[Cold Country] It's Raining Cats and Dogs

[Texas]

It took months to establish bases throughout cold country. Akihiko, his military outfit, and the engineering corps have forged circular structures based around silos throughout the land. These bases themselves are powered by the natural steam that rise from the ground and utilize that as a form of energy. The steam provides the bases with natural heat and with a custom steam mill, the facilities have naturally powered structures. On top of this, Aki has even worked with the engineering corps to take specially grown roots grown from the ground that actually melt the snow around it. These structures are built with high tech materials, but have roots grown on the outside of the structure and throughout the area around it, giving it a natural lush land feel. Due to the silo's being near each other, the bases have borderline turned into a military like village within the country labeled as Could Country. Outposts were placed within the mountains to help with lookouts and eyeing if intruders were coming.

There are mountain ranges throughout the radius of these silos and on the other side of the northern part of the mountains is a large snowy jungle. On the right and left of the forest are snowy dead lands filled with ice and well... snow.

In the main Silo located in the middle of all of the other Silo's is what was determined to be the "Capital" of the outfit. Aki used that silo for military meetings, progress reports, and mission assignments. With the establishment of Cold Country, Aki wanted to take some lower level shinobi and take them to the frozen wilderness. It was rumored that odd sized and acting animals were roaming through the forests. These animals needed to be identified and logged, especially if they are animals they have never seen before.

Aki stood in the meeting room which was simple room with a large board at the head of the rectangular room and chairs with desks throughout it facing the head of the room. Thanks to another Kumo shinobi, Aki and the rest of Kumogakure no Sato had a friendly relationship with the natives of Cold Country. So Aki had hired one of them to be their guide. Their guide stood next to him, she was sitting down in the main seat while Aki sat back against the wall with his arms folded. They both waited for Aki's fellow shinobi to enter the room.

[Bexhex]

Amaki walked through the silo, the sounds of the large industrial like complex filled her ears. To think she was going to meet one of the shinobi who was responsible for creating this large base. It left Amaki in awe as she walked through the heavy metallic fortress her footsteps echoing as she approached. It was different than what she was used to since coming to cold country, the warm air that flowed throughout the complex left her feeling like she was nestled between her covers back home. It allowed her to dress as she normally would her tattered family jacket, and her typical black tight fitting top, although this time she wore and under shirt with long sleeves and instead of her skirt, she wore long trousers prepared for the could in the event she needed to leave in a pinch. She adjusted her eyepatch to before looking out a window, the melted snow and lush root system that sprawled the landscape gave a more vibrant feel that she hadn't felt since boarding her ship to come to the harsh land.

As she walked the halls she was surprised to see how busy it was, the place was treated like a military fortress and it left her feeling a bit overwhelmed as she approached the small wing of meeting rooms. All in all the technology that went into something like this place left her feeling like she was a cavewoman lost in a future time. She read the hall numbers again only to realize she was in the wrong wing again before setting off into another direction. This was already her third mistake she felt she would have to write a map to figure out where to go when she finally saw a small room, with its door sitting wide open and two individuals sitting inside it. The first was a young shinobi, who stood at the forefront of the little meeting room, his hair was a beautiful pink reminiscent of the sakura trees that Amaki loved to see. But what stood out to her most where the scars that ran down the right side of his face, she noticed as his head turned to face the other individual in the room, who she assumed was her guide. The boy must have been Ishiguro Akihiko the shinobi over her mission.

She stepped into the room, her confusion as she looked around, seeing she was one of the first ones there, "Sigh, I still made it in time, I thought for sure I would be late," she said wiping her anxious sweat from her forehead. She plopped down in one of the chairs, exhausted after the moments of her sudden relaxation. Before she suddenly darted up "U-Uhm Uh, A-AMAKI, err uhm Senkuma Amaki, Genin, reporting for duty sir," She made the typical lightning country salute, before unstrapping her kanabo resting it against the table. "Sorry for my impoliteness," she said her face flush again, first impressions where not her strong suit.

[Texas]

Aki watched as this black short haired girl walked up to him and apologized. He would fold his arms and giggle as he looked at her. "Hahaha, well don't let it happen again or else you will miss the mission completely!" In truth, Aki really didn't care, but he had to look a little responsible with the native near him. "Now then" he announced as he put his left hand on the shoulder of the native next to him. "Amaki, meet Tonoharu, he is a native here to this country. He has given us a lot of information regarding the animals that reside in this country. Our mission together is to try to find as many as possible in order to confirm the reports. We will be going to the Frozen Forest." Aki made up that term on the spot, but wasn't convinced that it was the best name.

The young man let go of the native's shoulder. He would nod his head and slightly bow towards her. Although he didn't say anything, his physical introduction radiated a lot of respect towards the young lady. When the native lifted his head and Amaki introduced herself to him, Aki would point towards the exit. "Now then, lets head out! Follow Tonoharu!"

Tonoharu would nod with understanding, turn towards the exit, and begin to run. Aki would do the same giggling as Amaki would follow. The trio would run closer to Amaki's speed and eventually they would get to a large forest like area. The forest was made up of living dead trees that held snow on their branches like leaves. This left a raised blanketed area that caused complete darkness throughout the forest.

They would stop before going in, of which Aki would turn to Amaki. "You ready to roll?" He would ask before leading her into the forest with Tonoharu.

[Bexhex]

Amaki was put off guard by her seemingly easy going senior. It was a breath of fresh air as he pushed aside her casual demeanor and followed up with a small joke and giggle of his own. A lighthearted smile came across Amaki's face as she began to loosen up. She looked over at the native and gave a small bow, "It's nice to meet you Tonoharu, I look forward to working alongside you," she said before looking over again and then letting out an awkward laugh, "You as well, sir" she said again with a small bow as she lifted up and grinned.

Amaki listened to the quick rundown of their mission, It was simple, confirm the reports of the different animals that wandered the nearby forest. Amaki was already imagining chasing cute little white rabbits in the snow before it finally hit her. Their destination where they would search for them was the Frozen Forest, her body practically shivered in response to Aki's voice as he said the words. It was so cold that an entire forest had frozen? The nervous feeling was quickly quelled by her brimming curiosity, she was going to get a chance to see something spectacular and she couldn't wait. She had already begun zipping up her winter coat, and adjusting her kanabo back onto her shoulder. She didn't ask many questions before she began to follow in behind Tonoharu and Aki, she was sure there was plenty of time to ask questions as they marched to their destination. "Lead the way," she said as she filed in.

As they made their way Amaki did her best to maintain speed with them, as hard as it was in the winter clothes she didn't feel she was pushed or rushed as she dashed alongside Tonoharu. As time passed they approached the entrance into the forest. Peering into the mass of dark seemingly deadened trees, the dark shadows beyond seemed to stare back at her. Beyond the boundary that was before them it was like looking into an everlasting cold night, Amaki felt something inside her stir almost paralyzing her in fear, before she heard Aki's voice. She suddenly snapped back to reality shaking her head and rubbed her eyes. "Uhm yes, Yes I'm ready," she said with a sudden look of determination. "Hey, heheh, I didn't ask before, but Tonoharu, Aki... Was their anything to watch out for?" Amaki tried not to let her earlier fears show. She doubted there was any real threat deep in those woods but it didn't hurt to ask to be prepared in advance.

[Texas]

With her question followed a face of annoying from Tonoharu. Not towards Amaki, but towards Aki. Tonoharu was getting a crash course of how Aki opperates and he could tell already that this was going to be an annoying leader to deal with. Aki looked at Tonoharu and saw a face he has recieved more than anything else. This caused the jounin to giggle a bit as he awkwardly looked at Amaki. "Oh right, I completely forgot to tell you. This is going to be quite a dangerous mission, don't go petting the animals or getting too close. Because of their harsh environment and lack of natural predators and prey, every animal you will see has turned into a predator. So we will stick as a group and I will protect us from serious danger. But, since you are a rising star of a shinobi, I figured you could handle yourself if the time comes to it!" Aki finished the sentence with a warm and kind smile, although his words could be rather troublesome to the youth. Upon finishing his sentence, the pink haired brat flexed his back and what looks like an armor formed on the outside of Aki facing his back. It detached and Aki flexed his finger to control this puppet. The puppet would follow close to them.

"Well, on we go!" A slightly annoyed Tonoharu rolled his eyes as he began to lead them. He would go a little slower than normal in order to mask the sound of his footsteps. Aki would follow, but made sure to have his puppet be behind Amaki to cover just in case. The group would go deep in the dark forest until they came upon a little river. There they could see sever deer drinking from it. Tonoharu stopped them and motioned for them to get behind a big tree. Aki would follow as Tonoharu explained. Deer are the second most dangerous animals here, their body's have adjusted to the freezing cold weather and their insides are capable of holding and digesting the water. If you were to place your finger in that water you would get frostbite instantly." The native would point to an area to the far right of the river, closer to the side they were on. Both Aki and Amaki could see that some of the snow has melted. "When you see snow melting like that, that usually means there are native dogs in the area. Their body has adjusted to the point where their body gives off enough heat to actually melt the snow they walk on. What follows the dogs are white rabbits. You can't miss them because of their fiery red eyes. Let me know when you see them, unfortunetly they follow in packs."

Aki would turn to Amaki and put both of his hands together. "Amaki, why don't you climb up this tree and tell us if you see anything in the greater distance! Also you can ask us any questions after you do your scouting." If Amaki followed suit, he would wait for her to put her foot on his hands and Aki would swing his arms up, launching her up into the tree. The rest was up to her.

[Bexhex]

Amaki marveled at the sight of the suit of armor that broke away from Aki rose up into a standing sentinel that watched them from behind. She could only imagine the technique that went into controlling the suit of armor with such precision, only guessing that either it was some long hidden technique or some form of intricate jikiton application that allowed it to move at the flicks of his fingers. Her eyes shifted downward and away from the marvel, she had to wonder if she would ever be on the same level when it came to such precision.

She listened intently to what the two had to say, and when her chance arose to be of use she turned to Aki, shaking her head as if clearing the envy from her eyes and said, "On it," with a large smile forming across her face as she channeled chakra to her legs, placed one foot into Aki's hands reaffirming that her kanabo was held down snug, and leapt as he threw her skyward towards the tree branches. The rush of wind that flew her short hair outwards away from her face nipped at her nose and chin numbing her face as she landed on one of the lower branches. Amaki released the channeled chakra from her feet and the subsequent adhesion as her feet stuck firmly to the branch. With her newfound safety she stood and looked around to see she was standing much higher than she had thought, the branches seemed much lower from below if she had not grown up in Kumo perhaps she would have been afraid of the how high she had come. Akihiko is much stronger than he looks she thought to herself, before she took several steps towards the trunk of tree increasing her speed and momentum till she was able to progress vertically up the side of the trunk only taking brakes as she lost momentum to regain more.

Amaki found with the simple technique, reaching near the top of the canopy was not to difficult, but she was happy to finally have the chance to rest and look outward. The forest looked like a mystical kingdom of ice, she could see the herds of deer that Tonoharu had mentioned. Amaki practically shivered as she saw them, thinking of the ice cold water that rested within their bellies.The terrain was littered with jutting rock and ice. In some areas masked by the many trees the rigid terrain broke way into deep canyons, that from this distance looked as if it was ready to swallow up the living. Further ahead was a large waterfall covered in ice as if it had been flash frozen, she was sure the small stream probably led straight to it. It was a sight she hoped they would get a chance to see. As she sat and looked out she saw, the many tracks and melted paths from the northern dogs, as well as other species that were sure to follow. She imagined what a world this was, that everything was predatory. What stood out most was how alive the forest truly was. At this height she could see creatures big and small moving through the dark trees. It was unsettling to thing that from the ground it looked so peaceful and serene, and eerily quiet, was in reality alive that under the veil of the trees was plentiful of life all perfectly adapted to this cold environment.

Amaki took in a deep breath shirking off the ominous feeling she felt, then surveyed once more following the small stream that they were near looking up perhaps half a mile out from where they sat, a small four legged figure slowly prowled following the deer tracks that were along the stream. The silhouette was reminiscent of a wolf or large dog but with a slight blur to it perhaps steam that rose from a higher body temperature. Amaki guessed this was one of the native dogs that Tonoharu had mentioned but it seemed to be far enough away that it shouldn't present itself as an immediate threat. She quickly looked out further remembering Tonoharu's caution that perhaps the white rabbits would be following. She searched looking nearby but the distance betrayed her eyes leaving her unable to determine, if any were following the warm canine.

Amaki climbed back down jumping branch to branch till she was able to launch herself downward back to Aki. As she landed she tumbled landing one knee down and one foot outstretched. "Ahhh it was beautiful," she said as she let out a gasp of enjoyment, "Tonoharu-san, I believe I saw one of those dogs about half a mile out, I couldn't confirm if any of the rabbits were following, OOOHH and I saw a frozen waterfall out a ways," she said as she rubbed her arms regaining some warmth after being in the cold heights that she was.

OOCShow

*[Basic Jutsu • Act of Tree Climbing]
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
By focusing chakra into his/her feet, the user is able to walk up trees and other vertical surfaces in a similar fashion to walking along the ground. This chakra amount must be precise, and although all shinobi learn this technique, the user's control stat will determine how well this jutsu can be executed. Users with low control 2 or lower will often fall during the use of this technique, while users with average control 3 or higher will be able to use this technique functionally. It lasts for a number of posts equal to the user's Chakra Pool.

[Texas]

Akihiko nodded at Amaki before stating "Great Job Amaki, come down, lets engage with them. I think those are the last couple of animals we have to log in! Hopefully there are going to be rabbits here, but then again hopefully not" Aki would giggle at that comment. It was recently that he had taken his genin squad out here and they entangled with a couple of deer. They were scary. Not only were they strong and wanted to eat them, but they were incredibly organized and smart. It was a dangerous combo but the unnatural behavior of these animals in this country made sense for their environment.

If Amaki came down in time, she would hear Aki and the guide going back and forth. "So what are we to expect with this?" The guide would sigh and gaze upon Aki "These animals will eat you if given the opportunity, if your teammate saw a dog like animal than it is most likely a hot hound. Their body produces enough heat to not only warm themselves, but to melt the snow they walk in. Although they are easy to track, they are incredibly difficult to protect yourself from them. They could burn you with a swipe or a bite." Aki would smile while moving his attention to Amaki, "Hear that? Let's get up close and personal to determine it ourselves!"

Aki would watch as Amaki hopefully came down and he would point in the direction she did earlier. "Amaki, why don't you lead the way and show us where you saw the doggy." Of course the guide would roll his eyes, but eventually both of them would follow directly behind Amaki. The guide would speak up about the body of water within the forest. "This body of water looks nice to drink from, but it is actually more dangerous than any poison we could produce. Due to the climate here, the local bodies of water have evolved too. This water is purified and adapted to the freezing weather. A simply freshwater river is dangerous, not because of bacteria, but the water itself will freeze body parts and internal organs if ingested. It is very misleading because the animals here can consume it, but that is because they have evolved with the water over time. Avoid small bodies of water at all times!" The emphasis made it clear... stay clear.

[Bexhex]

Tonoharu's warning echoed in Amaki's mind, when she looked at the stream she felt as if she were staring into a silent monster, one that hid behind a mask of serenity. Regardless of how her fears swirled in her imagination she slithered forward on Aki's suggestion, leading them in the direction of the "doggy" as it were. Amaki couldn't help but giggle to herself. The Shinobi that was overseeing this spoke in such a childlike manner she wondered how he could fit in with the rest of the village's top dogs.

Amaki collected herself from her childish giggling and slowly moved through the frozen brush keeping enough distance from the stream so as not to fall in but able to keep an eye on their path ahead. Periodically she would look back to Aki and Tonoharu, not so much as to check if they were keeping up, but more to gauge if they were content with her speed.

As they neared the general path that the dog had be treading Amaki made a sharp turn towards the thicker dead brush and piles of snow. Slinking out of sight from the eventual path. She felt this would be sufficient to wait it out and let the predator come towards them. She wasn't to sure if the beast was an intelligent hunter or not but she felt it was better not to walk into a potential ambush. There was only one she had seen but what if there were a pack, if they caught them off guard it would be devastating. She looked to Aki and tonoharu, "I think this is a good spot to hold out on, if the beast continues its path it will walk right out in front of us,".

Even though she knew this was the smart course of action, she felt the overwhelming urge to jump out and confront the dog head on when the time arose. Something inside her was craving the battle that could come of that, to test her will against the beast of the north. The stealthy route she had taken was out of character, but one she felt was more appreciated of her current company. But the voice in her head that demanded the fight with the dog was nagging at her begging her to step outward. She shook her head and looked to Aki, "So how did someone like you get stuck overseeing... Animal cataloguing," she asked matter-of-factly. She didn't know much about the village's top brass, in fact much of that hadn't mattered beyond her mentor's she had come across over her tenure as a Shinobi. The name Aki had stood out but this was her first time really experiencing him.