potential. As the cityscape unfolded before him, Zhizhi's commitment to the pursuit remained unwavering. With every bound and every second that passed, he inched closer to the elusive thief, determined to fulfill his promise and to prove his mettle in the crucible of this unexpected trial.

Zhizhi's keen eyes never wavered as he tracked the thief's movements across the intricate urban terrain. The man's frantic escape was marked by abrupt turns around corners and a ruthless disregard for the people in his path. With each nimble maneuver, he pushed himself to the limit, driven by the urgency of his getaway. Zhizhi, determined and relentless, kept pace, determined not to let the thief slip through his grasp. As the chase reached its crescendo, the thief's frenzied sprint began to falter. Fatigue cast a shadow over his desperate flight, and he gradually slowed his pace. It was then that Zhizhi witnessed a surprising turn of events. The thief approached a towering, burly figure who blocked his way, and with an air of authority, the large man allowed the fugitive to slip through a hidden door.

Zhizhi's heart raced with a mix of frustration and intrigue. What lay behind that mysterious door? Why had the thief stolen the ancestral mask, only to seek refuge in this enigmatic place? It was a puzzle he couldn't solve on his own, but he knew he had a trusted advisor in Grandpa Kong, the spirit of the mask. With a steady breath and a sense of resolve, Zhizhi reached out to the ancient spirit, his thoughts connecting them despite the physical distance. "Xiao Zhi, remain calm," Grandpa Kong's reassuring voice echoed in his mind. "I'm still here with you. Let me delve into the heart of this mystery. I will discover the reason for my abduction." As Zhizhi continued to observe the door, he felt a sense of relief knowing that he was not alone in this perilous pursuit. Grandpa Kong's wisdom and guidance would be invaluable as they delved deeper into the unknown, determined to unravel the secrets concealed behind that foreboding entrance.

1295 Of 920 WordsShow

Ghostly Monkey Steps
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The user focuses more strength into their legs while using this technique, focusing more on speed than strength. This allows the user to increase their [Speed] stat by +3, however, they are unable to exert as much strength while using this technique, making their [Strength] stat accrue a -3.

[Jinan B]

Why do I do this?

Otsu Yuichi was a man who appeared both daunting and meek. Tall and gaunt, his thin face was framed by short-cropped black hair that parted on the left side of his scalp. There, it revealed a long, narrow scar where growth refused to take root. It was clear that he had taken war wounds over his life, a fact only further emphasised by the cane he wielded and the limp with which he walked. He was meticulous in his dress -- an expensive sand-hued kimono -- but the coarseness underneath was not entirely hidden.

He often found himself mulling over how he made it here. Once, the man had earned a living as a samurai, seeking battle with far more honour than sense. He took on more than he could manage and fearlessly ended his career forevermore. As he was now, broken in body, there was little work he was fit to do; but his mind was still honed to a sharp edge.

The illicit brokerage he conducted was one trade that remained open to him. He had been in the wrong time, at the wrong place, taking the wrong opportunity; and now he was here. Yet another deal with yet another thief. It would all end soon, he hoped, with his long-awaited retirement. The love of money made a poor motive, but each time he asked himself the question he received no better answer.

”You made good time, Mr. Fox. I’ll only need a moment more of yours.” Contrasting his appearance, Yuichi’s voice was warm and comforting. Non-threatening, above all. Of course, the handful of trained brawlers in the room put pause to the idea that he was some kind of pushover.

”Please place the mask on the table. I’ll confirm its authenticity and present payment in full.”

[Trusted Grader]

He liked the sound of it, Mr.Fox, it made the thief feel more important, especially coming from the mouth of someone dressed as fashionably as Yuichi, the broker who ahd called him to steal the mask from Zhizhi. Amoment passed before the thief grinned and procured the mask for Yuichi to inspect, he hadn't really inspected the mask as he thought it was just another ninja mask with 'Ninjutsu' or whatever it was called attatched to it.

It wasn't until he pulled it up and looked at it for a brief second as he gave it to Otsu, I should've inspected it a bit more... The craftmanship of it was... Iunno... It seems far older than I expected it to be. Mahalow grinned and looked over at the big guy guarding the door, then over at the window, the desk then back at Yuichi. I... No... Just take the money and focus on what's ahead, you have another adventure coming up, there is no need to piss them off because you think you could sell this at a higher price.

Mahalow had a tenancy of being a bit selfish when it came to his earnings, he knew that currently he had to save up as much as he could in order for him and Verndari to be able to go on their long awaited journey, yet, his mouth worked against him. "What do you think of that craftmanship? It does look to be around a thousand years old no? In fact.." He almost imposed on Yuichi until he realized that he was stepping out of line.

---

MetaShow

Three steps ahead.
D-Rank Discipline Taijutsu
By always staying three steps ahead, the user is able to plan their escape plan ahead of time, and appear as if they are great improvisors.

Smarter Than He Looks.
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
The user uses the knowledge they have gathered information on the quest, book, or treasure. This means that the user has to spend some time studying the scripture, book or history behind the artifact in order for this to work. The user has to spend at least 1 post studying items in order to gather as much information as possible in the shortest amount of time.

[Gara]

Maintaining a low profile, Zhizhi crouched down, using the natural cover of his surroundings to avoid detection as he surveyed the building the thief had disappeared into. His sharp eyes darted around, searching for a discreet route that would grant him access to the rooftop. To achieve this, he needed to move stealthily, ensuring he remained unseen by any potential adversaries. With deliberate caution, Zhizhi assessed the area, knowing he required a diversion to divert attention away from his covert maneuvers. He discreetly shifted out of the direct line of sight of the men guarding the mysterious doorway, making sure to blend into the shadows of the bustling urban environment.

In a calculated move, he retrieved one of his prized possessions, a Blazing Shuriken Alpha tag, from his pouch. These were no ordinary tools; they were imbued with potent chakra and held the power to create distractions or confront challenges. Zhizhi hesitated for a moment, well aware of the limited number of such precious tags in his possession, but the gravity of the situation left him with no other choice. Raising the tag in his hand, he focused his chakra with precision, activating the device with a technique known as Chakra Kai. As a result, three shuriken composed of blazing flames shot forth from his palm, arcing through the air with a fiery intensity. Their trajectory led them to a target carefully chosen by Zhizhi, the awning of a nearby store.

The moment the shuriken struck the awning, it erupted into a spectacular display of flames and sparks, drawing the attention of anyone in the vicinity. The sudden burst of fiery spectacle would undoubtedly serve as a potent diversion, causing confusion and diverting the gazes of the individuals guarding the concealed entrance. With the attention of his potential pursuers momentarily diverted, Zhizhi seized the opportunity to begin his ascent, still shrouded in shadows, determined to reach the rooftop and uncover the secrets hidden behind the enigmatic door.

Fuuinjutsu UsedShow

Blazing Shuriken Alpha
D-Rank Charge Fuuinjutsu
Blazing Shuriken Alpha is a unique Fuuinjutsu developed by Xiao Li. Once the seal is activated, whether through air sealing, or the use of a pre-drawn tag, three shuriken made of fire will launch in a straight line in front of the user. The shuriken fly with a speed of five, and hit with a strength of five. These shuriken are capable of causing first degree burns.

[Jinan B]

The splendid mask almost shone in the dim candlelight of the underground cellar. It was magnificent and, more importantly, clearly authentic. Yuichi broke out into a gentle grin as he saw that the thief had done his duty without a hitch. The party he had contracted with had not been someone he dealt with with no concerns. The cost of failing would have been severe. But the profit involved had been too great to ignore.

The old man picked up the mask, turning it over carefully and examining for the telltale marks of its creation. He could not let himself be fooled now, even if the value of it seemed clear. Clear even to the fox himself, who had failed to contain his own curiosity. "You’re quite right, my friend. This particular piece was created by the Zhuan people. A splinter of their culture founded the great ninja village of this nation."

He gestured at one of the thugs, who presented a small handheld case and placed it on the table. ”Your payment, as agreed. 40,000 Ryō.” The man hooked the mask to his waist before pausing for a moment. ”You know, Mr. Fox. If antiquity is of interest to you, perhaps there is room for a longer-term partnership between us.”

---

The bustle of the village did a fine job of disguising the rather overt motions of casting Zhizhi’s fuuinjutsu. Instead, the flaming weapons cutting through the nearby store came as a complete surprise to the two guards. The unfortunate proprietor of the store dived down to the ground, covering his head as if he expected the entire building to collapse rather than just the outer awning. The nearby civilians erupted in a chorus of screams cut through by voices calling for buckets of water. In such a dry climate, the danger of out-of-control fire was well known and swiftly responded to.

The guards, likewise, found their attention thoroughly diverted by the display. Though things would be calmed quickly, the young shinobi would have a brief moment of opportunity to make his way onto the hideout's roof. Whatever his next move was, however, would surely need to be silent; lest the guards hear his activity and become alerted to his trespass.

[Trusted Grader]

Mahalow couldn't believe that he had missed the correlation between the artwork and the craftmanship that the Zhuan people were known for, in fact the second Yuichi mentioned it a vision came to mind, The Zhuan people were a proud people that created arts and crafts that are not only worth millions but they are also said to have built a village that has dissapeared in time... What the hell was Zhizhi doing with that mask and why does Yuichi want it so bad? I am missing something here. Mahalow rubbed his chin as he thought about the mask.

He took a step towards Yuichi but stopped once one of the goons opened a briefcase and revealed the money he had been promised, a smile grew on his face as he couldn't contain his joy. With this I could begin to fund the journey me and Verndari have been trying to go on... But... This mask... By the looks of the markings it seems to indicate something, is that? Mahalow barely finished inspecting it before Yuichi rightfully removed it from his sight and hooked it to his waste, he'd be able to tell that Fox was a bit dissapointed that he never managed to fully read the insignias, his frown quickly turned upside down as Yuichi mentioned a partnership.

That sounds like a good idea, except that I am 100% going to steal that mask, Verndari will not be happy but this is too good of an opportunity to miss out on. Was what he thought, "That sounds like a wonderful prospect, especially if the money is right." Fox grinned and shook Yuichi's hand, he peered over at the window before he grabbed the case, his mission was done for now, he knew that with this money he could start his new adventure but, something told him that he really needed the mask for something greater.

But that would come later, especially now that he knew that there was another entrance into this shady establishment. Mahalow bid farwell and exited the way he entered, to his shock he saw that something had caught ablaze on the outside, no matter, for the thief pulled up his hood and disappeared into the crowd.

[Gara]

Confident that the fiery spectacle had captured the full attention of those who stood guard by the concealed entrance, Zhizhi didn't waste a moment. Every nerve in his body tingled with anticipation as he sprang into action, channeling a blend of resolve and agility. Crouched low to the ground, he moved with silent grace, making his way to the edge of the building, which marked the boundary between him and the rooftop of the building the thief had entered. There was no room for hesitation; the element of surprise was on his side, and he had to seize it. In a daring feat, he propelled himself into the unknown, launching across the gap between the two structures. The distance seemed to stretch impossibly before him, but Zhizhi's focus was unwavering. In mid-flight, he compacted his body into a tight ball, a technique honed through countless hours of training and discipline.

With an impact that resonated through his frame, he landed on the other rooftop, his body absorbing the shock of the landing with a seamless roll. The maneuver was executed with a blend of acrobatic finesse and raw determination, ensuring that he landed without making a sound. As he regained his footing, Zhizhi's heart pounded with the exhilaration of his bold leap. He was now one step closer to uncovering the mystery hidden within the walls of the enigmatic building. With the flames still flickering in the background, he advanced stealthily, searching for a concealed entrance, guided by the unyielding determination to reclaim his stolen family heirloom and unlock the secrets that lay beyond.

[Jinan B]

With the fox departed, the old man’s actions were swift. A raised hand was a signal for the brawlers to begin packing. He had used this hideout a handful of times already, approaching one too many for his liking. As obliging as the building’s owner – an old war acquaintance - had been, it was time for them to move on. For most of the operation, they would be unloading at a quant watering role a few days' journey away. For Yuichi, hope bloomed that he would be headed for the nation’s border soon enough.

Two of the retainers - one broad and closely shaven, the other with long raven-black hair framing his slim frame - flanked the broker as he began the arduous journey up the stairs and out of the building. Wherever he moved once he was finally out of this business, the one certainty he had was for there to be no damnable stairs. That, and well-padded chairs to take the edge off his chronic pains. Even standing could insufferably irritate his wounds; and the work he was forced into offered little succour. Not for the first time, the question reared its head. Why did he do this? The question found no answer, but at least he could put it behind him soon enough.

While Zhizhi would find no concealed entrance as he continued his stakeout; he would soon enough see the frame of the thief who had stolen the mask leaving the premises. If he continued his watch a few minutes longer, he would then spot the trio making their own exit. The long-haired retainer would exchange a word with one of the guards, while Yuichi himself regarded the smouldering remains of the fire. It had been brought under control in short order, and now was little more than a wet pile of ash.

While the rest of his underlings would take some hours to clean out the hideout, Yuichi and his pair had more urgent places to be. They boarded an inconspicuous carriage, the broad-shouldered bodyguard in the driver’s seat, and began to make their way towards the outskirts of the village.

Once they were away, Yuichi beckoned the long-haired man closer ”Keep an eye out for any tails, if you would. Something about this feels… off, somehow.” A chill had settled into the base of his spine, despite the immense heat of the desert, and the old man couldn’t shake the feeling that even with everything seemingly in his favour, his future was still balanced on a knife’s edge.

[Gara]

With silent urgency, Zhizhi navigated the rooftop, his every movement a delicate ballet of stealth and purpose. His keen eyes scanned the surroundings for any potential ingress points into the mysterious building. Each step was calculated, and every breath was measured to avoid betraying his presence. The frustration etched on Zhizhi's face was palpable as he realized the rooftop offered no hidden entryways. He cursed softly under his breath, the words a hushed expression of his exasperation. The absence of alternative access points intensified his resolve, for he knew that time was of the essence. The stolen ancestral mask held not only sentimental value but also a deep connection to his family's legacy.

Frustration transformed into determination as Zhizhi's thoughts reached out to his spiritual guide. "Don't worry, Grandpa Kong!" he whispered fiercely, his words echoing in the vast expanse of the rooftop. "I'm going to fetch my uncle; he'll know how to get you back. And once we have you, the thief will pay the price, without a doubt!" The promise in his voice resonated with unwavering commitment, his fury fueled by the violation of the sacred connection to his lineage. As Zhizhi prepared to leave the rooftop, he swore a silent oath to himself. The thief and anyone found in possession of the stolen mask would face the consequences of their actions. Vengeance simmered within him, a determination to make those responsible pay dearly for their audacious transgressions against his family's heritage. With renewed purpose, Zhizhi descended from the rooftop, his quest for justice fueled by a potent mix of anger and unwavering resolve.

[Trusted Grader]

Mahalow closed the briefcase after he inspected the money yet again, nothing seemed to be missing, though the thief didn't feel satisfied, the mask called to him, it reminded him of a story he had read in the past. It can't be that mask, can it? Mahalow pulled out his favorite history book and jumped over to masks, and just like he had figured out, the mask was important. No wonder he would pay so much for it. Fox rubbed his chin as he wondered if he should go back and steal it back, perhaps contact Verndari and try to finish this quest on their own.

There were a lot of choices to make, but being followed wasn't one he had thought about, Mahalow had let his guard down once he had reached around 250 meters away from the location, he wanted to act normal but didn't think about the pesky ninjas and their techniques. No matter, for now, he continued to study the mask and its history, apparently, the two jewels fit the holes in the eyes that revealed Yamaha Village, one of the first villages that managed to control a great spirit, the story went that the city was destroyed for their arrogance, but that wasn't what Mahalow saw.

He saw the jewels and wondered if there were more left in Yamaha, history had forgotten where the village was but legends said that if he had the mask and the jewels then the treasures would be his. Only one way to find out. Mahalow bit the nail off his right thumb as he closed the book, he had a new mission, steal the mask back and try to find Yamaha Village, with or without the help of Verndari, besides, he would get paid far more if the old man was busy with his ninja duties.