Just a confirmation?

[LmnDrp]

Itsuki saw everything in a moment as he scanned the scene. And he cycled through an entire range of emotions: surprise, concern, confusion... and then, dread. He yelled out as soon as he put all the pieces together, Itsuki had heard tales of folklore in this area from the turtles, "EVERYBODY FUCKING STOP!". To make sure he was heard, Itsuki amplified his vocal cords using Saibou Henka, and his Saibougan watched as he caught the attention of everyone in the proximity. He continued to shout out "SQUAD 11, AT EASE. HOGOSHA NO TENPU IWAYA, WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES, WE TRAVEL IN PEACE, WE ARE SHINOBI OF TENKAIGAKURE." At a rapid speed, a large squadron of armed warriors rushed before the three as Itsuki moved closer to them. A group of 5 out of the whole 33 lifted and lit a long torch that engulfed in a frosty blue flame which illuminated the area around them. This revealed their faces, their physique, and most importantly their distinctly samurai warrior inspired armor that was crafted by the natural world around them. This included bones, furs, barks, leathers, stones, bramble, and then some. However, the savage nature of their uniforms did not give off the impression of lacking order or sophistication because their staunch and vigorous mannerisms gave off the energy of a well-trained branch of military. One tall man with long dark hair, blue tinted wooden armor with runic markings on it and an elk bone skull fitted with large 13 point antlers stepped forward to address Itsuki mainly, but the other two shinobi as a whole as well. "If you are Shinobu. Why enter Tenpu Iwaya. And, why bring Red Flower?" he spoke calmly, directly, and sternly.

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Sakuga]

Akimoto leaped from the clearing and joined his allies before the squadron.  Now where did these guys come from?  And who are they?  I really haven't been in a normal ninja world for very long, suppose I've got a lot to learn.  Tenpu Iwaya?  These guys don't mess around.

"I'm not sure what you mean by red flower, but we're here on a mission.  We're looking for Futtou Gorge you wouldn't be able to lead us there would you?  We've only got a rough map of its location,  I'm sure you and your men would know a better way there."

Akimoto's knees were red with blood.  He avoided eye contact as much as possible.  Did I just kill their friend?

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

Takeo heard Itsuki call out demanding that everyone stop what they were doing, but the sleep deprived chuunin paid it little attention. All that rebounded through his mind was the name, "Hogosha no Tenpu Iwaya". He simply meandered through the forest until he met up with Itsuki and Akimoto who were already standing before a huge group of what looked to be samurai. Wait... are you telling me that these fools attacked us in our sleep? Are you actually fucking with me, I could have literally died at the hands of some stupid ass samurai. I figured samurai were solitary fighters so I'm surprised to see so many together. Takeo was lost in thought standing awkwardly away from both his comrades and the group of warriors; moreover, Takeo had not listened to anything anybody had been saying prior to or during his internal dialogue. Despite this he wanted to make himself known, so the chuunin stomped his way next to Itsuki and began to speak. "Do you understand that your group of warriors not only almost killed me in my sleep, but also tried to kidnap one of my squad mates? We're on important Tenkaigakure business and you expect us to answer to you." Takeo was obviously a little angry, and as he spoke he made sure to stare the tall man in his blue eyes. The chuunin gritted his teeth before continuing, "You could have to be answering to shinobi much scarier than us? Is there any justification for why we were attacked in our sleep? You all could have easily identified us as shinobi and asked us to move, but instead you plotted to kill us in our sleep?"

Takeo of the Sharingan

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[LmnDrp]

The tall man stared at the group of shinobi with disdain as they spoke without respect, Shinobu are all entitled, they lack discipline and respect, they are engulfed in ambition and naivete. However, I will not stoop to their level, until brought to do so. "You, the shinobu who holds a blade. We know all within our lands, and much beyond. We have watched you, your path lacked precision. I believe you speak of what we call: Gekido no Hebi. We could very well help you, but for what reason, you trespass on our sacred lands young one, we owe you nothing." Then he turned to Takeo and scowled as he spoke, but he continued to keep his composure. He held eye contact with the boy and approached as he spoke, "the explanation is simply that you are on OUR lands, you see? We have protected these lands, and the generations of warriors like us, since the birth of this forest, and more specifically the spawning of the sacred grotto that we protect. You enter our forest, come dangerously near our ancient protected place and bring the most destructive force known to Ōkuninushi. The Red Flower." As he said this he pointed down at the now exstinguished fireplace. Then he waved back at the army he had behind him, "I must will now say. Spilling blood is not our goal, if a peaceful path can be taken it is our way to do so. However, you three must speak with respect as you are trespassers. You killed two of my warriors, that is impressive, but you are children. We are an army. Your village will pardon us when we put you down, as they have all that have came before you, there have been many." the man remained at ease, he did not ready for combat for he did not pursue it. "Give me a reason to assisst you, I will gladly escort you out if so, or you could continue stumbling misguided AWAY from this place, OR you could be foolish. Fate is now in your hands shinobu."

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Sakuga]

Akimoto was stunted by the situation.  He always quilted himself for his mistakes especially when it came to taking a life.  Blood was on his hands once again, but he had to focus.  Akimoto approached the mysterious leader as he finished his statement to Takeo.  "I'm sorry Mr. Can you take us away from here?  Preferable in the direction of Futtou Gorge?" Akimoto showed him the sketch of the Gorge from their mission scrolls.  "I've seen this place before while traveling, but I'm not sure how to get there from here without disturbing you and your people.  I beg you, take us there."

Their leader pinched the scroll between his large calloused hands.  His eyes squinted and his headdress's ornate carved bones jingled slightly as he craned his head down.  "I've already told you... very well, I will take you to this place, but you will follow my lead, and my lead only.  I don't want you passing through somewhere I don't want you to."

The effigy covered warrior turned to his troops and said something in a language unfamiliar before most of them scattered into the forest except for a few exceptionally talented looking soldiers.  "Depart we must."

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

The chuunin may have been somewhat moody due to the lack of proper sleep and having to fight multiple people right after waking. Yet Takeo's moodiness was paled in comparison to Mr. Speaks for Trees! Talk about a sense of righteousness huh, considered Takeo as he was being lectured at. It was at this moment that the chuunin officially tuned out. He had decided that at this moment the need to conserve his energy was far more important than processing whatever everyone else was saying. Takeo wanted to center himself to get a control on his energy or lack there of. The chuunin straightened his body and took a deep breath in. He then held it for 15 seconds and released. Takeo proceed to do this five more times before he was satisfied. When his attention shifted back, the once larger group now only a few in comparison, was several meters ahead of him. Takeo quickly scrambled to get his remaining belongings and followed behind their forest guides hoping for the moment when he could be rid of them. The chuunin wanted to make use of the idle time so he retrieved his playbook and flipped to a section labeled 'Katon & Fuuton'. Due to the darkness Takeo's normal eyes couldn't even read the first word on the page but with his Sharingan activated it came with ease. The chuunin was surely studying up on something....

Takeo of the Sharingan

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[LmnDrp]

Itsuki gathered his belongings before their departure, and then he hurried off. He was a bit fascinated by this group of individuals, they were damn-near alien to himself and his culture. As they walked together Itsuki was drilling them with questions, trying to gain as much information as he could, though they were reserved to say the least. Hesitant to speak of their secretive culture, though he did learn important things such as their focusing of harnessing nature chakra, protecting the forest, that the 'Red Flower' is any chakra infused fire, and that this is not the only tribe of protectors of nature though that they are the only one in this territory. Though, as enough time passed they finally came to a sudden halt. "This is where we stop.", their leader spoke, "our territory ends here, but your destination is near. Just a few paces more in the same direction. You won't be able to miss the billows of steam in the sky, good luck young shinobi. Oh... and here, take this herbal healing ointment for your mission." and with that they disappeared into the forest. Itsuki looked down at the ointment he was given, it had a beige color with a waxy texture save for the bits of ground leaves and nuts. He then looked between his two compatriots and spoke, "let's get moving guys, we're almost there!"

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Sakuga]

Akimoto follows the group as they travel to their destination.  The tribesman around Akimoto are peaceful and playful, several of them tease and play with him, they made fun of his appearance.  One of them looks at his reflection in Akimoto's Pauldrons and laughs.  Akimoto flicks his armor with his finger and makes a little dink noise.  He shrugs and laughs nervously at the massive burly soldiers. Please don't kill me.  The group finds their way to their goal and the leader not only tells them where they are but also gives them an herbal remedy that they might need for the path ahead.  Akimoto, Takeo, and Itsuki were free from the locals now.  They approached the clearing ahead.  Before them a short cliff and a gorgeous vista of the gorge they were headed to.  Water streamed down the center of the valley trees could be seen in the distant background and like they had mentioned steam rose into the sky down the valley.  "I suppose we'll be traveling down the center...  Lets climb down.  Itsuki, Grab my hand while I drop down."  Akimoto looked down the drop before them again, it wasn't necessarily a lethal drop but he had no interest in breaking his legs today.  Itsuki's grip was strong, Akimoto used him to lower a bit closer and dropped and rolled unto the now stone environment.  "Careful guys, It's not flat in all places."

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

Takeo walked alongside the group with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. He was choosing to conserve his energy for what was to come. When the trio was freed from the uptight forest dwellers Takeo let out a deep sigh. He looked over at Akimoto and gave him a slight smile. They approached the gorge they were supposed to locate, and Akimoto began to climb down. Takeo focused chakra in the soles of his feet and began to walk directly down the side of the gorge. He continued to walk with his arms crossed; moreover, the lack of sleep was already seeping into Takeo's mood. The chuunin could feel himself becoming more irritable by the moment. The chuunin made his way to base of the gorge and awaited his comrade's arrival. The sun was beginning to rise through the gorge which caused Takeo to shield his eyes form the incoming rays.

Takeo of the Sharingan

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[LmnDrp]

Itsuki and his compatriots had finally reached the aforementioned Futtou Gorge, a beautiful valley that earned it's names from rolling pillars of steam that poured into the bright blue sky. As his friends descneded to it's base, Itsuki joined them, using well-planned and well-executed acrobatics to do so. At the base of the valley Itsuki looked between the others and spoke, "alright guys, remember the mission. Those rouges from the previous mission were highly skilled, therefore it's safe to assume whoever they planned on meeting is bad news as well. Keep your guard up. Keep to the shadows. And everyone get each other's backs, like always." The gorge was both far AND wide, the team of chuunin had a good bit of ground to cover between the three of them. "We should split up... but not like a ridiculous amount. We'll still be in earshot and eyeview, just splitting which side of the valley as we travel, I vote north. And if it's all the same with you two, I'll take the left side as we go. With my Saibougan activated it shouldn't take us too long, hopefully." With that, he set off.

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Sakuga]

Akimoto's footsteps are silent against the hard stone.  Red terracotta sprawls forth as Akimoto walks along the side of the gorge.  His eyes remained locked on the horizon looking for a way around the massive gap in between either side of the valley.  Akimoto chose to remain close to Itsuki.  His lack of Doujutsu makes him fear missing something nearby and, I'm sure Itsuki wouldn't mind someone watching his blind spot.  Takeo wasn't far behind.  "Oi Takeo!  Take some of these.  I picked them from some bushes while we were on our way here."  Akimoto rummaged around in his pocket before pulling out a tightly bound cloth.  He unraveled it and passed it to Takeo.  It appeared to be a few lychee, a fruit known to increase blood flow and energy.  "I ate some earlier.  They're my favorite from around these parts.  All we had Kaminari no Kuni was snow berries." he smiled slyly.

Out of the corner of Akimoto's eye he spotted something dark moving in the gorge below.  Almost like a piece of thick black fabric blowing in the wind.  What the fuck.... must have been nothing. 

Akimoto let his gaze drift until he noticed a man floating over the gorge on a... is that a rhombus? Silver hair could be seen flowing behind the figure.  "Itsuki... what the fuck is that?" 

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

After suggesting the group split up Takeo was ready to drop back on his own. Before he could manage to slip away Akimoto kindly offered Takeo some berries. "Thank you," replied Takeo as he continued to trail back. The chuunin began to break at the lychee and eat at the soft fruit inside. Missions like these are always so low energy, this is what I needed, ruminated the chuunin as he continued to pick at the lychee berries. Both Itsuki and Akimoto had trailed ahead of Takeo which prompted the chuunin to crouch down. Takeo began to creep up behind his comrade's by sneaking around the various rocks in the base of the gorge. Takeo activated and Sharingan and crept deeper into the gorge. The chuunin scanned for his teammates and noticed they stopped moving up above along the side of the gorge. Takeo's gaze then shifted to the odd man floating above the gorge walking along flying shapes. The chuunin proceeded to lower himself to the ground waiting until the strange man passed over him. Takeo then shifted into crawling along the bottom of the gorge following below the suspicious man.

Takeo of the Sharingan

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[LmnDrp]

Itsuki and the others proceeded to move onward with the mission. He was laser focused, something felt off to him. Though, when Akimoto handed Takeo some fruit he harvest on the way here and didn't offer any to Itsuki he took out one of his own lollipops and popped it into his mouth before giving the finger to his fellow chuunin. Though their short bout of pettyness was interrupted by a figure flying quickly into Itsuki's view with his saibougan. He dropped to the floor and rolled behind a suitably sized rock, though it was fairly close to the target's flight path. Thusly, as he flew overhead Itsuki overheard a bit of his conversation to himself, "...cking how am I supposed to know where and when these 3 fools are gonna be here to meet?! I've never event met these grunts. They should've sent Rin or..." He then looked to Akimoto and tried to be quiet as he spoke, "yo, I think this guy is planning on meeting with those 3 nukennin we intercepted. This could be a big ticket, I'm think that us 3 pose as those rogues, the guy said he had no clue what they looked like, where they'd meet him or when, what an idiot!" Itsuki then waited for Akimoto's response to this, while also keeping an eye on the stranger and his friend at the base of the gorge, Takeo.

Itsuki is the greatest in the world, woo-hoo!!! BRY of W&&R, ADOX, and PIXP

[Sakuga]

Akira floated above the gorge scanning the area as he looked for the nukenin.  These pathetic rogue always take forever.  Weaklings can't even levitate to the meeting point?  He continued to walk over the gorge looking down for a fire or some other sign that they were here, before he noticed something in the distance.  Hmmmm???  His eye's locked with three figures that were walking along the edge of the gorge.  Could that be them?

He started to step down on his shapes like they were a set of stairs toward the ninja.  As he got closer he realized this wasn't the group he was looking for.  Oh well suppose I have to kill them now.  He switched places with a rock just behind the three ninja leaving behind trails of chakra in the shape of jester like squares.  "Hellllloooooo." He said.  "Why, what do we have here?"  He looked at Akimoto.  His eyes scanned him up and down until he realized...  "I thought I buried you bastards a long time ago!"  He quickly started to levitate again and form massive blades from his shapes.  "I'll make you regret not dying to me sooner! Ton o settieu suru! - Set the stage: Final Battle!

Darkness enveloped the area and silence ensued until the floor started to reappear.  A black and white checkered floor seemed to expand forever in all directions.  "AHHAHAHAHAHAH!  Mother!  I found the last one!" Akira flew toward Akimoto and they clashed blades.

---

Akimoto watched the figure float toward the group menacingly.  That outfit looks familiar... I think I've seen it in old photos from my parents home.  The stranger eventually became close enough to be in view.  His eyes were black with red pupils and purple streaked down his face like tears.  This doesn't feel right.  The stranger then teleported leaving behind those strange shapes.  "Huh!?"  Then he was right behind Akimoto.  "AH!  Wait... buried us?  What are you talking about?"  Before he could figure out if Akira was going to respond or not.  His sword was met with Akira's.  Akira was weaker than Akimoto and he managed to deflect the blow only for Akira to use Mukōnisuru Soshite Chōhatsu suru - Disarm and Taunt.   "AHAHAHAHAH you thought you could land a blow on me?"  Akimoto's sword seemed to slip out of his hand as sparks flew from Akira and Akimoto's sword was now his.

Now dual wielding Akira started to float above the checkered floor.  "Well alright.  Who wants to die first?"

[Takeo]

Kokuun

Takeo

"Knowledge and awareness are vague, and perhaps better called illusions."

With his Sharingan activated Takeo was surprised to see a shade of chakra he had never seen before. As the mysterious man changed places with something above the gorge to sneak up on Itsuki and Akimoto his chakra nature was revealed. Takeo quickly began scaling back up the gorge as the color of the man's chakra worried him slightly. The chuunin's Sharingan had never before seen black chakra, the evilest he had seen was Kyuubi's. The color of this man's chakra denoted pure evil, not that of hatred or malice, like the fox within Takeo. When Takeo made his way up the gorge a wave of black chakra passed by all of shinobi. The surrounding area became enveloped in the man's evil chakra, but it only seemed to change the appearance of the ground. Takeo flipped up out of the gorge and began running towards Itsuki and Akimoto. The strange man immediately clashed swords with Akimoto, and the two seemed to be conversing. "Itsuki, what do this guy's insides look like," questioned Takeo as he approached. Akimoto seemed to block the attacker's blade, but somehow the man stole Akimoto's longsword. He continued to float above the trio and taunted them. You don't even deserve the time of day, thought Takeo as he prepared to attack. The chuunin had already made a few observations from analyzing the movements Akira had made. Takeo sought to take advantage of his enemy's unimpressive speed and used Bakuyaku To-Chi. The teen formed a condensed ball of scorch release chakra in his right hand. Using his superior accuracy with his Sharingan Takeo threw explosive ball of chakra at Akira's ribs. The orb moved at Akira somewhat slower than his own speed. Despite this, Takeo used a large amount of precision so that if Akira dodged to the right the chuunin's jutsu would still make contact.

Takeo of the Sharingan

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