Fandom Naruto: The Will of Fire

[Luelle]

Sashi Gekiyaku
Mentions/Interactions: shadedbynight The Silent Z EnviousWorm​

"It sure seemed that way." Sashi gave a teasing grin to the girl. He returned a nod to the other ninja boy, which came out as a graceless bobbling of his head, whilst having a mini spazz out upon detecting the damselfly dancing down the bridge of his nose. That's when the captain told him to shut it.

Sashi's cheerful expression faltered. He couldn't help but sulk as he glanced at his uptight team captain who seemed to embody the very essence of rigidity. His teammates faces shifting into unreadable masks of discipline and detachment. Why does everyone have to be so serious all the time? Sashi thought, feeling the weight of the silence around him.

As they moved forward, Sashi’s mind drifted back to a time when he had been gravely ill.

The memory was still vivid: the fever that had pesteringly burned through his body, the unbearable straining on his lungs, the constant stabbing pain in his stomach, and the medics' grim faces as they told him he wouldn’t survive. But against all odds, he had pulled through by the grace of his brother's unwavering promise, and that experience had given him a new appreciation for life and a determination to make the most of every moment.

---

In a dimly lit room, shadows danced across the walls as flickering candlelight cast an eerie glow. The soft rustling of leaves outside was the only sound, interrupted occasionally by the faint, labored breaths of a young ninja. Sashi’s once vibrant, agile form lay still, ravaged by an illness that had swiftly taken hold. The medics had solemnly delivered their verdict:

“We’ve tried everything. There’s nothing more we can do. We’re sorry."

Beside him, Sojin knelt, the weight of their words heavy on his heart. His eyes, once filled with the wonder of a dreamer, now brimmed with unshed tears. Gently, he took Sashi’s frail hand in his, feeling the coldness that had begun to seep into his brother's limbs.

Sashi's normally bright eyes were dim, and his laughter had been replaced by hoarse and shallow breaths. Despite the despair that threatened to consume him, Sojin refused to give in to hopelessness. He gently brushed a hand through Sashi's hair, offering a comforting presence.

"Sashi," Sojin whispered, his voice trembling but resolute. "I'm here, little brother. I won't let you die like this. I'm trying. I'm trying so hard. I promised you..."

Sashi’s eyes fluttered open, their usual sparkle dulled by the illness. He tried to speak, but a fit of coughing wracked his body, leaving him breathless and weak. Sojin leaned closer, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of suffering.

"Don't... give up," Sashi managed to rasp, his voice barely audible.

---

"I wouldn't be here if he had given up," Sashi reminded himself. "So, I can't let this get to me now."

The team lead raised his hand, signaling the team to stop. Sashi snapped back to the present, his senses on high alert. The team gathered around the captain, who briefed them on their mission: to capture three troublesome Shinobi from the Land of Rivers. Sashi listened intently, knowing how important it was to stay focused.

With a swift change of hand signal from the team lead, the squad set off into the forest at a fast pace. Sashi took his position in the middle, keeping an eye on the sides while matching the speed of his comrade assigned to the same role.

The forest blurred around them as they raced through the trees, each member playing their part to ensure success. Sashi’s mind was clear and determined, his usual chatter replaced by a steely resolve. He may have been the bubbly, talkative one of the group, but in moments like these, he knew exactly what needed to be done.

In the midst of their mission, Sashi silently vowed to find a way to bridge the gap with his team. For now, he would follow the captain’s orders, stay fast, quiet, and vigilant. But he wouldn't give up on finding a way to bring a bit of his own lightheartedness into their serious world. After all, he had survived worse and come out stronger.

 

[CloudySkyLoftyMoon]

Hinageshi

Interactions/Mentions:

Hatake Fuyuhime ( Quiet ) | Gyuro ( Luelle or EnviousWorm idk :v)

Konohagakure Outskirts,
~ 8:30 A.M.

Hinageshi blanched. Girls as pretty as…her?

Make no mistake, Hinageshi looked her best—as she always did when heading to the academy: she wore her best threads, a patchwork of silk and hemp; a bird’s nest of small sticks passed for hair accessories; hell, she was even freshly bathed. However, despite all that Hinageshi was under no illusions about her appearance. Which meant the only reason this guy could be approaching her was—

”I’m not going to sleep with you.”

While she approved of Gyuro’s vision and pragmatism—he had reasonably assessed that Fuyuhime was way out of his league—she didn’t buy his braggadocio. Captain of the Guard? Hina didn’t believe him. He didn’t look like a ninja and the Feudal Lord seemed the kind of man who’d only trust that kind of role to a personage of substantial power.

That didn’t mean Gyuro here was a nobody. An errand boy, perhaps? His pouch was full—keys or maybe coin? He was clearly trusted and if she wanted an in-ways to stealth a few trinkets under the princess’ nose, then this was her in.

”I’m Hinageshi and this is Fuyuyu, she’s very shy. Could you tell us anything about the princess’ guard regiment? Anything that would help us fight together better, if it comes to it?”

 

[ThAtGuY101]

~Sheo Midakaori...~
~April 11th...~
~Premiere Outpost 1...~
~Interactions: Sojin - Luelle Kaito - Japanime ~
~Mentions: Hinageshi - CloudySkyLoftyMoon Fuyuhime - Quiet ~

Sheo listened to Hinageshi give a brief response. Quick on her feet, huh? I bet she's bragging about her dance skills. It's gotta be that. Maybe later on I should challenge her to a dance battle. That'd be pretty cool. I'd probably win. no way around it. Sheo had a smug smirk briefly creeping on his face but stopped mid action to listen to...

Sheo looked and listened to Sojin, their group leader speak to Lady Eria. Sheo couldn't help but notice her bodyguard then nodded when Lady Eria said thankyou. She wasn't speaking to Sheo directly, but he nodded and had no problem responding regardless.

"You're welcome..." Sheo couldn't hide his excitement. His grin was getting even bigger. A group of genin with their chunin soji there not to mention a bodyguard? Sheo couldn't imagine this mission possibly going wrong. He was feeling incredibly confident right now, but didn't say anything ust yet. Sheo knew better then to speak and jinx the group in verbal manner, but the confidence was not going to fade. He couldn't help but glance back occasionally at Lady Eria a couple times. Then back at the road and muttering to himself a couple times.

"Fuyuyu... Fuyuyuyu... Fuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuuu..." Sheo chuckled. He liked the way that sounded. Hearing people talk about performance make Sheo so excited he can't focus, he's practically just twitching like a grenade that just had its pin pulled out.

"Yes performance sounds splendid. Quite exquisite most certainly and without a doubt...! And there will need to be music. Such vibrant colorful sounds create a vivid spontaneous atmosphere!" Using big hand gesture movements as Sheo spoke. Big energy as he imagined such ideas. He hated the fact that he needed to focus on the road, but was smart enough to not get too distracted now and continued looking around. This was an escort mission after all. Not one of Sheo's musicals, but he wouldn't mind ending the mission now and starting one. He knew damn well not to express that opinion out loud.

 

[EnviousWorm]

LAND OF FIRE, WESTERN ROAD
SHINOBI TRACKING SQUAD
APRIL 11, 4:00 P.M.

Traveling as fast as they could, the squadron led by Asuma Shimura made great time coursing through the path out of Konoha and toward the Land of Rivers. A relatively uneventful trip took the group through the massive forests surrounding the Leaf Village, an open plain that led into a small mountainside, around the mountain through more open fields, and back into more forest thicket ahead.

Passing into the forest, the general silence of the day was replaced by the buzzing of swarming insects; cobwebs and nests increased in quantity, size, and strength. Dragonflies, damselflies, horseflies, beetles, and mosquitos flew about in every direction, impossible for the shinobi to avoid as they ran through the tall trees.

Saori would notice a strange familiarity in the spiderwebs–not a close familiarity, but something about it would set the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. It gave her the same feeling one might experience when passing someone on the street that you vaguely know, but cannot remember the name of. ( shadedbynight )

Sashi and Akihiko both were subjected to the worst of the swarming bugs, the concentrated amount of insects orbiting their every move enough to warrant some level of response even from the most stoic shinobi. Damselflies in particular drew close to Sashi, almost multiplying from the one that had hounded him since back in Konoha. ( Luelle and The Silent Z )

From the back, Shura would hear the faint sounds of a horse-drawn carriage, clopping hooves and creaking, wooden wheels and all. The young genin could hear the murmuring of voices approaching further west, far below the treeline. He couldn’t yet make out what words they spoke, simply that they were moving in slowly from the west toward the shinobi team. ( Grand Overlord Koop )

Captain of the tracking team Asuma Shimura smelled the smoke and blast powder before he could see the grey and black clouds dancing over the tops of the trees. He held up his fist to signal the team to stop, looking up into the sky, trying to gauge the distance between his squad and the signal up ahead.

“Twelve, maybe thirteen miles to the southwest, something’s happening,” Asuma noted of the potential danger in their path, having to raise his voice a bit to cut through the incessant buzzing of insect wings, “we’ll slow down and move further south to try and get around it. Anything to report before we go?”

 

[The Silent Z]

Akihiko
​

The once open and more familiar crisp morning air that once filled his lungs and set the scene around him with onlooking eyes noting each little detail of the surrounding trees, rising walls around the village, the backdrop of mountains and forest pathways scattered about amongst the outposts. It was all becoming all too familiar the longer he remained posted within the village

Now hours had passed in relative silence as was often his own style anyhow. It wasn't much a bother to him as this was rather common place for his tastes, it felt easy and natural to stick out of the spotlight and remain within the shroud of blending and not garnering a sole inkling of attention from others. A memory that was rather shrouded in fog and lacking of any recollection that could aid his present. A binding tie of some kind to feel something more. So silence and not standing out from the crowd was far easier and natural to him. The time spent within the academy wasn't altogether eventful really, least not in terms of the getting to knows and normal route of bonds and ties. It was all unfamiliar to him. Least as far as his memory could tell and recollect. Right or wrong....

Now with the passing hour their descent further from the familiar and daily sightings around the village. Reaching further into the mountain paths, streams and now thickness of swarm filled forests and the buzzing of all sorts of insects roaming around as webs and flying irritants filled the scene. Away from the brief foray into the open fields to enjoy from before and after that mountain valley path. Who knew how that simple field could have been enjoyed far more then a mess and swarm of mosquitoes, damselflies, horseflies.... A section or so of dragonflies and ah yes, beetles, the latter two were less annoying and least more familiar and ok with him. Dragonflies possessed a quality of rather cool and interesting enough as far as insects go for him. Beetles, well something about them seemed fine and tad familiar....

"I feel an apology is owed to that clan .... I prefer their method more now." Akihiko muttered to himself aloud with some semblance of quiet given the scene and mission. Although among the buzzing and swarming of insects it wasn't much to be heard anyhow from too far away to cause an issue. "Still rather creepy a bit at first, but, don't mind 'em as much, especially compared to this mess." Aki continued hearing his own voice and swatting away mosquitoes and whatever else was nagging and annoying the lad. He rather came to appreciate the mild and far less in number insects and irritants he'd encounter on occasion and semi regularly at his little encampment for one he had back closer and just outside the village. Tucked away for a slice of peace and sleep he could afford for himself.

The Genin couldn't speak for the others or could really say he knew much about them. Noting small things he'd pick up on with simple presence and spotting the little things wasn't quite the same as knowing them. But least for him, Akihiko would be glad to be rid of this presence of pests and it's swarming mass of all sorts. Meanwhile his eyes looked up over the treeline ahead and pondered for a moment. Listening and noting the signal to stop once again by Elder Shimura....

"Again?" Akihiko sighed softly with a roll of his eyes. He came to a stop hushing his own desire to be out of this annoyance filled section of the forest. Perhaps merely a growing desire to be ridden of the pests while keeping his legs moving, a curiosity filling his body about what might lay ahead. Fingers becoming rather restless and mind caught between two ferns so to speak, one side seeking to be entertained with some kind of action and learning or something more then simply moving and stopping from one to the next. Tracking was all fine to him really, he liked it well enough but something deep down still desired for something new. While on the other was the simplicity of it all, taking notes and paying attention while doing the task as needed to see it done. After all he was probably better suited for tracking and quiet for the time.

He didn't know too many or recall much to be great conversation. While the peaceful tracking although a tad annoying with the swarming, buzzing mass of bugs within the thick woods of this particular forest. Avoiding the website and swatting away the insects as much as possible with a quieted approach. While nodding and noting Asuma's passing and share of what was going on and what they'd do next. Meanwhile maintaining his silence for the moment.

EnviousWorm Luelle shadedbynight Grand Overlord Koop

 

[Luelle]

Sojin Gekiyaku
Collab with EnviousWorm
​

Konoha Outskirts | Interactions: ThAtGuY101 CloudySkyLoftyMoon Japanime

Sojin moved swiftly and silently, his sandals barely making a sound against the dirt road. His keen eyes scanned the surroundings as he scouted ahead of the carriage. The road ahead was bathed in the warm, golden rays of the afternoon sun, casting a welcoming glow that seemed to promise a peaceful journey.

As he continued his reconnaissance, Sojin saw nothing out of the ordinary. The path stretched out before him, empty and serene, flanked by the towering trees of the forest. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, and the distant chirping of birds added to the tranquil atmosphere. It was simply a quiet day on a not-so-busy road, close enough to Konoha that he could still feel a sense of safety.

Despite the calm, the Chunin knew better than to let his guard down. He decided to move even further ahead, pushing the limits of his scouting range.

The further he went, the more challenging it would be to keep track of his team and the carriage, which continued its modest pace along the road. But his duty was to ensure the safety of the Daimyo’s daughter, and he couldn't afford to miss any potential threats.

As he advanced, his senses remained on high alert, every rustle and shadow scrutinized with meticulous care. The sun’s rays glinted off his headband, the symbol of his village, and he felt a surge of pride and responsibility. He would protect Lady Eria at all costs, and if that meant venturing further into the unknown, so be it.

Sojin pressed on, determined to secure the path ahead and ensure a safe journey for the precious cargo behind him. After ensuring the road remained clear and free of any threats, he decided it was time to return to the carriage. With silent footsteps, he retraced his path, moving swiftly yet cautiously back to the group.

---

{My post continued.}

Upon reaching the carriage, he signaled to the other guards that the road ahead was safe for now. Lady Eria peeked through the curtains of the carriage, her eyes reflecting both curiosity and trust in the Chunin's abilities.

Wasting no time, Sojin began setting up intricate traps on the exterior of the carriage, the roof, and the outer handles.

Kisei Suraimu Seigyo no Jutsu - Parasitic Slime Manipulation (Hiden revealed)

Outstretching his arm, a mysterious transparent slime with a purple hue began oozing from beneath Sojin's sleeve and webbing down his arm for preparation. "Slime Transformation." Forming the signature Gekiyaku hand seal, he skillfully molded the thick, viscous substance into various forms. He worked quickly and methodically, ensuring that each trap was well-concealed yet highly effective.

He coated the edges of the carriage with a nearly invisible layer of slime, designed to create a slippery surface that would send any would-be attacker tumbling to the ground and bouncing back any projectiles. On the roof, he placed small pockets of slime that would explode on contact, ensnaring and immobilizing any intruders who dared to approach from above. Additionally, he applied sticky slime traps to the outer handles of the carriage, making it nearly impossible for anyone to open the doors without getting caught in the adhesive substance.

With each trap set, the Chunin infused them with his chakra, ensuring they would remain active and potent throughout the journey. The added slime would not only fortify the carriage, but also add a resilient and stretchy adhesive layer to help maintain its structure if damaged or smashed into.

Satisfied with his work, Sojin gave a final nod to the other guards and resumed his position at the front of the group. The carriage resumed its modest pace, continuing along the sunlit path. Sojin's mind remained focused, knowing that vigilance and preparedness were their greatest allies in safeguarding Lady Eria.

The quiet road ahead still held its promise of peace, but the Chunin knew that in their world, danger could lurk in the most unexpected places. With every step, Sojin remained alert, determined to protect his charge and ensure their safe arrival at Kashio Village.

---

{My post continued. Worm has given me permission to take over for Lady Eria's responses for this section}

Inside the carriage, Lady Eria sat gracefully, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she described the upcoming show to her two ninja escorts. The soft swaying of the carriage and the gentle clip-clop of the horses provided a soothing backdrop to her animated conversation.

"This evening, we're going to see an extraordinary performance by the renowned Yūgenza theater troupe," she replied to the physically expressive Sheo, her voice filled with anticipation. "They have mastered the art of storytelling through dance and music, with intricate masks and costumes that bring the characters to life. It's a mesmerizing blend of tradition and artistry, a spectacle that leaves the audience spellbound."

Lady Eria nodded in agreement with Kaito, her smile growing wider. "Absolutely. The performers devote their entire lives to honing their skills, just as you do. Their dedication to their art is a testament to their unwavering passion and commitment. They practice tirelessly, perfecting every movement and gesture to convey the depth of the story. It reminds me of the way you train, always striving to improve and protect those you care about."

She paused for a moment, her eyes reflecting admiration and respect. "In many ways, the performers and the ninja share a common goal: to create an experience that leaves a lasting impact, whether it's through a breathtaking performance or through acts of bravery and heroism. Both require resilience, patience, and an unyielding spirit."

While gazing thoughtfully at the view of the blooming valley from the open window, she added, "It's inspiring to see such dedication in different forms. Whether it's the elegance of a dance or the precision of a mission, the essence of hard work and passion remains the same. It's a reminder that true mastery, in any field, comes from a place of deep commitment and love for what one does. I'm grateful to witness such dedication, both on the stage and in the protection you provide."

As the carriage continued its journey, the conversation flowed with a newfound sense of appreciation for the dedication and artistry that defined both the performers and the ninja. Lady Eria looked forward to the evening's show, knowing that it would be a celebration of the same values that guided her loyal escorts.

---

{Worm's section} EnviousWorm

Behind the carriage, Gyaru scoffed at Hinageshi’s request; not out of any uncertainty toward her motives, suspiciously probing as her question may have sounded. Instead, Gyaru scoffed in disbelief that his prestigious unit hadn’t been heard of by somebody in the Land of Fire. Somehow, he seemed unperturbed by the younger shinobi’s dismissal of his outright, flirtatious advance.

“We’re samurai, miss Hinageshi,” he flashed a white-toothed grin, his smile itself an indication of a rich and sheltered upbringing, “so if there’s an attempt on Lady Eria’s life, we’ll die defending her to our last. You shinobi can stick to the shadows and watch for anything suspicious. If it does come to combat, you’ll flank and ambush any foes, or follow their trail if they are so lucky as to get away.”

Confident and arrogant as he was, Gyaru was not unprepared–though perhaps that could be attributed to his competent father, Captain Io, who sat beside Lady Eria in her carriage.

Depending on her familiarity with samurai, Hinageshi might notice that Eria’s guards wore a much lighter plate than typical samurai, their chests adorned in the Oda family crest–the shining sun, encircled by a fantastic flame that fell down toward the earth and set ablaze an open field. It was hard to tell if these guards were actual samurai, if they played samurai to the outside world, or if Gyaru simply made the comment as a way to brag to Hinageshi.

“Oh, and uh–there should be enough guards on duty for us to split shifts, maybe you and I can get a drink before the mission is over?” Gyaru smiled again, as if he believed if he smiled hard enough he could charm Hinageshi into liking him. “Think about it, I should get back into position.”

A sudden sheepish look flashed across his face for a moment, like he could hear his father scolding him already.

 

[clorox]

SOTA AKAMINE​

KONOHA OUTSKIRTS​

A glass-sharp cold cuts way through his lungs; a resinous whiff of fir adds fuel to his senses from another end. He decides that, with every fourth step — with every rasp turned colder, and with every breath turned a-hiss — he should make a scene when he gets there. They'd deserve every bit of it.

It's unfair, really. Dragging Sota out of his bed this early of an hour, when the sun hasn't even fully climbed over the bank yet. I mean, who cares if there's an urgent message that needs to be delivered pronto. They should wait!

Karma nips at him: Sota's foot nearly twists when he lands and skips off a twig. It makes a sharp snap! that ricochets off the behemothic trees and — fails to reach him in time. He's too much in a hurry, having dashed off before he can hear it. He's loud, too. Rustles leaves and slaps heels against damp, coniferous arms when he darts across them.

"Fuck." Where are they? He won't be punished if he, just, forgets to deliver the information, will he?

(Moments later, he's forced to forgo the idea.)

Expensive is what flashes in great, bold lettering when he finally spots it. The carriage; big and proud and astir, and — Sota catches a glimpse of wire. Steel? Traps scattered about the vehicle. And, he thinks: that's definitely not a product of the Akamine. Right before his focus cracks, before his boot slips on air and his balance pours him forward, and he goes —

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ CRASH!!! against a hard brace of buttress roots.

Teeth bite down on a groan. "Ow..." One arm snakes over to press against his side while the other, constrained between thinner roots, awkwardly sticks up in the air.

 

[CloudySkyLoftyMoon]

Hinageshi

Interactions/Mentions:

Gyuro ( EnviousWorm ) | Gekiyaku Sojin ( Luelle )

Konohagakure Outskirts,
~ 8:30 A.M.

Hinageshi wasn’t one to judge but Sojin was kind of—

”Ew…”

Thick and slimy with an ominous purple hue, their glorious leader was currently defiling the Feudal Princess’ carriage with a jutsu that was sick, icky, and arguably, even perverse.

You’d think the Princess would take issue—certainly, had Hinageshi been the Princess she’d never have tolerated Sojin ruining such a good carriage—however, neither the Feudal Lady nor her guards said anything, so Hinageshi didn’t either. What had Gyaru been saying?

”Samurai?”

That was a hazy term familiar enough to draw a note of recognition from street-strider and yet not so familiar that she could attach any meaning to that name. In any case, it was clear these ‘Samurai’ were supposed to be big-shots, but given the source of this info was…Gyaru—and, Hinageshi had already pinned him as a bit of a self-aggrandizer, she could infer that Samurai weren’t actually all that.

Besides, Hinageshi suspected Gyaru’s whole existence was a bit of a joke. Gyaru probably wasn’t even his real name. Who named their kid Gyaru? He wasn’t even tanned!

His intentions towards her aside, Gyaru had at least provided some valuable information. As for drinks? She wasn’t really interested but…it was a good deal: a free meal and more information? The way to this girl’s heart was definitely through her stomach.

”I’ll think about—”

CRASH!!!

”ENEMY ATTACK!!!”

The words were out her mouth before she’d even identified a threat. Chakra Flowed, a surge of vitality throughout her body as Hinageshi snatched up the first jagged rock she could find and sent it piercing through the air.

Act first, confirm second. Only the barest whisper of conscience stopped Hinageshi from outright ditching the entire caravan.

 

[Buffy.ology]

Takumi

Takumi crouched low behind a cluster of thick roots, his blue-green eyes narrowing as he spotted Sota sprawled awkwardly among the buttress roots, groaning with one arm sticking up like a broken branch. The sharp CRASH!!! still reverberated through the forest, blending with the incessant buzz of insects and the distant clop of the carriage. His white scarf shifted slightly as he exhaled a quiet, measured breath, his teal jacket blending with the shadows of the dense forest thicket. “Tch, couldn’t even deliver a simple message without it turning into a spectacle,” he muttered under his breath, his dry humor surfacing in the tense moment, though his voice remained low, barely audible over the swarm. Scanning the area, he noted the glinting wire traps on the carriage, a shinobi (Hinageshi) poised with a rock mid-throw, and the faint, unsettling scent of slime—hanging in the air. His hand hovered near the umbrella on his back, its hidden sword a silent promise of readiness, but he held back, assessing the “danger” first. The message—urgent, critical, and now his sole responsibility after Sota’s blunder—needed to reach Lady Eria’s escorts for their message, but Takumi’s cautious nature kept him from rushing in like a lunatic just in case it wasn’t them, so he approached cautiously and slowly speaking before realizing it was the Shinobi the message was made for (I think). “You’re lucky they’re the ones who found you, not some enemy shinobi,” he said, his tone steady but edged with mild frustration as he stepped forward once more, his sandals silent against the earth. His curiosity flickered—What’s with the traps? What’s with the slime—but his focus stayed on the mission, staying vigilant. “Get up, Sota. We’ve got a job to finish..” he added, his voice low and firm, his guarded demeanor ensuring he’d deliver the message only after mellowing the situation.

 

[Grand Overlord Koop]

Shura
Konoha Outskirts, April 11

---

Shura's eyes stared off from side to side as he jumped from one branch to the next, the vast treeline surrounding Konoha swiftly passing by as his group traversed it at a hastened pace. The young boy would watch the scenery shift before him as the shinobi team left the lush greenery of the forest into a vast plain that led to the rocky terrain of a mountainside, then onto another trek of open plain, and finally back into the thicket of trees of Konoha's vast forests. Throughout it all, Shura remained quiet as he dutifully kept his senses sharp, silently observing their surroundings for any sign of change.

The uneventful yet peaceful journey soon found it's first snag as the quiet forest air was overtaking by the appearance of swarms of insects. The sheer volume of insects made avoiding an impossibility on the path they were on. Shura narrowed his eyes slightly, doing his utmost to ignore the flying nuisances. He let out a quiet groan. "Annoying." He whispered to himself.

The young man's attention wouldn't remain on the buzzing of insects for long however, as a peculiar sound reached the Genin's ears. His eyes shifted towards the west as a collection of sounds belonging to that of a horse drawn carriage seemed to originate from that direction, accompanied by the murmurs of who Shura assumed were the carriage's occupants. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but they were getting closer to the team of Shinobis.

Soon after he became aware of this fact, Shura noticed their Chunin leader signal for the group to halt. Peering back towards the front, the sight of a smoke signal flowing up into the sky came to view. As their captain spoke up, the smell of gunpowder also reached Shura's nose, causing him to wince slightly.

Upon hearing Asuma inquire about reports, Shura spoke up. "I heard sounds of a horse drawn carriage coming from the west side, there were murmurs as well but I could not make them out. They are approaching our location." He declared.

 

[ThAtGuY101]

~Sheo Midakaori...~
~April 11th...~
~Premiere Outpost 1...~
~Interactions: Sojin - Luelle Kaito - Japanime ~
~Mentions: Hinageshi - CloudySkyLoftyMoon ~

Sheo squealed at the mention of the Yūgenza theater troupe like a bunch of rats over a block of cheese. Even though Sheo never heard of this particular theater troupe, he was hanging on to lady Eria's every word.

"Of course they've mastered dance and music. Poetry in motion. The soul of theater. No mere embellishment, but the essence of story telling! A symphony of sound and color! Weaving a tapestry that bridges gaps and connects souls in a spectacular performance!!!" Sheo had to stop because he ran out of air and desperately needed to catch his breath. Sheo was listening to the samurai in between his gasps for air.

"Good... Yes... Please protect the lady... Your mission... Is invaluable..." Sheo held his hands high over his head and half listened to Hinageshi talk. The only thing on Sheo's mind were the creativity of mask designs and styles. Sheo gasped when he heard attack.

"Attack?!?!" Sheo began beating his drum in a fast and loud repetition. Drum beat constantly changing whimsically before he threw his drum on his back uncertain of what to do at the pressing moment. Him and Kaito were at the front. Sheo glanced over at Kaito. He felt like a person Sheo could trust.

 

[shadedbynight]

Saori Ishiyama
Shinobi Tracking Squad: Western Road

The whoosh of the wind in Saori’s ears drowned out the buzz of the insects that seemed to grow denser with every step, but she could still feel tiny bodies battering her face and hands, the only bare parts of her. They were met with a mild, friendly detachment— if this weren’t a mission, Saori might have wanted to investigate what little creepy crawlies were lingering here.

The kunoichi ducked under a large gossamer web, narrowly avoiding the destruction of the gentle artistry as their leader zipped around a bend in the road. But as they moved, Saori’s brow furrowed slightly— a tingle on the back of her neck, an itch behind her eyes, a recognition that bloomed and vanished in the same moment, whisked away in the wind. She was tempted to dismiss it as nothing, but the hoarse voice of the eldest Ishiyama rumbled in the back of her mind: Trust your instincts above all else. They see more than your eyes.

The next cobweb Saori passed, she ran her hand through, catching the fine silk between her fingers and sending up a brief mental apology for the poor arachnid whose home had been destroyed by circumstances outside of its control. Again, that feeling like she was missing something. Saori didn’t like that, not at all. Realizing she’d fallen to the middle of the squad in her puzzlement, Saori closed her hand around the strands of web that clung to her fingers and sped back up to fall back into her designated position toward the front.

The taste of smoke and ash had Saori slowing down again soon enough, cautious. Asuma’s hand signal wasn’t missed this time, and she stopped readily when she observed it, taking the brief respite to inspect the cobwebs on her hand. She highly doubted this was the only scrap of silk that had found its way onto one of the squad, so if it was something more than it seemed… it would be better to find out sooner than later.

Maybe she was just crazy.

At Asuma’s question, Saori chewed the inside of her cheek. What was she supposed to say, I’m getting a weird feeling from these cobwebs? And draw attention to herself for nothing? No— trusting her instincts didn’t mean immediately acting on them. Saori stayed silent and offered a short shake of her head; she would bide her time for now, try to determine the reason for the vague familiarity on her own.

After all, it was probably nothing.

 

[Luelle]

Sashi Gekiyaku
Land of Fire | Western Road
Shinobi Tracking Squad
Interactions: EnviousWorm ​

Sashi breezed along the trail, his usual excitable personality, subdued as he took in the breathtaking landscape. The massive vibrant green forests, sunny open plains, and rocky mountainsides were a far cry from his dreary swamp village. The towering trees reached for the sky, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, while the open plains stretched out endlessly, dotted with vibrant wildflowers swaying gently. The rocky mountainsides loomed, their rugged faces weathered by time and nature.

As they moved forward, the landscape changed again, the open fields giving way to a dense forest thicket buzzing with life. The air was filled with the hum of insects, the rustle of leaves, and the distant call of birds. Despite the social challenges, Sashi couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure and excitement.

As they ventured inside the forest densely populated with flying insects, the buzzing symphony of them filled the air. Dragonflies with iridescent wings zipped about, damselflies hovered gracefully, horseflies buzzed menacingly, beetles scuttled along the ground, and mosquitoes swarmed in irritating clouds. Sashi's heart sank to his stomach, followed by an audible gulp. He had a special distaste for the horseflies, which seemed to take a perverse pleasure in biting the top of his head and chasing after him.

"Why do they always go for the head?" Sashi muttered, swatting at yet another hostile horsefly. His natural optimism tried to break through, but the relentless insects made it difficult. He tensed his neck and shoulders with paranoid whips of his head. The damselflies, however, seemed to adore him, their numbers multiplying as they orbited around him like tiny, sparkling satellites. Their delicate wings created a mesmerizing dance of light around him.

"Enough is enough," Sashi sighed, performing a quick series of hand signs. "Slime Ninjutsu: Insect Repellant!" A thin layer of shimmering slime seemingly seeped from his pores to coat his skin, providing some much-needed relief from the insect onslaught. The slime glistened in the sunlight, creating a barrier that deterred the insects.

Just as Sashi breathed a sigh of relief, he noticed a thin plume of smoke rising above the trees in the distance. Curiosity sparked within him, but before he could investigate further, he stumbled directly into a sticky cobweb just as the team captain signaled for them to stop.

"Gwate nimin'," Sashi muffled through the sticky silk, trying to disentangle himself from the web. The damselflies weren't spared either, many of them getting caught in the sticky strands alongside him. The web clung to his clothes and hair, making it even harder to break free.

The team captain alerted them of something happening twelve or so miles ahead and asked for any reports.

"Uh, the sparkly ones are all over me, Captain," Sashi replied, his voice still slightly muffled by the cobweb. "But, uh, a lot of them are stuck in this web with me." He wriggled in an attempt to free himself, but the more he moved, the more entangled he became.

 

[EnviousWorm]

SHINOBI TRACKING SQUADRON
APPROACHING THE BORDER TO THE LAND OF RIVERS
APRIL 11, 4 P.M
[INTERACTIONS: Luelle ; The Silent Z ; shadedbynight ; Grand Overlord Koop ]

Paused for a moment, Asuma Sarutobi formulated a plan briefly before the bombastic Gekiyaku child careened into a cobweb, sticking himself among an army of small insects. The chunin grumbled, unwilling to play the babysitter role but understanding his need to lead this team to their mission. His hand flashed to the pouch on his hip, pulling four shuriken held between his knuckles. Before he threw the projectiles, Asuma spoke out:

“Gekiyaku–get your head in the game,” he admonished the young genin who he thought should have been more careful, “Shura, good job. Go detain the carriage and question them. Akihiko, go with Shura. Don’t harass them, we don’t know if anything they’ll have is pertinent, but we haven’t seen anyone in a while so it is worth pursuing.”

He released the shuriken, each aimed for a corner of the web Sashi had stuck himself to. Just as the bladed projectiles cut the slimy genin loose, a loud, fast tktktktktktktktktk sound descended from the trees.

Two giant spiders slinked down stealthily from the trees, each one of their combined sixteen legs the size of one of the young genin, their bodies massive and monstrous. One lunged down, shooting a thick string of web down at Sashi, who had just started to fall from where he’d been caught in the web, at least a fifty foot drop down toward the ground below.

Asuma, annoyed at the surprise attack, jumped in and activated the weapon seals tattooed along his forearms. A dozen summoned shuriken appeared in Asuma’s hands, covered by a small fog. He went high above the spiders, trying to draw their attention with his attack. The shuriken flew through the air, one cutting the web shooting down at Sashi so the genin could better recover from the fall and get into the action. The rest of Asuma’s projectiles split between the two spiders, mostly striking their abdomens–but two did strike the spider attacking Sashi’s eyes, partially blinding the massive arachnid. Landing on a tree branch, the chunin barked out to his squad:

“Belay my previous orders,” he called out, summoning a massive fuma shuriken from the tattoo on his back. Holding it “Shura, Akihiko, Ishiyama–get that spider; Gekiyaku and I will get this one.”

The second spider leaped forward, shooting three bullet-like wads of high-speed webbing at the three genin assigned to battle it, understanding that they were entering action and going to come for it. Saori would know this to be predatory instinct, not an understanding based on someone else’s instruction, but still the unsettling, familiar feeling bothering her would not subside.

 

[Japanime]

Kaito Hizukawa
Mentions: Lady Eria ( Luelle )
Interactions: Sheo ( ThAtGuY101 )
​

Kaito did not flinch at the mention of an attack. He did not reach for a weapon he did not carry, nor did he tense as Sheo’s drumbeats rang out in erratic bursts. Instead, he simply exhaled, quiet and controlled, his expression remaining unreadable. The world did not ask for his panic. It asked for his service.

He had been positioned at the front alongside Sheo, and that meant his role was clear. Observe, prepare, and act accordingly. Anything else, fear, excitement, doubt, was unnecessary. His dark eyes flicked toward the horizon, scanning for movement, for any subtle shift in the world that might confirm the threat. Attack or not, the duty remained the same: protect the carriage, protect Lady Eria, ensure the mission’s success. That was all.

Sheo, by contrast, was motion incarnate. Every breath of his carried uncontained enthusiasm, even in the face of potential danger. That was fine. Kaito did not need Sheo to be like him. He simply needed Sheo to do what he did best, and in return, Kaito would do his part.

“Calm yourself,” Kaito murmured, his voice cutting through the drumbeats like a knife through silk, sharp, but without force. “Breathless enthusiasm will not serve us here.” He spoke not to chastise, but to center. If Sheo could focus even a fraction of his energy into awareness rather than excess movement, they would be better for it.

Kaito’s hands were loose at his sides, his posture deceptively relaxed. Yet every fiber of him was ready, waiting. If the attack came, he would respond with the precision expected of him. He would intercept where needed, assist without hesitation, and support his allies exactly as required. No more, no less.

Lady Eria was still inside the carriage. That mattered more than anything else. Whatever threat approached, Kaito would ensure it did not reach her.

And so he sat, unwavering, prepared. The storm could come. It would not shake him.

 

[EnviousWorm]

LADY ERIA’S GUARD SQUAD
STILL LEAVING KONOHA’S OUTSKIRTS
APRIL 11, ~8 A.M
[INTERACTIONS/MENTIONS: CloudySkyLoftyMoon ; Japanime ; Luelle ; ThAtGuY101 ; clorox ; Buffy.ology ]

A beating drum rang out through the once-quiet morning extenuating the disturbance wrought on by Sota’s crashing entrance. What should have been a peaceful ride toward Kashio Village turned into a tense standstill. Captain Io ducked out exiting the carriage, having heard the crash and some of the shinobi call out an attack. Lady Eria shrieked in fear, ducking along the open seat and covering her ears, Sheo’s drum confusing her under duress of an attack.

Gyaru moved in surprisingly fast, drawing his katana from his side and swooping in to swing at Sota. Instead, he stepped directly in the path of Hinageshi’s projectile attack, the rock slamming into the back of his head and sending him crashing to the ground between Sota and Takumi, face first in the dirt for the moment. Captain Io dashed forward with impressive speed, grabbing his son and creating distance between them and the newly arrived Leaf shinobi.

“Wait,” Io said, squinting as he noticed the Konoha headbands, “you’re from the Leaf village?”

More swords unsheathed, the other two of Eria’s guards were caught completely off guard, but snapped to and looked between the captain kneeling and holding his son, Sota, awkwardly caught up in roots, and Hinageshi, who’d thrown the rock.

“The Leaf are trying to kidnap Lady Eria? Defend her!” The two samurai guards cried out, imbuing their wakizashi with a sawblade-like chakra.

One guard immediately grabbed onto the carriage’s outer door handle, opening it to swing in at Sheo, believing his drum would perform some kind of nefarious jutsu attack. Instead, his hand caught on Sojin’s trap, the guard thoroughly stopped in his tracks. He tried to swing at Kaito, but the wild swing cut wide through the carriage body, narrowly avoiding some of Sojin’s other traps in the process.

“Please stop,” Lady Eria, covering her head with her hands, looked up at the two Leaf shinobi sitting across from her. She tried to tell from the looks on their faces whether Sheo and Kaito were attempting to kidnap her but she found Kaito’s face unreadable and Sheo almost too expressive to understand. Instead, Eria pressed her face back into the carriage seat, fighting to hold back tears. “Please stop, don’t hurt me.”

“No, no, wait–!” Captain Io called out, trying to stop his own men.

Already acting, the last guard pressed forward to slash at Hinageshi, keeping his body low and leaning to the left, his wazikashi aimed at the genin’s right side and moving at an upward angle.

 

[Luelle]

Sojin Gekiyaku
Konoha Outskirts | Lady Eria's Escort
Interactions: clorox Buffy.ology EnviousWorm​

The tension was palpable as the samurai guards, with their hands firmly gripping their chakra-infused wakizashi, surrounded the small carriage that housed the terrified Daimyo's daughter. Meanwhile, the shinobi team stood on high alert, ready for any sudden moves. The atmosphere was on the verge of exploding into chaos, like a powder keg waiting to be ignited.

Out of the shadows emerged a figure, gliding smoothly across the ground. Sojin approached with a serene grace that contrasted sharply with the hostility in the air. His presence alone seemed to cast a soothing spell over the turmoil.

He immediately sprang into action, his eyes narrowing with focus as the scene unfolded. “Slime tendrils,” With a swift motion, he launched a pair of slime tendrils that sprang from his forearm, their translucent forms glistening under the morning sun. The first tendril was sent to wrap around the wrist of the samurai who struck the carriage, to halt the deadly arc of his wakizashi just inches away from the young ninja with the drum inside. Simultaneously, another tendril shot out towards the second samurai, to ensnare his blade mid-swing as he targeted Hinageshi who had thrown a rock at a younger guard.

"Enough," he said in a voice as smooth as honey, yet carrying the weight of authority. If successfully executed, the samurais’ swords would be trapped in the viscous substance, unable to strike or defend.

"Stay your hands," the slime ninja continued, his eyes radiating calm. "We are not enemies here. Let us listen before we act." His voice intending to reach into the hearts of all present, quelling their fears and anxieties.

He turned his attention to the young genin who had approached the escort with reckless abandon.

"What is your business here?" Sojin asked, his tone firm yet gentle. "Explain yourselves and be mindful of your actions. Careless approaches can lead to unintended consequences."

 

[clorox]

SOTA AKAMINE​

KONOHA OUTSKIRTS
mentions: Buffy.ology EnviousWorm Luelle
​

Between Takumi's grating remarks, a randomly loud drumming, and the entourage of blades that fly out to point at him (— and each other), Sota realizes he should've just stayed at home. "Shutup," he manages a half-murmur meant for Takumi before something flickers his way, and — slams! into the back of the swordsman before them. Sota's eyes follow the boy's plunge into the terrain, head first and all. He snickers. "Nice catch."

Then, he doesn't. In a blink, his smile is dropped, and he pushes himself to his feet with a gruff "owowow". Barks: "why the fuck would a bunch of genin kidnap anyone?" here, turns his attention to his late, scarf-wrapped partner — "hey, Takumi, tell them we ain't here to kidnap anyone," and jerks his head in the general direction of the carriage.

Eyes flit towards another shinobi.

"Careless approaches can lead to unintended consequences."

What? Fuck's his problem? Sota's brows furrow. "What, you think I fell on purpose or something? Whatever, hey listen, where's Sojin Gekiyaku? Got an important — " drags out the word, almost sarcastically — "message to deliver. Emphasis on important, 'case it wasn't clear." He scans the group, and fishes out a small scroll from his ninja pouch; waves it in the air for this Sojin to take.

 

[The Silent Z]

Hidden Leaf Shinobi Tracking Squad; The land of Rivers approach- April 11th, 4PM
____________
Akihiko -
The departure, journey and eventual swarm of various insects and webs did little for the quiet Genin that simply minded his own and went about business as seemed necessary for the time. The occasional bug or two wasn't so bad yet a full swarm of them and all kinds filling the air around him was rather annoying. The scattered webs giving a familiar presence of spiders, least familiar in the way it gave them notice such bugs were living there and could show themselves in time. Bugs, They were not quite his choice of acquaintances of nature....Ah well, things could be worse he supposed quietly.

The smoke ahead and above filling the air, it's presence reaching further and too close for comfort of his nostrils yet not entirely terrible as least it could mean less bugs the closer they would of gotten to its source. However a mess of things seemed to follow suit, Sashi, the boy from earlier who had themselves a more memorable entrance to the team as opposed to the others who took on a more quieted approach. It would seem at some point while Akihiko paid attention to his surroundings and role while giving consideration to the smoke and burning scene that lay ahead and above their current position, the fellow Genin was caught up within some of the webs, as Shura was taking notice of a carriage coming from their rear positions and gaining closer proximity.

Meanwhile as Saori did their thing. Elder Shimura responded not to pleased with Sashi in the moment and giving orders to Shura and then Aki himself to go and detain this carriage together. Just stoking a mild and unnoticed shrug in silence and giving way for a slight twist and side nod as he did so, intending on shifting his body in unison to begin his trek back towards this carriage.

However within a flash of their hands producing the tools of Shuriken to free their comrade in arms from the trappings of nature's prison, a spiders web, things seemed to take another shift in the day. Not entirely a desirable distraction from the initial task they had just been handed out by the elder Shinobi Asuma Shimura. As beastly sized spiders descended from the tree tops and coverings of the forests many leaves and thickened sector. An array of action filling the scene and fog taking the air, Shimura and Sashi respectively dealing with their own struggles to deal and counter as the spiders pursued in attack.

Orders changed, tides shifting a bit from the usual and expected of the day so far. A sudden realization that he really hadn't been a team exactly befor least not that he recalled to well in the moment, giving him a disadvantage of what to expect from his comrades and their tendencies in battle. Still, Akihiko shook his head and rolled his eyes a bit while his mind quickly lept into action and thought, sketching the forest and surroundings as he could recall from earlier when they were simply traveling through and caught within the blasted swarms of insects even if it was their own natural habitat they were intruding upon he supposed to begin with, still annoying, he sketched it all from memory with his detailed observations that could hardly mean a thing of importance to most but to a artistic sort it came rather useful and just sometimes it could also become rather handy for other matters at hand that you may find yourself caught in.

Meanwhile detailing each position he could make out through sound and giving rough numbers of proximity, Akihiko shrugged with hands swiftly trailing behind his hind pouches and then towards his respective sides kunai holsters that were strapped to either side of his legs. Making note he'd have a whole spider to deal with and who's attention would shift on him, Shura and Saori, the three Genin against a monstrous spider with its many Genin sized legs. Again, a thought of his un-recalled and unfamiliarity with his comrades abilities and habits where it concerned battle were plaguing his mind a bit, however he hadn't enough time now to worry to much about it with this spider getting nasty and all...

Making a mental note to be mindful of them was taken as the spiders fired web shot forth towards him and two others one for each of his comrades, the wad heading his way at higher speed then initially thought catching his eye and notice, another mental note taken to not underestimate it's speed whether it was attack or simply movement, meanwhile Aki weaved his hands in a ornate flash wrapping the explosive tag from one hand around the hilt of kunai that was in the other, while focusing a little chakra towards his feet hoping to aid his coming leap into the air a bit, first though he hurled the kunai forward in a shot towards the incoming wad of spider webbing aiming to use the impact to force a explosive collision to both redirect and disperse of the webbing while creating a fiery mess of smoke to obscure its vision for a moment. During which Aki leaped into the air hoping to gain a momentary aerial view.

The mid air leap and view saw him swiftly pulling a small scroll from his belt, another producing a brush and some ink from his person, a thought of his comrades hoping they wouldn't unintentionally and mistakenly get caught up within his plans or his own actions in way of theirs..... He quickly unraveled the scroll before his body and swiftly took to its unraveled surface with his ink dipped brush drawing a set of four spears that would give rise into the air above the scroll, "Ink Mist Spears Technique" Aki performed as the four spears took shape and life before him then shot downward hurling towards the giant spider assigned to them, aiming two for the eyes to further obscure the beast and two for the center of the body as it was the largest part of it all and would be more likely to hit successfully and less likely to strike his comrades..... Least so he hoped.

He was still mindful of not underestimating it's speed and reaction timing while also noting the different possibilities that could come from his comrades own actions. Meanwhile he quickly rolled and returned his scroll and ink touched brush, while making another hand seal as ink began to swirl upward around his body "Ink Mist Flicker Technique" the Genin performed so as he began to touch ground again he'd flicker in a instant to behind the great beast. Hoping he could take a rear position behind it to hopefully help in rendering it less mobile by going at some of its hind legs while spreading out from the others to help increase the difficulty for the beast as it aimed to fight.


Lastly for the moment trailing to both his hind pouches and producing some Shuriken and explosive tags, once again weaving them all together as quickly and correctly as he could from his rear position and crouched setting, hurling each of them in a arc towards the spiders two back legs hoping to use the contact he aimed for and less reliant on exact precision of a specific part of the legs to hopefully damage and limit the spiders movement and reaction timing through the explosive tags fiery bursts around or upon contact of its limbs.

Meanwhile he kept at the ready with a drawn kunai and opposite hand ready to react. While his eyes looked out for his comrades positions and own actions alongside his ears doing much the same to better his own odds of evasion and successful timing in reaction to all going on around him. Still maintaining mindful watch and awareness as much as he could of it all and his surroundings.

Mentions: EnviousWorm Luelle shadedbynight Grand Overlord Koop

 

[Luelle]

Sashi Gekiyaku

My OC: Protected here.

Shinobi Tracking Squadron
Nearing the border of the Land of Rivers
​

The young, lighthearted Sashi was in a bit of a bind—or rather, a web. Entangled in a mess of cobwebs, he flailed about comically, looking more like a confused marionette than a trained ninja. His team captain's voice boomed through the clearing, dripping with exasperation, "Get your head in the game!"

With a cheeky grin and a playful glint in his eye, the slime ninja responded, "Sorry, Cap! Guess I'm more caught up in the web of excitement than the mission." He chuckled at his own pun, though his predicament remained unchanged.

With a swift and precise motion, the team captain freed him by throwing four shuriken, one at each corner of the cobweb, severing the sticky strands with ease. Gratefully, the slime ninja gave a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Captain! You always know how to cut to the chase—“

As the team captain's shuriken severed the cobweb, Sashi began his descent, dropping from his entanglement with a fifty-foot fall below. Suddenly, a pair of eight legged freaks plunged from the trees, their enormous legs thudding against the branches. Each spider's body was a grotesque marvel of nature, covered in coarse bristles that seemed to shimmer menacingly in the glimmering sunlight. Their numerous eyes, eight in total, glistened like black pearls, reflecting an eerie, predatory intelligence.

One of the spiders lunged at the falling slime ninja, its fangs glistening with venom as it shot a thick string of web toward him. The captain's keen eyes caught the movement, and with swift precision, he cut the string of web with a single throw of his flurry of shuriken. The rest of the shuriken flew off to partially blind the lunging spider as two of the blades struck its eyes— while the other blades embedded themselves into the spiders' abdomens, causing them to recoil in pain, their bristly legs twitching violently.

As Sashi fell, he quickly weaved together his clan’s signature hand signs, his eyes coming alive with anticipation. With a practiced movement, he snatched a kunai from its holster and whirled it around his finger and into his hand like a wild western gunslinger in a quick draw as the living slime danced from his pre-slimed wrist to coat the knife in a thick layer of the vicious substance.

A thrilling surge of adrenaline rushed through Sashi. “AW YEAH! Slime Slap Jutsu!” With a powerful slap, he hurled the kunai toward the trunk of a nearby tree. The slime adhered instantly, the stickiness of the jutsu creating a sturdy bond with the tree bark.

"ZIPPITY ZAP!" Harnessing the elasticity of the slime, the kunai acted like a pivot, pulling Sashi back and then launching him forward with a rubber band-like force. The sudden propulsion sent him arcing gracefully through the air, his body curving as he maneuvered himself. He landed securely on the surface of the tree, his movements fluid and controlled.

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” Sashi chimed in on his captain’s new orders, while eyeing the two menacing arachnids.

Not wasting a moment, Sashi prepared to unleash his signature attack. With a smooth flick of the wrist, he drew his hands into formation and began the next steps.

Using his thumb and index finger, he formed a circle with his already slimy fingers, a residue from the Insect Repellant ninjutsu he had used earlier. “Eat THIS! Exploding Slime Bubbles: Slime Bubble Barrage!” With a deep breath, he blew through the circle, creating a flurry of iridescent slime bubbles that floated through the air toward the spider that had lunged at him.

Upon contact with the spider, the bubbles would burst with a powerful explosion of slime, disorienting and blinding the creature. After bursting, the sticky slime would adhere to the freakish beast’s numerous eyes and limbs, restricting its movements and rendering it vulnerable.

"Well, this is a really sticky situation!" he quipped, his voice brimming with playful confidence. He glanced at his team captain with a grateful nod. "Thanks again for cutting me loose, Cap. Let's make sure these spiders don't bug us any further."

 

[CloudySkyLoftyMoon]

Hinageshi

Interactions/Mentions:

Konohagakure Outskirts,
~ 8:30 A.M.

Her skin tingled and goosed with a foreboding sense of danger. The samurai swung, a current of chakra along his blade but Hina, body already flush with chakra, was more than ready. Dirt and stone crunched underfoot, her vitality peaked, a twist at the ankle and—flicker.

”Oi! Watch your swing, IDIOT!”

She should’ve known better than to trust Gyaru and his blustering! These Samurai couldn’t be trusted to protect the backside of her arse, much less the Feudal Lady!

With renewed vigilance, Hinageshi kept one eye on the newcomers and the other on her wayward ‘allies’. They perchance needed those training exercises more than she’d thought…

 

[Japanime]

Kaito Hizukawa
Interactions: Really anybody with their weapon drawn
Mentions: Hinageshi ( CloudySkyLoftyMoon ), Sota ( clorox ), Sojin ( Luelle ), Sheo ( ThAtGuY101 ), Captain Io, Lady Eria, Gyaru, and other guards ( EnviousWorm )
​

The drumbeat did not so much ring out as it did press in, filling the air like a second heartbeat, an arrhythmic and ill-omened counterpoint to the natural pulse of the morning. Kaito had been watching the horizon when the first crash split the air, his gaze calm, his hands gloved in stillness. His posture did not shift at the intrusion. No sharp inhalation, no startled jerk, merely the slow, inevitable blink of an eye that beheld chaos and did not flinch.

The carriage rocked slightly as Lady Eria let out a shriek, curling into herself against the growing discord. Kaito’s face remained unchanged, its precise neutrality a study in discipline. Where others startled, he observed. Where others panicked, he listened.

The scent of disturbed earth and the metallic tang of drawn steel cut through the crisp morning air. Gyaru, too fast for his own good, charged, only to be felled by a rock hurled with unexpected precision. He crumpled like a puppet with its strings slashed, the dirt greedily swallowing his fall. The momentary stillness that followed felt pregnant with the threat of violence, the way the air before a storm brims with unshed lightning.

Kaito turned his head just slightly, enough to track the movement of Captain Io as he gathered his son, shielding him with the instinct of a man caught between duty and fatherhood. The flicker of recognition in his eyes, leaf headbands, sent a ripple through the scene. A brief pause. A question suspended in the space between warring impulses. But the samurai guards, locked into the rigid honor of their purpose, did not share in that hesitation.

“The Leaf are trying to kidnap Lady Eria? Defend her!”

Wakizashi sang free of their scabbards, their saw-toothed chakra edges whirring with deadly intent. One guard made for the carriage, hand outstretched, only to meet the unseen hand of Sojin’s trap. The guard wrenching back just as his blade came down in a wild arc. The wood of the carriage splintered.

The woman beside him shuddered, hands over her head, words spilling out between the tremors of her breath. “Please stop, don’t hurt me.”

A guard lunged for Hinageshi, his stance low, blade carving an upward path toward her ribs. Kaito, from his vantage, saw the moment she tensed, the sharp twist in her stance as she prepared to move. A counterattack was forming, violent and instinctual, but before it could land, another force entered the fray.

“Enough.”

Sojin’s voice, a calm balm against frayed tempers. Slime tendrils shot forth, ensnaring the wild swings before they could meet their mark. Kaito remained still, watching the liquid substance coil and constrict, watching its subtle tremors as it absorbed the momentum of misplaced hostility.

“Stay your hands. We are not enemies here.”

Kaito turned his attention to the other Leaf shinobi outside, scanning the figures locked in a precarious dance between uncertainty and confrontation. Sota’s voice rang out next, rough with irritation, his complaint sharp-edged against the already jagged air.

“Why the fuck would a bunch of genin kidnap anyone?”

A reasonable question. Delivered unreasonably.

Sota’s partner, the one with the scarf, seemed more amused than concerned, though the glint in his eyes suggested he found more entertainment in provocation than peacekeeping.

“What, you think I fell on purpose or something? Whatever, hey listen, where’s Sojin Gekiyaku? Got an important—” He dragged out the word, almost mockingly, waving the scroll like a flag of half-hearted diplomacy. “Message to deliver.”

Kaito turned his head slightly toward Sojin, but his attention did not waver from the still-tense tableau before him. The samurai, caught between confusion and duty, had yet to lower their weapons completely. Their knuckles remained pale from the pressure of their grips, eyes darting between Io, Lady Eria, and the Leaf shinobi with the desperation of men whose world had ceased making sense.

“Let them speak,” Kaito said, finally. His voice was not loud, nor was it commanding in the traditional sense, but it carried a weight that settled into the spaces between uncertainty. His words did not demand obedience, but it suggested it.

Kaito’s gaze flicked toward Lady Eria. Her breath came in shallow, hiccupping bursts, her hands still clasped over her head as though she could shield herself from the weight of expectation pressing in from all sides.

Kaito turned back to the guards, his voice even. “Watch. Listen.”

His hand, gloved and unarmed, gestured toward Sojin, toward the message Sota held aloft.

“The truth does not reveal itself at the tip of a blade.”

There was no dismissal in his words. No arrogance. Simply fact. A reminder that action without knowledge was not honor. That a sword, once drawn, should not be swung in ignorance.

 

[shadedbynight]

Saori Ishiyama
Shinobi Tracking Squad: Near the Border of the Land of Rivers

I… had no idea they were made that big. The thought struck Saori dumb as the two mammoth spiders skittered down from the canopy with surprising speed toward the genin. By the time the kunoichi saw the globs of web forming on those wicked mandibles for an attack, it was nearly too late for her to dodge; Body Flicker took her to a nearby branch just before the web-cannonball obliterated the area she’d been standing on. Saori let out a long, slow breath. She was trained in espionage, not flashy combat— it’d be more prudent to gain a lead and set a trap, take the time to observe the creatures and find out their weaknesses before attacking, but no, she had to help her team.

Her team which was currently throwing everything they had at the giant spider assigned to them. Saori grimaced, taking mental inventory as explosions rocked the battlefield. Great, a fire hazard. Most of her techniques weren’t well-suited to combat, and while she’s a little more than passable with thrown weapons, they’re not in unlimited supply.

And yet, despite all of Saori’s thoughts regarding the recklessness of rushing into combat with no plan of attack, or how she would have handled things differently alone, she couldn’t deny to herself that she likely would have been backing up her team by now if not for that itch at the back of her mind. Why did she feel like she was missing something? It was worse now, and Saori couldn’t shake it, even as she trained her senses on every movement each spider made. She dropped cautiously back to the ground so she could sense the vibrations of massive, skewering legs plunging into tree bark, understand the movements and slight shifts of balance.

But even as her mind worked to understand, Saori knew she couldn’t just stand here, mostly hidden by undergrowth. Besides worry about looking conspicuous, Saori did (much to her chagrin) have a heart, and would rather her teammates not die on her watch— even if every time one of the enormous arachnids screeched in fury or pain with a sound like kunai dragged across a chalkboard, a part of her mind sought an answer to an unknown question and came up empty. Saori shook off the feeling and refocused her mind on the spider she, Akihiko, and Shura were meant to be fighting.

With a short sequence of hand signs, Saori’s Rock Throw Technique began to raise several fist-sized stones from the forest floor around the spider whose behind had likely been seared a little crispy by Akihiko’s explosive tags. A quick hand motion from Saori had the stones hurtle toward the giant spider, one after another, from different directions. There wasn’t much *rock* to work with in this neck of the woods, where the ground underfoot squished with every step, unless she dredged it up from far deeper in the earth— a waste of chakra. The stones near the surface wouldn’t be large enough to do much damage to the arachnid, but that wasn’t Saori’s intention; covering Akihiko’s retreat and distracting the creature was more important, at least until a clear weakness was pinpointed.

Saori reached for a shuriken, anticipating the spider’s turn toward her hiding place and intending to blind its remaining eyes with a well-timed shot, then cursed under her breath. The throwing star was stuck to her hand, the web from before still clinging to her fingers. Saori ripped the shuriken from the webbing and made the throw with her other hand, but it was rushed, unplanned, and stuck into one of the spider’s clacking mandibles instead. Saori cursed mentally once more; how had she forgotten—?

And that feeling was still there. Damn it. This was becoming a nuisance. Saori’s mind was her greatest asset, and now this distraction was robbing her of its full use. It would be nice if her instincts were a little more forthcoming, she thought irritably as she sent a pulse of chakra through the web to repel and remove it from her hand. What the hell is happening to me?

 

[ThAtGuY101]

~Sheo Midakaori...~
~April 11th...~
~Konohagakure Outskirts...~
~Interactions: Kaito - Japanime ~
~Mentions: Hinageshi - CloudySkyLoftyMoon ~

Sheo panicked when he saw the tendril and did a cartwheel to get out of the way of it. then threw his hands in the air and yelled at the feudal lady and pronounced her name wrong. in the process.

"Lady Erio! I'll stop the bad guys!" Sheo ducked. He dropped to the ground in a a wide stance low to the ground. Sheo was nothing if not patient. A man that aimed to strike when the moment was right. looking around, watching the others go about. Sheo may not have been the brightest kunai in the pouch but he understood timing. Sheo stood where he could see Lady Eria as well as the attackers. Sheo squinted his eye and held his thumb sideways.

"Gotta get juuuuust the riiiight moment...." Sheo glanced at Hinageshi, then Kaito. Sheo was considering using a jutsu, but he'd need to be smart enough to not cause friendly fire.

 

[Grand Overlord Koop]

Shura
Konoha Outskirts, April 11

---

Shura nodded as he heard their team lead's orders. As the young man prepared to head off towards the carriage, sound of rustling suddenly appeared above the group. His eyes shifting up, Shura witnessed the sight of two gigantic spiders descending from the top of the trees down upon the group of shinobi. His eyes furrowed. "What the? How can beasts that large sneak up on us?" The boy mumbled to himself as he took in the present situation, his posture lowering as he braced himself.

The new sets of orders from the Chunin in charge was acknowledged by Shura as the young man quickly leapt off the branch he was standing on in order to avoid the incoming Web shot, landing on the bark of the tree while he eyed the spider. This is not part of our mission. He thought. The Genin's attention was then diverted at the sight of Akihiko's reckless use of explosives. His eyes locked onto his teammate. What is he doing? He glanced back towards the direction where he heard the carriage then towards where the smoke signal was further ahead. He's going to give our position away if he hasn't already. We still don't what is around us, this act of recklessness can cost us. Not to mention how wasteful he is being. Shura's eyes then fell towards the ground as he saw his other teammate Saori throwing what could be considered pebbles at the spider. She isn't going to get much force out of those at that distance and angle. He analyzed.

Shura took a moment to take in the situation around him. He reached into his pouch and retrieved a set of shuriken before taking a step up on the side of the tree. He was going to take advantage of the chaos his teammates were causing around the spider. "We can't afford wasting too much time here. I'll finish this quickly." Forming a sign with his other hand, the Shuriken were soon covered in a layer of wind. With a quick flick of his hand, Shura sent the projectiles whirling through the air as they aimed to slash across the spider's many eyes.