[Mission] The Bronze Bell

[Trurouno]

Mission

Dark clouds hung across the northern shore of waterfall country, sky like a field of smoke hanging over head. The weather had turned bad quickly and now with the wind picking up it seemed to be getting even worse. The sea was furiously smashing against the black rocks of the shore and the rain was covering everything like a black shroud. The stone pathway that had led Kairou this far into the country now became spluttered with patches of dark grass and mud until the only way he could judge where he was going where the boot marks that even now were being washed away by the rain.

Trees and broken branches littered the landscape staring out to sea. The ground steadily turned from grass to mud to stone but at the edge of an outcrop sat a small house. Cut from trees of the local area it shared the grey-ish colour of the rest of the setting but if Kairou listened carefully he could hear the gentle thud of a woodcutters axe. What was more important was the plume of smoke escaping from the rooftop, something that would surely be a great relief from the unrelenting chill of the storm's fury. But, there was something else a little more interesting about the setting. Pushed up onto a natural slip way of stone was the owner's boat, aged and by some sort of miracle still lasting through the storm. The sail was folded up and the boat was grey with the recognizable wood from the rest of the area. Still, it was a beautiful piece of workmanship. It seemed the craftsman had added quite a few flourishes to the design, even if most were faded and blurred from the years.

According to the mission description this was the home of the supposedly eccentric man. It would probably be no surprise to learn he was the one chopping wood in the middle of the storm. Eccentricity had an odd effect on people, sometimes it made it hard to draw the line between passion and idiocy. But in such weather no one would excuse the tall Shinobi creeping into the warm when the man wasn't watching, especially since the door did seem to be quite noticeably ajar.

[Diatenshi]

"Hello? Anyone home?" Kaisui shivered as he entered the warmth of the room. It felt good to take a small break from the raging weather. However, he was there to do a mission. He had seen the help wanted sign back in the village. Though he didn't need the coin overly, he did believe in helping the less fortunate. He glanced around the one room building. In one corner there were fishing supplies piled up. In another a small desk with many papers littered across its surface. A third corner held a small hammock. There was a small fire that was slowly dying towards the back of the building.

Upon finding no one inside the quaint little cottage Kaisui exited and headed towards the boat. It had been many months since he'd last been out at see and the sight of the worn water vessel filled his heart with longing. He could tell the boat and the house were made by the same man. A carpenter and a fisherman who'd of thought? He circled the boat getting wet as the waves crashed against his legs. He could see the worn out lettering of a name, however they were far too faded to be able to read.

Shaking his head at the boat thinking that a boat without a name is bad luck. He headed around behind the cabin towards the sound of a man chopping wood. The foliage sheltered him from the storm slightly but the rain still fell down upon him. "Hello? Sir? I saw your help wanted notice back in town I came down to see if i could be of some assistance."

[Trurouno]

Running a wet hand across his scalp the crazed man looked in Kaisui's direction as he appeared from around the house. He was tall, must have been in his early forties and was draped in a black shroud noticeably weighed down by the rain. His hands could be seen gripping around the axe, strong and roughed by his hard life style. Long hair was soaked across his brow, as if trying to hide the heavy wrinkles before descending into a long black beard tied at the bottom by a band. The sudden appearance of the boy didn't seem to surprise him, he didn't even seem to take notice of him as he put his weight behind another thud of his axe. Another log was cut in half before the axe caught in the block and the man turned his attention to Kaisui. Releasing the axe he seemed to muse on the boy for a moment, looking at his face then scanning his body before returning back to his face. He looked visually troubled before running a hand over his wet beard and stepping closer to the Shinobi.

"But a boy" he said aloud. "Only he says he is qualified, and the bell is a mystery. A creature unknown and therefore in need of the slightly more mysterious themselves. . . And when it comes to the rough seas the mysterious is what we need." Stopping he rested a hand against his axe before reaching down and scooping up the pile of fire wood he had been chopping. "He will do" he said aloud, stepping past Kaisui and ushering for him to follow. Even through the storm it wouldn’t be hard to hear the man was speaking in riddles, if that was even what they are. The long black hair, the heavy beard, the black shroud that on closer inspection appeared to be a sort of pelt, this man was definitely not a run of the mill fisherman. But the question now was why? It was true he lived in the middle of nowhere, undoubtedly in isolation but was that any reason for an eccentricity which was easier to explain as insanity?

Entering into the house the man set down the wood next to the fire and pulled off the pelt before carefully placing it on a hook to one side of the room. He wasn't wearing a shirt underneath the heavy pelt and seemed to be well built and strong despite his age. Looking more carefully it was now easier to tell the extent of the damage such a lifestyle had done to him. Heavy bags under his eyes, deep wrinkles that weighed down his skin and only subsided against the bones in his cheeks. His whole body was covered in scars, burns and heavy unkempt hair accompanied the beard. His life was rough, but why all for a creature even he had admitted was a mystery?

A pile of dead wood sat next to the fire which the man now reached for, the chopped wood still unsurprisingly damp. He was obviously prepared for such brutal weather, though why he had chosen to cut wood in it was still a mystery. "The rain is only temporary and will fade in the morning given enough time. The sea will be rough but the bell will be calmer and easier to see. It will be a few hours away, but we will have to spend the day waiting. . . The moon is an alarm clock for the bell. . ." The riddles continued but now walking over to the paper covered desk the man picked up a piece of paper before bringing it to Kaisui. "The bell" he explained before indicating to the paper.

Scrawled across the piece of old paper was a rough drawing. A large dome with what looked like tendrils seeming to reach out from behind it. It seemed less like a ‘creature’ and more like the drawings of a mad man. But there was no doubting that this man was certain of its existence. Reflected in his eyes was the age and desperate search of many years, and whether Kaisui joined him or not he would go out to sea tomorrow and look for the bell, even if it cost him his life.

[Diatenshi]

Time had not aged the man in front of Kairou well. Though he was probably only in his 40's the wrinkles aged him about 10 years. Kairou noticed the mans beard and though about growing one before realizing a green beard would draw unwanted attention. He shook his head to rid the thought as he heard the old man speak. Though he couldn't understand much of the mans words he did understand that he was accepted. He followed the man to his hut and shivered again as the warmth once more seeped into his rain sodden clothes.

He moved closer to the fire place to enjoy its warmth. As the man tossed a piece of dried up fire wood Kairou looked at him. He wasn't overly shocked about the man's physique. The old man who's name Kairou traveled under had been relatively fit despite being in his advanced years. Kairou himself was able to keep in shape through fishing. Though the physical fitness typically had more to do with working on the boat rather than the actual act of fishing. A solitary tear formed in the corner of his left eye which he quickly wiped away. Thinking about the old man was still hard for him. he missed the old man. The way he'd smoke tobacco in a pipe as he fished or how he always had time for him.

As the man spoke He thought of creatures that might be this mysterious bell. He had quite the knowledge of sea life, however nothing came to mind. hen the man handed him what looked like a child's drawing of the rising sun, Kairou became even more confused. "Alright sir when we leaving?"

[Trurouno]

Snatching back the paper and shuffling his way back to the table of papers, the man glared back at Kairou. "Eight hours" he replied simply, "then the sea will be calm and we should be able to reach the five fingers before the Bell awakes." The odd phrases continued but making his way to the hammock the man pulled out a rough robe that he threw over to Kairou. "This should suffice" he explained, indicating to his own hammock and then to two similar beams on the other side of the shack. They didn't look quite as strong or significant but this was probably the best the man could offer. Tucking a few more pieces of wood into the fire the man looked away from Kairou, it became quickly apparent that he didn’t expect much more until the eight hours he had promised had passed. His mind seemed to be focused on other things and staring into the fire for a while he seemed to completely forget about Kairou or any other sort of questions the boy may have had.

"What is your name?" he asked after a long pause, almost just to fill the silence. The question was perhaps the most direct thing he had said so far. "No no. . ." he seemed to correct himself, "the mysterious should be the opponent not ourselves. And she did always say it was best to speak first. . ." It was odd, the man seemed to be having a dialogue with himself. What was stranger was that he appeared to be disagreeing and even scolding himself. It was as if he didn't have an inner monologue, not when it came to his language at least. Everything was on display, but that didn't explain what else was happening inside. Perhaps everything else was 'the Bell' as he called it? Perhaps his language didn't matter enough to hide. "I am Nazo" the man explained, seeming to make sure to introduce himself before he indicated for Kairou to do the same. "Family is just a memory. . ." he added, seeming very aware that it was odd for him not to give his family name.

[Diatenshi]

Kairou nodded towards the time of departure. while this seemed like a wild goose chase he'd follow it through. Kairou would take the cloak and lay it on the floor. He had slept on worse things and he didn't want the cottage to collapse from his weight. Five fingers? What the hell is all this shit? Oh boy have I gotten myself into this time? Kairou would think to himself as he sat down leaning back against the post.

Kairou wondered who this "she was and if she was perhaps the old mas deceased lover. Then again the cabin looke as if a woman had never lived itn it at all, so perhaps it was his mother whom he learned all these eccentricities from. either way the man's word struck a chord when he spoke of family. Kairou became rather rigid. "A memory best left forgotten. Kairou muttered to himself. "The name is Kaisui." Trying to stay under the radar as he was Kairou decided it best not to give out his real name.

[Trurouno]

Hearing his name Nazo nodded knowingly. They were just people in this search together now, no family to think back on and no way of finding each other when it was all over. For a second the man hesitated to say anything, noticeably thinking carefully before he sighed. "Go to sleep Kaisui" he explained, "we need to wake up early." With that the man turned to the fire and went back to his silence. Isolated and detached he didn't even take a look at the boy before stumbling over to his hammock. The thud of rain on the roof echoed through the shack, old cracks betrayed weaknesses that let wind seep through and chill the bones. The fire was the one real relief, he had lived with all that for a long time. . . but this would be the last night. Looking up at the old wood of his log cabin Nazo shut his eyes, all that was left now was the last adventure.
The Next Day The sky had cleared up by the time the two had awoken. Leaving some bread and jam on the table for breakfast Nazo was already outside carefully tending to his boat. The sea seemed calmer as well, though compared to the rough weather from the night before that wasn't difficult. The mission description had said the area wasn't occupied, that was probably because of how rough the weather could become. There was every reason to suppose it would return. But now, without the shade of the clouds and rain the Shinboi could see just how perilous the area was. Jagged rocks lined the shore, the only noticeable path onto land was the one Nazo was using and in the distance huge rocks reached out from the water threatening any man who attempted to sail their way.

Nazo was rummaging through the interior of the boat, making sure he had all the supplies they needed for the trip. He hadn’t packed much food or water, only enough for two days, but this time he was certain of the Bell’s location. "Kaisui" he suddenly called to the boy, "it's almost time." The boat was still beached but with an indication to the Shinobi Nazo hopped onto the ground and moved to the back of it. "First thing, this needs to be in there" he explained gruffly, glancing at the ocean. "Help me push."

[Diatenshi]

Kairou would lay down anddrift to sleep to the sound of the waves hitting the beach just outside the cottage. it was a comforting sound to him and made him feel at home even in this strange place.
THE NEXT DAY Kairou would awake to the sound of the man shuffling about the cabin. the morning light shone in through the open door through which the man kept traveling in and out of. Kairou quickly got to his feet. He noticed the man had left some food out for him. He ate quickly wondering what kind of fruit was used to make the jam, as the texture and taste were unique though exceptionally enjoyable.

Kairou would would carry a pack of supplies outside the cabin following behind the man. He looked out to the sea and saw why this area was so dangerous. The rocks reminded him of the stories the old fisherman used to tell him. and Kairou wondered if there was any truth to them.

When the man called for him telling him it was almost time Kairou looked at the supplies. It wasn't much but if need be he could hopefull catch some fish and make some drinking water from the ocean. The biggest problem now was getting the boat into the water. He put his shoulder against it and his hands on the bow. He dug his feet in a bit before pushing against the boat. It wasn't overly heavy as the boat was small. However, it was heavey enough for the distance it would have to be pushed.

[Trurouno]

Kairou moved to push against the boat with Nazo just behind him. Each taking a side they forced their shoulders against the boat and with all their strength pushed against it. Focusing Nazo went silent, his insane ramblings vanishing as the sailor inside took over. "A little more" he grunted before the boat hit the slip way and gravity took hold. Tearing down the slope the boat hit the water hard but held up despite its age. Nazo raced after it, wading into the water before clutching the bow and pulling himself up. "Come on Kaisui" he said seriously, offering a hand to the boy. "It's about time we really begin to pursue the beast." When the two of them were safely on board Nazo quickly made his way to the helm. The boat wasn't big but below deck was already heaving with items and even the deck itself had harpoons and fishing nets littering the ground. "Get that sail up" Nazo ordered, "we've got a good wind behind us. Now it's just about making it to the Five Fingers before dawn."

Looking at Kairou seriously the edges of a smile began to wash over Nazo's face. Perhaps he had lost everything along the way, even his sanity it seemed, but when it came down to it the man was still a sailor. The sea was in his bones, the salty air in his lungs and with a great roar he span the wheel towards the dark rocks in the distance. "We'll have to move fast" he yelled, "the Bell won't wait forever!"

Cutting through the great black waves the ship was held under the masterful control of Nazo. Kairou would be called on for any given tasks but what was most important was his constant vigilance. Rocks jutted out in all directions, the threat of wreckage a constant threat but, still barking orders, Nazo seemed determined to move with as much speed as he could get out of the small ship. But Kairou would have to continue to relay directions and as they neared the huge dark rocks jutting from the sea this was even more crucial. Turning serious Nazo's eyes locked on the heavy shadows of the great rocks. They were the only things keeping them from the Bronze Bay, the stretch of water well known for the Bell's myth. "Kaisui, keep an eye on those rocks for me. We don't want them getting too close. These rocks have claimed many good men, some would call them Scylla. . ."

[Diatenshi]

As the boat crashed in to the water Kairou stood shocked as the man moved with incredible speed after it. He chased after the man however instead of wading, he simply ran on top of the water to the boat and smiled as the man looked up to him. he must've shocked the man a bit but the man's amazement didn't last long, he was on a mission and and nothing would stop him.

As they got underway into deeper waters Kairou would complete various task as Nazo called them out. He smiled when the sail was down and the win was at their backs. Nazo had him constantly checking the rocks. As they neared one on the starboard side Kairou called out form the old man to turn a tad to avoid one that was on the port side. as they passed through the shadow of the huge rocks Kairou wished he new of his clan's leaders sea water jutsu, would've made the whole trip easier.

[Trurouno]

With the careful guidance of Kairou Nazo was able to steer the ship past the huge rocks and slowly the heavy shadow of the stones began to subside as they entered the Bronze Bay. There were a few close calls but as the shadows passed over the man he breathed a sigh of relief as he looked out over the open water. The sea was dark and shadowed, in the distance he could see heavy clouds but even further than that five great stone pillars reached out: The Five Fingers. The waves looked rough but smiling casually Nazo was certain they had got lucky. Cliffs reached out from all sides of them now, but they were a ways off but for a while they would at least have a bit of clear sailing. Nazo relaxed and stopped relaying orders but in his silence he put all his focus on the careful control of the ship. The first hurdle had been passed but they were still on a time limit. . .

The clouds grew heavier the further into the bay they went. The waves grew rougher and the man's dull silence became tense and careful. He still wasn't giving orders to Kairou but his eyes were focused on the five great pillars still on the horizon. For now he could keep control of the ship but each new breath became more and more of a struggle as he fought to control the ship. Occasionally he indicated for Kairou to work with the sales but for the most part he remained silent. Steadily they grew closer and closer as the day became longer and longer, the sun reaching higher and higher before dark clouds began to reach out and blot out what little sun reached them.

"We're in his territory now" Nazo explained, leaving the wheel during a brief lull in the waves as he beckoned Kairou to once again help him with the sail. "This is probably when I should tell you a bit more about the beast, at least what I know. What we'll need to do is have the two of us split up, you focus on the beast and I on the wheel. . ." Grabbing the rigging Nazo grew silent for a moment, looking carefully at Kairou. "Kaisui, i'm not going to ask about your origins but I saw what you did earlier on. Those 'skills' won't necessarily help you here. The Bell needs to be caught, not defeated." The man was suddenly speaking sense but as he began to pull at the rigging he spared another quick glance at Kairou. "You may very well have to go under water. Have you ever caught any big fish, sharks or things? The Bell will probably have to be caught like them, only alive.”

OOCShow

Sorry this is a little later than normal, been v. busy

[Diatenshi]

Kairou relaxed as they passed the rocks. The sun was tanning his kin as it rose higher causing him to look darker than normal. As they traversed the aquatic terrain the seas grew rougher and and the sky darker. The clouds above were an ominous sight to behold. An eerie chill went down his spine as the clouds blocked out the sun. He occasionally worked the sails however the craft was directed mostly by Nazo's masterful hand.

When Nazo started talking to him and told him he'd be the one to capture the "bell" Kairou was rather confused. I thought capturing the bell was the man's dream, why is he having me do it? Kairou shook his head then looked up at the man as he continued explaining.

"Have I ever caught a big fish?"Kairou began a series of handseals and and a great white shark made purely of salt formed in the water, being held together by chakra. "This shark is based off the real one I caught." He'd quickly perform a new series of seals. Opening his mouth he'd pull out a fishing hook. It was his strongest hook. "My hooks drain my target's energy. It doesn't have to kill, but it does take away their strength to fight." Kaito would inform the old man as he put the hook on his line replacing the novice hook.

JutsuShow

Enton: Expert Hook
B-Ranked Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Enton: Seasoned Hook
Using his ability to create Salt, Kairou performs a few hand signs and forms a fishing hook out of salt. This hook slowly drains the moisture out of whatever it pierces, draining 2 stamina from dehydration. It’s not really hard to break requiring strength of 7 to break.

Enton: Great White
B-Ranked Ninjutsu
For aquatic situations, Kairou uses these instead of his clan’s deer. After doing the needed handseals, the clan member spits out a pile of salt that takes the shape of a Great white shark. It is about 5 feet tall and can’t use jutsu. This clone is able to travel up to 40 meters away from the user. It has the following stats: Taijutsu: 3 Stamina: 5 Strength: 3 Speed: 5[/spopiler]