Shiori had learned from a very young age that practice made perfect, but only when the practice itself was perfected. A new technique she had in mind would be one to help keep would-be attackers at bay and give her space to deal damage with her long range assault. That's why if anyone were looking for her she'd be at a local park, methodically folding a paper lotus over and over again. Any crease even slightly off would have her using her chakra to flatten the paper out again so she could start all over. Only when she knew every flawless fold by heart would she be able to turn it into a usable move.

Tomu Teppei

Age: 14

Build: medium 

Rank: Genin

Appearance: In Light Armor

Personality: Tomu can be hard to read, but will generally present nicely to anyone in a first encounter. Because of his upbringing he is incredibly skeptical of people and untrusting, often using humor and sarcasm to learn more about people around him. He can be subtle and sneaky, even a little mischevious. Over protective big brother.

Total Points: 140

Free Jutsu

• Surface Walking Technique: The user is able to walk on all surfaces, even water.
• Jumping Technique: The user pools their Chakra at the bottom of their feet and releases it all at once to perform a jump of great distances.
• Clone Jutsu: An intangible clone is made of the user. This clone cannot attack and once it touches or is attacked it disappears.
• Substitution Jutsu: The user may use a substitute target to be attacked instead of themselves. (Only able to use it twice in succession.)
• Transformation Jutsu: This is a priceless ninjutsu that all Shinobi must know. The user transforms into someone or something else. Inexperienced users will have major flaws in their transformation.

Ninjutsu

Compressed Paper Art: Tool Creation [D Rank]

• Type: Support
• Category: Ninjutsu
• Description: This allows for the creation of, Shuriken, Kunai, Senbon Needles, Paper Ball Pebbles [roughly golf ball sized], and Paper Cubes [size of a large sugar cube] each equal to their metal counterparts in all conceivable ways. Also able to create smaller specific sized items for picking locks and other useful street tools 

Compressed Paper Art: Paper Clone [C Rank]

• Type: Offensive/Support
• Category: Ninjutsu
• Description: A solid and more durable paper clone on par with a mud clone that can reform from damage. They are stronger against water but have a weakness to fire.  Can house explosive tags in chest, and perform moderate shifts in body composition to produce blades or long tethers of paper which can be used to ensnare an opponent. Once destroyed anything not incinerated can be used as a local paper source. 

Water Release: Hidden Mist [D Rank]

• Type: Support
• Category: Ninjutsu
• Description: The user creates a heavy dense fog that makes it hard to see. 
• Effect: A localized area is covered with a dense mist that can be difficult to see through and hard to remove due to it being laced with chakra. 

Water Release: Sensing Water Sphere [C Rank]

• Type: Sensory
• Category: Ninjutsu
• Description: A sphere made out of water that lets the user monitor the surrounding area.
• Effect: Within the sphere he can see roughly 20m around himself, bubbles of varying sizes represent chakra signatures. Larger bubbles represent larger signatures. Once an enemy is identified in this method they can be easily distinguished in the future. Can be formed from mist if present. 

Custom Equipment

Compressed Paper Art: Light Armor 

• Description: Consists of paper wraps as forearm protectors, shin guards, a light flak vest with pouches and a cloak that he wears on his shoulders. 
• Effect: +10 strength for defending on covered areas. Cloak is flexible and can be manipulated with chakra to harden, form blades or extra appendages. 

Backstory

Tomu was just one of many lost, homeless children, living in the husk of what was once a prominent nation, Amegakure.   Most of his early life was spent surviving, initially as one of the youngest in a group of older kids who’d often steal and commit other low level crimes to feed themselves.  Eventually they were all taken in by an organization which offered pay in and shelter in exchange for odd jobs and other small missions.  

He’d learned very quickly that being useful was the best way to make sure he wouldn’t be left behind or have the  people he was with turn on him.  Learning bits of ninjutsu here and there from anyone who would teach him, he was actually a quite savvy street urchin. It's possible this is why he escaped [or was the only survivor of experiments] which ultimately led to him being taken in by a family in the Land of Iron. 

He’d already had a knack for and enjoyment of origami and a basic understanding of Origami Art jutsus.  Having spent a few years with other kids living out of a mill, folding paper had become a hobby and cherished pastime. His skill and artistic flair made him a perfect candidate to learn the Toppei family’s coveted style of paper jutsu, which centered around an expansion of the normal paper jutsu by use of a technique called,  Paper Compression.

As it was clear, the family would only view him in high regard if he could master their technique, in the years he spent with them he did just that.  Over time his ability to use their paper style grew dramatically and his more stealthy, sneaky tactics allowed for a fair amount of variety between his style and his adopted sister. He opted for more sneaky and stealthy uses as that was his natural inclination and due to his size he’d always relied more on strategy than brute strength. 

While he enjoyed his peaceful life of Origami, and training with a family to call his own, it was becoming a bit too routine. He wanted to test and expand his talents, and as strange as it was, he missed some of the freedoms he’d enjoyed in his prior life. When word came down that the pair of them would be immigrating to the Leaf as part of an exchange program where they would be trained along with shinobi

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RP: Though they hadn't been in the village that long Tomu was becoming more and more familiar with his new home everyday. Each day he would explore a new area, presenting a pleasant new face for this curious about the Origami siblings. Today he could be seen walking casually through the village, occasionally glancing up over head. It someone followed him long enough they'd see a paper airplane gently float down towards the ground. He would hasten his stride some to catch it, eyeing the folds on the wings and small flaps on their undersides.

A lone swordsman carrying a wooden blade could be found walking through the streets of Konoha, almost bumped into at one point by some lost looking girl folding a paper crane. 'Dumb tourists.' Miyu had just picked up another D-Rank job, this time looking for some stupid cat that some lousy owner lost track of. She would occasionally pull a photo of the cat out of her pocket and look it over, her face souring each time she was greeted by some small difference in the stray in front of her and the picture. 'Dumb wrong cats.'

After a long day of training Asuka and Midorimaru would make their way back to the Inuzuka Compound to rest up for the night. After much grieving and reflection she was finally starting to feel like herself. Yet that was about to come to an end as well.

“How's Pork Shoulder sound tonight?” Asuka would ask as they entered the compound.

“Absolutely divine!” Midorimaru would lick his chops at the thought. “I assume we'll take tomorrow off as well?”

Asuka would smile. “Yes I think we both deserve a rest.” As the pair made their way home Asuka would pause right outside of the front door. At first glance everything seemed to be in place, but as she got closer to the house an unfamiliar scent hit her nose. Someone was inside of her house.

Midorimaru would notice the same thing that had caught Asukas attention, but he would wait to follow her lead. She'd rest her hand on her sword and walk through the front door.

“You.” Asuka would close the door behind her and kneel immediately. “Sato…With all due respect you weren't seen coming here were you?”

The Mizukage would stand over Asuka and Midorimaru silently for a moment before commenting. “If you didn't notice my presence until you were literally at the front door I'd assume I made it here hidden well enough. Tell me how things are fairing with Nuibari?”

Asuka would pause. Was he here to take the sword back from her? Had she done something wrong unknowingly? “They've fared very well. It's taken me a bit of training to get used to something of its shape and makeup, but nonetheless it's been rewarding…Why are you here?”

Sato would begin to walk around Asukas home looking at the multitude of weapons that hung from her walls. He'd speak as he did this. “I have a favor that I need you to handle for me. Kirigakure isn't the jewel it once was. Nowadays it's difficult to propagate strong ninja in the land of water. Those who exist are either rogues who are relentlessly hunted, or poor living in squalor. There are members of the former Mizukages families that wish for their children to get proper training. Training so they can become strong and come back to rebuild our village to the heights it once stood upon. I have some genin in mind, and I trust only you with this task. Naturally some name changes would be in order, but they will respect you given our relationship. So what say you?” Sato would pause to look at Asuka.

Her head would still be down as she processed what was just asked of her. “You want me to raise and train Kirigakure Genin in the leaf??? What could I teach them? I'm a Swordsman and a Taijutsu practitioner. I know minimal Jutsu. That and I've already lost a Genin team…I don't know if I'm even right for that sort of job anymore…”

“You say that and yet you're one of the most decorated Jonin of the Leaf. I think you'll do fine.” Sato would say bluntly. “Regardless of how you feel it is something I need you to do. I asked out of respect for our relationship, but the outcome will be the same whether you accept or not. I will return in time to introduce you to your new pupil. Besides, I think you'll get more entertainment from these kids than you bargained for." With that Sato would walk past Asukas to the front door. “Im trusting you immensely with something like this Asuka. These families entrusted their children to me, and I'm entrusting you to turn them into a formidable shinobi.”

*There would be a long silence. Tension was thick in the air, but regardless she had to accept given the circumstances. “Thank you Sato. Not only for trusting me, but for believing I can lead a team like this. It means more than you know.” She'd stand up and turn to face him, but her door was open and he was already gone.

Miyu Keito

Age: 12

Appearance: Miyu stands just a bit taller than her fellow ninjas with a sleek frame and lightly tanned skin. She tends to keep her long, wavy silver hair loose when in casual settings, though she will tie it back to keep it out of her green eyes when fighting.

Personality: Ms. Keito tends to be a bit rude and standoffish at times, though there is certainly a part of her that wants to get closer to people...it just tends to get buried deep down inside.

Backstory: Miyu Keito had grown up never knowing her parents, and if you asked her, that was just fine. She was raised in a decent orphanage in Konoha with people who were good to her and even cared as if they were her parents. She even had at least one friend or two before they were adopted and left her behind. It didn't matter, she would focus on her time at the ninja academy so she could make a go of things on her own and all the while she was supported by the workers at the orphanage. And that plan was perfectly on track until the attack from some weirdo by the name 'The Lady' some time back. Suddenly the small building was overwhelmed by the kids that survived the attack and as it figures she was pushed to the side. But that didn't matter either, she was almost done at the academy and she'd get her own place, somewhere on her own. Alone. Just the way she wanted it.

Rank: Genin

Stats

Total Points: 150

Jutsu

Free Jutsu

• Surface Walking Technique: The user is able to walk on all surfaces, even water. [E Rank]

• Jumping Technique: The user pools their Chakra at the bottom of their feet and release it all at once to perform a jump of great distances. [E Rank]

• Clone Jutsu: An intangible clone is made of the user. This clone cannot attack and once it touches or is attacked it disappears. [E Rank]

• Substitution Jutsu: The user may use a substitute target to be attacked instead of themselves. (Only able to use twice in succession.) [E Rank]

• Transformation Jutsu: This is priceless ninjutsu that all Shinobi must know. The user transforms into someone or something else. Inexperienced users will have major flaws in their transformation. [E Rank]

Kenjutsu

• Iaido: A martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to a sudden attack. This is associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its sheath, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. [C Rank]

• Samurai Sabre Technique: Through the use of chakra flow, the user channels their chakra through their swords, extending both the reach and cutting ability of the blade. [C Rank]

• Rupture: The user violently swings their chakra-enhanced sword with the intention of striking an approaching opponent, releasing a wave of chakra to cut a target. Used at short range, requires samurai sabre technique. [C Rank]

• Flash: A swift ranged attack where the user swings their sword at a target after coating it in chakra, releasing a sharp crescent of chakra in the arc that the blade was swung. Used at all ranges, requires samurai sabre technique. [C Rank]

• Vivid Violet Cleansing Blade: Through the concentration of chakra into one's weapon an aura of purple flames coats it. While this does not grant any benefit to damage, it does disrupt genjutsu used against the wielder. The level of genjutsu countered is equal to the chakra focused through the weapon to use this ability. [Current Chakra: 32]

Ninjutsu

• X

Genjutsu

• X

Taijutsu

• X

Graduation from the Ninja Academy came and went and Miyu felt she could finally breathe a sigh of relief. No more would she be stuffed in that dumpy little orphanage with all those annoying brats having worked on getting her own place. Sure it was only big enough for a twin bed, mini-fridge, hotplate, and microwave. Sure it had a bathroom facility shared by the other people on the same floor. And sure she didn't know anyone in the building. But that was all just great ! This is exactly what she wanted and she couldn't be happier as she made her way to the missions office to pick up a quick and easy D Rank mission for some cash, wooden sword strapped to her side. She needed to rely on herself from now on.

Shiori Teppei

Age: 12

Appearance: Shiori has a medium build for her age, if not just a hair shorter than her peers. She inherited her mother's bright blue eyes and dark black hair that almost has a bluish sheen to it in the right light. The young kunoichi typically wears a short kimono over her regular outfit.

Personality: While some part of her will always try to be stoic and cool like her mom, Shiori can never help letting her bombastic nature run wild.

Backstory: Hailing from the Land of Iron Shiori was born into a samurai clan by the name of Teppei. They had made a name for themselves through their unique use of paper as both protection and weapons. Those that go on to become one of the many well-trained warriors of their nation are dubbed Origami Samurai. Shiori was trained by her mother in these very arts, first learning how to fold and craft each piece by hand before learning to do the same thing with her chakra. As some time passed the Teppei family had become host to a young orphan with a sense for paper manipulation. It was only right that they took him in and trained him to make the best possible use of it. And when the boarders of the Land of Iron started opening, it was deemed a good chance to strengthen their bonds with the Leaf by sending some of their own to be counted among their ranks.

Rank: Genin

Stats

Total Points: 150

Jutsu

Free Jutsu

• Surface Walking Technique: The user is able to walk on all surfaces, even water. [E Rank]

• Jumping Technique: The user pools their Chakra at the bottom of their feet and release it all at once to perform a jump of great distances. [E Rank]

• Clone Jutsu: An intangible clone is made of the user. This clone cannot attack and once it touches or is attacked it disappears. [E Rank]

• Substitution Jutsu: The user may use a substitute target to be attacked instead of themselves. (Only able to use twice in succession.) [E Rank]

• Transformation Jutsu: This is priceless ninjutsu that all Shinobi must know. The user transforms into someone or something else. Inexperienced users will have major flaws in their transformation. [E Rank]

Ninjutsu

• Paper Tools Creation: Tools created through the art of Origami to be visual facsimiles of the genuine article which when chakra is channeled through them gain a rigidity and durability nearly equivalent to the real items. Can be used for standard ninja tools, kunai, shuriken, senbon needle as well as situational uses like specific sized tools for lockpicking. [D Rank]

• Origami Armor - First Fold: A set of samurai-style armor formed by the compressed paper techniques of the Teppei clan from the Land of Iron. +20 Strength [C Rank]

• Origami Arrow - Kindling Shot: Making use of Shiori's almost ironic connection to fire jutsu, once she forms an arrow with her Paper Tools Creation technique she can then ignite the end of it before shooting at her target. [C Rank]

• Origami Moon | First Crescent Fold: Through the use of paper manipulation Shiori forms a crescent moon-like shape out of compressed paper that stands as tall as herself and can be whipped at her opponents as a giant boomerang, allowing for a chance to strike again as it returns. [C Rank]

• Origami Moon | First Full Fold: While holding the Crescent Fold the kunoichi can unfold it and use it as a shield against attacks, covers her whole silhouette. +20 Strength for defense. [C Rank]

• Origami Sun | Burning Impact: Shiori forms an orb of compressed paper the size of a soccer ball before infusing it with fire natured chakra and kicking it in the direction of her enemies. [C Rank]

Genjutsu

• X

Taijutsu

• X

The origami siblings had been spending some time getting acclimated to their new home in Konoha. It was a lot to take in of course, a new culture, a new way of living. However, this was no excuse to ease up on her training. That, if nothing else, was something Mother made quite clear in the days before their departure from the Land of Iron.

This is why Shiori could be found, somewhat aimlessly, wandering around the streets of her new hometown. She had been made aware of several training grounds available for use by the ninja of the Hidden Leaf, but she seemed utterly baffled as to where they might be. Part of her began regretting telling Tomu she could handle this on her own.

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

A little over a week after the s-ranked mission oculus took place Cronus sent out two letters. One to the cherished mentor Asuka, one of the few people left Cronus truly considered family. The other to Hattori, a close friend and someone Cronus looked up to as a rival since he always stayed one step ahead of him in terms of power always giving Cronus a new goal to reach. The letters listed a time and place. Sunrise on the border between The Land Of Fire and The Land Of Wind, the two places Cronus called home. On one side a sprawling desert, the other a great deep and rich forest melding seamlessly in the center where Cronus stood. Cronus would be seen standing there with Tetsugumo on his shoulder keeping Cronus cloaked in his iconic iron sand and Onigumo by his side or as Cronus and Asuka knew her Auntie-gumo. Auntie for short. There Cronus waited for his two friends to show.

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

The snow fluttered gently on the autumn breeze that passed through the Land of Iron on the day the representatives from Konohagakure finished their tests and deliberations. Two were chosen as potential candidates to become Genin in the ranks of Konoha, both were under the tutelage of one known as The Origami Samurai, Takara Teppei. She had earned such a moniker from her ability to manipulate paper such that it becomes as hard as steel, donning herself in the material in the shape of heavy armor and wielding a blade of one thousand folds. It was these teachings that she, mostly, passed on to her daughter Shiori and her adopted son Tomu.

The two were comparable to the night and day, seemingly contrasting but truly harmonious. Shiori is a bold, if naive, girl who is content to carry the pride of her clan and her nation on her back. She spent much of her formative years being trained in the ways of papercraft and its deep-rooted traditions. While most kids spent their days in the company of their peers, Shiori had become familiar with every mountain and valley fold of her creations. However, she truly does look up to her older brother and his more cool and worldly nature.

Speaking of which, Tomu was a young man who had grown up alone with no family to speak of, yet with a curious penchant for paper manipulation. Seeing the building blocks of potential in him Takara took him in as a disciple and a son. Though there was an ulterior motive for this decision, to give her daughter a friend and a protector who could watch her back in the world. Someone who knew how harsh things could truly be and how to connect to others when it was appropriate.

After an adjustment period with Shiori asking him every question about himself and the world outside the Teppei clan's home, Tomu and Shiori became almost inseparable as siblings. And when the question of leaving home to a new place and way of life came about in the Land of Iron, the two were the first to step forward.

Now, with the decision made, the two had packed what they had for the trip and were stopped before leaving by their mother. Takara took a knee and brought them into a hug, an act somewhat rare to the typically stoic woman, as she spoke. "You two carry the name of Teppei and the pride of our land with you as you take your first steps toward a new life. And you also carry my love. Protect each other and those that will be your new allies." With nothing left to be said they were off. Well, nothing left except for Shiori's excited chatter the entire path up to the gates of Konohagakure. The siblings would be welcomed in and ready to be greeted by their new home.

Though the two would have time to explore the town together, Shiori insisted that they take some time to split up and get the lay of the land on their own. Each would depart their small lodgings and go to explore the city.

(So, this is a joint introduction for Shiori and Tomu as the papercraft ninjas. How it's split up is that you can either meet both of them as they arrive in town and are heading to their new residence or meet them separately as they go around town. Just tag either u/Tiger102 and/or u/Papeh_Plane for whichever you'd like!)

Lyger had been training virtually nonstop after the funeral. He'd already been on quite a regimen but it was something about that sombre event that gave him the feeling he wasn't doing quite enough. It turned out that even he had limits, this of course eventually led to something of a crash, he'd finally gone to sleep one night and not moved for a full day. Even then, this was when Akiko woke him up after she'd become a little worried not seeing him moving around. A full day's rest and quality sleep was just what he needed to truly feel rejuvenated. Of course, his plan to was to jump right back on it, but Akiko insisted that he take it easy today. Since it was the first time she'd been able to pull herself away from her new found crystal obsession, he decided to heed her words.

There was still a great deal on his mind since returning to the village, drowning himself in training was only keeping these thoughts at bay during the day. At night his dreams told stories and reminded him of things he hadn't fully processed yet. This particularly long sleep was on different, and now awake his mind was full of all sorts of things he'd been avoiding. While is was pretty normal to see Lyger jogging around the village adorned with weights, today was different. A casual stroll through the village, hands in his pockets, casual dress, jeans and a tee shirt, no training gear. If you didn't know who he was you'd think he was a tourist the way he looked about the areas he passed through. He didn't really have a destination in particular, and would just be roaming about. Eventually he'd come to sit on a bench, enjoying the nice weather peering up at the sky curiously from time to time, clearly thinking about something.

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Akiko sat in her room on the floor, thumbing through some of the pages from the chest she’d found in her mother’s house. Fortunately, her brother Toshi had it delivered the same day, shortly after she’d returned from her enlightening conversation with Enki and Saizo. With Enki’s confirmation that Mount Zao was a real place and at one point the Yuki Clan had been in communion with the animals there, she was now obsessed with learning more.  

After a moment she’d jot down a few notes in the little book on her lap before setting them aside in a growing pile of other papers.  Under these sat the journals of her ancestor Inzuki, and old personal items and heirlooms that had been passed down over the years.  With a bit of a sigh she looked to the final items from the chest, 4 scrolls that so far she was unable to open. The smallest was all black and bore the Yuki Clan crest on its clasp, the others were dark blue, 2 were medium sized scrolls and one large one, all bore a crystalline structure on their seals.  

She picked up the smallest one, looking over the clasp as she pressed her thumb against it, “come on” she groaned, putting a little more force into it. When it didn’t budge she’d set it down in front of her, clasping both hands together she took a deep breath.  As she formed a single hand seal, a frigid gust of wind blew through the room and began to swirl about as she focused intently on the scroll. The thin layer of frost began to form atop the scroll, very similar to the lock on the chest. Her lips curled up into a smile as she reached down to retrieve the scroll once more as the winds gradually subsided.  

Again she pressed her finger against the clasp, “ahhh!’ she gasped and dropped the scroll in front of her, blood now pouring from a slice in her thumb.  Looking around frantically she retrieved a towel from her bedside, wrapping it around her thumb and squeezing tightly.  The pain was searing but gradually went away, a small click came from the scroll and it popped open suddenly, unraveling itself and revealing blank parchment.  To her amazement as she leaned forward, a wash of crimson seemed to pulse from the clasp itself, rippling down the parchment all the way to the other end. 

A thin line of red traced its way across the page, words quickly following behind, filling in the entire space until the document was complete. As she read to completion, she smiled, quickly reading it once more before sitting back to glance at the other scrolls.  

“Demonic Ice Crystals huh” she grinned, noting the symbols on the instructions were identical to those on the following scrolls.  “Interesting.”

Later, she could be found in Training Grounds 7, seated Indian style; she would very much appear to be meditating.  It would be uncharacteristically cold by the lake today, though from her normal training gear, she didn’t seem too bothered by it. It's also possible that whispering could be heard, never fully intelligible, could totally just be the wind.

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Forest in the Southwest of Kumogakure [4 days after leaving Konoha, 1 year ago]

The forest was quiet at night, tall trees loomed large, casting intermittent shadows from what little light that crept through the branches. A small but beaten trail emerged and would lead directly to a cabin nestled deep within the trees, the moon illuminating the area just right.  The silence was broken suddenly, as one of the long shadows of the night extended into a dark figure up the path.  He wore all black, a mask covering the bottom half of his face, no headband distinguishing a village or sigil denoting a particular clan.  An ominous red glow emanated from his eyes as he crept towards the dwelling, slowing to a stop just outside of it.  He stood perfectly still, not advancing on the door, listening to the silence. 

He looked to the side, a hand already sliding to his back, returning quickly with a slender blade.  A flick of his wrist caused it to open fully, revealing a fuuma shuriken, the blades spinning outwards as he held it up, deflecting two shuriken that’d been hurled his way.  Eyes tracking multiple targets he backed up, the blade flailing back and forth, spinning about in arcing patterns battering away more projectiles. A lightning-cloaked figure lurched at him suddenly from the side, in one fluid motion he sidestepped the shoulder check, sweeping the Raiju Windmill blade across his chest as he flew by. As the body crashed into the side of the house, he kept moving, trying to create distance as Lightning Cowls filled his view. More enemies rounded the building, charging towards him, swords drawn.

The Windmill howled as he whipped it through the air lightning chakra engulfing the blade, as he clashed against the closest shinobi’s sword.  The light illuminating his face, and the crest of the Rinzyu Clan, adorning his chest as did the others. In another smooth motion he twisted the WIndmill, ensnaring the sword between two of the blade edges and wrenching it from his grasp.  As the sword slung free, his free hand came forward, his palm catching the man in his chest, stopping his progression with a violent grunt as he fell to the side.  Lyger ducks, narrowly missing the swipe from another sword, dropping low to the ground, he lunged forth in a burst of speed slicing at the man’s knee.  The Windmill blade slid through clean, as he passed him, the man screamed out in pain as the leg gave out and he collapsed under his weight.  

Two more quick steps and he dove forward burying the front most blade of the Windmill into another man’s chest, and tackling him to the ground.  Before he could react a Rinzyu nin seized the opportunity, impaling him through the neck with a violent sword thrust.  Lyger’s body would go rigid and suddenly it popped, lightning chakra exploding outwards, at those who closed in.  The sword wielder got the worst of it, as he was violently shocked, falling to the ground, noting he couldn’t move. 

“It's a clone!” one of them yelled, as Rinzyu Clan nin converged upon the spot, filing out from behind the house and even a few from inside.  Among them was a familiar face, Denji, and an unfamilar one though he didn’t appear to be part of the Rinzyu Clan.  The man with the severed leg was gathered up and a couple of them carried him inside, his howling echoed throughout the small clearing. The others formed up around the larger man who spoke for the first time.

???: “I told you it wouldn’t be that easy” he chided, “spread out and find’em.”

Two teams of three began to fan out, moving in the direction Lyger had come from, weapons ready and alert as they gradually disappeared from view.  

D: “What? You’re not goin out there with’em?” he turned to the larger man now that they were alone, “he said you were gonna help, that I needed to bring you along. So HELP!”

???: “I am helping” he said flatly, as he looked up to the trees, scanning the area before looking back to him. “I didn’t say I would risk my life to protect you” he leaned down into Denji’s face causing him to recoil. “I thought this was your moment. If you can’t kill him then I will.”

D: “Fine” he huffed, and turned back towards the treeline, he certainly didn’t want to push it in this situation. He drew the sword from his back, looking for any sign or indication his men had found their target. “I know him, I can take him… We just need to fi-” he cutoff suddenly as glints of bluish light and the clash of blades erupted in the forest off to the right of the house.  

D: “There” he chirped, his own cowl lighting up as he darted for the tree line, adrenaline pumping, fueling him to move faster, his goal was finally in front of him.  There was a final burst of electricity before it went quiet again, Denji’s eyes widened as he reached the area, skidding to a stop.  “What…” he stammered, three bodies of his fellow clansmen lay dead.  Two of the three succumb to a variety of puncture and slicing wounds, a third laid a bit away, his head not too far from him. A rustling sound behind him causes him to turn frantically, his sword now tightly held in both hands, ready to strike. 

???: “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!” a man scream erupts in the distance, startling him, his heart nearly pounding out of his chest at this point. Gritting his teeth, he took off in the direction of the sound.  The screams continued urging Denji to run faster, he could see one of his own in front of him much closer to the victim. Another was closing in from his right, on a similar path to him and about as far away.  

Denji watched as the man reached the victim, quickly scanned the immediate area before kneeling down to cover his mouth, “shhh shhhh” trying to get him to stop screaming.  

D:  “Cover us” he called to the other shinobi reaching the area just as he did, quickly moving to see how bad it was.  A fuuma shuriken stuck out of his abdomen and had been pushed into the tree behind him. 

???: “Fuck” the aiding shinobi whispered, as he assessed the damage, he placed a hand on the weapon attempting to remove it.  As soon as he touched it, Lightning chakra erupted about its edges and it began to rapidly spin in place.  The seated man cried out as he was sawed through, the aiding man was still in shock when the Windmill suddenly lurched forward, cleaving clean through him on its way back to its owner.  The shadowed figure outstretched his right hand to catch the demonic weapon, blood splashing across him as it did, the lightning illuminating his form briefly before it fizzled out into nothing.  

???: “YOU!” The shinobi meant to be covering them dashed towards Lyger, his blade above his head, quickly bringing it down once in range to slash at him vertically.  Lyger sidestepped and swatted his sword away with his weapon, fueled by his anger the man pursued.  Slicing and slashing an ever more elusive enemy, his frustration causing him to lean in, weight forward as Lyger eased back, just out of the way of each strike. Denji was frozen in place, watching the fight play out, it almost looked like he might catch Lyger at this pace. 

???: “DIE!” he shouted, lunging forward to close the small distance and stab, Lyger performed a swift spin, the likes of which Akiko would’ve been quite proud of.  The sword sliding past his waist on the right side, the Windmill illuminated once more, swiped downwards quickly, removing both hands at the wrist in one fell swoop.  The shinobi screamed aloud, collapsing to the ground, pathetically slapping the wet stumps together as if trying to stop the bleeding. 

Lyger a few steps past him now, his crimson optics settling on the last survivor, the one who’d put the map in his hands that ultimately led him here.

L: “Whassup cuzin” he tilted his head as he spoke in a cold but smug tone. He flicked his wrist, the fuuma shruriken he held collapsed down into a single flat blade with all four aligned before he slipped it back into his belt. 

L: “This your ambush?”

Denji just stood for a moment, taking stock of the situation, he shifted his weight a bit to stand up fully, the blade lowering to his side.  

D: “You killed her” he replied after a moment, “you know I couldn’t let that stand.”

Lyger scoffed, indignant, “that's why you spent all these months helping me find my pop, so I could make this right. You thought you could get the drop on me, is that it? YOU KNOW IT WASN’T MY CHOICE!”

D: “Bullshit! I always knew you were crazy, just like your pops” he spat, “she took you in when you had nobody! Probably the only person in this world who loved you and YOU KILLED HER!!” He pointed the sword at Lyger, “it's those eyes, they’re EVIL! So many people in my family have died behind them!!”  

L: “Who’s fault is that? Ever since I was born, your uncle wanted to take these from me. That's why I never met my mother, and why Auntie Akame was all I had.  Yall blamed it on my father, but she told me the truth, it's why she never went back home after they left.  Your family did this.”D: “ENOUGH LIES” he shouted, hands shaking as rage welled within him and ultimately exploded.  “I’M GONNA CUT THOSE EYES RIGHT OUTTA YOUR FUCKIN HEAD!!” 

Lightning screamed into existence around Denji as his rage bubbled over, in a blur of raw motion he brought down an overhead strike aiming to slice Lyger in half, and he would.  As the blade came around, Lyger's body seemed to dissolve, melting into a graceful swirling of leaves which blew away in a cool breeze.  

Denji froze, watching him fade away, eyes wide in horror as he now stood alone in the clearing, only dead bodies to keep him company. “Wha, what… how?” 

Lyger chuckled, his voice suddenly echoing all around him, ‘goodbye Denji’, followed swiftly by the screeching sound of his chidori coming from just behind Denji.

D: “Huh” he could barely get the words out before he looked down to see Lyger’s hand extending through his chest.  After a moment he’d reclaim his arm, allowing the body to fall limply to the ground, staring down at his cousin he couldn’t help but shake his head.

After a moment his gaze drifted back towards the house, wondering if there was actually anything there that might help him find his father. 

Today

Lyger could be found jogging around the village in his weighted gear on his normal path or eventually he would make his to the training grounds where he would meet Akiko. The pair would be standing by the lake, her practicing her offensive capabilities against, while he trained his Sharingan and body to work as one, working to track her projectiles and adjusting to his new found perception.

Chrollo would be sitting alone in the forest of death deep in meditation. Nature Chakra would flow through him as the thoughts of recent events clouded his mind. Mitsugaki's death, his inability to stop the Ame Woman, and mostly if he could push himself to get stronger or if this was all he was capable of. Even with these thoughts on his mind his Chakra didn't fluctuate. It wouldn't be long before his meditation was interrupted by the tell tale sign of a reverse summoning. The ninja would suddenly find himself sitting atop the waters that surrounded Kame Cove.

"Gaia. You know I can't be here long otherwise the commander will get upset." Chrollo waited patiently for a reply, but one did not come. "Gaia?" Chrollo would get to his feet and look around.

"Gaia was not the one that summoned you, and she agreed not to intervene in this along with the others." The familiar feminine voice that belonged to Deidra would fill Chrollos ears. "I won't be long, you need to finish your training. Get whatever permissions you need and return to the Cove to see me."

Chrollo would attempt to locate the voice to no avail. "Finish my training? I've mastered Senjutsu haven't I? What more is there that I don't know?"

"In the grand scheme of things there is much you don't know Chrollo. Your next test as Sage Of The Cove will be with me. If you remember from last time we trained I will not be easy on you. We will speak again shortly."

With that Chrollo would be sent back to the forest of death with more questions than answers. Though one answer was revealed to him. "I haven't reached my peak yet I guess..."

Chrollo would be making his was through the village to Kimikos Office to have a talk with her.

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Asuka and Midorimaru would be patiently waiting in training grounds 13 for Hiko. She'd be adjusting her Katana, Wakizashi, and armor while scanning the perimeter for movement. She was on edge and for good reason. Hiko had called her for training. Something he took very seriously. She bore the scars to prove it.

"Midorimaru. I'm gonna take point. Follow my lead from there ok?" Midorimaru would nod silently. He could tell by Asukas body language this wasn't the time for idle chatter. As she continued to scan the perimeter Hiko would exit the treeline directly in front of her. His platinum white hair and and silk white kimono almost blended into each other as the sun hit them. He'd raise a hand momentarily.

"I won't be attacking you just yet Asuka. First I'd like to say I'm proud of how far you've come as a swordsman. You've been able to soak up every drop of knowledge I've given you like a sponge." As he spoke, he would begin to draw Tengoku from its sheathe. Chakra would seemingly begin to radiate from his body as the blade became fully unsheathed. "Today we shall see if you can soak up some more of my techniques, while simultaneously keeping yourself outside of harms way."

Asuka wouldn't take her eyes off of her master. At this point in time he was as dangerous as any foe she'd faced. In truth he was probably worse. "Remember what I said...follow my le-"

Clang!!! The sound of Tengoku smashing into her Katana Arufa would cut her off. The mystical blade would be held in place at her midsection. Hiko had made his move in an instant. Asuka hadn't even visually registered the attack, as she had blocked it purely on instinct. He was faster than she remembered...or had he never shown his true strength? Regardless now was the time to strike. With her right hand she'd grab her Wakizashi in a reverse grip. Lightning chakra would fill the air when it exited it's sheathe. The blade poised to strike Hiko in the jugular. Midorimaru was already in motion during all of this. He'd be coming at Hiko like a tornado as he kicked up dirt and debris.

"Not bad..." He'd mumble. With brute force alone he'd punch Asuka in the gut before her attack could land. She'd go sliding across the earth until she slammed into a tree. The impact would knock the wind out of her for a moment. Midorimaru would end up receiving the recoil from the impact as well. His attack would falter, but not before Hiko would catch him in the air with one hand. "It'd be easy to kill you right here and now. Would be even easier to torture you and watch both of you squirm." He'd toss Midorimaru to the side.

"You think I'm dumb? I saw the state of you two after using that transformation against Shinseki. You weren't both just exhausted. You were feeling each other's exhaustion which pretty much multiplied it by two." He'd turn to look at Asuka. "Now you have to deal with each others physical impairments. Which means I'm gonna have to teach you how to deal with pain again. Once you've done that then and only then can we move onto something new."

Asuka would snarl at Hiko. Her eyes would glare at the man. In response to his words she'd drop her Katana and Wakizashi. "I'll show you something new alright." Asuka would rip her left sleeve open exposing the tattoo of a large sewing needle. The tattoo was the length of her Forearm with what looked like thread going up her bicep. "I appreciate your worry for me and Midorimaru, but we will figure it out. We always have and we will continue to. Together." Asuka would bring her thumb up to her mouth cutting it open on her razor sharp teeth. She'd smear the blood on the tattoo and in a poof of smoke Nuibari would appear in her hands. "Me and Midorimaru got time to burn and an open schedule so let's dance old man."

Hiko would give the subtlest of smiles. Without letting him get a word in Asuka would Activate Shukuchi. A far cry from Hikos own version of the technique he'd track her footsteps all the way up until the point of impact. Blood would spatter across the leaves as Tengoku would find itself embedded in Asukas shoulder. Nuibari would find itself leaving a scratch along Hikos cheek. "Don't forget who taught you that. I could've put Tengoku through your sternum, but I'm here to teach you a lesson not kill you. Come at me again, you too Midorimaru. This time put some thought into your attacks."

For the rest of the day Asuka and Midorimaru would be the target of Hiko's onslaught. By the time he had judged them to be done. Asuka and Midorimaru would be covered in wounds. None fatal, but they'd each represent something Asuka or Midorimaru had done wrong. Hesitation, rushed in, waited to long, or using the wrong technique.

"I hate you. I hope you know that." Asuka would say through labored breaths. Hiko would kneel over her rubbing ointment on her wounds as he'd finished with Midorimaru.

"My job now isn't to be your friend. It's to help you get better. Though don't worry my time with you isn't to last forever." He'd say in a stark tone.

If anyone had stumbled upon the spectacle they would find Asuka, Midorimaru, and Hiko going over the ups and downs of Asuka's new technique while the former two rested.

In a mask and iron sand cloak Fugaku (Cronus) stood waiting outside the territory of the hidden rain for his contact to appear. Fugaku would be weary of the situation but prepared. Surrounding the area his 10 puppets would be lying in wait hidden either covered in mud or within hollow dead trees. He waits for a good amount of time before his contact approaches.

Fugaku: "Thanks for meeting me here."

u/SolTheRadiant

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

The evening air of Konohagakure was humid, the heat was also present. The trees swayed in the balmy breeze and the birds warbled a sad song - as most of the village was adorned in beautiful white flowers. Funeral flowers. There were many leading to the Village Cemetery. There most of the Jonin and a large portion of the shinobi regular forces was present for the presentation and final farewell to their tenth, fearless, peerless, Hokage. His name has already been added to the memorial stone. The sun dipped low over Konohagakure, casting long shadows across the village as the people gathered in solemn silence. The sky was tinged with hues of orange and pink, a contrast to the sorrow that weighed heavy in the hearts of those who had come to honor the fallen shinobi with no equal. Though Mitsugaki's corpse wasn't on display - a photograph of him in his Hokage garb was presented. The image showed him seated and smiling. At the edges of the portrait was a frame of stylyzed flames. Representing the burning Will of Fire. A characteristic that the greatest of shinobi from the Hidden Leaf tend to adopt or even manifest on their own.

The opening ceremony began with a chorus of low, mournful flutes played by the village’s musicians. The melody was a traditional lament, a song as old as the village itself, reserved only for the most honored of shinobi. The musicians marched into the graveyard like a processional of spirits. Adorned in white, while most everyone else wore stark black. When the music subsided, a hush fell over the crowd. The Third Elder of the Council, a man who had served the village for decades, stepped forward to speak. His voice was strong, yet tinged with sorrow, as he recounted the deeds of the fallen Hokage. He spoke of the S-rank mission that had led to their demise—a covert operation meant to retrieve the stolen eyes of their very own Hyuga Busa. Zochi Hyuga. Though the mission was ultimately successful, it had cost Mitsugaki Hashiroke his life, and the village now stood in mourning. Much of the details were missed from the Elder's eulogy. The identity of the person who claimed their Kage's life was also kept hushed. Though a handful of people already knew this. After the elder spoke - The Jonin Commander stepped forward from the throng of Jonin present, in her funeral attire as well. She was expected to speak and therefore she would. She came to the front of those gathered, and looked to the portrait of the late Kage and bowed at the waist. Prompting everyone to do the same as she did. Once she straightened herself upright; she began her words.

"Mitsugaki Hashiroke was a man of principle," she began. "A man who believed in the strength of unity, who saw the potential in every shinobi, no matter their background or lineage. He led this village with honor and conviction, and though our methodologies often differed, I cannot deny the legacy he forged."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "We clashed because we were both passionate about the future of this village, each of us believing our way was the best path forward. But today, as we stand here to honor him, I see not the differences between us, but the common ground we shared. We both wanted to protect this village, to ensure its prosperity for generations to come. In that, we were united."

Kimiko’s gaze swept over the crowd, meeting the eyes of her fellow shinobi. "Mitsugaki Hashiroke gave everything for this village. His sacrifice, along with those of the brave shinobi who fell before him, reminds us of the true cost of peace. We must carry their memory with us, and let it guide us as we move forward. Let it remind us of the strength we possess when we stand together."

Today was finally the day.  Ever since Akiko had completed her program, one of the highest things on her list, just below remaining sober and establishing her daily routines, was going back to her mother’s house.  After their last blow up, once she’d made it clear she only wanted to be a shinobi and was going to do so with or without her mother’s approval shortly after her father passed, Akiko had moved in with Lyger and Akame. It had been years at this point. She’d been in contact with her brother, Toshi, off and on but they’re connection had weakened considerably since he’d moved in with his girlfriend on the other side of the village. A year ago, about half way through her program, he reached out to let her know that their mother had also passed away. The news certainly didn’t hinder her progress, she felt no genuine feelings either way, instead working to push it from her mind and continue on her healing journey.  

Now that she was out, reached out a few times in the months since, first when she got out and then more recently because he intended to sell their mother’s house. He’d offered to split  the money with her so that they could both move on with their lives, and since she’d no desire to step foot inside that place again Akiko did not protest. For a while it’d been a tentative plan, so she’d once again allowed it to slide to the back of her mind. But once he texted again a few days ago reminding her and providing a specific date and time, it suddenly became very real. 

Akiko woke up a bit earlier than she normally did this morning, anxious energy building up in her making it difficult to sleep much the night before.  She burned through her morning routine as her mind was quite occupied, now she found herself on the couch, sprawled out with a book she’d been trying to finish.  Her eyes drifted along the page and the words even echoed in her head as they often did when she read, but it wasn’t sticking.  With a heavy sigh she tossed the book on the table, wiping her face with her hands and rubbing at her temples a bit as she sat up.  

“Fine” she snapped at no one in particular, she would just have to get it out of the way if she ever hoped to do anything else today.  Since the plan was already set to train with Lyger later today, her window of time was already upon her. She donned her gear, flak jacket, with fitted black pants and shoes, her headband midthigh as it always was, her silver hair bound loosely behind her.  Her Kusarigama was dangling from the right side of her waist, the chain wrapped around itself neatly so that the mace and blade hung side by side at her hip. She wore her Chunin gear with pride, leaving her home, she began to moderate walk to her old neighborhood. 

The familiar stroll was relatively brief, before long she stood in front of the house she’d grown up in.  While her gate had been rather determined, she’d slowed a stop just before the front steps.  A moving company was already at work bringing out the furniture and other odds and ends, though she’d been assured all personal items and possessions remained within.  So many memories flooded her mind as she peered up at the humble home she once knew.  Many late night conversations with Toshi out on these steps, or sitting her waiting for her father when he’d return from his business trips throughout the broader Land of Fire. Casting a cursory glance up to the darkened window just off the door, many arguments between her and her mother ended with her running outside and her mother screaming out of that window after her, much to the chagrin of their neighbors. 

She frowned, why did she even come here? What could she possibly need at that point that still resided within these walls.  So much she wanted to leave behind and here it was coming all back.  Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, very much planning to turn right around and go back to her life, in which none of these feelings exist. 

T: “Hey” her brother’s voice came over her shoulder as his hand came to rest on it, “ you ready?”

With a heavy sigh she nodded, looking at him for a moment, glad to see a familiar face even if he felt so far away.  

A: “Yes, let's get this over with.”

With Toshi at her back she made her way up the steps, moving aside to let some of the movers past before walking into the home.  There first thing she noticed was that very little of it looked the same, quite a bit from the first floor was already gone, what remained was strewn about randomly. There were boxes everywhere with varying degrees of fullness, with very little rhyme or reason to any of it, 

A: “I see you’ve been busy” she chuckled softly, her gaze gradually making it across the whole living room and back into the kitchen. 

T: “Yea, everything is going to be sold except a lot of our personal items.  Anything we don’t take is going into storage” he explained, as they moved through the house, heading for the stairs.

T: “They haven’t touched your room yet, everything else has been mostly cleaned out. They’ve even begun bringing down boxes and other things from the attic, not sure if any of it's been seen since either of us were alive” he rubbed the back of his neck as they reached the second floor.

T: “Just let me know what you want to take, I’ll have them drop it by your place later…” he turned to her, pulling her into a big hug now that they were finally alone.  She leaned into him gingerly, even if it felt a little forced, she never exactly forgave him for moving out after their father died, leaving Akiko with her.

A: “Thank you” she whispered softly, before stepping back and nodding to him.

T: “Take your time, and lemme know” he added quickly before heading back downstairs to continue helping the movers. 

Alone again she peered down the hallway.  On one end was her parents' bedroom, the bathroom was right by the steps and the other way led to her and her brother’s rooms. She moved to her own room first, slowly pushing the door open. She took in the scene, it was literally just as she’d left it.  It was still a bit messy, a few things thrown here and there, contents of her drawers mostly dumped out onto her bed, she’d clearly left in a hurry. In truth there was only one thing she really wanted from here, a picture of her and her dad when she was a child.  Virtually no full family pictures exist beyond her childhood years, between her father’s absence and the deteriorating relationship with her mom that her brother ran away from as soon as he could, they hadn’t had many “family” moments.  Crossing the room quickly she plucked the small frame from her desk, wiping the dust off the picture she popped open the clips to reveal the back of the picture.  ‘You can do whatever you put your mind to! Love always, Dad’, the note her father had written for her, the real reason this photo remained as one of her prized possessions to this day. 

Tears began to slide down her cheeks, some even splashing across the back of the photo caused her to quickly pluck it from the frame and slide it into her pocket. Closing her eyes for a moment she fought off a few more tears, “we said we weren’t gonna do this” she mumbled to herself, turning to leave when she spotted something out of the corner of her eye, something unfamiliar.  

A large black trunk sat between her bed and the wall on the far side of the room obscuring the view of it from the door.  Tilting her head curiously she approached it, studying the now foreign object as she made her way to it.  “Hmm” she mused, reaching down to touch the old frayed exterior, sliding it out from the space and moving it into the center of the room so she could examine it.  The front held a small clasp with a large silver lock on it, both the clasp itself and lock itself were the only things that didn’t appear worn about the chest.  Akiko knelt down beside the chest and took the lock into her hands, surprised that there was no key hole on the bottom, nor a place to enter a combination.  

“What the…” she tugged at it a few times but it was very well secured.  “Hmm” she looked around for something solid and blunt, eventually setting on a hammer that she’d found in her brother’s room down the hall.  Returning she’d give the lock a few very well placed whacks but it wouldn’t budge at all.  Frustrated, she tossed the hammer aside, thinking for a moment, she brought her hands in front of her, beginning to channel ice release chakra.  To her surprise, she wouldn’t have to touch it, as a single Kanji appeared on the lock in a darkish red color.  It glowed for an instant before the lock would pop open and the symbol vanished. 

“A seal” her eyes wide as she quickly removed the lock and pushed open the chest.  A brief but potent gust of icy wind was released into the room as she opened it, ruffling the posters lining her walls and other debris loose enough to be jostled.  Having recoiled slightly she now leaned in, peering inside, scrolls, a few books, some old pictures that very much looked to be from another time. Many of the scrolls and even a few of the books had some sort of clan symbol on them, though she couldn’t tell the origin; it looked weirdly familiar to her.  After tapping her finger against her lips for a few moments she gasped, 

“The Yuki Clan” she suddenly recalled the symbol, quite a bit of her research into Ice Release pointed directly to this particular clan.  From what she’d found they were not the ONLY shinobi capable of using Ice Release but that they had a natural affinity for it and could pick it up much easier than others.  Ice Release had come relatively easily for her, despite having a good teacher it took very little time for her to access it, though mastery was something else. 

“TOSHI!” she called down excitedly as she wiped her fsve, still processing what she had found.

T: “What is it” he asked, jogging back up the steps towards her.

A: “I need this chest brought to the house” she snatched 2 of the books out, the only two in which the Clan symbol took up the entire cover.  Slipping them into her pack, she closed the chest and closed the lock again. The Kanji reappeared briefly before fading again, “can they do it today?”

T: “Yea, of course” he seemed surprised, likely it was his first time seeing it as well, “what is that?”

A: “I think it's grandma's old chest… Pretty sure it's been up there since this was her house” she explained.

T: “Ah, gotcha” he nodded, “well ya, we’ll be done here in a few hours, it should be there by tonight.”

A: “Thank you” she chirped as he headed back downstairs to keep working.  What was this feeling? Her curiosity had been so thoroughly peaked it had changed her entire mood, suddenly full of energy she headed back down behind him.

A: “Hey, bring it yourself, we can have dinner” she smiled up to him, something her clearly wasn’t expecting.  

T: “Everything ok” he searched her features.

A: “Yea, just got something I need to look into” she would give him a final hug and be on her way.

Later that day, Akiko could be found at her favorite tea spot, seated in the back corner booth she usually enjoyed, face buried in one of the books she’s grabbed.  A cup of tea sat at the table but looked virtually untouched, unusual for her.

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Somewhere at an undisclosed Location

In an otherwise dark and quiet room a small fire would ignite in the center of a large circular table. Without as much of a warning the room would begin to fill with figures garbed in white kimonos. Each would begin to fill in spots around the table as the flame flickered in silence. They'd all stand there momentarily, their facial features obscured by the swallowing darkness before a woman's voice spoke up. 

Her voice would flow softly like silk. “It would seem that Shinseki failed in his endeavor. Nonetheless that doesn't set any of our plans back. It just means that we don't have to work around him to achieve them now.” 

Some of the figures would nod in agreement before a man would speak up. “First things first we'll need to send a recovery team To collect him. The faster the better. The less he talks the better. Even in his defeat he can still be of use to us. Aadrika. Do we have any information on his defeat or is that something we'll need to extract from him?” 

Aadrika would sigh before responding. “It was a six man strike team. That's not including Hikona who was there assisting them. We're not entirely sure on the means of his defeat, but we do know that a majority of the team was made up of what they call Jonin level ninja. Once Shinseki is back in our grasp we can be sure, but that is all the information I currently have on the subject Ishaan. I can say that even after surgery Shinseki was taken down quite hastily. Perhaps we actually underestimated the humans for once.” 

Another woman's raspy voice would chime in before Ishaan could respond.“Underestimated? Does the mountain underestimate a river as it's being cut through? Does a tree underestimate fire as it's being consumed? No, I think the issue is that we waited too long to harvest the Chakra from this planet. These beings that were once ants compared to us have evolved right under our noses and Shinseki's defeat is proof of that concept.” She'd suck at her teeth. “Tch. I wouldn't be surprised if Hikona was aware of this and chose their side for that reas-”

There'd be a loud bang as Ishaan slammed his fist into the table. The flame would shudder from the show of force. “That woman can stay with those lesser beings and train them as much as she pleases! They'll fall by our hands in time. Shinseki's defeat doesn't change anything, it just means that this planet is richer in chakra than we previously imagined. The humans can fight as much as they please, but that just makes their inevitable defeat all the sweeter. Once Shinseki is back in our grasp we shall discuss our next move.” 

Aadrika would sigh once more. “And what about the Uchiha Takara? Her appearance in the leaf isn't by chance. Shall we send someone to dispose of her eyes?”

Ishaan’s eye's would flare red at the mention of the woman. “No. Given enough time, they'll be dealt with by her own kind. The humans still view her as a psychopath who spewed unhinged rhetoric of a disaster that in their eyes she was destined to cause. She isn't and never has been a problem. If anything she was a prime candidate for a distraction. Though it is still Curious how she was able to link her Sharingan Eye to see our past nominations and this world's end. Though it is of no concern in the grand scheme. Like leaves from a tree they will all fall. The God tree will be planted and this planet and its inhabitants will provide the sustenance for it to bear fruit. Our next step towards Evolution begins with collecting Shinseki. Whether it be by coercion or by force.” 

As if on queue Aadrika would let loose another sigh. “If reports are to be correct, Shinseki is Hikona's captive. Whenever she finally gets to work he will crack. If anything he was not one for keeping secrets. He would sooner sell us out than be at her Wrath. If retrieval is our prime goal then we have a very short window to make a plan and execute it. This leaf village will be mourning their loss. In this time we shall strike.” 

Those around the table would nod In agreement as they began to employ a plan to kidnap their lost brethren.

sounds of clogs could be heard walking through the village!

it was always clones or smoke and mirrors for kazi it had been months since he had actually shown himself to many..

he would have on a opened senju robe floating in the wind with cherry blossoms on it. His hair would be down but straighten to the back an earring in his left ear as his scars shoes on his chest with baggy traditional pants!

“It’s been a while since I’ve approached this place myself! Hmm what can I get into!”

the demons had been gone for a while on their trip to see the family Kazi stayed behind to watch over medical things!

he could be heard walking through the village then sitting at a ramen stand the night was Young what would Happen tonight!

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!

Akiko awoke early as she did every day now, sticking to her routine, a few mile run, shower, breakfast, and then her reading.  Much of her research lately was on attempting to expand her Ice Release prowess, doing everything she could to combine the intellectual with the practical.  A number of books and texts lined the coffee table with only room left for her feet as she leaned back into her comfy chair, another productive morning accomplished.  

This went on for a couple hours, and eventually she closed the book and popped up, plucking her coffee off the side table before heading upstairs to get ready for the day. Before long she’d emerge downstairs again wearing her green light armor vest with, black shorts and a long sleeve shirt.  With the bandage around her left thigh firmly in place she’d wrap her headband around it as well.  Pausing for a moment she looked about the room, tapping a curious finger against her lips, “where are you?” she mumbled, taking the room in at a glance while trying to retrace her steps. “Ah” she strode across the room, retrieving A Little Shade from under the window on the far wall.  With a satisfied nod she began making her way to the door, though as she neared she paused for a moment, seeing the doorknob turning on its own. 

A: “Who’s there!” she called quickly, readying herself as the small piece clicked and the door slid open to reveal…  “Lyger?” 

L: “Hey Kiki” he smiled as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him, “I’m home.”

Akiko seemed in shock, she just stared at him eyes wide, heart still thumping even though there was no threat, somehow this surprise was bigger.  She closed the distance between them, head tilted slightly, clearly still processing but the disbelief was all over her face. 

A: “You’re back” she almost whispered, reaching out to touch his face as if to confirm it was really him.  

L: “Yea… I wa-” he could barely complete the sentence as no sooner than she’d felt his face that hand quickly retracted and returned with much more force SLAP!.

A: “You ASSHOLE!” she shouted, moving to strike him again but he quickly dodged this time, raising his hands in retreat as she pursued him. 

 L: “Hey hey, hey I’m sorry… I’m sorry” 

A: “YOU LEFT WITHOUT A WORD!” she shouted again, “I thought you might be dead, Commander Kimiko thought otherwise, but that was pretty much all I had to go on. You know that???” 

At this point she stopped chasing him, a heavy sigh escaping her as if a weight had been lifted, even if she wasn’t exactly happy with him at that moment. 

L: “I found him…” he offered quickly, hoping it would begin to explain why he left so abruptly. 

A: “You found HIM” she repeated, her features softening, “you found him” she said again nodding to herself.

L: “Yea” he replied softly, meeting her gaze, “I was afraid I wouldn’t get another opportunity you know.  With Akame and everything” he shook his head as he trailed off. After a moment that felt like it went on forever she looked to him, 

A: “Is he dead?” 

L: “Yes” he nodded firmly, “he’s gone for good.”

Akiko let out another long sigh, stepping up to hug him finally, he returned her embrace gingerly before stepping back. One of the first genuine smiles she’s felt since before he’d left graced her features, her eyes even looking a little watery, but she held it together.  

A: “Good… Good… … … Oh shit I actually have to go” she remembered she was on her way somewhere, “are you gonna be here later?”L: “I’ve been up for the past 2 days, I’ll probably still be sleep when you get back” he laughed, already moving towards the steps as she strode past him, 

A: “You better be” she chirped, umbrella now leaning against her shoulder, she headed out of the house.  Shaking her head she strode down the steps, that smile lingered as she strode off towards the training grounds to meet with her team. 

__________________________________________________________________________

If you encountered her on her way to training she’d be super upbeat and smiling, if you’d spoken to her recently this would be pretty weird.  

After their session she’d be doing some training on her own near the large lake in Training Grounds 5

Welcome to the weekly stat point count! Here we hand out points to people who have been active during this week. Even if you participated in a random RP and didn’t do anything you think worth it, you still get one point! But to gain more (up to FIVE) you need to have done things of note.

Please tell us what ALL you’ve done this week. Remember to update your sheets!