Fandom Song of Rage

[KageYuuki]

The Finals Begin
Lightning flashed again, turning the entire coliseum to shadow, though in the genin’s 3 day stay in Arashigakure, they had likely adjusted.

The seats shook, but no thunder could be heard as a much louder roar drowned it out. Fans. Ninja’s wearing all sorts of flags and banners, noblemen, samurai, and all manner of civilians, each cheering for their respective villages.

Down the sides of the coliseum, pennants could be seen with the symbols of various villages that had made it to the end.

Nendogakure
Tsumigakure
Arashigakure
Inochigakure
Hanegakure

The coliseum itself was raised high on a pillar of stone, nearly poking through the clouds itself, only a light mist seen at the top. A large elevator ran from the village on the mountain up to the stadium, the view being beautiful, but the cramped elevators making it a little harder to appreciate through the hardened glass.

Throughout the stadium, familiar faces could be seen for each of the genin. Senseis, clients, family, friends. A row of empty seats could be seen with a single old man watching everything intently.

High up in a separate box, the kage would sit. In the center, a dragon head marked the Arashikage, who almost seemed a bit nervous. Instead of the bald monk that normally accompanied him, a woman with large blades on her back like wings seemed to hover. It seemed he was missing his ‘interpreter’

All across the stands as the tournament was waiting to start, tensions were growing more and more lively. Suddenly a kunai from an Inochi nin tore into the Pennant for Tsumi, and an Inochi chunnin laughed. From the stands, a single handsign from the Arashikage could be seen, and screaming followed as a bolt of lightning him directly from the sky, the man falling over blackened, though from his twitches alive at least.

The dragon head turned to the Inochikage, and stared angrily…. Or at least as threatening as a child in a giant wyrm helmet could be.

Meanwhile, an Ogumo could be seen climbing down the wall like a spider, and began to repair the large flag.

A large screen could be seen on the side of the arena, with a list of all the genin. As each one arrived, they would be shuffled into a waiting room to the side, and their names would be turned on the screen from red to green to show they were present.

One by one, names lit up.

Aya	Chiyome
Hibiki	Ken
Kiiro	Kohaku
Kurio	Mitsunari
Mochizuki	Okimi
Riku	Ryuuka
Sachiko	Shibata
Shin	Shioreta
Tsubame	Wakanaka
Yoshiro

Half an hour ticked by, and no change occurred in the board. The Arashikage looked over at the Tsumikage as if to ask a question.

She shook her head, “Still no sign.”

He then stared down at the proctor. He elbowed the blade angel next to him. “Oh. Right.” She waved down below. “Hey, Haru! We’re good to go!”

Her voice was drowned out by the crowd, but she gave a thumbs up below.


Haru stood in the middle of the arena, looking between the board and where the kage sat. A rather mousy looking man with blond hair and freckles, it would be hard to believe he was a jounin. An elaborate blue dragon decorated the long black coat he wore. The proctor rubbed the back of his neck before speaking into a radio, “Looks like we’re moving on without them, I’ll need the new brackets.”

Tucking his clipboard under his arm, he went through a short series of handsigns. “Ladies and gentlemen,” amplified by the jutsu, Haru’s voice easily overpowered the crowd. “Welcome to the finals of this year’s chuunin exams.” An Arashi chuunin appeared beside him as he welcomed special guests and nobles in attendance, taking the clipboard and replacing the paper on it before body flickering away.

“There were some last-minute changes to today’s brackets, but there are still 16 genin here ready to show their skills.” The screen changed as he spoke, now showing the brackets for the tournament.

“The first match will be between Kiiro Hayashi from Inochigakure and Mitsunari Takeda from Arashi.”



Inside the waiting room, the tournament brackets showed on a smaller screen. Two genin snickered, an Inochi one, and an Arashi one.

“Aw, and here I thought I would get to beat up on an easy Tsumi nin.”

“Sorry, but you’re up against a real hero! You aren’t even making it to the next round!”

“...right.”

They walked out as the match began.

Inside, an Arashi chunnin turned to Shibata in particular. “You’re up next, are you ready? I’m told your family is watching…. And a message from a weird guy claiming to be your uncle.” He passed Shibata a small note in Hayate’s familiar scrawl.

Best of luck out there, Fubuki and I will be cheering you on from the crowd.


AtlannianSpy Ace Cream IG42 InsaneAsylum S n o w

 

[Ganryu]

Inside the waiting room, the genin could watch the action unfold as two... rather weak looking ninja went at it. The battlefield flourished with flowers, and kunai were spread everywhere, but it wasn't flashy at all. Several kunai and seeds seem to miss eachother. But for any genin who had an eye for detail, inbetween each action of the two genin, a spread of handsigns were made, and each of them were focused on their surroundings. None of the misses seemed surprising to the other, and the 'kai' symbol was used extensively.

Two genjutsu specialists had walked up to the plate.

The fight turned out to be long and laborious, but in the end, seeds attached themselves to the hooded Arashi genin's cape, and sprung seeds he couldn't dispel, visions and horrors causing him to froth at the mouth, and pass out without a single injury. Of course, to anyone unfamiliar with genjutsu, the kid had just fainted of heat stroke or something.

The crowd seemed... confused?

Inochi at least gave a whoop at their victory, their side of the stands sending out flower petals like fireworks in celebration at the first victory.

Inside the waiting room, the chunnin patted Shibata. "Well, looks like it's go time for you. Good luck kid." Rising from the other side of the waiting room, a kid with a dangerous look pulled down his gloves, fire hissing from underneath. He snarled as he looked at Shibata, then walked off to the stands.

He wore simple pants and a vest, thick gloves with chakra visibly pulsing across them, and never seemed to blink.

Whispers began to move around the room.

"I hear he's the only one of his team to advance... apparently he lost them in the mist columns."

"Hear. I SAW him ripping into stone with his bare hands. No jutsu's supposed to affect those stones... Kids a monster. He probably ate them."

"I dunno, my brother said last time a Yamamoto kid entered this exam, it went badly. Wouldn't tell me why.

As Shibata would approach the open field, the other kid gave him a death glare, but wouldn't say a word.

“Shin, the Phoenix vs Shibata Yamamoto, BEGIN!”

One of the girls in the ‘gossipping corner’ stood up, and brushed off her hakama, and stepped forward with her staff as her fight was to begin. “Wish me luck! I gotta impress my brother, he’s watching the show.”

The girl in shrine maiden gear, might seem familiar. She had been the test dummy Aito had used to show off the pillars with lightning jutsu. She walked towards Tsubame and bowed politely.

“Good luck, I hope you do awesome out there. Sorry I’m your opponent.”

She said it matter of factly, and without remorse, before sprinting off to the arena. She waited in the coliseum, and bowed as well. The girl looked up to the Kage's stands where a wyrm head bobbed up and down, before refocusing on the fight.

“Chiyome, the Raiju, vs Tsubame Mochizuki. BEGIN!”

(This shits on you, Gan out.)

Another one of the gossiping corner arose, and began to head for the arena, with a rather ditzy gate. It kept seeming like she would fall over. And one thing that might stand out is despite Shioreta never showing up, the contest was not puppetless as a few creations hung off her back.

The other opponent didn’t seem to be walking forward, almost like they hadn’t seen the board. The chunnin inside snapped his fingers. “Hey, kid, you going?”

He talked towards a Hane nin in the corner, wearing a blind fold… and disturbingly a longbow as long as he was. A word ‘sealing corps’ could be seen on his black outfit. The genin pointed to himself, as if to say ‘who me’?

“Yes, you. Take the blind fold off, and get out of here.”

“Can’t.”

Nodding, the kid smirked as he walked out, clicking his tongue occasionally as he made his way to the battle field. Both contestants bowed.

“I must say. You sound beautiful.” He said, producing a rose seemingly out of nowhere, and tossing it to his opponent.

“Ew.”

“Fight hasn’t started.” was reminded.

“Simply a gift, nothing wrong with it at all. I’ll wait before we begin.”

“Riku Orochi vs Kohaku Fujioka! BEGIN!”

The battle progressed into mayhem within seconds. Puppets lunged, and arrows notched the moment the words had left the referee’s mouth. Oddly enough the blind archer never fully notched his arrows, only half and quarter drawing them to shoot rapidly, and accurately, nailing puppet after puppet. Each one it struck disappeared, a scroll left in their place.

It seemed just a bad match up, as by the end of it, Kohaku was left with no puppets, and Riku had his bow full drawn back. An arrow flew past her hair, clipping it, and nailing the pennant for Inochi dead center with an arrow.

Several people in the stands had to hold back some of the fans and ninjas from climbing out their seats and attempting to kill the kid. He mockingly blew them a kiss.

As the previous fight ended, a well dressed genin stood, wearing a full galan hat, and long trenchcoat, with long boots. He walked over to Ryuuka, and offered a handshake.

“Why, I been waiting for this fight, funny girl. You look like you can throw a punch, and that story of your grandfather beating a bandit unconscious with his own coin pouch did me in fer a laugh. I hope it’s a good one, I could use a good wrastle, and sounds like you the taijutsu type of folk. All this ninjutsu just ain’t my scene, and that fight earlier with all those tools just is plain wasteful. Let’s see how this goes, belle.”

Tipping his hat, he walked out and waited in the arena.

“Ken, the Handsome vs. Ryuuka Tagamatsu, begin!”

Ken stood still, making a few handsigns, but unmoving. His clothes seem to puff up as if a dramatic breeze was going through the area, and he made a ‘come at me’ motion.

The final member of the gossipers from earlier stood up as the first round was starting to close. She had green hair and goggles, and most noticeably, a set of insect like wings behind her. They seemed very real as they buzzed excitedly as her name was called.

“Whoo! Let’s do this! And even better, sensei said don’t worry about property damage this time! WHOOO!”

SHe pumped her hand in the air, and jumped high in the air. Her eyes suddenly scanned the room quickly and eerily fast, bouncing side to side as a ring between her sclera and iris widened and closed, her iris contracting in rhythm with it.

Finding Aya, she bowed.

“Let’s have fun! Now, let’sgolet’sgolet’sgo!”

Like a jet, she was out of there, and excitedly jumping around the arena, hardly able to contain herself.

“Aya Oguma vs Mochizuki Tonbo! BEGIN!”

A smoke bomb immediately went off from the hyperactive girl.

(Exists)

 

[IG42]

Shibata Yamamoto
Momentarily distracted from the ongoing genjutsu duel Shibata took the note with a look or irritation preferring to keep sizing up the current fighters knowing one would be his next opponent, opening the note his expression quickly changed to one of shock. Just making it to his graduation had taken a lot out of Fubuki by itself so he worried that she was pushing herself too hard to be there for the exam, but he reasoned that just meant he should push himself harder to make sure it was worth the trip.

With a determined smile he nodded to the chuunin while carefully folding the note and pocketed it. "Thank you." He said politely but shortly then turned back to continue watching the fight that was undoubtedly underwhelming to a layman.

When he was called for Shibata schooled his expression into one of calm neutrality and took a look at his growling opponent, judging by his demeanour and the way the other genin present were chattering he seemed to be the straightforward brawler type but one with some sort of augmentation technique under those gloves. In the arena Shibata returned the other's sharp stare with an outwardly relaxed smile though he pouted slightly as Shin was introduced with a fancy title unlike him. "Let's both do our best Phoenix-kun!" He said mock sweetly.

As the match began he quickly created a mirror and created a pair of clones shuffled in with a trio of phantoms to gauge Shin's abilities and how he dealt with the genjutsu, when the clones moved in to strike he launched an oversized crystal shuriken that skimmed the ground looking to sweep Shin's legs out from under him.

Ganryu KageYuuki

 

[Ace Cream]

Aya

Waddling from Aya's corner, a rather peculiar figure entered the arena. It's someone in a stout round giant rabbit-like costume with short legs. There's a cute face drawn on the head part but the smiling mouth was kept open, inside the open mouth a pair of eyes with eight smaller pupils could be seen. From one of the Tsumi's seat Sakurako could be seen facepalming at the appearance of her little sister.

"Is this what you said you have prepared?" She muttered at herself as she bursted out laughing. Still, she understand why Aya was doing this. Aya was a timid and shy girl, but whenever she put one of her costume on she got a boost of confidence. Other people might see this as some sort of joke but Aya was the most enthusiasthic about costume-making even among the Ogumo sibling.

After she got into position, Aya bowed back to her opponent. She hesitantly glanced all over the place until her gaze stopped at the Tsumigakure's stand where her friends and family were watching. Seems like the sight of the people she knew about made her able to calm herself. When the fight ultimately begin she immediately transformed her clothes into her notorious giant silk ball. The transformation seemed to be faster than usual, but that was probably because her current costume was already round to begin with. After a few seconds of spinning on the spot the giant fluffy silk ball propelled itself towards the area covered in smoke, hoping to catch her opponent off guard.

Ganryu

 

[KageYuuki]

Okimi Vs Kurio
It was almost like someone had done it on purpose.

Okimi turned her head towards Kurio, a slight smile on her face. “Well well… looks like only one of us has a chance at the finals.” It was the last thing Okimi had expected, to be fighting her own teammate in the first round.

“What are the odds, and on the first round too?” Kurio had yet to look away from the brackets. In a way, it was a blessing to fight against someone he was familiar with. After missions and training together, they both knew a large portion of each other’s kits. It wasn’t a fight that could be easily blitzed through. “Guess we’ll have to give them a good show.”

Okimi gave Kurio a brief nod, before walking into the coliseum. There was confidence in each of her steps, and a serious look plastered on her face. She looked up to the Tsumi stands, where her mother and uncle were both watching. Her uncle waved, and her mother looked like she was already pissed off. Maybe she was hoping she’d be beating on a Hane nin. Okimi wished it as well, but Kurio would be a fine enough opponent.

Next, Okimi looked at the Hanegakure concentrated area of the stands. She let her eyes slowly wander over the individuals there, wondering what they’d think once this fight started.

Finally, Okimi fixed her eyes on Kurio.

Kurio followed out behind her, his usual serene expression faltering for only a brief moment at the roar of the crowd. Much like Okimi, he glanced up at the stands. Though he instead looked to where the kage sat. A familiar red-headed ANBU stood behind Ema, giving him a slight nod in acknowledgment.

He took a slight breath, knowing the Tsumikage would be carefully watching his performance here. Kurio couldn’t help but wonder if Ichiro was somewhere in the stands or if he was still stuck in the hospital. Pushing the thoughts away, he turned back to Okimi.

Haru’s voice rang out across the stadium, “Kurio Shimizu versus Okimi Bajirisuku. Begin!”

To begin, Okimi slammed her hand against her chest. Hot smoke burst forth like a bomb, signaling the summoning of Feurey. The green dragon appeared around Okimi, shielding her from behind, while ready to snap with his jaws if Kurio approached. The young summoner wondered if her opponent would have to drive to strike first in this situation.

Surprised murmurs could be heard in the crowd at the summon’s appearance. The Hanekage glanced at the Tsumikage but said nothing.

Kurio’s eyebrows raised in surprise, “So you can take the defensive.” He moved through a short series of handsigns, causing a grey shimmer to move across his skin before fading. His hands were poised for another set.

“Only for a moment!” As she said that, Okimi spun through a series of her own handsigns before slamming her hand onto the ground. She carefully watched Kurio, as scorching earth began snaking towards him from where her hand had been placed. Meanwhile, Feurey stayed near Okimi, playing defense.

Kurio tensed at the familiar handsigns, closely watching the glowing earth snake towards him as he tensed. Once it stopped he lunged towards Okimi, looking to strike her shoulder, lightning crackled on his hand. He held his other arm up as if daring Feurey to bite him.

Spasm Strike

Seeing Kurio charge, Feurey released a bout of flames at him in a cone shape. As he did so, his wings tensed up behind him, sticking up into the air a little.

Okimi meanwhile, removed her hand from the ground as soon as the geyser of flames burst from the ground where Kurio had been earlier. She formed a handsign, ready to use her next technique.

“Tch,” Kurio abandoned his attack at the stream of flames, leaping aside. What few burns he got were minor, but still stung. He winced, getting close to Okimi with Feurey there was going to be a problem. I don’t really have any ranged options…

“What’s wrong Kurio? Is getting too hot for you?” Okimi taunted as she wove another sign. This time she formed a small fiery ball in her palm, sending it floating over towards Kurio slowly. Of course, as soon as she continued repeating the short series of signs, sending ball after ball towards him and throughout the arena. Eventually, Okimi would detonate them if she thought they got close enough to Kurio.

Moving through handsigns, Kurio paid no heed to the minefield of fireballs his teammate was spreading across the arena. As he got closer, Okimi would be able to see the water dripping from his clothes. He lunged at the pair in a body flicker, reaching past Okimi for Feurey’s wings. A faint blue glow enveloped his hands.

“Damnit!” Okimi cursed, seeing Kurio disappear. Feurey’s alarmed rasp alerted her to where the tricky medic had gone. Okimi turned, grabbing one of the wooden sticks on her back as she did so.

Kurio couldn’t help but wince slightly as he felt the chakra scalpel cleave the bone in Feurey’s wing. The dragon had managed to badly injure both of his wings over the course of the exam now. It’d heal . . . he hoped.

Glancing at the staff Okimi reached for, Kurio raised his arms and moved to jump back. “Remember what happened last time you tried to use those against me?”

Okimi didn’t respond for once. Feurey reeled back letting out a dog-like cry as he shook for a moment, getting his bearings. Okimi on the other hand came at Kurio with thrusts at as far of a distance as she could. Knowing he might try to break her spear again, she didn’t want him to be able to get too terribly close until Feurey was ready.

Yep, definitely pissed her off. Kurio remained stationary at his teammate’s barrage of attacks. The blade of her spear would easily cut into his clothes, but striking Kurio himself would feel like striking a chunk of iron.

Wolf’s Armor

The assault continued nonetheless. Okimi pushed through the jarring shocks that racked her arms as it felt like she was trying to stab a brick wall. She kept on aiming towards his center, occasionally aiming lower to try and trip him up.

Much to Okimi’s annoyance, the boy withstood it all. But a familiar roar helped her regain her confidence. “Always knew you were a hardy one Feurey!”

Feurey came skidding forth, spewing another gout of flames at Kurio, engulfing him in the flames.

A pained cry could be heard as Kurio tumbled away from the flames, patting out a small fire on his sleeve. Wolf’s armor was a sturdy defense against physical attacks. But against something like fire, it proved useless. He held a hand over the worst of the burns, flowing numbing chakra into it. Didn’t think Feurey would shake off an injury like that so fast.

Seeing Kurio stumble away, Okimi hurried over to Feurey, resting her hand on his neck. “Let’s finish this up so you can get your rest,” she said to him. “Let’s do it!”

Flying through a longer series of handsigns this time, Feurey disappeared in a hot puff of dark smoke. In his wake was another Okimi, crouching down with a pissed off snarl on her face. “Time for an ass whooping!” Okimi yelled as she and her double moved to flank Kurio. As she ran to position herself, she returned her spear to its stick form.

Kurio pushed himself to his feet with a low groan, warily eying Feurey’s new form. If Okimi had put her spear away, chances were pretty high she was planning on using another fire jutsu. The last time he had fought Okimi it was just the two of them, Feurey had stayed out of it. Both of them together were quickly proving harder to fight than he’d thought. Reaching into a pouch, he grabbed and threw a smokebomb at his feet.

One of the Okimis formed a handsign, launching a ball of fire into the smoke where she assumed Kurio was standing. Meanwhile, the other Okimi tensed up her leg muscles preparing to bodyflicker wherever she saw the fireball emerge. She had to assume Kurio was somewhere in the smoke.

Okimi was right that Kurio had remained in the smoke, several small poofs could be heard as the fireball made its way through the thinning smoke. The fireball didn’t ricochet though, so whatever it struck hadn’t been solid. Kurio was silently thankful he had moved from his original position in the smoke. But his luck wasn’t going to last and the clones were only going to buy him so much time.

Seeing that the fireball went straight through the smoke, straight at one of the Okimi’s, it was obvious Kurio wasn’t hit, and the bodyflicker wasn’t necessary. Instead, the ball was kicked back into the smoke at a slightly different angle. The other Okimi on the other side of the smoke was already preparing herself to send the fireball back into the smoke.

Two kunai flew out of the smoke cloud, one each in the rough direction of the Okimis. Explosive tags tied to the rings smoldered before detonating. The blasts would clear away the rest of the smoke, revealing Kurio and a handful of clones.

To avoid the explosive kunai, one of the Okimi’s made sure to bodyflicker after the fireball, kicking it at one of the now revealed clones. The other Okimi barely lept out of the way in time to avoid the brunt of the explosion. Instead they were sent skidding along the ground on their butt. However, they quickly rolled up to their feet, ready to send the fireball back as soon as they could. “You won’t be able to hide for long!” One of the Okimi’s yelled to Kurio.

Kurio ignored his teammate’s taunt, he didn’t need to hide for long. Instead, he focused intently on the feeling of his chakra. On the seal that kept his Akuma confined. So far, all of his attempts at accessing the chakra had been in vain. The Akuma lashing out at him instead.

”There is… one way, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Loosening the seal will give you more control, but… also loosens the seal.”

“I’m not . . . afraid of you.” Kurio growled, seizing and tearing at the beast’s chakra. Chakra began to curl off of him like wisps of smoke, his nails growing and hardening into short claws. Red eyes narrowed at Okimi.

Akuma’s Song: First Verse

For a moment, a look of shock was shown on both of the Okimi’s faces. But they were quickly replaced by a serious look. Looks like Kurio had more to offer.

Okimi grabbed the stick behind her back, and spun in a full circle as her stick transformed into a spear. She slammed the metal part of her spear into the incoming fireball, from her double, and sent it flying at the empowered Kurio. Meanwhile Okimi’s double stayed still, ran through another couple handsigns, and formed another bouncing fireball. She kicked it into the air, before doing a flip and kicking it at Kurio at a downward angle.

Kurio crouched, chakra gathering in his tensed muscles before he lunged towards the spear wielding Okimi in a bodyflicker. He didn't seem to care about the fireball in his path between them, and would slash at her with his claws once he drew close.

He’s faster! Okimi thought to herself as she tried to spin out of his reach. She was partially successful, managing to only suffer moderate cuts to her back. As she spun, she swung at Kurio, starting to distance herself. Meanwhile, her double formed another series of handsigns, sending a trail of molten earth snaking Kurio’s way.

Kurio continued his assault, leaping up and over the swung spear as he dove for her.

Okimi could feel Kurio’s claws slice the air above her as she ducked down, rolling forward and under Kurio. It wasn’t a graceful roll, and it took her a moment to get to her feet. But she noticed a patch of scorched earth pass beneath her and towards Kurio. She looked up at him just in time to see it erupt.

Being mid-dive, Kurio didn’t have any way to evade the blast. A pained cry could be heard as he landed and flickered out of the flames. He spun back towards his teammate. Despite the burns to his legs, Kurio clutched at his head with a snarl. The shroud of chakra around him thickened, the air sizzling with miasma that made Okimi’s crystal pendant glow.

Okimi could see her pendant glow even from under her shirt. “Akuma…” she muttered to herself, gazing at Kurio. Her eyes furrowed. This must be what happens when someone from his clan doesn’t know what they’re doing.

Okimi tossed her spear into the air before pulling out her second one. Her double appeared next to her, catching the thrown spear and crouching down beside her, a light growl of her own emanating from her throat. “Let’s snap Kurio back to his senses!”

Haru moved away from the seething chakra, warily eying the genin. The Tsumikage and ANBU behind her both seemed to tense at the shift. She held up a hand, stopping the other nin from leaping past her. “Not yet.”

The wiggler helm next to her turned to face her. A quiet voice spoke from the Arashikage. “I don’t want the same repeat as my predecessor, Tsumikage.” He motioned to the jonin behind him, and a shimmer could be seen as the barrier around the stands was strengthened. He still looked unhappy.

“It will be contained before getting to that point.”

A low, bestial growl rumbled from the other side of the arena. Kurio was down on all fours, wild eyes flickering between the pair of Okimis. Stone cracked beneath him as he shot towards the duo.

He was even faster than before, Okimi thought. It was all she was allowed to think because Kurio was already upon them. Her double stepped in front of Okimi, thrusting her spear at Kurio to try and stop him. Meanwhile Okimi did the same, except from behind her double.

Kurio caught the clone’s spear as it pierced his shoulder, the wood cracked in his grip. With a snarl he punched forward with his free hand, letting out a shockwave of corrosive chakra.

Okimi’s double let out a loud grunt as they were settling throttling across the arena. Okimi glanced back for a moment, before forming another handsign. There was a worried look on her face now.

Her teammate glowered at her as he wrenched the spear from his shoulder and tossed it aside. The chakra surrounding him would start to burn Okimi this close. Though Kurio wasn’t immune to the effects of his own chakra, burns reminiscent of the spring Ichiro took them to started to appear on his body.

Changing her grip on her spear, Okimi brought her hands closer to the actual blades, swinging at Kurio before hopping backwards and holding her spear like normal. She had to play defense now, and hold off Kurio as long as she could. Feurey had to know that there was only one thing left to do here.

On the other side of the arena, crumpled on the ground was Okimi’s double, Feurey. They rose up to one knee, and coughed up a bit of blood. It was surprising they hadn’t been kicked out of the human form. It probably wouldn’t hold up for much longer. They took a deep breath and started gathering chakra in their mouth.

Kurio lunged for Okimi, haphazardly slashing at her with his claws over and over. Though the arm that had been wounded by her spear moved slower.

Okimi did her best to duck and evade the claws, but her attempts proved mostly futile as she felt gash after gash draw blood all across her body. Slowly she began to get a feel for the speed of his strikes, but it was hard to dodge his uninjured arm regardless. Okimi noticeably felt her chakra drain, and she knew it had to be Feurey preparing something. He couldn’t afford to miss if he was using up all that chakra.

Swiping sideways with her spear, she managed to give herself a miniscule amount of space, just enough to plant her feet and body flicker directly into Kurio headfirst in an attempt to stun him for a moment!

The blow sent Kurio reeling, staggering back several steps. Though the layer of corrosive chakra surrounding him punished Okimi for the action. With a snarl, he sent another concussive blast of chakra at her.

Okimi let out a pained grunt, feeling the burns on her forehead. She felt she knew it was a bad idea before she did it. But now it was too late, because Kurio’s blast of chakra had sent her flying across the arena just like her double. But in middair, she could see a superhot beam of flames soaring towards Kurio as well.

Okimi’s double had released the flames, using up all their available chakra to try and beat Kurio with one last blast.

The frenzied jinchuuriki let out a roar and tensed to lunge after Okimi. Before he could spring forward, he glimpsed a light out of the corner of his eye. Kurio turned to the blast just in time for it to slam into his chest and knock him off his feet.

Rising to her own feet, Okimi looked up, watching as her double’s fret buckled beneath them, and the laser beam angled upwards suddenly, blasting up into the crowd and towards the kage’s seating before being stopped by the barrier. The laser then angled downwards, slicing into the floor of the arena and down to who knows where before sputtering out. Okimi’s double faceplanted, before Feurey returned to his dragon form still laying down.

Okimi rested her hand on her chest, and Feurey disappeared in a puff of smoke. “That’s plenty for today,” she whispered to herself standing up slowly.

A few panicked screams could be heard despite the barrier stopping the beam well before it could reach the crowd.

Kurio slowly pushed himself back to his feet, breathing heavily. The attack had punched its way through the protective layer of chakra, leaving a large wound in its wake. He staggered towards her before stopping. Kurio clutched at his head with a pained yell.

“Are you done yet?” Okimi asked, doing her best to look uninjured as she walked towards him. All of the wounds across her body burned like hell, and she could tell her chakra was practically empty. She was in better shape than Kurio though. Maybe a few punches would be all it took… she hoped.

Her teammate didn’t seem to hear her, groaning as the chakra flared dangerously. It threatened to overwhelm Okimi and her crystal. Even the proctor took a few steps back. Though before the torrent of chakra could harm her, it vanished. Brown eyes looked back up at Okimi.

“You’re one crazy fucker, you know that?” Okimi asked, standing in front of Kurio.

He managed a weak chuckle, “Pot meet kettle? Think it’s a requirement for our team.”

“I suppose it is…” Okimi brought her hand up into the air, curling it into a fist. But before she could plant it against Kurio’s jaw, she fell face first into the ground.

Seeing Okimi go to attempt a punch, Kurio tried to shift his stance. But much like his teammate, before he could move to attack, he collapsed to the arena floor.

Haru blinked, cautiously approaching the unconscious duo. He knelt beside them before shaking his head and standing. “This match is a draw! Neither genin will move onto the next round.” The proctor motioned medical nin over, “what is it with Tsumi and fights needing ANBU clean up?” He muttered under his breath.

 

[Ganryu]

The Genin infront of Shibata scowled as he was mocked, and while he didn't say a word, the vein bulging on his head seemed to answer how he was taking it. His gaze was locked on Shibata.

All around, cheers could be heard, but oddly, they seemed mostly for Shibata, the stands over Tsumi going wild for one of the Yamamoto clan. In the distance, and old man smiled.

Shin, of Hane, had no one cheering for him. His demeanor seemed to answer why too. Kid just wasn't popular.

As soon as the match started, he did a quick series of handsigns, before flames seemed to billow out his wrist, under his gloves, before receding, mere smoke coming out. The genin's focus was lasered in on Shibata, ignoring the other clones completely, though he made no move to disperse him either. His focus seemed like a laser.

He began to walk toward Shibata, slowly evolving into a jog, and then a sprint as he roared like a beast, holding both his hands in Tiger Palm Style, fingers splayed like a set of claws. At the oversized shuriken, he raised his hand high, and slammed it down into the shuriken... and into the ground below, mushrooming out with rocks and crystals flying out in every direction. Shin leapt atop a medium sized rock flying, and then continued to leap towards Shibata, his hands outstretched as he went with another smashing blow downwards at him, his hands still smoking.

 

[Ganryu]

Mochizuki gasped as Aya walked out, in the full rabbit costume, her jaw open and her eyes wide, a long exhale filling the area.

"I love it! IloveitIloveitILOVEIT!" She jumped up and down excitedly before the smokebomb went off.

Aya, however, was quick to steamroll the area, a solid 'thwap' heard as the ball ran over a figure in the smoke. "WAH!" Could be heard screaming from the outside as a caught the dragonfly spun in the web, followed by several crinkling sounds.

The thud repeated a few times with various flavors of 'oof', the kunoichi currently stuck on the giant wall. In between each roll, a handsign was made, but Mochizuki was getting dizzy with the rollings. And the crushing ball, and the rock saying hi repeatedly, a sharp inhale heard as some jutsu began itself.

"What sort of purgaaaaatory is thiiiiiis!?"

 

[Ace Cream]

Aya

Aya stopped her rolls once she realized that Mochizuki was actually stuck on her ball. The ball transformed back to its original rabbit costume form with Mochizuiki plastered on the back. Ehhhh?? Fortunately she was wearing a costume so no one noticed it but Aya was actually as surprised as Mochizuki at the outcome of their first clash. The same thing happened with her fight against Kohaku, right? They both stuck on her clothes.

Setting up some simple handsign, Aya's costume started to suck Mochizuki in like a quicksand. Moreover, the spiders nesting inside the clothes started jumping all over Mochizuki's body, leaving strands of sticky threads that would hinder her movement further as the time goes. Aya just stood in the middle of the arena, menacingly, as her costume attempt to swallow her opponent whole.

Ganryu

 

[Ganryu]

-What the shit Team Miho's been doing-

Spoiler: Side Story pt1

- The Night Before the Chunnin Exams -


​

Above the three little gremlins looked up to the tower that was the Arashigakure’s office. It was a large skyscraper like building, built completely out of a black stone. It looked monolithic. The one exception was the myriad of lightning rods sticking out the side of the building at every angle. Every few seconds, a bolt of lightning would crash into one of them, and the entire building would buzz with electricity.

“So… are all the kage’s offices just terrifying? Cause I, for one, am shocked by the design!”

Sachiko laughed below, and threw a grappling hook and a rope off her shoulders and against the building. A lightning strike incinerated it as Sachiko spoke.

“Was not going to help… was not going to help…”

She opened the teams own scroll , with duct tape over the eye trying to scan them again.

“They’ve got to keep this information somewhere in the village, and the Arashikage’s office would have to have it, right guys? So… uh, … how do we get close? Cause they gotta let normal people in sometimes, right…?”

“...I can’t believe I was convinced to do this…” Wakanaka sighed, a sigh full of resentment, uncertainty and general disappointment. Mostly in himself. Because Sachiko’s idea on doing proper reconnaissance on the other squad via sneaking in and trying to find the scrolls containing other squad’s info was decent enough..

Though… For being a group actively involved in the chuunin exams…

This… palace should be crawling with guards preventing that…, Right?

“...Hey… Ain’t this palace kinda quiet?’ Waka asks, eyeing up the tower.,

“Hmm? Oh, it does seem so.” Shioreta spoke, seeming a bit distracted. Truthfully the idea of sneaking in to try and snag the other squad’s info was a bit humorous. Not so much that it wasn’t a ‘tactical’ choice albeit risky. It was the fact she had been given practically an invitation on her mission not all that long ago from the very cardmaker themselves to peek at such information that she had chosen to not take up on such an offer ‘teased’ before her.

She didn’t come on such a little ‘trip’ really caring to find out as much as to find a little enjoyment seeing her teammates fail spectacularly in the process. Was that a bit vindictive after the little ‘fishing’ incident in the last test? Perhaps it was? She would have to contemplate it later. It was quite strange they hadn’t been stopped or at the very least scoped out already with Sachiko’s clear attempt to see about grappling into the building.

“It couldn’t hurt to take a peek inside. Sometimes the most discrete approach into an enemy stronghold is through the front door.” She pitched the idea out with a light shrug and a gentle smile on her lips.

Sachiko put her fingers on her lips.

“Yeah… honestly I’d expected to be detained by ANBU by now. This is weird… Well, in for a Ryo, in for a gold bar. Let’s find out!”

Sachiko pumped her arm… and then went oddly silent. Her presence became much harder to detect as she stuck to corners, and didn’t move when looked at. The little gremlin could be stealthy… when she wanted. Sadly, lightning didn’t too much care about stealth, and as Sachiko touched the front door, a bolt came down, and sent her flying backwards into Waka. Her hat was smoking, and her hair frizzled.

“Oh… yeah…”

Above her, the lightning struck as she spoke.

“Huh. Think stealth’s out. Hey, guys, if I get arrested, tell Miho sensei absolutely nothing unexpected happened. If I get fried by lightning, Shio, tell her Waka’s to blame. I don’t know how, but make it a good story!.”

It struck again. Sachiko whistled, and noted it seemed to strike higher up on the building.

“... Hmm…. ♪ Who can take a sunrise! Who can take a sunrise!♪”

Lightning rained a cross the top of the building.

“♪Sprinkle it with dew! Sprinkle it with dew!!♪”

Singing as she went, Sachiko approached the door again, and opened the handle, swinging it open. None of the lightning hit her. Then she closed the door behind her. Mostly to annoy the other two. And to see what songs they knew! A singing door bell! Today was great.

A gasp suddenly resounded from the inside from Sachiko as she looked in.

Wakanaka more or less stared confused in the fact that… Sachiko doing something weird and random actually managed to solve one of their issues. He had HOPED this would’ve been enough for them to shrug and go back but NOOOOOO Gods of luck have to favor HER of all people.

Though when he took a look inside… He was… Less than certain that they infact did.

“..Ummm… You… think we should come back later…?” he asks, even though he was doing the exact opposite and moving inside the building.

Shioreta paused, nudging lightly on Waka’s arm. A bit of ‘kindness’ perhaps, or just making sure he doesn’t get zapped and knocked out of commission when there might be far worst that might befall them if they made it inside.

“Make sure to keep speaking as you enter, a harmonic tone seems more likely to work to ensure you don’t get zapped.”

She spoke up with a light smile on her face. Truthfully she doubted singing was really required as much as just some sort of vocal element, unless Sachiko had managed to luck out saying the right tones or might have caught wind of what it might have been from somewhere else. It was still an interesting contraption she had to admit.

Shio ventured into the building glancing about finally catching sight of the carnage before her. It was clear now why it really was so quiet. Her eyes darted about, clearly whoever had caused the commotion had already moved on elsewhere whether it was already having escaped the building or elsewhere inside it was impossible to tell.

“That explains why it was so quiet... shinobi… and not the loud noisy types. Be on guard.” She commented, taking things a little more serious then she was initially planning to.

All across the corridors, bodies could be seen leaned against the wall from the entrance all the way up to the top. Shinobi and civilians alike. Thankfully, most of them seemed to be breathing, but occasional spurts of bloody showed it wasn’t exactly 100% clean. Still, not a painting in the hallway was knocked off it’s hinges, and the office seemed pristine. The surreal scenery continued to the top floor.

One wall had plywood over it, but it seemed an older problem, not a ‘in the last 10 minutes’ issue.

The Arashikage’s office itself was creaked open, and Rokuro, the bald proctor who had met them at the village gate, and had started the exam, could be seen with his back on the ground, drooling out of his mouth with his eyes rolled.

The desk itself was a mess of papers leading out to an open window… where a masked ninja sat in the sil, a large greatsword in his hand in reverse grip matching Waka’s. Cold chakra floated around, causing ice to form across the window sil. As lightning struck behind him, his black siloutte shadowed over the three genin, before he seemed to just vanish with the bolt.

His mask had been like a fox, and a definite headband belonging to Inochi could be seen from his collar: ANBU. In the distance, the figure could be seen joining with two others, mid jump, running north across roof tops, though hilariously they too had to whistle to avoid the lightning.

Sachiko looked down to Rokuro, back to the window sil, back to Rokuro.

“Well, tha’ts not good.” She bit her lip, and leaned down, trying to gently pat him awake… he wasn’t having any of it it seemed like, completely passed out.

“Guys,I think we just saw a robbery. And it looks like they’re already running away. Uh, uh… do we just, uh, explain what happened when Arashi’s Anbu arrive? … and what we’re doing in the Arashikage’s office at the site of an attack… with several assault charges below. Crap baskets.”

Sachiko had a feeling she knew what they should do. And she didn’t like it.

“...Holy fuck I know that sword…” Wakanaka spoke up, shaking his shock. The sword… it… it was the one from back then.. The one he had used to…

“Holy shit they stole the Yukionna.” he blurted out, looking to the others, cleared his throat. “You know when I was bald for abit? That mission, theres a demon in that sword, Yuukionna, was only able to hit it with that sword because Okimi hit it and me with her lazer beam.

We gotta go get it back!”

Waka tried explaining as quickly as possibly, tramping his way over to the window the person jumped out of “Inoichi is trying to steal it! But why!?”

“Get it back? Wouldn’t it be a bit safer to leave the scene and just report what we saw? If we get caught chasing them down we could be mistaken as fleeing the scene… or part of the group that went about knocking all these shinobi and civilians out.” She spoke a bit more hesitantly.

Sure she wanted to get her teammates in a little trouble, but the situation seemed a bit far beyond what she expected. It wasn’t just some pesky Genin digging their noses into places they ought to not be. While the robbers weren’t murdering off everyone to get the item they wanted it was clear they weren’t above hurting any who stood in their way.

Sachiko waffled back and forth as she looked at Waka, Shio, the fleeing perps, and the unconscious Rokuro. “Uh… uh… aw heck… We do chase after them, we’re could get caught and blamed. We don’t chase after them we could get caught and blamed. We do chase after them, we could help Arashigakure, but we could lose our chance at being chunnin...And it’s really dangerous and I don’t like sticking my neck out. But that sword looks dangerous… uh… uh...”

Sachiko sighed, looking forlorn. Then, without warning she made a sprint for the window. “You can stay behind if you want, Shio, I won’t think badly of you for it!” Sachiko’s little blur of pink could be seen below chasing at the three.

Shioreta let out a soft sigh shaking her head a bit as Sachiko made her way out quickly. Oh well, it seems she would end up getting herself into trouble after all. Not quite the ‘revenge’ she would have found entertaining to witness. You win some, you lose some as they say. The young puppetmaster quickly made her way out following behind her teammates in what was likely a very bad idea.

"H-hey! It was my idea wait up!" Wakanaka leapt out after them in a hurry.

“We know! That’s why it’s terrible!”

The trio of masked figures quickly leapt from the few rooftops that were left to leaping behind another rocky plateau, though from how they leapt from the rock itself, it was not made of the chakra repelling rock. The barrier itself seemed weak around the Arashikage’s office, as lightning could strike the building it self, but for the most part, not the rest of the village, and so the ANBU fleeing the scene didn’t have to deal with it as ran down a valley out of the village.

They began to disappear down a chasm as they fled, two cresting sides on either side allowing the genin to follow along if they so wished. But as they would get closer. One of them stopped, holding out a handsign for the other two. All three turned to face them. The one who had sensed them looked up, and leaned against a rock condescendingly. He wore an mask with two fangs going down the side of it, and a helmet that looked like a snake’s skull.

“My, my, were we tailed? And I thought we’d taken care of every ninja of note in the area. Hmm… you three look a little… small for ninja. Surely you’re lost, the chunnin arena is the other way. Go around, and get ready for your fight tomorrow, and we’ll even let you go. We love a spectacle. We just need this sword for research.”

Behind them, one with a fox mask and the sword on his back rolled his eyes. “Don’t know why you bothered stopping us, Mu. Anyone of us could have taken care of THAT. “

“Tsk” Waka came to a sudden halt, stepping heavy to keep himself stable,sliding abit upon the stone before coming to a halt.

“And leave you worthless idiots alone? To take that sword? And here I thought ANBu were supposed to be smart, you put on that mask so we couldn’t figure out your some blundering idiot?” Wakanaka hissed, got he hated this ninja already!

“Know damn well why you want it too!” he grit his teeth and grasped his own blade in prep.

Shioreta watched the two go back and forth letting out a light sigh. It was pretty clear talking wasn’t going to likely be a solution to start with, particularly now after the little verbal cat fight. Still it was worth a try, even if to buy a little bit of prep time before they inevitably fought mostly for Sachiko and herself.

“Now now… no reason to get in an argument. I’m sure we can come and talk this all out, maybe come to a point of agreement between each other and walk away with both parties getting something out of this exchange.”

The frail shinobi put on her trademark bright fake smile as she spoke up. She rested her hands behind her back, slipping one of her puppet scrolls into her sleeve.

The three ANBU looked at eachother, before the one in a fox mask doubled over laughing, the one in a cobra mask also chuckling. They simply nodded to eachother and made a hand signal.

“5,000 Ryo?”

“Yup.”

With that, the back two began to flee, and the cobra mask started a series of handsigns… and nothing happened. The air was completely still, and only a crash of thunder in the distance made.

Sachiko watched the exchange with her eyes focused on the three, her brows furrowed. At Waka’s taunts she gave a slight gulp. She could be heard talking in a hushed tone.

“Already in combat, that isn’t good, Waka’s luring everything out… they don’t seem to be wanting to take us all on, too unimportant… Dang nabbit, I wanted to taunt them….”

She sighed. “Ugh… Waka, can’t I be the irresponsible one for once? That’s the fun job.”

She then sniffed the air, and her eyes widened. “GET AWAY!”

She grabbed Waka and Shio by the neck, and practically threw them backwards, away from the area, then covered her mouth with a cough.

“Shoot… Hey guys, let’s just ignore him. Can you guys climb up the cliff and find another way? I’ll be right behind you.”

"You better be! Come on Shio we cannot let that sword get away!

Trust me, I fought that demon, it is not to be left in their hands!" Wakanaka restates as he all but drags Shio along by the hand.

 

[IG42]

Shibata Yamamoto
As the pair of clones attacked alongside the feinting phantoms landing blow after blow Shibata frowned curiously as Shin completely ignored them and rushed straight through a phantom as he charged, even having one of the clones latched onto his back still throwing punches with it's free arm wasn't enough to keep him from punching the ground and launching the other clone across the arena.

Holding onto the mirror behind him for stability Shibata rode out the mini-quake and tracked his opponent through the debris, planting both hands on his mirror without turning he expanding it into a larger oubliette ready for Shin's blind charge to continue. When the berserker launched himself off an airborne rock Shibata sighed at the other's simplicity and foolishness in giving up his manoeuvrability for a straight rush. Sidestepping the incoming blow he placed one hand on his crystal and used the other to shove Shin into the crystal along with the clone passenger leaving them lodged inside in a tangle of limbs, the haphazardly shaped and the other boy's momentum left part of Shin's legs sticking out of one side of the crystal and the arm he had intended to punch with thrust almost halfway out the other.

Strolling casually around to stand where Shin could see him Shibata rapped lightly on the crystalline prison. "You're lucky there wasn't a written exam." He muttered then raised his voice so his prisoner and the proctor could hear. "If you wish to surrender feel free to tap out or I can just wait until you faint." He gestured to the relatively free hand. Across the arena the other crystal clone reappeared with several chips knocked off by chunks of stone or crystal but otherwise still mobile.

Ganryu (or whoever might take over)

 

[Orikanyo]

Spoiler: Side story part 2

They were after the next target, Wakanaka wasn't about to let this sword get away. It was… Almost a manner of pride. The very first yokai he slew and sealed with a squad of two others was one that will REMAIN sealed.

They were catching up fast… These ANBU…. They took down that whole building of people… They talk tough but they must've used alot of resources doing so.

Waka let go of Shio and pulled off his chain, twirlling it in the air and tossing it like a bola at the fleeing ANBU.

Shioreta felt Waka let go of her hand, a bit of a relief on her shaking her hand a bit far less ‘enthused’ about the ordeal then her suicidal teammate. The puppetmaster gripping onto the scroll in her hand though not quite yet unsealing it keeping it rolled up in her grasp, instead grabbing a kunai tossing it forward as if to strike Waka’s target or at the very least force him to dodge to the side giving them a chance to catch up that much closer should he evade both.

As Waka and Shio both began the attack on the next target, the man carrying a sword, the fox ANBU just rolled his eyes, and quickly folded his arms together. Behind him, in a 1 in a 1,000,000 shot, the kunai struck the middle of the chain, and pegged it against the valley wall, completely missing them. The valley began to rise up into a plateau, with several rock pillars similar to what the chunnin had gone through earlier for their chunnin exam, though this time they were at the bottom of the rock pillars, and not at the top. A thick mist started to obscure the area.

“Well, Mu owes us 5,000 Ryo when he’s back. Yoru, if you would.”

The fox ANBU nodded at the owl ANBU, and the two split off, the owl masked one seeming to disappear into the mist, and the fox one sighing, slowing down slightly where the two could actually catch up to him if they were fast enough, the blade leaving frost trails on his clothes.

"Damn it Shio!" Wakanaka cursed, forcing more speed out of his legs to go after this fox masked man.

"Take down the other I got this idiot!" The feeling… Hrmm… the demon inside the sword… He felt the presence before… Even with it sealed away it felt like he was walking around a tiger'a cage… Did this idiot not know the true danger of that Akuma?

“Wait… how is that even feasibly…” Shio muttered, shaking her head trailing off with her words as she took after where the other masked figure went approaching with caution towards the mist making sure to keep some distance between her and the fox masked loud mouth fellow.

As Waka ran after the fox man at full speed, a low buzz filled the valley, and the hair on the back of his neck would stand on end. The fox mask didn't even to turn to face him, but gave a cheeky chuckle, and left a middle finger for him.

"Bye kid."

A dull 'thwump' filled the rocky plateau. The bright side was, Shio would not have to look far for her target, as the mist around them violently separated into an instant as a hole of void opened up, clear air straight from the owl mask lying on the ground all the way to Waka's back, several charged iron rails floating around the owl masks back, crackling with electricity.

A sickening thud echoed through the plateau as something high speed slammed into Waka, and would send him flying several hundred feet into the distance, away from the fox mask.

As he would recover, he would find an iron rail embedded into his giant sword itself, a large crack down the blade, and pieces missing, before the rail, and several segments of iron fell out onto the ground. It seemed the blade had saved his life.

The fox man had disappeared, but frosty foot prints could still be seen.

In the distance, the mist started to seal back up into obscurity, and running heard as the owl man started to flee, directly away from Shio. It seemed like the mist was as much her enemy as the sniper.

Wakanaka breathed, in truth, he could barely believe he still was.

The sword he had cherished as a gift had saved his life. But was in truth utterly destroyed. He was immencely sore, his body was shaken, to call it worse than getting hit by Okimi's fire and the Yuukionna's chill was… Close, but really didn't do it justice…

So quickly… So quickly without a single warning he had nearly been split in two. It was pure chance he survived. He felt his body bruise and ache from the impact, a strike that should have killed him, and would have if not from pure unadulterated LUCK….

So why… Why…

Why was he so eager to get up for more!?!?

Was he growing to become a masochist!? His only weapon was in shambles! His chain was gone! He was talking big and being an idiot against somebody who THOROUGHLY OUT CLASSED him, even if somewhat fatigued why did he think they should go after them?!

Why?!

WHY DID HE STILL WANT TO!?

…The… The tracks… The frost. He could turn and run but… He wanted to...Fight. Where was this coming from!? He should be running like a dog with it's tail between its legs damn it!

Why was he following the trail!?

 

[Ganryu]

*The standard of epic I want all teams to have Hayate is next...

Night Gremlin vs The Cobra

Spoiler: Sachiko vs Mu, the Unseen

The ANBU watched the genin split off before sighing, “ah . . . damn. Rei isn’t going to let me hear the end of this. Not bad, saving your teammates though.” He cracked his neck and started another short series of handsigns, the tips of his mask’s fangs turned a sickly green. “I’ll do you a favor and put you out of your misery.”

“Aw… he’s doing me a favor… isn’t that nice? Hehehe… What are the odds you’re the nice sort of ANBU and that was just sleeping gas?” The smile faded, and Sachiko shrugged, before he even answered. “Didn’t think so.”

Sachiko’s hand flew into her brown ninja pouch, and a smoke bomb erupted around her. A second later, a kunai came flying out of the middle cloud, aimed at the top of the man’s mask.

Mu sidestepped the incoming kunai, intently watching for Sachiko to make an appearance as he formed another handsign. A sound that would remind the genin of Shio’s puppets could be heard.

Sachiko whined from inside.

“Man… fighting an ANBU just isn’t fair… I’m just a little girl, couldn’t you take me a little more lightly? I can hear those you know.”

She then burst out of the cloud, charging straight at the man with a kunai with a red handle held reverse grip in her hands. A few handsigns continued in her charge, despite the knife in her hands slowing her down.

He tilted his head at the familiar handsigns. “You had a chance to retreat.” The mouth of his mask opened, though Mu threw a kunai at the charging genin before turning around.

With a thud, the kunai struck right between the genin’s eyes, causing it to snap back and collapse on the ground. A second later a ‘poof’ dispersed with a kunai in a sheet of rock, and Sachiko to the side, diving in with the kunai in a reverse grip from the air, trying to leap on him.

Substitution Jutsu

Mu spit a pressurized stream of clear liquid at Sachiko. HIs muscles tensed, ready to lunge forward.

Sachiko gave a surprised yelp, dropping her kunai as everything went dark.. And burning. Her dive ended with her just face planting a few feet past him, grabbing her face. “MY EYES!”

Shoot! I’m a doujutsu specialist… I knew ANBU were strong, but I thought our squad was special. I like to think of Waka and Shio as strong… but if I’m honest, they’re about as strong as me, and I can’t do anything against this guy! That’s two poisons I have in me. I don’t know what the lung one does yet, it’s effects haven’t appeared, but I can’t see… that is not good...Not… not out of options yet. Spectrum Shift: Yellow will keep some of that venom out, so I might not be permanently out the game, but shoot, how long for it to flush?

The blinded genin started to literally crawl away, blinking vigorously as clear fluid dripped from her face.

The ANBU sprang after her, his mask opening to try and drive the fangs into her neck or shoulder. Droplets of dark green liquid gathered on the tips of the hollowed out fangs.

“Good…” Sachiko said with ragged breath as she heard the attack. She held up a single handsign. “Kai”. The dropped red ribboned kunai from earlier violently exploded, sending a rain of shrapnel at both her and the cobra ANBU as well as an explosion. She gave out a grunt as a shard of metal hit her ribs.

“I was starting to think you were invincible… If it’s just this much… I might… I might be able to do more!”

Sachiko sat up with a groan of pain, and reached into her book, and crossed her arms. Uncrossing them, a nail flew out her hands like a sliver of silver, flying straight at the ANBU’s mask, between his fangs, listening to the drip of venom.

“I can see we’re pretty similar. I’m not so good at combat. Hate taking it up. But my senses are pretty good, and I’m pretty dang tricky.”

Sachiko’s head bobbed around, the girl listening for any sound. Her eyes were glazed over, and she could not see him at all that much was true.

Mu gasped, the explosion knocking him away from Sachiko. Shards of metal peppered his side and one of his arms. It was a stupid mistake, leaving himself open like that. Against a genin too.

The ANBU didn’t have time to dwell on the error as a bo shuriken was launched at him. Mu wrenched his ninjatou from its sheath and swung at the incoming projectile. His blade shattered on impact with the weighted weapon, barely redirecting it to a glancing blow with the jaw of his mask. Sachiko would hear it crack.

“The hell was that?” He started to push himself back to his feet, glancing at his broken sword. “Well, if your senses are so sharp, I’m sure you still smell the poison from before.”


“I believe they call it a ‘Bo shuriken’. It’s a pretty standard ninja weapon, surprised you haven’t run into them before. And yeah… yeah…” Sachiko said, her head staring straight up as she panted for breath. Her arms felt numb, she probably wasn’t repeating that. Well, blind, numb, injured… not a good place to be. Her opponent was injured, his mask sounded broken, and it sounded like his blade just broke there blocking her bo shuriken. So that was a plus. But on the downside, just sitting here was poisoning her, and he could just strangle her if he felt impatient. Not anything she could do against that… Didn’t feel like anything she could do at all.

“What’s your nindo…?” She asked, seemingly half delirious as she swung, barely standing up.

“My . . . nindo?” He shook his head, “Don’t have one. I’m ANBU, the moment we put on our masks we become a nameless weapon for our village. To be used as the Kage sees fit.”

“Well that sucks… I’m going to die to someone else who doesn’t even want to be a ninja. If you did, you’d say ‘I want to protect the village’, or ‘my loyalty is my nindo’.” Sachiko imitated his voice as she suggested nindos. “Ugh… me. I’m different. My nindo’s kinda already broken from the start, but at least I had one. I made a promise I’d love the village. I hate it. With a passion. Wish it would all burn… but until I can, I gotta protect it. I gotta at least let other people love it…”

A single tear fell down the genin’s eyes, and she took a deep breath.

“You know… I don’t think I can do that being lazy as I have been… my ninjutsu sucks. I was born heir to a clan without having a single chakra element. So I try to avoid stuff like this because I just don’t like handsigns…”

Sachiko’s hands trembled as she held them open from each other, and suddenly lowered her head, not quite at Mu, but in his general direction, and she began to rapidly weave handsigns together, before a ‘ching’ could be heard. The air around Sachiko seemed to ripple out in a slight wind, and standing in front of the ANBU member, Sachiko’s body seemed to heal as her eyes regained their light, and her side stopped bleeding.

“Let’s do this!” She began to charge at the ninja with a kunai in one hand, and no extra tools at the ready.



Mu frowned at the sudden change. Was the girl a medic nin? He wasn’t left with time to ponder the issue as the genin charged. He formed a handsign before moving to use his broken sword to try and block the swung kunai. Another point blank spray of venom was aimed at Sachiko’s eyes.

Sachiko paused midswing, jumping away and crouching as the venom sprayed over her head. She seemed more nimble than before even! Quickly she body flickered behind him.

“Over here! Try harder” She cried, sticking her tongue out at him, before readying a new stance.

A dry hiss rose from Mu’s throat as he turned to follow her movements. Discarding the broken sword, his good arm snapped to a pouch before hurling a kunai after her. A purple tag fluttered behind it.

“What are you aiming at!?” Sachiko said, deftly turning just as it barely passed by her neck.

Behind him, a rock was thrown away, before turning to cloth, and fluttering away in the wind.

Cloak of invisibility

Sachiko limped towards the hiss as it continued to swing at nothing time and and time again, blank air meeting his blade, and kunai and poison, a mere illusory phantom.

Genjutsu: Inaba’s Fleece

Sachiko stood behind him, before lightly bobbing her head forward. Her hat fluttered off her head, landing at his feet upside down… crammed full of explosive tags. Sachiko struggled to lift her hands from her side, her entire body shaking. She fell to her knees as she finished the ‘kai’ sign.

“Sorry guys…”

A large boom echoed in the valley.

Puppeteer Gremlin Vs The Owl

Spoiler: Shioreta vs Yoru, DemiPiercer

Shioreta rushed through the mist glancing back and forth as it seemed to engulf her. She could hardly see a thing in the mist her vision blocked off. Hardly ideal at all for trying to find the owl masked ANBU.

Using the mist to hide… how are they going to attack me from it? It would make it easier to prepare for an attack. I’d be much better off having a chance to set myself up rather than chasing him down.

She thought glancing around in hopes of finding a clearing for the mist she doubted would show. She paused sopping as she opened the scroll releasing her dog puppet from the scroll quickly attaching her chakra threads pulling the puppet onto her back attaching it to her back like a backpack keeping the chakra threads attached. It would slow her down a little but having the puppet on her back helped to protect her from one side while allowing her to quickly use it.

The area was unnaturally quiet. For minutes nothing happened, almost as if the owl ANBU had simply left the area. The natural cover kept it obscured. But after nearly three minutes, the air began to crackle again, a low buzz humming, Shio’s hair standing up ever so slightly.

Another ‘thwump’ echoed across the area as a hole in the mist opened back up, and a rail shot straight where Shio had stood, a blur of silver piercing a column behind Shio, and leaving a clean hole straight through the rock. It began to crack and fall with hazardous rock raining through the area.

The line to the sniper seemed to have come from a slightly elevated position this time, towards the east.

Shioreta turned her head glancing back to where she had been the static in the air still buzzing through her frail body. The rubble collapsing about falling rather close to her as she jumped away getting a little distance not wishing to be taken out by rubble after managing to somehow lucked out on not being just simply pierced through. Even if it had been on her backside with her puppet there, it was clear it wouldn’t of did much at all to stop it from piercing straight through it and herself. She began to move forward heading towards the direction of the shot though purposely making her path more erratic not wanting to make herself a straight shot.

Up on the high ground… from the east. It seems their choice of attack is long distance… and to think it had so much kinetic force behind it that it was able to so easily piece even from such a far distance. It seems to be of a lightning nature… but with that much velocity behind it redirecting it is going to have virtually no effect on it. Clearly cover can only help me to hide its not going to protect me in the least bit. The only thing I know is the general direction they are in and the static in the air before the attack… as little of a warning that severs me to dodge.

The young genin spotted a much larger outcropping of both stone and and foliage ducking behind it. Her arm hung out exposed briefly before tucking back in. She shuffled herself over moving away hoping to bait the attack away from where she was preparing to jump out as soon as she felt the static in the air to move again. She had to close the ground on the enemy shinobi and if she could at least get a better understanding on the delay between each shot she might have a better chance to get close enough to use her puppets or figure some way to counteract it.

As the genin held her arm out… the shot did not come. It didn’t seem like the sniper could see her in the distance at first. However, three minutes exactly afterwards, the same pulse rippled through the area. Shioreta would feel her hand stand up, her pony tail suddenly lifted up, and static discharge sticking to her body as crackling echoed once more.

A ‘thwump’ echoed as another hole in the area’s mist opened up, and the rail fired, dead center at where Shioreta’s chest would have been, the crashing rail piercing through foliage and columns a like. There seemed to be a slight delay as it crashed through stone, the pillars at least delaying it so that it wasn’t instantaneous, but at the same time, they didn’t seem to deflect it any. Above Shio, a cascade of rocks began to fall like an avalanche around her, smashing against the ground as they fell, some of them as large as Shio, others smaller.

His position was from the north east this time. He had repositioned between shots.

In the brief void that opened up from teh shot, the owl mask could be seen, staring straight at Shio, following her no matter what obstacle was in her way. He could see her, somehow, despite the mist. His gaze followed her alone.

Around Shioreta, the crackling died down, but didn’t stop. Shioreta having narrowly avoided the shot moving ahead of time though the rocks falling down afterwards had nearly managed to strike her much to her own dismay.

North east… but it seems they don’t need to turn off their ability. The static might not be from them aiming but rather using it to visualize me without direct sight. Going to make it more difficult to track their movement. Cover helps but it just buys me such a small amount of extra time for the shot to hit, and might throw off the aim just a little. How well they are targeting me it seems their ability to use it is rather fine tuned so it’s unlikely if I can make a fake decoy of myself I’d be able to make it precise enough for them to bite.

She thought to herself running forward suddenly yanking the puppet from her back with a loud wooden clicking noise as it sprang to life. The puppet rushed forward her one hand controlling it as she made it rush forward in the rough direction the sniper was. She only had so much range onm the puppet but if she could perhaps push it far enough she might be able to attack, using his own fog to her advantage to strike them by surprise while trying her best to evade the attacks moving more erratically to make as little movement patterns as she can.


The area went still again for several moments. Then the crackling once again appeared. 3 minutes to the mark, the minimum it seemed like for the charge time between shots. A new one was incoming. The several moments passed, with synchronistic timing before… and then only a fraction of a second delay. The man waited for Shioreta to start moving this time before firing, attempting to throw off her rhythm as a rail fired infront of where she would be running, at the front of her stomach.

The man was learning with each shot it seemed like.

The familar ‘thwump’ shot out, the sheer air pressure of the shot firing directly in front of Shioreta being a threat in addition to the rail this time!

AS the mist opened back up, Shio would find that he was much, much closer to her puppet this time, though again, he attempted to disappear into the mist afterwards.

Shioreta fell back evading the shot just so barely her erratic movements seemed to yield enough of a pattern despite her attempts to be as cryptic as possible… as much as moving forward could really allow. The air pushed her back causing her to fly back nearly cracking her head on a nearby rock falling onto her ass. Despite the violent throwing of her body she managed to swipe her arm out to send her puppet in the direction the shot seemed to be coming from only to find nothing there whether at the puppet or someone in which her chakra threads might intersect to use to figure where he might be.

Three minutes… given it’s not a feint to mislead me… but I doubt they really view me as anything more than an annoyance rather than a real threat. I got closer but not close enough… even if I adjust for the next shot knowing his timing that ruse would only work once before they realize I’m onto them.

The young genin shook her head, trying to brush off the little impact not worrying about the bruises she would likely have from it as she headed forward. She focused on moving forward more, still attempting to be erratic as if still maintaining her same strategy hoping to gain more ground keeping her puppet ahead. She would try and push ahead dodging right before the next attack to gain ground and attempt to swipe her puppet in. If she can just get him she has a chance.



Resistance could be heard as the puppet lunged, her hands catching hold of something. A quick exchange of blows could be felt as the owl punched it twice, and then held his hand against it. A moment later, it was magnetized, and flying like an arrow at Shio, becoming his new ammo. Blood could be seen on the puppets blades, however, so it wasn’t as if he had exactly won the exchange. It seemed like the sniper was best at a range.

The owls’ foot steps could be heard for once as he took off full speed away from Shioreta, no longer fond of his waiting tactic, the fog starting to grow lighter around them, so Shio could at least see one column from another.

Shio could feel her puppet make contact the resistance seeming at the very least more than just fabric in texture. Her pinky shifted the chakra thread quickly pulling off from one of the puppets' limbs onto the shinobi. The sudden jolt took her by surprise feeling the chakra threads suddenly alerted her as she suddenly darted away nearly being smashed into pieces even with the advance warning with her puppet flying past smashing into the ground before she could manage to even regain control. She twitched her fingers feeling her puppets movements.

Its alignment is slightly off… still need to hurry.

She could feel the chakra string pulled as she began to dart after him, feeling the tension grow as it was clear now he was starting to work at creating distance. She moved straight forward keeping count of time as the fog started to clear out as she could feel the thread getting closer and closing to being yanked off the owl masked man.

The man continued to run into the distance. Like clockwork, a pulse of electricity shot through the area, and crackled around Shioreta. A familiar ‘thwump’ echoed… and hit nothing, the man not even close to Shio it looked like, no longer having time to aim properly with her on the pursuit. He turned to run again, the weather lightening to a grassy field.

As the mist started to clear, the full ANBU uniform could be seen, as well as the large owl eyes carved into the mask, swiveling to see Shioreta, though sadly his neck could not turn like an owl’s. Floating behind him, two rails could be seen left, the man having fired the rest so far. He snarled as he saw Shioreta emerging. He was supposed to be gaining ground here, not losing it, and now he didn’t even have cover.

Shioreta was able to finally see the masked man now in his ANBU uniform. Her pace continued trying to keep up with him. Her fingers shifted as her dog puppet continued forward passing her as it made ground making her fine adjustments getting use to the slight misalignment. It was clear he had a way of batting her puppet away but if she could get a solid hit she could hopefully put an end to it quickly. She shifted her fingers the jaws opening as the puppet jumped out attempting to gain as much ground as she could to grab hold of his leg to hopefully slow him down.

The man pointed at the dog, with two of the bolts striking down like a set of talons at the dog, pinning it by the shoulders into the ground, the spikes a good foot into it.

“You realize you’re not getting out of this alive, right…? Don’t you think it’s audacious of a genin to take on the f’ing ANBU of another village?”

The man started a series of handsigns, despite his ammo being currently used to hold a dog in place.

Shio felt the chakra strings tug as her dog puppet was suddenly pinned down. Her fingers pulled unable to pull it free as she heard the man speak hearing the unnerve in his voice. Anger was something she could use to his benefit if he acted much more brashly, though given his rank even if he was being reckless it didn’t make his techniques any less dangerous.

“You’re an ANBU? Oh my I thought I was going against a genin like me.” She spoke out risking making him more vindictive for the sake of hoping to create an opportunity.

She pulled her one finger as the tail of her puppet whipped out sending two portions of the tail forward towards him smoke erupting from the first section as it opened up as the second opened to a suddenly explosion as she ducked out of the way as an extra counter measure if she wasn’t able to manage to stop his attack hoping the smoke and explosion would disrupt his aim if all else failed.

Another pulse of electricity shot out, however, at the explosion and tails shooting at him, the man flew away, stumbling as he did.

Pulling out a kunai, the man held it between his hands, flat, forming a triangle between his thumbs and forefingers. “Man, you’re dumb kid.”

He let go, and the kunai flew magnetized at Shio’s stomach.

Shio’s hands already held another scroll as a puff of smoke erupted just in time as the kunai struck a loud clang audible as a humanoid figure stood in the way. Propping itself it was… Waka? The puppet itself seemed remarkably similar to her teammate though the clockwork sounds of the wood shifting as the metal club like arm lifting up slightly scruffed from the strike of the magnetized kunai.

“Sorry, if I was smart I’d probably of beaten you a lot sooner.” She spoke with a light laugh scratching the back of her head as the other suddenly lifted up as the large mace like weapon of the lifted up as the puppet swiftly charged at him swinging its large club like weapon straight towards him.

“What?!”

The man barely jumped back as a club grazed the front of his robes, ripping them off and bearing his chest in a single swing.

“You… aren’t one of those yandere types having an idol of your lover… are you? That why you’ve been so persistent, because I killed your boy friend earlier. Suddenly everything makes sense.”

He held up another kunai, nervously looking around for an escape. He leapt in the air, and tried to throw the kunai above the puppet Waka’s head, firing the magnetized death from above once more.

“I’m honestly surprised he lasted so long. It did give me extra time to improve upon the original version quite a lot!”

She spoke quite bubbly as if in excitement though her words came out as she acted moving her fingers as the humanoid puppet quickly lifted its club arm up in an attempt to draw the attack away from Shio as she darted to try and avoid it. The puppet charged forward lifting its club up again for a horizontal sweep. Her finger twitched, the locking mechanism on the arm prepared to be disengaged to release the club sending it flying directly into the escaping ANBU if he jumped back to dodge.

“Wait, your boyfriend, or the puppet lasted this long?”

With a ‘thud’, the kunai landed on the club as well, blocking it. The kunai’s tip, however, poked out the opposite of the edge of the club, having nearly pierced it completely.

The ANBU jumped back, as predicted, however, he made a quick two handsigns. A magnetized ‘thwoop’ echoed as the two rails embedded in the dog puppet suddenly fired out with enough force to shatter the puppets arm and club should it connect, striking at where kunai had touched.

The owl glanced skyward, before turning and bolting away, starting once again a series of handsigns.

“I can’t let Inochi lose rail gun style here… Its not meant for duels. Tch, damnit Rei.”

A notable cringe appeared on Shio’s face at the damage done to her puppets, the young genin jumping back as she pulled back her dog puppet lacking its two front legs as to avoid further damage The tail suddenly popped off from the puppet flung forward towards the rails as the body was dragged away. Two of the three sections suddenly being ejected away tossed forward further as the last segment popped up revealing the explosive inside before blowing up upon the rails.

Her totally not Waka puppet seemed to stand its ground as the mechanism on the arm clicked free, the club shattering through the release allowing it to fly back away leaving the puppet in position as it was. Its arm lifted up at the fleeing ANBU. A sudden burst of highly pressurized air was released as the rather heavy arm shot forward as if propelled like a rocket as the long chain unraveled from the body aiming to strike the owl masked man.

The owl continued fleeing as fast as he could, turning just as the arm was launched, the incoming fist filling his vision as he finished his last handsign.

A pulse of electricity shot through the area, before a heavier thud echoed, the man’s body crumbling to the ground with his mask pulverized, bits of embedding into a nearby pillar, followed by a heavier crash as the fist continued into the pillar, toppling it onto of the owl, and bouncing off into the distance.

One opponent down.

Above Shio, a dark shadow began to grow. If she looked up, Shio would see a silver blur flying straight at her, the final shot of the rail gun that had been aimed straight up, flying at Shio’s body like two magnets trying to meet. Just one of the magnets very sharp… and 3 feet long. And high speeds from the heavens, as if Amenonuhoko itself was sending Shio to hell.

Shio’s focus from taking down her opponent wasn’t swift enough as the shadow came into view. Her eyes opened wide as she quickly pulled back on both her puppets. Her humanoid puppet was too heavy and far to move in quickly with her only hope being the half mangled corpse of the dog.

She pulled back the puppet’s body intercepting the shot, its wooden body doing little but to mildly redirect the attack. Shio’s body flew to the side from the sheer force as she came tumbling rolling away on her side a sheen of crimson red spilling out as she rolled coming to a stop. She gasped out for air. Her right arm reaching over rather shakily cracking a bit aching in discomfort feeling as if the bone had shattered. Her fingers felt over to her side where once had been flesh but now a hole resided having struck through her side. Her hand clutched at the shatters of her clothing attempting rather haphazardly to gather it up as if to try and stop the blood gushing out from the wound.

“Well… darn… I should have… reinforced… the bod… dy…” She spoke out a bit in pain her whole body in pain trying her best to hang in there as she felt her eyelids go heavy before finally shutting.

The Onii Gremlin vs The Fox

Spoiler: Wakanaka vs Rei, Dusteater

The tracks seemed to get larger and larger as the temperature dropped. The scenery began to change as well. A rocky mountain pass covered in mist gave way slowly to little weeds and a lighter morning mist, then to soft soil, and finally a thick forest up ahead, choked with life… and with splotches of frost covering small bushes… then branches… then entire trees frozen with an icy white.

As Waka would continue, panting could be heard, then an echoing plop as something heavy fell ot the ground. The fox mask had dropped the blade, and was covered in frost. As he spotted Waka though, his bigger reaction was to face palm.

“Really?... REALLY!? You’re like a cockroach. How DID you get past Yoru? He’s our sensor. Bah, must be playing a prank on me for docking his pay.”

Fox mask opened his robes, revealing a shining set of scaled armor beneath. He motioned ‘come at me’ with his hand.

“So what's so important you’re literally dying to chase after us. Did you want to steal this sword too? Doesn’t Tsumi have enough damn Akuma? Arashi isn’t to be trusted, are they who you’re doing this for? You know what this blade is for us? Money. It puts food on the table. No village ever wants to hire Inochi.

Tell you what kid. I’ll let you make the first swing. Come at me anyway you like. But… when you swing at the king… you’d better not miss. Call me Rei.”

Wakanaka, stood, listening to the man as he spoke. Why was he doing this? He… Really had no idea…

He had no idea what he was feeling right now.

All this anger at his squad, the anger at somebody stealing something he nearly died to seal away…

The act of being blasted out of nowhere with an iron stake only to have his life saved by a slab of iron he once called a sword.

As such, his voice cracked when he first spoke. "It… It was luck… That we came across you… We were being stupid, thinking to steal info on the others in the exam… But… We stumbled into your mess." He steadies his feet upon the ground.

"Saw you in the nick of time and made the stupid idea of following. I was the one to drag them along, all because of that sword and the Yuuki-onna inside it.

A yuuki-onna that I put in there…" he clutches a fist and puts a foot forward. "I am Wakanak Tsube, genin of Tsumikagure, slayer of the Yuuki-onna!

...With abit of draconic help…" he adds the last part in with abit of a smile, smiling, right now? Hes lost his mind, truely must have.

"Your my first jonin i've fought, lets make it speacial… Oh… And fuck you for thinking i'll fall for that free hit trap."

The ANBU seemed to visibly flinch at the word ‘jonin’, but shook his head.

“Yes. Yes I do. You have to stop me, don’t you, little hero? Because your village has lied to you, and told you you have great potential. You know your teammates are dead already? Right? And that we’re in Inochi territory? Time isn’t on your side. Mu and Yoru will rejoin me shortly. Unless you actually believe your teammates could stop us, but hahaha… that’s laughable. You know what is more laughable though… The fact that it was your idea that got them killed. If it was your idea. Big if, you just informed me you’re not stupid, so don’t let survivor’s guilt strike you too hard. Oh well, folley of youth. I’ll let you go bury their corpses, not like one survivor makes that much a difference.”

With a chuckle, the man grabbed the blade, a hiss heard as his hand turned red, and began to walk away, visibly stumbling from the cold.

"...Heheh…" Waka smirked, hell he couldn't contain it. "Hhahahahahahaha!!!! Man, look at you, so pathetic, talking so big for a man with frostbite!" Wakanaka launched forwards, grasping something from the ground and ripping upwards.

It was the root of a tree, attached to a slightly rotted stump, hefty if lackluster in every sense.

"If I went back they'd bitch and moan and never let me live it down! Even in death they'd haunt me to spite me like the little shits they ARE!" In some moments with shows of desperate strength, you'd see the hero of the story remember fondly his friends and be reaffirmed in what he was fighting for…

In stead, here, this man did nothing but toss a canister of gasoline onto a sputtering out bonfire.

"If they were dead you're idiot friends would already BE HERE!" Something in his words seemed to seep with a coating of comeplete distrust that the two would actually do their job.

But hey, he can't fault the guy'a logic, if they aren't here it means they at least died stopping the enemy.

His final word punctuated with a leaping strike with the large impromptu hammer.

The man smiled as Waka approached and… did nothing to stop the blow, taking it and flying into a nearby tree from the impact. A cloud of silver shot up the same moment he was hit, the dust cloud coating the nearby area. The cursed sword fell below, embedding itself into the trees roots as ice slowly started to climb up the tree.

The man unembedded himself from the wood, and cracked his neck, before disrobing his cloak. The armor under neath was significantly duller after the hit.

“Nice protagonist speech. Now, please sir, may I have another?”

THe ANBU didn’t seem unfazed, several bruises across his body, and his head reeling slightly, but he had tanked the hit just now.

“So… seeing I’m obviously a pathetic man, I have a pathetic question… what’s your favorite limb?”

"Protag? Just admitted my squad is a bunch of idiots… If they managed to kill your lot… Guess theres a reason Inoichi isn't getting jobs." Waka braced, time to fight.

"...Starting to wonder if she knows i'm out there…" he raises an eyebrow at the freezing tree.

“Interesting hypothesis. Now, leg, arm, left, right? It’s such an easy question.”

The man began to walk slowly up to Waka, without a few in the world of the man who had basically hit him with a tree as a baseball bat.

“ Why, I favor the right arm personally.”

With a handsign, Waka would suddenly feel a violent tug off of the tree branch. As if he’d just tried to swim against a waterfall, yanking him right shoulder first towards the hilt of the sword below, the force continuous and strong.

"Huh- What are you-!" Waka planted his feet hard, trying to keep away, but his body, his body wouldn't stop!

"This- Fuck!" He couldn't concentrate, shit he couldn't focus! Whats going on!

The Anbu member approached, walking within a couple steps of Waka.

“There’s always time to reconsider. Maybe your left arm instead?”

Without so much as changing his gait, he placed an explosive tag on the ground beneath Waka’s feet, and kept walking past, the pull the same against Waka the entire time.

He held the ‘kai’ sign after walking down the length of the branch they both were on, leaving Waka without a branch at the very least, and possibly a point blank explosion at most.

“I’m the leader of the three. You saw Yoru literally fire a rail gun. What makes you think you stand a chance in hell?”

He… He had no choice. Fuck!

He leapt from his position, the explosion would kill him, but the magnesis… He had no choice where he was going now… his hand would grasps the handle of the sword he was being drawn to, forcing himself away from being smashed upon it.

Waka would have a difficult time grabbing on, as his shoulder kept being pulled towards it. Upon managing it, he would also have a small problem of the large branch of the tree he had been standing on hurdling towards him like a wooden ceiling collapsing.

“Oh, and you forgot your stick. Clean up after yourself.” The man made a handsign, and the massive root he had been using would fly at him a few seconds after the falling section of tree… and this one seemed homing.

“So…. what did we learn?”

Waka couldn't answer as he was soon buried under a pile of wood. He was stuck, he could barely manage to get away, the most he could do is huddle and brace, kneeling by the sword as the wood descended upon him.

Dirt rose up in a small cloud, a limp hand pressed against the frosty blade.

“Nothing? Oh well…” The ninja slumped against the trunk of the tree he was standing on. “This blade… Its chakra is killing me….

Wait a second, that genin should have something on him to help me resist this… Not like anyone would miss him, what stupid Tsumi genin goes into Inochi’s lands?”

Panting, the ANBU member began a few hand signs before the root Waka had used earlier started to float, stabbing into the ground, it began to lever the canopy off of Waka to free him.

From underneath, waka’s limp body lay, his eyes closed and head bleeding, a piece of the tree’s bark covered his chest, the chain on th crystal the man sought still stuck underneath.

Naught but the occasional twitch came from the dieing boy…

Freeing the canopy off the boy, the ANBU put his hands in his pockets, forcing the root to fall over with a thud. He slowly walked towards Waka, nudging him over with his foot.

“I’d like to say you did well, but honestly… what a stupid boy.”

Reaching down to the grab his crystal, the man dropped it cursing, his hand turning red from the mere touch. A crack ran down the center of it, and it hissed an evil mist, bouncing back across Waka’s chest, right next to his wound.

“What the hell? It broke? Tch. Not even worth the effort to fight you. If you could call it a fight.”

The fox ANBU reached down, and pulled at the blade with magnet release, turning to leave.

Spoiler: Flashback

The sound of windchimes echoed through the quiet halls of the shrine, a young man sat before his father, head facing the ground and tears in his eyes, his cheek reddened with the tailings of earlier punishment. "I-i'm sorry father-"

"And do you think sorry is good enough?" The young boy bit his lip, sinking deeper.

"This crystal is your life, its the sole thing saving you from the hell that awaits any who trespass in this gods forsaken village. And you think you can go a day without it!?"

"I'm sorry fath-"

"Is that all you can say boy!? This thing is worth more than your own life to the outsiders! It is a target upon your back, and one of the deadliest weapons upon the planet!"

The young man shook under each word, glancing up. "A weapon? I didn't know-"

"I didn't say you could speak!" The sound of a slap echoed through the halls once more that evening, the young boy cried once more.

"Tsk, what kind of luck have I to be given an idiot for a son?" The man tosses the crystal necklace upon the floor infront of the boy. "Take it, and if I ever see it off your person again I'll have it burned into your body."

The blade however, did not come to the man… The sound of cracking frozen wood would fill the air, but the blade did not soar to his hand. A desperate hand still clung to the handle, clenched into a fist and holding it against the pull of the nin.

“Y-y… You…” a croaking voice pierced the screeching of the crystal. Wakanaka’s body was being riddled with the chakra, seeping deep into wounds and violating every point it could find. It clung to him like a sickening sludge. His skin was reddening, his face distorted in pain the fragments of wood puncturing his body seeped with blood turning a dark black.

“You….nggg.. Yo….” the shivering and shaking young man rose to his feet blood flowing from his head as… Something… began protruding from his skin… he had rose to full height now, his eyes opening to reveal eye whites had started to turn black, the reds now shadowed by an inky black.

It was as if the chakra was mangling his body like a rabbid dog, twitching, tensing, breaking but forced to return to shape by some unknown hand.

‘Yo...Yor…. yyyooooooORRRUUUUUUUUU!!!” the boy let out a howl to the sky above as the Akuma chakra began fulminating and cracking like energy. The boy’s face skywards as sound of splitting bone and meat punctuated the large horn that burst forward from his skull.

“YOOORRRUUUUUUU!!!!” The young man lurtched forwards, the sword breaking finally from it’s nest as he rushed forwards like a beast, a scrambling monster on all fours desperate to cleave the ninja’s head from his shoulders!

The shriek paused even the fox ANBU, who turned to see the beast snap out of the wood ontop of him like he was swimming through water.

“The fuck?”

The nonchalantness disappeared in a second, and the ANBU rushed through series after series of handsigns, going full speed on it, his eyes seen wide behind his mask. What WAS this kid? He was near dead a second ago!

As Waka leapt at him midswing, suddenly he would freeze in the air, some force holding him invisibly there. Then a moment later, a sharp pain would radiat through his body as the dust blown on him started to contract around him with a powerful force, inching into his skin, and not letting him move, the ANBU panting as the blade was inches away from his face.

Stepping back, the fox found his back to a tree.

“Magnet Release: Crushing Metallic Poisoning… That was close, kid… far close than you had any right even coming… Just give up.”

The sick sound of metal twisting echoed through the woods as the man flooded his chakra out to keep the genin floating infront of him as the metal started to disappear from his skin as it would work its way down.

“Rrr...Rahhh…. UGORROAAA!” Wakanaka’s hand not clutching the blade cleaved down from on high, tearing down upon the man’s mask, ripping it clear from his face, not simply knocking it down, but the fingers clawing deep through the mask.

The metal that dug down in the arm was left behind, leaving trails of blood and holes in the body that didn’t impede the frenzied swipes to follow. The other arm followed suit, not going for the face, but dropping the blade and with a frost covered brutal grip latched and cracked the bone with a sickening snap.

“Useless. As logn as the metal’s in your muscles, you couldn’t possibly tear straight thr-”

As Waka tore straight through the metal, leaving obvious holes in his own arm, the man was proven wrong. And dead. Very dead.

The Genin’s fingers shattering straight through the mask, and bloody below as well. Swaying back and forth, the corpse fell across the tree, a brush of blood leaving a trail behind where he slumped.

The jutsu faded, dropping Waka straight on the ground. His hand now free of metal, but the rest of his body peppered with it as a tingling would radiate through his body.

The young man wriggled against the ground, desperately trying to pound more of the body into pul in it’s rage, but his body would not allow him, he was wounded, bleeding. His body wouldn’t move as he wanted… But nonetheless,he dragged his body forward,anger instilling him to his very core.

A burning fire, that hungered for revenge, a hunger from this transformation could not be satiated with the death of this man alone…

No…

As the oni, still full of rage, continued to crush this man with whatever strength he could muster.

The oni's rage, would not be saitiated so easily.

 

[AtlannianSpy]

"Ahhh! Hey! That tickles! Stop!" Mochizuki protested between giggles, as Aya's spiders crawled all over her. "Ahh jeez this is gonna suck but I don't have much of a choice!" Just as Mochizuki was nearly swallowed entirely by the silk costume she managed to form a hand seal and several explosive tags that had been picked up by the sticky silk (this had been the crinkling noise that Aya may or may not have noticed earlier) detonated, engulfing the costume and both genin in an explosion and then a thick cloud of smoke.

Mochizuki was launched, wailing from the cloud of smoke like a human shaped cannonball, landing in a heap near one end of the arena and rolling a few times. The genin was clearly injured by her kamikaze-esque escape gambit, but she got unsteadily to her feet and drew out a short blowpipe that she aimed at Aya, hoping to finish off her opponent before she herself ran out of endurance.

Wind Release: Windborne stinging nettles

Mochizuki wove some hand seals and then drew in an enormous breath, seemingly impossibly deep for someone of her size, then she brought the blow pipe to her lips and fired a volley of darts towards Aya with significant speed and power.

Ace Cream

 

[Ace Cream]

Aya

Along with the costume, Aya got shoved onto the ground when explosion occured and land face first. Such point blank explosion leave the costume tattered in many place, especially at the back where Mochizuki had been trapped and it's now had a gaping hole. She wobbly woke up from the impact, and saw that the stunt also heavily affected her opponent.

When Mochizuki started waving her next jutsu Aya planted both her feet and hands on the ground, as if intending to tank the jutsu. The first dart hit the costume square in the head, then the next one hit the arm, then the next one, then the next one, ravaged by the darts barrage. However,

Substituton no jutsu.

Aya never intended to take the attack head on. She used the hole on the back to escape with her jutsu while abandoning her costume, providing her a few precious seconds to give Mochizuki illusion that she had been hitting her while in truth Aya used the opportunity to blinked behind her back and launched a drop kick on her head!

AtlannianSpy

 

[KageYuuki]

Shin glared at Shibata as he spoke mockingly towards him. Though at this point whether it was truly at the insult or just his default expression was getting difficult to tell. Another small plume of smoke escaped his glove as he clenched his fist. Before his hand relaxed and his eyes closed. Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd as Shin remained motionless. Complaints of "that can't possibly be it," seemed the most common.

The Hane genin's fist suddenly clenched again, his crystalline prison exploding out in an eruption of flames. The force of the blast sent shrapnel all over the arena, pelting the barrier and even forcing the proctor to momentarily defend himself. A loud roar could be heard at the center of the explosion.

Fire Release: Phoenix's Rebirth

Shin stood, breathing heavily for a moment before weaving the same handseals he'd used at the start of the fight. A grimace momentarily crossed his features before flames billowed from his gloves once again. His hands returned to the tiger palm stance they'd been before and charged at Shibata again. As Shin ran, he drove the splayed fingers of one hand into the arena's stone floor, ripping up and sending shards of stone flying at the Yamamoto.

IG42

 

[IG42]

Shibata Yamamoto
Ignoring the murmuring crowd Shibata had been watching his captive closely, while he was confident in his success he didn't want to completely suffocate his opponent like his grandfather by accident. When Shin broke free Shibata grabbed his nearby clone and used it as a shield against the flying shrapnel until he could duck behind one of the larger chunk of rock thrown up by the earlier shockwave, slamming his fist against the rock in frustration at the apparent weakness of his crystals yet again.

Taking a second to mentally steady himself he let his chakra permeate the area. Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings. Concealed by the swirling dust he used the genjutsu to shift Shin's perception of the arena to make it appear that there was a greater amount of scattered rocky debris and crystal shards scattered about while concealing others. As Shin approached the audience would see him dodging around obstacles visible only to him and stumbling over those that were hidden from his sight. Facing down his opponent Shibata fired a barrage of crystal needles straight at his target while keeping several back under direct manipulation, banking on Shin's apparent tunnel vision he launched them in a wide arc around the arena aiming to strike Shin from behind.

KageYuuki

 

[AtlannianSpy]

Aya's gambit had the intended effect and her drop kick connected solidly with Mochizuki's exxposed back, sending the winged genin hurtling forwards and tumbling across the arena ground to lie in an unconscious heap. The proctor of the exam, the Arashigakure jonin Haru, waited an appropriate length of time for the downed genin to get backk to her feet but when Mochizuki failed to do so he raised a hand on Aya's side to proclaim her victory.

"The winner of this match and advancing to the next round is Aya Ogumo of Tsumigakure!" Haru announced, eliciting some groans and hisses from Mochizuki's village. But the dissent was drowned out by cheers from the Tsumigakure section of the crowd, particularly from the section reserved for the Ogumo clan, who seemed jubilant at their scion's victory.

In the upper rows of the stadium seating where more neutral observers tended to sit there were murmers of what might have been mild surprise. Though not as flashy as some of the fights that had already taken place it seemed the result was still unexpected. Tsumigakure as a whole it seemed, were doing better than expected.

Ace Cream

 

[KageYuuki]

Performance Review
“Fucking… hell…”

Light flashed past tired eyelids as a young kunoichi began to regain consciousness. Her green hair hung past her eyes, irritating her eyelashes as they fluttered to attention. The depressing white light bearing from the ceiling was very familiar.

“Guess this means I lost,” Okimi said with a groan. She rested her forearm over her eyes, blocking out the harsh lighting.

“It was a draw,” came a rough voice beside her. Kurio laid in a bed across the room from his teammate. Like Okimi, he seemed a little worse for wear. Figures the first time he wrenched chakra from his Akuma in a fight he’d lose control. And when everyone was watching too…

“Same thing!” Okimi shot back in annoyance. Her whole body ached and burned. There was even a bandage around her forehead. “So… what was all that craziness about?” Okimi asked.

Kurio was quiet for a long moment, staring at the ceiling. He finally got the chance to show off his skills to Ema and… “I screwed up,” he muttered. Shaking his head, Kurio pushed himself up with a grimace to get a better look at Okimi. “How bad are you hurt?”

“I’m fine!” Okimi blurted out suddenly. “Y-you barely hit me anyway, I only lost because I ran out of chakra.”

“No. You lost because both of you are idiots.” A voice snickered from the hallway. Long wild hair and a leaned over feral look, Ichiro-sensei entered the room, glancing at both of them. He waved at one of the Arashi Medic nin who rolled their eyes at him.

“Lucky for you, I specialize in stupid. Good fight. I actually had fun watching it. Still, made me cringe. I think we’re up for a little… performance review. So, who really won and lost there, what do you think?”

“Okimi won.” Kurio replied bluntly with a shrug. “Could hardly touch her before things got out of hand. And she handled… uh… that mess alright.”

“It’s not winning if you aren’t standing at the end…” Okimi grumbled to herself quietly.

“Ding. Pyromaniac has the right answer here.” Ichiro said with an odd chuckle. He… didn’t seem displeased. “If this was a ninja mission, you two both got caught in enemy territory. And Arashigakure being an ally does not mean fainting on their soil is a good thing. If this was a slugfest, I’d consider you both winners, cause it was one helluva a fight, but well, not every fight’s to see who came out stronger. What were your goals when you went into the fight? And, bear with me, it’s kinda painful to admit, but the other person had very little to do with your goals. Okimi, what was your goal? Kurio? What was yours? ”

“My goal was to kick ass and make a statement,” Okimi replied, gazing into her hands.

Kurio fought the slight smile attempting to encroach its way into his face. Ichiro seemed impressed with their fight. “I wanted to become a chunin, same as everyone else taking the exams.”

“Y'all suck at this. Okimi, didn’t you want to make a point to Hane…? Their flag was clearly there. I would have burned the fucker to the ground by ‘accident’.

Kurio.. Congratulations, you got your ass kicked, like everyone else. Nothing special about it. But if you wanted to be chunnin, maybe don’t worry everyone there. Cause you shoulda seen the look on Junpei’s face. I could have grated cheese on that stone cold expression! Aito told me you even got a comment out of Jin. That kid scares the shit out of me.

That said… you two did good.” Two chocolate bars were fished out of Ichiro’s pack, and thrown at them. He made a ‘shhh’ signal with his finger and lips as a nurse made the rounds in the background.

“For a fight. Course, job description and such, I totes gotta chew you out. What SPECIFICALLY are you two going to work on. Answer for each other. Okimi, what did Kurio fuck up on. Kurio, what did Okimi fuck up on. Half of fighting for a ninja is finding out what your opponent’s weak to. Course, I’m of the school of everything is weak to ‘point blank annihilation’, but, meh. Bless that old man... ”

Okimi quickly dug into the chocolate, taking a big bite out of it almost before she unwrapped it. She talked between bites. “Well obviously, Kurio can’t do much of anything in a ranged fight. Feurey and I could have just beat him down from afar the whole fight if we had wanted. But even then, he needed that crazy akuma stuff to keep up in close range, but he can’t even control it!” Okimi nodded after her explanation, finding it sufficient.

Kurio nibbled on the sweet treat as he thought, giving a quiet, satisfied hum as the bite slowly melted. Okimi’s assessment seemed fair, he wasn’t about to deny how outmatched he was if she’d been able to keep him at a distance. “Feurey is Okimi’s biggest weakpoint. When he gets knocked out, you’re in trouble. While your spear’s a good deterrent for close range attackers, I’m not sure if you’re using it as effectively as you could.” He shrugged, weapons weren’t his specialty.

“Right, seems fair on both sides. Soon as you two are good to leave, we can start focusing on that. Okimi, no ninjutsu for a month. Kurio, no taijutsu for a month. Til then, guess we relax.”

Sitting in a chair, Ichiro turned on the TV (Because @#$#’ing Naruto has TVs…) to the chunnin exams, a few breakdowns on the fight. A picture of a young Miko being questioned forced him to change channels. He sighed. The finale of Kurio and Okimi instead was on.

“We’re… getting a new teammate probably soon. If Ema trusts me to keep teaching. Least you two were entertaining as hell to watch.”

“No taijustu . . . “ Kurio hadn’t really realized it until then, but almost all of his more combat focused techniques were all melee based. Maybe some ranged options would do him some good. As the jounin spoke up again he frowned, looking from Ichiro to Okimi and back. “What . . . do you mean we’re getting a new teammate?”

Okimi shot a glob of saliva at the wall. Little bits of chocolate were visible in the splatter. “So Tsubame won’t be a part of our journey anymore? Damn. I guess we’re just moving too fast for some people…” Okimi said, tossing the last piece of chocolate in her mouth. “And no ninjutsu? What the hell is that for? I can just learn to blow up people who are close!”

Ichiro walked over, and practically snarled in Okimi’s face. “Fine. No HANDSIGNS, princess. Also, clean that up, or I’m cleaning it with the side of your face. And, Kurio, by no taijutsu, I mean, you aren’t allowed within 15 feet of an opponent. You find something clever, great. I find out you got in melee range, I’m cleaning the wall with YOUR face.”

Sitting back down, the Jonin sighed. “Far as Tsubame, she’s… alright enough. But probably can’t be a ninja after that many volts to the face. Tch, didn’t know before they announced her opponent, but…”

Ichiro threw two bingo books at them.

“There. Those are your very own Bingo books, a list of ninja to run away from really fast. Start on them. Add each other in them. But for right now, write this name in there. Chiyome, the Raiju. Also known as, the fucking Arashikage’s sister. The Arashikage kid’s 16, and scares the likes of Ema, it’s just not right... It just wasn’t a fair fight. Tsubame got a scratch off on her, more than I was expected, but, well… Watch the fight at your own peril. It was brutal. Even by my standards.”

Kurio was silent, staring at the cover of the bingo book. The Arashikage wasn’t that much older than him? What kind of ninja was he if even Ema was afraid of him…? It sounded like his sister was also on a whole other level from them. “Chiyome…” He flipped to a blank page under Arashigakure’s section, grabbed a pen a nurse had forgotten on the side table, and added the name to the bingo book. Ichiro had made her sound like some kind of monster. Surpassing the likes of her would put him one step closer to being Tsumikage.

“Guess I’m paying old man Kei a visit after we get home…”

“Pfft, Chiyome is just lucky she didn’t have to face ME.” Okimi said, briefly flipping through the book before setting it beside her. She grabbed some tissues on a table beside her and leaned over to the wall she had spit on, wiping it off.

“Once I can walk properly again I’m gonna kick your ass sensei, so you’d better be ready,” Okimi said. She was ready to get back to work. She had a clear goal of what to improve, and who to beat down on next. It was more than enough motivation for the growing kunoichi.

"Hehehe… Hahaha! I'm looking forward to it, squirt. One of these days, one of you's is gonna kill me. That'll be a great day.

Those are your bingo books, add who you want to it. It's a list of who you want to be wary of. At chunnin, it's who to run from. At Jonin, it's like an Easter egg hunt, but instead of eggs, you're cracking skulls.

Did find candy in one guy's pouch though…

The MOST successful ninja have more filled out. Most jonin wouldn't give it to genin. But I consider ya chunin already, no matter how this goes. You two did good."

Kurio thumbed through the pages, glancing over each entry. There would be time to memorize them later. A list of ninja to run from. A list of who to surpass and defeat.

A list of stepping stones.

He flashed a grin at Okimi. “Don’t think you’re sneaking off and training without me.”

With an eyeroll, Okimi responded. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Just try to keep up!”


Ganryu InsaneAsylum

 

[KageYuuki]

The kicked up dust continued to drift and swirl even outside of Shibata's genjutsu. His illusion only served to worsen the effect that much more. Shin suddenly went deathly still, holding his stance. Hands raised and fingers splayed like the claws of a beast. Or perhaps the talons of a phoenix. Shin didn't flinch at the appearance of crystal needles, even as needle after needle punctured his body he didn't move. He looked more like a pincushion than shinobi after the barrage, every single needle hitting home.

A deep rumbling resounded throughout the arena, crystal and stone shards shaking and bouncing. It was like a small earthquake had hit the arena. Not far from Shibata, a gloved hand suddenly erupted from the earth.

Earth Release: Double Suicide Decaptiation

The rest of Shin followed shortly after, confusion visibly passing across his features at having missed his target. The confusion didn't last long, however. With a roar, Shin dug his fingers into one of the large chunks of the arena floor from the beginning of the fight. Licks of flame seeped from his gloves as he hurled the large stone directly for Shibata's chest.

IG42

 

[IG42]

Shibata Yamamoto
Sighing Shibata was starting to feel irritated at Shin's endless yelling and bullheaded charges, it made him feel like he was somehow losing despite being entirely unmarked while the other had a few dozen new wounds and that explosive break out had to have eaten up a lot of chakra. Seeing a piece of stone flake off of 'Shin' he looked around spotting a hand thrust out of the ground in completely the wrong place, clearly the genjutsu was working.

Rotating Prism Shield

The thrown rock cracked and fell to one as it impacted the momentary crystal barrier forcing Shibata to stumble backward, with a stony expression he ducked out of sight behind the rock reappearing a few moments later among several indistinguishable phantoms that scattered around the distorted arena. The Shibatas wove identical hand movements making the needles that had been lodged from in the statue's back pull themselves free and fly through the air once more aiming to embed themselves in Shin's tendons and cripple his legs."Give it up, watching you stumble about is getting old and there are other matches waiting."

KageYuuki

 

[Ganryu]

​

"My, my, quite some fights we're having these days? Is this seat taken, my esteemed elder?"

A nobleman approached an empty row of seats, with a bitter old man in the middle of it. "You know they are, Hideyoshi. Playing a noble this time for Gunshugakure?"

"Why, I have no idea who you are referring to. I am the esteemed Kojiro of Clan Saemonsaburou."

"So... yes."

"May I sit?"

"No."

The nobleman sat anyways, motioning to his retainer to sit next to him. His retainer rolled his eyes while the old man visibly facepalmed, though his eyes never pulled away from the fight. Pulling out snacks, the nobleman offered a row of dangos to the old man. "So, old man Kei, who do you think will win?"

"You and your damn dojutsu know better than anyone else here, including the damn kages. Don't ask me stupid questions. Aren't you supposed to be doing the same thing I am? Cardmaker of Gunshugakure? So why aren't you making cards right now?"

"Oh, both these contestants did it for me in the first round. Really made my job easier grabbing a few... dozen genin in the first round. Why, this years cards will sell for a fortune. If, of course, Gunshugakure did anything underhanded like that."

Kei didn't say anything, but handed the man a stack of coins. In return two cards were given.

The old man only briefly glanced down before snarling. "Want to bet?"

"Bet what?"

"Your cards definitely favor the guy everyone hates here, but his temperament's all wrong. Against a Jack of All Trades, it's just a matter of waiting til he pries his weakness out."

"And you don't think he'll get steamrolled in the mean time by the pure cascading power of the other?"

"Hah. He passed my trial. No."

"So, you're biased...?"

"Please, you could pass my trial a thousands times and I'd refuse to sell you anything. He passed it as a genin. ”

"Why, I'm a simple nobleman, what trial could you possible think I would pass...?"

"5,000 Ryo. Put up or shut up."

"Oh, heaven's no, I wouldn't bet on the other if my life depended on it. His posture says more than just stats and numbers. He's bored. Neither one can hit eachother, but one is significantly more bothered by the fact than the other. Either he gets careless or walks off coming up."

As the two men talked, a column of light broke out over the coliseum as the clouds parted, showing sunshine on Shibata and Shin as if in a painting. A slight change could be seen in the coliseum. More ANBU seemed to materialize from nowhere, and some of the jonin in the area began to tense up. Plenty of chunnin and below were still cheering on the fights however.

In the stands, Jin, the Arashikage turned deathly silent. His wyvern head stopped bobbing, and Aito froze up behind him. Quietly he dismissed her, leaving himself without any guards in the box.

Ema, the Tsumikage, studied the part in the clouds in silence for a long moment before motioning Junpei closer. “Keep the genin safe.” She dismissed the ANBU before closing her eyes.

The Inochikage, who’d been all quips and catty remarks had grown still. Her smirk falling from her features.

“Ohhh I’m going to need a drink to get through this,” sighs the Hanekage, massaging his wizened features tiredly. “Does anybody have any whiskey?”

 

[Ganryu]

The moment after the shields spun, the rock rose again, smashing against them as a perpetual angry Shin roared, swinging at air to see Shibata had already slipped away. As the needles fired at him, he placed the rock down behind him, the needles piercing it instead. Letting it fall, his fingers still embedded, he stopped for a moment.

He snarled looking at the clones starting a series of handsigns, and down at his own burned and bruised body, then at the clones, his canine becoming more prominent as one lip raised. And then he sat down, still panting heavily, the snarl fading. It definitely didn't look like Shin had much left in the tank. Looking around the arena, his head bobbing from tiredness, Shin raised his fist back, and suddenly clawed himself in the side. Red fell down his bare skin, and the snarl changed to a smile for the first time.

He ripped his hand out of the rock, a few loose pebbles coming free. He locked onto Shibata himself and started a final mad rush at him.

Between the blood and chakra, Shin likely only had enough steam for one final charge. This charge however, had no stumbling or hitting his leg on loose rock. It was direct, and it was fast. Flying at Shibata, an open palm curled behind him, shaking at his side, before jabbing forward at the genin like lightning.

(Chidori'esque punch.)


-------------------------------------

Aya Ogumo

As Aya finished her match, she would be prompted, a back door to a room with a nurse in it. It was pure white everywhere, but the room had a small hint of the smell of iron inside, and a couple blood stains yet to be fully cleaned off the ground.

A woman with blue hair and a tear drop tattoo smiled inside as Aya entered. She floated a bubble up on her finger looking at the injuries of Aya.

"That was a great fight. Over quickly, but that's because you did a good job. I'm here to get you patched up."

She pressed the bubble against Aya's skin, and the burns would begin to fade away, and as the bubble rolled over her, her clothing too began to restore as it was.

"Temporal Water Ninjutsu. You wouldn't believe how often it's come in handy. Especially when I've worked with some real knuckle heads. I can't restore your chakra, or get rid of internal injury with it, but I can restore your skin to how it was and close up wounds. Well, more reset than restore. Some rest will help with the chakra." The woman helpfully explained.

"So, you're from Tsumi, right? You guys are on fire this year. You think you're going to have to fight your teammates?"

----------------------------------------------
Ichiro, The Feral

Inside the hospital, Ichiro sniffed the air. It smelled... less like rain than normal. He looked outside as a few patches of light shown through. And he sighed. He tossed two soldier pills to his genin behind him. The pills had flecks of green in them, and were strong just to smell, let alone take. Kurio would recognize them as concentrated pills by how off they were.

"You know, medical ninjutsu is a great thing, it can patch you up real quick, but steals your stamina as it does so. Why alot of the time it's used by medics but not doctors. Sometimes though... you gotta be ready. Take those and curse my name over the next three days as you feel like shit. Then get dressed, and make sure your weapons are ready to go.

I got a gut feeling something ain't right here."

 

[IG42]

Shibata Yamamoto
As Shin stuck himself in the gut Shibata's eyes widened then narrowed as he saw his illusions were going unnoticed, it seemed Shin had made use of the most basic method of dispelling genjutsu. Seeing the exhaustion in his opponent and desperation in the rush he crouched with one arm held before him as if preparing to counter the charge his free arm meanwhile drew a pair of smoke bombs a threw them down in front of him, if genjutsu wouldn't do it he'd resort to more traditional concealment.

Ignoring the stinging in his eyes he took a step back and rushed through creating another Crystal Mirror spitting out a clone in the where he was previously standing in the same stance as before, allowing the mirror to crumble Shibata withdrew out the back of the cloud prepared to body flicker to a safe distance from a potential explosion or replace himself with clone if Shin found him out the back.

Ganryu

 

[Ganryu]

Shin grunted at the smokescreen, before his perpetually angry face turned into a grin. A smoke screen worked both ways! Dropping the pebble he was going to fire, he dug his glove through a rock that had been turned up earlier, shattering it, and sending a shotgun like blast of debris into the smoke cloud again, and again.

Bullets of rock rained through the smoke cloud, dragging smoke trails behind it, and bursting into the rocky stadium below. A few hit a barrier, cracking it, but it stayed firm, unlike when Fubuki and Koshirou had hit it. Still, holes peppered the rocky face below like machine gun fire.

As he smashed his hand into the rock for another shot, a cry could be heard, and the genin fell to the ground, grabbing his hand. Chakra enhanced strength relied heavily on chakra... and without chakra, tiger palming a solid rock wasn't the best plan.

Gasps came from the audience. Even from that great distance, some of the nin could identify broken gnarled fingers when they saw one. A dark fire began to erupt from the boy's body before he stood back oddly calm. Taking deep breaths, the fire disappated, also giving Shibata previous set up time. It almost looked like the boy was living through a flashback that no one but him could see. Shin shook the broken hand, letting the tight gloves hold his fingers on his right hand in place. With his left Shin flicked off the audience, particularly the kage's stand, and limped towards the smoke cloud, snarling like a feral animal as he went.

 

[AtlannianSpy]

Ryuuka VS Ken

As the previous fight ended, a well dressed genin stood, wearing a full galan hat, and long trenchcoat, with long boots. He walked over to Ryuuka, and offered a handshake.

“Why, I been waiting for this fight, funny girl. You look like you can throw a punch, and that story of your grandfather beating a bandit unconscious with his own coin pouch did me in fer a laugh. I hope it’s a good one, I could use a good wrastle, and sounds like you the taijutsu type of folk. All this ninjutsu just ain’t my scene, and that fight earlier with all those tools just is plain wasteful. Let’s see how this goes, belle.”

Tipping his hat, he walked out and waited in the arena.

“Ken, the Handsome vs. Ryuuka Tagamatsu, begin!”

Ken stood still, making a few handsigns, but unmoving. His clothes seem to puff up as if a dramatic breeze was going through the area, and he made a ‘come at me’ motion.



“Yeah you’re just saying that cause you haven’t heard that exact same story fifty times,” Ryuuka said flippantly, as she crossed her arms over chest to stretch out her shoulders. “And it always ends with the same bit about how he made the guy practice stances for two hours until the city watch came to arrest him. If I ever meet that dude I’m inviting him to my support group for Gramps survivors,”

Ryuuka took in a deep breath, released it slowly and then adopted a loose, comfortable fighting stance. “Still even if he is a total pain in the neck with like four anecdotes max he is a pretty good teacher so I feel like I’m not gonna lose,”

Two step Flicker

Ryuuka body flickered forwards into striking range, aiming a simple jab at Ken that would be easy to follow up on with more blows if it landed. At the same time however Ryuuka ket the chakra built up in one leg in reserve, ready to perform another flicker away in case whatever jutsu Ken had just cast became dangerous.

“Well, to be fair, you do seem like a good listener, belle.” Ken tipped his hat, and looked excited as Ryuuka approached, not throwing up a defensive stance at all, instead shrugging. Ryuuka’s fist would feel like it hit an airbag, the trench coat having a film of air under it. At the moment of impact, it burst towards her in a small spin, the trenchcoat wrapping around her fist at the same time, seemingly sucking it in.

Ryuuka, however, being Ryuuka, still forced an ‘oof’ out of the man as the fist collided, Ken doubling over.

“Good hit, I actually felt that. Though, girl, I gotta admit, I might have lied a little bit about about my speciality, but clothes do make the man.

Forgive me, Ma, know ya said not to hit a girl, but kinda the point of the exam!”

Ken stepped forward, trying to stomp on Ryuuka’s foot, before throwing a straight at her chest, her fist still wrapped in his trenchcoat.

Wind Release: Handsome Series: Striking Clothes

“Ack my one weakness: clothes!” Ryuuka exclaimed as her jab met an unexpected, springy resistance and was held in place. Ryuuka winced as her opponent stomped down on her foot but she was able to react more creatively to the follow up straight. Ryuuka leaned back, hard, putting all her weight on the trenchcoat around her arm and at the same pushing up with her trapped foot, using the chakra stored up for her second body flicker to push off the ground. Between these two forces Ryuuka hoped to fall onto her back and throw Ken over onto the ground behind her.

Ken went flying a bit less than dignified, a sudden “Whoa nelly!” heard as he was sent flying from the sudden grapple. With a tug, Ryuuka’s hand would get free.

The same as on the pillars, however, Ken opened his jacket, and caught a current with it, gliding further away, and landing with a soft plop.

Wind Release: Handsome Series: Dandy Squirrel

Standing back up, the ninja did a single handsign, and held his hand out as his hat fluttered back to it, Ken topping his head with it once more. With a sudden flinch, he then bent over, grabbing about where Ryuuka had hit him. Shaking his head, he got over it quickly.

“Tell me, belle, you’ve been kinda fun so far. What’cha in this whole thing for?”

He held his hands together once more, a series of handsigns starting.


“I mean it’s mostly just to satisfy Gramps but I’m having fun,” Ryuuka said with a shrug and a cheery smile as she began to weave hand seals as well. “I mean what’s not to like? See new places, meet new people, show off a little~” Ryuuka said as she completed her hand seals.

Wind Dragon's gift: Quavering Roar

Ryuuka’s body took on an odd,subtly distorted appearance as wind chakra began vibrating over her skin. These vibrations would, Ryuuka hoped, transmit greater damage through Ken’s cushioning, protective layer should he use the same jutsu again to defend himself.

WIth her preparations complete Ryuuka broke into a sprint and then body flickered forwards to close the the gap with her opponent, this time aiming her trajectory lower to the ground so that her flicker ended in a somersault hopefully beneath her opponent’s field of view and she could launch an unseen, double footed kick up towards his chin

Rising Thunder

A similar shimmer of wind shot around Ken, before a small gust of wind circled him, throwing up wind, and several pieces of loose clothing flung off his body. His jacket, hat, a bandana, vest, belts and boots flung in a tornado. As Ryuuka summer saulted below him, she would feel her foot hit something solid.

As the dust blew away, Ken wore a simple undershirt and shorts, standing about 3 feet behind where Ryuuka connected. Standing infront of him, Ryuuka’s foot hit a film of air of a floating phantom. Ken’s trenchcoat, hats, and supports for his pants floated like a person infront of her.

Behind Ken, another clone, made of his vest, bandana, and socks stood.

All three had the same ‘struck’ posture, with their chin dislodged a bit, and looking uncomfortable. Ken looked down at Ryuuka.

“Aw… you’re going break my heart, lil miss. My old man’s the one who took me into his clan. When he died I got thrown out, lost the name, but I gotta show his time ain’t wasted on me. Wind Release: Handsome Series: Three Kings!”

Ken punched forward at Ryuuka, two dopple ganger’s copying his movements following cross straight at Ryuuka’s body, three punches at center mass.

Ken was left panting even as the punch finished.


Ryuuka’s attack left her in an awkwards position to dodge and although she attempted to pivot back onto her hands and over onto her feet one of the triple fists still caught her squarely in the back, sending her flying backwards and shooting a spasm of hot pain through her muscles.

Ahh jeez that hurts, really gotta be more careful about when I use this one, Ryuuka thought as she rolled unsteadily to her feet some distance away.

“Well damn I feel like it since we both got old dudes to impress it would be kind of lame to just play keep away until you run out of steam huh?” Ryuuka asked with a lopsided grin. “And anyway I’ve always wanted an excuse to try this line out: I’m gonna settle it with my next move,” Ryuuka’s smile faded and she took an uncharacteristically calculating expression.

Okay so that was a sick line but how do I actually do that? Did I learn anything in the last exchange that I can use to take on three Ken’s at once? Let’s see… it definitely felt like I hit him with that kick, all three of them reacted too so it seems like their movements are linked both ways, but he didn’t look all that hurt so I guess the damage didn’t carry over, just the movement...wait

Ryuuka’s eyes widened suddenly and she shifted her stance to begin building up chakra in her legs.

The right kind of movement would be damaging all but itself through!”

Ryuuka charged at Ken, aiming for his real body in the center of the formation in a dead sprint

I need to hit the same spot, right on the chin!

Just before the two genin were in melee range Ryuuka flickered forwards with one leg and to her right, appearing in front of Ken’s right doppelganger.

But from a different angle! With more lateral momentum!

In the split second she had left Ryuuka used the chakra in her other leg to perform a consecutive body flicker, crouching as she moved to try and pass under an anticipated counterattack.

Two Step Body Flicker

Ryuuka pivoted hard, launching herself at a ninety degree angle to shift in front of the left Ken doppelganger, rising and swinging her fist across ways to launch a hook with the momentum of her rapid movements behind it aiming right for the tip of where the phantom Ken’s chin should be.

To turn the head, slamming the brain into the inside of the skull!

------------------


Ken tipped his hat, and though he wasn’t wearing it, his dopple ganger did.

“‘Spose we do, lil ma’am. ‘Spose we do… Though fig mine ain’t gunna care one way or the other is he…?” Ken looked at the sky for a moment, for a moment looking sad, then grinning as he pumped his bicep.

“One blow though, ain’t exactly my style. But ‘spose I can try.” He gave a cheeky finger gun at her, his clone’s doing the same.

As Ryuka approached, Ken’s chin turned away for a moment, his fist looking like it was building to a haymaker, before he pivoted, and outstretched his hand, a spinning backfist from all three clones aimed at Ryuuka. If she hadn’t ducked, three in a row would have hurt fairly hard as she performed three body flickers seemingly at once.

“Well, ain’t you a lying sack’a-”

Ken just had time to see her mid swing at one of the clones. With a sudden impact, Ken went flying across the stone steps, even though he hadn’t been touched, spinning across with a hard impact. The clones on both sides suddenly went limp on the ground, the clothes going from filled to falling on the ground.


Ryuuka held her stance, panting for a few seconds until the adjudicator called the match in her favor and then she sighed in relief as her legs, numb from over exertion gave out under her and she landed ungracefully on her butt.

"Woo! I won!" Ryuuka cheered faintly and then fell back further onto her back. Geh, that was kind of harder than I thought it would be Ryuuka thought as the adjudicator walked over and nudged her gently with the toe of his shoe. "Kid you... you can't just sleep here, the next match is going to start soon,"
"Oh c'mon! five more minutes!" Ryuuka protested vainly, as she was unceremoniously dragged out of the arena by her foot.

Ganryu